Trivia:
With the intriguing resurface of ex-veteran actor Mel Francisco, the supposedly death father of ex-actor
John Regala from the famous Padilla clan, controversy did burst anew. He showed a garish proof that
he’s still alive, didn’t pass away as reported decades back. After staying abroad, he opted to quietly live
in Laguna and away from showbiz.
However, Mel who’s Adolfo Padilla off screen attributed by the pejorative news about him made worst
by what John recalled. Allegedly, from childhood up to his grown up years, his dad neglected him. A
shocking revelation followed. Mel allegedly confided he’s not the real father of John. Albeit he nodded
to the fact that in the ‘60s John”s mom the late actress Ruby Regala was his girlfriend.
According to Mel, even before their split, Ruby never mentioned that he had impregnated her. Then she
never mentioned in the later years that he’s her son’s dad. So the accusation that he’s worthless as a
family man not true. After all, disrespect for him by John, deserves an equal result for being not a real
son.
Reportedly, Mel did show to the scribes his I.D, documents and photos with his relative Robin Padilla
who campaigned when Mel’s son Richard Padilla ran for councilor in 2013 in Metro Manila. Plus the
proofs he worked in U.S. at the time everyone thought he’s dead. But it’s not verified if he’s the real
Mel.
Ah, with the controversies involving John and Mel, this brings to my mind my friendship with Ruby
Regala in her early years as an actress. It so happened that a close pal Dennis Reporsado happened to be
Ruby’s cousin. Once, he invited me in an event in his hometown Polangui, Albay. Initially, it was my first
time we came across with.
Truth to tell, Ruby got excited when I mentioned what my erstwhile classmate and chum the late award
winning director Celso Ad Castillo told me. That he would choose Ruby to play the title of his next film
Zebra, and Babaing Gubat. This materialized weeks later that catapulted Ruby to the level of sexy,
daring leading actress.
Ruby had several films, topped by limang Magdalena and her team up with Mel in the action-drama
opus Jolo Assignment. Other starrers of Mel included Mansanas sa Paraiso, Eagle Commandos and the
bold flick Strip Teaser.
Every time we chanced upon each other, Ruby was frank to say her off and on relationship with Mel.
During her respite in acting, we bumped into a cozy bar-resto in QC which she owned. Our topic was
John who she happily relayed joined showbiz world.
“Sana nga makabalik ako sa showbiz, be given a chance to do a movie with my son.”Ruby whispered to
me in jest.
At that, during the first time I had an interview with John, I vividly recounted to him my attachment with
his mom.
For the record, Ruby passed away last Jan.11, 2020 0f brain tumor.
Sanya Hugs Spotlight
Currently, Sanya Lopez hugs the spotlight. She’s being talk about as Alden Richards’ apple of his eyes
and the intrigue between her and Marian Rivera. Allegedly, Sanya and Alden share strong feelings for
each other albeit no romantic flings yet. Observers insinuate when Alden speaks of Sanya, there’s glint
in his eyes as he expressed admiration for her.
Whether in joke or not, Sanya has created a stir when she quipped that she yearns to be the yaya of
Alden so she can be at his side oftentimes. This popped up due to her lead role in the forthcoming TV
series My First Yaya, opposite Gabby Concepcion.
Speaking of My First Yaya, the role was originally assigned to Marian. At that when informed she had
been replaced by Sanya, allegedly Marian showed umbrage reaction. However, Marian clarified she was
the one who did back out from the role and it’s ok whoever would be the choice of the producer. As it is,
Sanya vivified her friendship with Marian for quite a time.
Unusual Experienece of Showbiz Couple
After decades of marriage, Tonton Gutierrez and Glydel Mercado have unusual experience. For the first
while shooting his new TV series Walang hanggang Paalam while Glydel tapes too Bagong Umaga, the
two have not seen each other for more than a month. It’s due to lock down policy in shooting brought
about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking of Tonton’s father Eddie Gutierrez whom I served as his pro at the time he turned movie
producer, this writer once queried Eddie if he happened to hear the gossip linking him to First Lady then
Imelda Marcos. The talk cropped for Eddie was among the first ones approved by Malacanang to exhibit
movies during the early Martial Law days.
“It’s nonsense and false gossip. Kasi attached ako sa entire Marcos family kaya my starrer Pula, Puti at
Bugaw was approved. Besides its plot delved into the bravery of Pinoys during the war which impressed
the Marcoses. Added to this Madam Imelda happened to be a close chum of my leading lady in the pic
Amalia Fuentes.” Eddie clarified.
No wonder, since then up to now Eddie’s likeable nature makes him one of the most admired in
showbiz, character-wise. Even to his critics, Eddie would not throw negative messages.
Contrasting Predictions on Daniel, Kathryn
Since Daniel Padilla who’s 25 and Kathryn Bernardo now at 25 announced plan of marriage before
reaching 30, contrasting prediction from various sectors come to the fore.. There are those who augur
one of the pair would back out from marital plunge. Some opine a third party would ruin their
togetherness. Not a few surmise the wedding would transpire as allegedly predicted by a noted
‘manghuhula,’
If anything, Kathryn and Daniel express confidence for in the past tedious times, challenges left them
strongly united. Yet just like before the two believe the Lord will bless them to remain together for
years.
Blind Item:
Someone who obviously abhors a pretty actress for her often criticism does the rant anew. Now the
remark falls on her stupidity to hope her boyfriend will offer marriage. For the basher related her
closeness to the confidante of the actress’ bf who once confided what he affirmed.
“If you have noticed all these years with several girlfriends never did I offer marriage to anyone of the
girls. It’s my vow not to marry anybody for reason I can’t explain.” He allegedly uttered. Yet the actress
is unmindful, saying everyone has been destined by God to change in the right time.”
Latest Tidbits:
Arnel Pineda of the world famous singing group the Journey has advanced yuletide gift to Pinoys. He just
released the new version of the song This Christmas in time to inspire people not to give up hope in
times of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Just like many, he’s down financially but sustains strength
“Due to the pandemic, all the shows of The Journey world-wide have been cancelled. That’s why I want
to encourage people to keep on fighting hardship via the said ditty,” Arnel was quoted to say.
Did you know that former President Joseph Estrada years back had already prepared his grave? His son
ex-senator Jinggoy Estrada attested it’s located just in front of Joseph Estrada Museum & Archives in
Tanay, Rizal. This reminds me I became attached to Erap through his best friend the late FPJ, my boss as
his pro. Curiously, Jinggoy’s pal senator Bong Revilla whom I served as publicist too brought my
friendship with Jinggoy.
How true that Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola are all set to tie the marital knots very soon?
Reportedly, luis’s mom Vilma Santos has consented, saying it’s already proper with long years of
togetherness. However, neither Luis nor Jessy confirmed nor denied if their marriage has been planned.
Since Anne Curtis takes a respite from showbiz, she’s all the more fully satisfied giving her time to raise
her first baby, Nevertheless, she feels joyous for her sibling Jasmine Curtis Smith. The latter has
appeared, given more breaks be it on TV or movie. Specifically, Anne felt triumphant that Jasmine
banners After Me with Enchong Dee. It’s aired over Netflix Asia, starting Nov. 15, 2020.
Could it be true that a famous broadcaster would soon retire due to a serious heart disease? Talks imply
his involvement in hot issues triggered his ailment.