Trivia:
Did you know that in the ‘50s prominent movie journalist the late Jose Quirino was the first movie scribe to gain fame too as TV showbiz broadcaster? Known for his column Seeing Stars with JQ at the Daily Mirror, sister company of the number one newspaper then Manila Times, he got the break to host the boob tube show with the same title Seeing Stars with JQ.
My closeness with Mr. Quirino ignited when he happened to be my journalism professor at MLQU. He would often cajole me I was not focused, lazy in my studies, with this statement. “Isusumbong kita sa dad at uncle mo.” My dad used to be his co-professor at the University of Santo Tomas and became attached to my uncle who was the presidential adviser in education of the deceased President Elpidio Quirino, JQ’s relative.
In truth, it was Mr. Quirino who inspired me to enter the writing field when he learned in my college days I already wrote short stories in magazine. Later, as a movie writer we bumped into each other in a showbiz gathering and once more, he teased me, saying to other colleagues. “Naku, yan si Nap tamad mag-aral but I knew beforehand he’s talented.” Those who heard it broke into laughter.
Then Lolit Solis came to the fore. She graduated from Maryknoll College and U.P. before we became officemates at the Daily Star newspaper published by Andrew Go. Curiously then, she handled the society page, a sophisticated one that time. Lolit once told me. “If I’d turn movie writer, I’ll change the trend. Celebrities earn a lot. Dapat mag-share sila sa mga writers which they ignore to do.”
True to her words, Lolit impacted a controversy which generally speaking benefited the pen pushers. Changing her image to ‘bakya’ in words, deeds and looks, together with new producer Lily Monteverde of Regal Films, the duo began the practice of the so called payola system during press cons where the movie bigwigs handed gifts in cash. Plus celebs did it too to press people who publicized them. Even in the news and sports fields this practice followed suit. This ushered also the hiring of pros.
In jest, Lolit who’s the ninang of my daughter mattered pointblank to me, “O di ba kayong mga product ng old school parang galit sa akin pero ano nakikinabang kayo ngayon.” It’s a reality, to say so. At that, more innuendoes beckoned Lolit as a TV host of Star Talk program, with another writer Boy de Guia. At the same time, those who knew Lolit better were simply amused, aware of her unknown inherent goodness.
Aside from Boy de Guia, noted writers who penetrated TV shows were the late Billy Balbastro, Alfie Lorenzo, Cristy Fermin and Aster Amoyo. In passing, out of my regular appearance at the programs of the deceased Inday Badiday, Nothing But the Truth and Would You Believe? Channel 4 gave me an opportunity to host a daily 30 minute show Movie Scenes, with settings taken on location filming of flicks.
One time, the guest of the show beauty queen- actress Maria Isabel Lopez suggested to its director and scriptwriter for a change why not a sexy interview with her inside a bedroom where she would wear a flimsy attire, talk about off the record issues which transpired. Unluckily, that episode was the last airing. Many surmised it was banned by the MTRCB. However, the real cause fell on the profound misunderstandings of the two producers of Movie Scenes which led to its closure.
Of course, in the recent years the most notable are Lhar Santiago, a co-host of GMA-7 morning show Unang Hirit and Ricky Lo who’s often invited abroad to interview foreign celebrities. Currently, the record holder is none other than Boy Abunda who garnered awards as best talk show host for Tonight With Boy Abunda and Bottom line with Boy not only locally but in world TV festivals.
Coco’s Generosity not put on
The recent news that Coco Martin dropped by the wake of indie actor Kristopher King who handed a huge sum in check to his family for the funeral, hospital bills actuated some to blabber-mouth, Allegedly, it’s a put on action. Instantly, those around Coco for years countered he has inborn generosity even during his teen years.
They echoed, “at a young age matulungin na siya kahit sa di kakilala. That’s his nature. So others should not misjudge his sincere assistance to anybody who needs help.”
Oh well, the admiring words of ex-movie queen Susan Roces she would often divulge to the movie press attested to it. Working with Coco for years, the latest in the still ongoing TV series Ang Probinsyano, she knows him fully well, out of cameras. Susan can’t help but to compare Coco to her late husband Fernando Poe Jr.
“Just like Ronnie, Coco is softhearted especially to those underprivileged ones. Pero like Ronnie, ayaw niya ma-publish ang pagtulong niya. I’m not surprised if many categorize Coco as the new Fernando Poe Jr. on and off the screen.” Susan was quoted to say.
Carla not Pregnant
A colleague recounted that Carla Abellana laughed when queried after 5 years of relationships with Tom Rodriguez she’s now pregnant. “We’ve agreed it would happen if we’re already married. Tom has not proposed to me but overwhelmed with his words he’ll love me till his last breath for I’m the only partner of his life.” These words Carla expressed to my source.
Based on Carla’s other statements, there seems no hindrance for a looming marriage. Tom’s accepted by Carla’s family and vice versa. The two have bought a lot to build their dream house and have enough savings to compensate a marital status. Carla reportedly stressed. “If it’s God’s will to have an altar date soon, Tom and I will gladly welcome it.”
Maine, Arjo Confirm Romance
Finally, Maine Mendoza and Arjo Atayde have not negated that lately they’re on dates. While in Taiwan the duo chose to fly love lantern that symbolized romance. However, Maine showcases uncertainties which things to shun first, topped by her concern over the feelings of Aldub diehard followers, her team up with Alden Richards.
*Of course, I don’t want them to be disappointed, especially when Alden guested at the recent episode of my TV sitcom Daddy’s Girl which thrilled them anew after not being seen together for some time. Hopefully, even slowly gusto ko matanggap nila ang status naming ni Alden in real life.” A colleague quoted what Maine declared.
Ah, who knows that at the end of the day, Maine might end up with Alden off cameras. That befell some of reel love teams in the past.
Blind Item:
Of late, a TV host of a popular program has been accused of being unfair, with discrimination especially in the game segment. Out of the criticisms, the host talked with its producer to put an end to the said portion. All the more viewers claim the host displays abstruse nature.
The spokesperson of the emcee defended the latter, saying these words, “gusto lang niya itigil ng participants ang cheating. We’ve the video shot to prove it.” So that’s it.
Latest Tidbits:
Showing sincerity, model-actor Clint Bondad avouched that in his six year relationship with Miss Universe Catriona Gray, he caused their break up. His too protective nature with her made him unable to see things clear and rational. Clint’s thankful to Catriona for treating him a chum these days sans animosity.
A motorcycle riding enthusiast, Paulo Avelino’s recent accident on a motoring competition won’t hinder his yearn to join other motor races in offing. Paulo was hospitalized with a dislocated bone on his right shoulder. Rather than turning coward to vie anew, it serves Paulo as a test for his strength, skills to go on.
Ai-Ai delas Alas has reached the vicinity of multi-awardee actress Nora Aunor in international film fests. For the third time, Ai-Ai won best actress plum at the Fantaporto Film Festival in Portugal for School Service. In 2017, Ai-Ai got the best actress trophy for Area at the Asean Film Festival in Malaysia. Then Queens World Film Festival in New York unanimously chose her winner in Area also. Congrats to Ai-Ai.
Boobay and Super Tekla couldn’t believe that in the TV survey of AGB Nielsen their show would beat Gandang Gabi Vice. In the latest the duo’s comedy program garnered 7.1% against 4.7% of Vice Ganda. The tandem never had the inkling that would happen, with Vice Ganda’s formidable stature.