Trivia:
With the talks that finally Nora Aunor will be bestowed by the National Historical Commission the National Artist 2013 for Film & Broadcast Arts this December, it would be an advanced Christmas gift for Nora. Out of it, this writer can’t help but recall her many decades as the most durable, controversial and multi-awarded lead actress of Philippine Cinema.
To begin with, Nora was poverty stricken Bicolana in her youth who sold water at a train station in Iriga City. Being endowed with a singing prowess, those around her prodded her to join the number one singing competition in the country, the televised Tawag ng Tanghalan, hosted by the late Lopito and Patsy. The rest was history.
From a grand champ singer, Nora eventually belted the theme songs of several movies, notably the reteaming starrer of the estranged couple Amalia Fuentes and Romeo Vasquez in Sa Muling Pagkikita. This led the late producer Artemio Marquez of Tower Productions to launch her to stardom.
Then Nora became a superstar through Sampaguita Pictures whose late producer Dr. Jose Perez built her love team with Tirso Cruz 111 to the hilt, bannered by the blockbuster film shot in New York titled Guy and Pip. Albeit the duo popularized their memento a doll called Maria Leonora Teresa, a serious romance off cameras never existed.
Truth to tell, when both turned as freelancers, Nora got a new leading man Christopher de Leon. Their pair paved a new milestone for Nora, being declared best actress in Banaue. Subsequently, she tied the marital knots with Boyet (Cristopher’s nickname). The couple’s only son is Ian de Leon, with two adoptive daughters Lotlot and Matet de Leon. Nora ventured too as a movie producer.
Nora was the first celebrity to have a life story on a book written by one of her closest writer-chums the late Rustom Quinton. Prior to his migrating to New Jersey, USA, Rustom launched the book, with Nora in attendance. It broke the record in book sales which attested Nora’s tremendous fame.
After her split with Boyet, Nora concentrated on acting which accorded her fame in the world level through the classic movie Himala, helmed by the deceased Ishmael Bernal. Not only did she garner best actress at the Asian Film Festival but also in European, U.S, and South American international Film Festivals.
Out of her turbulent private life and alleged drinking and drug problems, Nora opted to semi-retire from showbiz, went to U.S. to stay there. Undeniably, her involvement with the law violation in U.S. didn’t totally devastate Nora. In fact, America’s CNN honored her with the award as Asian Actress of All Times.
The emergence of a new Nora ushered in the clamor for her showbiz come back. Thus, she accepted another classic starrer Thy Womb. Once more, Nora won trophies, plaudits for the mentioned film all over the world. For the record, Nora’s the lone local celebrity for that matter who’s accorded with such outstanding distinction universally, unmatched to this date.
Now active locally in flickerville, TV world via TV5, diehard followers’ only wish lies on Nora’s singing comeback. For some time, it’s reported that her serious throat ailment compelled her not to sing indefinitely. However, at her recent medical checkup she’s on the brink of recovery.
At that, come May, 2014 Nora vows to her loyal fans that she’ll stage her initial birthday concert after a long hiatus as a warbler.
Kristoffer after Coco’s Footsteps?
Young Kapuso actor Kristoffer Martin has been often compared to movie idol Coco Martin. Though not related, Kristoffer closely resembles Coco’s facial features. And just like Coco, Kristoffer began his career in indie movies where he also bagged best actor trophy.
In his tele-serye Kahit Nasaan Ka Man, Kris wins more fans to his side, out of his restrained yet heart-tugging performance. But what elates Kristoffer could be ascribed to his love team Julie Ann San Jose’s diehards who have not bashed him. For a while, he thought the solid Julie-Elmo Magalona followers would be enraged.
“I’m glad they accept me as Julie’s new leading man at pinanunuod din nila ang TV series namin. I’m happy too it’s one of the most viewed drama shows at GMA-7.”Says Kristoffer who’s the recent recipient of the Youth Achiever Award for his humanitarian works.
Lovi, Her Dad’s Daughter Indeed
If the late Movie King Fernando Poe Jr. were alive, he would have been touched by his daughter Lovi Poe’s acts these days. You see, Lovi chooses to go out of her way to assist, donate to the typhoon victims quietly in a low profile manner, devoid of fanfare. Perhaps, akin to his dad’s character, she believes sincerity is manifested on that aspect.
“Instead of being accused doing the sharing for publicity purposes, buti nang tahimik mong gawin na galling sa puso mo.All his life that was my dad’s dictum on genuine assistance to others. Yes, he didn’t inject that to me then. But somehow that throbs in me.” Lovi intimated to a colleague of mine.
Career-wise, Lovi matures as an actress as evident by her no shallow performance in the TV series akin Pa rin ang Bukas. Even those who questioned her winning the best actress award before showered thumbs up for her now. Lovi has proven her detractors wrong.
Sarah’s Fans Bash Lea, Regine
As an aftermath of Sarah Geronimo’s finale number in her Perfect 10 concert where she belted songs with Lea Salonga and Regine Velasquez, Sarah’s fans attacked the two for intentionally upstaging their idol. Of course, Lea, Regine had no intention to overshadow Sarah. Perhaps, Sarah herself would humbly admit Lea and Regine are better singers.
Sarah’s followers seem to forget the truth that both Lea and Regine are acknowledged award winning international singers. This, Sarah has yet to accomplish. Truthfully, she should compete abroad in singing tilt or even guest top world TV shows to duplicate the duo’s feats. Honestly , Sarah could possibly reach that level, if given the chance.
Current Tidbits: Once more, a Pinay was handpicked to enact a major role in the revival of Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Centre in London, England in May, 2014. She’s Rachelle Ann Go who enacts the role of Gigi, originally played by Isay Alvarez. It was ex-Miss Saigon Lea Salonga who relayed the news to Rachelle.
The Singaporean popular TV series Point of Entry chose Bela Padilla and RK Bagatsing (Raymond’s brother) in its new episode to be shot in the Philippines and Singapore. The two co-star with Hollywood Asian actor Jack Yang of TV series Law and Order fame. Bela’s from the famous Padilla clan.
Despite their denial, the ornery talk of a rift between Marian Rivera and Tom Rodriguez goes on. It’s because of her alleged junking of Tom to be her love interest in a new TV series. Reportedly, Marian dislikes Tom being under the ward of her ex-manager whom she’s at loggerheads with.
The role has been handed to a blithe Alden Richards who admits it’s a career break trough for him. He was last seen in the tele serye Mundo Mo’y Akin, with his rumored gf Louise delos Reyes.
Perhaps by the time this issue comes out, Korina Sanchez has returned to her TV programs at the Kapamilya network. Yet many opined she was suspended out of her altercation with CNN host Anderson Cooper which reached abroad. Albeit Ch. 2 bigwigs brushed if off, Korina merely took a respite.
GMA7 gets several nominations at the Asian TV awards. These include best drama actress (Lorna Tolentino-Pahiram ng Isang Sandali, Marian Rivera-Temptation of Wife, best comedy actor-Michael V for Bubble Gang, best news program-24 Oras, Saksi, best current affairs show-Reporter’s Notebook and best female news host- Jessica Soco for State of the Nation.
Blind Item: After more than 7 years of stay abroad, the daughter of a politician-ex actor enplaned back to the Philippines. She admitted to undergo psychiatric treatment due to severe depression. Now, she’s ok, yearns to try showbiz. In fairness, she has the looks of movie star and took acting workshop, so to say.
The 35th Catholic Mass Media awards handed the best drama show to Bayan Ko (Rocco Nacino), best TV talk show host to Boy Abunda (Bottom Line), best female TV host- Jessica Soho for Kapuso mo Jessica, among others.
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