Trivia:
In the observance of the late movie king Fernando Poe Jr.’s 77th birthday this Aug. 20, 2016, this writer can’t help but recall anew his past as his pro for almost two decades up his death. Despite the fact that Ronnie was the son of a famous actor the deceased Fernando Poe Sr. who was also the owner of the movie company Royal Productions, he kept his humble nature.
During Ronnie’s high school days, he was admired out of his amiable, comic nature. My cousin Danny Alip, his classmate at San Beda College, recounted to me then that Ronnie was inherently likeable person, loved to hold students in stiches through his funny jokes. Even at the time his dad handed him a starring role in Anak Ni Palaris that ushered in his popularity, Ronnie kept his humility, friendly actuations.
Things did pop up differently when Ronnie’s father died. Being the oldest among the siblings, Ronnie decided to help his mom Bessie Kelly Poe (an American). He opted to accept simple jobs, including a stuntman in several action flicks. The producer of Premiere Productions saw in him a potential action star. Thus, Ronnie starred in many rough and tumble movies, notably Kamay Ni Cain. Apollo Robles and Duke de Borgonia. Ronnie stood out too in comedy flicks, topped by Lo Waist Gang.
Later, Ronnie put up his movie firm FPJ Productions which came out with blockbuster films and built up fresh leading ladies. They were Nova Villa, Marian dela Riva, Nanette Medved, Monica Herrera, Rowena Moran ,among others; beauty queens Pilar Pilapil, Chat Silayan (Miss Universe runner up),Dang Cecilio, Loraine Schuck and Cynthia Ugalde. He was paired also with award winning actresses the deceased Charito Solis, Perla Bautista, Barbara Perez, Maricel Soriano, Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos. Dina Bonnevie and Sharon Cuneta, to name a few.
A new milestone tapped Ronnie upon producing Daigdig Ko’y Ikaw, opposite movie queen Susan Roces that led to their romance and marriage. Susan reciprocated Ronnie’s love for his honesty with admission he had sons by ex-actresses Monica and Ana Marin. The duo’s marriage was most publicized that time, with no less the late President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos as their principal sponsors.
My closeness with Ronnie ignited at the time he got child wonder Nino Muhlach in Leon si Daga who was in my ward as publicist of his movie outfit D’ Wonder Films. But it was Ronnie’s original pro Ross Celino Jr. who, in his resignation, recommended me to Ronnie.
In my long years working with Ronnie, I found out how he truly valued his employees. On their committing mistakes, Ronnie was not the type of boss who would easily fire them out. Ronnie would still not refuse assistance to them in time of need. This included me who offended him twice yet didn’t cut off his financial aid to me in critical moments. That was Ronnie in any language.
Truth to tell, it was only during his death when many politicians learned that Ronnie was a hidden philanthropist. People from all walks of life came out all over the Philippines to voice out how Ronnie helped them to the fullest. These included his student scholars, priests (he rebuilt churches), barangay chairpersons he aided thoroughly and ex-movie people who depended on him for survival. Ronnie was always truthful in saying, “ang pagtulong at pagdamay sa kapwa ay dapat walang publisidad. For me, showing it publicly is without sincerity. Kumbaga pakitang tao lang.”
Piolo, Inigo’s Photo Maligned
Bashers have continued to malign, give malicious comments on the viral photo of Piolo Pascual and his teen actor- son Inigo. It shows the two hugging each other while sleeping. Many non-showbiz people couldn’t decipher why bashers react that way, for its normal reaction in a parent-kid relationship to display loving reaction. They retaliate that perhaps the bashers haven’t felt to be affectionately loved by their parents.
In this light, heard that Piolo’s unaffected, willing to post more bonding moments with Inigo for he loves his son. Piolo’s used to receive stricture, particularly doubting his gender since way back. On the other side, with trenchant Inigo stated that the more he’s endeared to his dad, not doleful at all. He remarked.” Bashers have problems, not us.”
Julie Anne-Benjamin Romance a Cover Up?
These days the romance between singer-actress Julie Anne San Jose and actor Benjamin Alves has circulated around. Reportedly, the two are constantly on dates, with photos showing them lovey-dovey. Nevertheless, some who profess to know Julie Anne better scatter talks the said romance is simply a ruse of Julie to cover up for the rumor she’s the secret girlfriend of Alden Richards.
“You see, Julie has been threatened by the Aldub (Alden-Maine Mendoza) fanatics, somewhat scared of being bashed, that’s it.” They echoed.
Queried about Julie, Benjamin refused to elaborate yet admits he’s happy to be linked with her. What he commented deals on the bashers, specifically throwing malevolent words on Piolo-Inigo’s viral shot.
“Kuya Piolo happens to be my cousin and I admire him for his tolerance. For me, bashers do nothing but to annoy people.” Benjamin mattered.
Nora vs Judy Ann in Cinemalaya Festival
This early, those in the know predict Nora Aunor and Judy Ann Santos will be the strong contenders for best actress in the forthcoming Cinemalaya Film Festival. Nora banners Tuos while Judy plays the lead in Kusina, both heavy drama stuffs. At any rate, Judy doesn’t mind if she loses to Nora, her idol since way back.
After five years sans a film assignment, Kusina serves Judy’s screen comeback. She’s glad that husband Ryan Agoncillo consented to accept the role. Others have criticized her about her being overweight. But she reasoned out her figure fits the role of a simple, poverty stricken girl who aspires to gain success through penchant for cooking.
Janine to Join Bb. Pilipinas 2017?
Did you know that Miss World 2013 Megan Young encourages actress-chum Janine Gutierrez to join Bb Pilipinas? However, Janine who’s the daughter of Ramon Christopher and Lotlot de Leon, grand daughter of Pilita Corrales and Eddie Gutierrez seems not keen saying in jest. “Di ako bagay, panggulo lang ako.”
About Megan and boyfriend for three years Mikael Daez whom Janine had worked with in her previous TV series Dangwa, she feels envious of their smooth, sweet togetherness. At that, a scribe asked her if she’s unhappy with rumored lover Elmo Magalona.
In guffaw, Janine reacted, “I never say we’re on. Besides, he’s now with ABS-CBN, attached to Janelle Salvador.” Ah, Is Janine jealous?
Hot Issue on Erap’s Clan
Insiders still blabber-mouthed the still hot issue on Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada’s clan. These involve Erap’s nephew ex-Laguna governor ER Ejercito and the latter actor-son Jericho Estrada. Allegedly, Erap makes move to patch the duo’s rift since Jericho ran against his dad for governor, ending up losers.
To clarify to the befuddled people, Jericho explained he thought his dad could no longer run, took the chance to replace him. Last minute, however, ER was allowed while Jericho lost his time to back out. “There’s no squabble between us. We accepted our defeat good-naturedly.” Jericho averred.
Current Items:
My deepest condolences to the family of my pal, erstwhile writer-manager Deo Fajardo Jr. who passed way due to heart attack. Deo was the indefatigable manager of the late Rudy Fernandez and Robin Padilla years back. It’s Robin who posted Deo’s demise in the Instagram.
A reliable source did hush-hush to me that Bea Alonzo and Gerald Anderson are really back to each other’s arm. In a chat with a news hen, Gerald chuckled both of then enjoy their time together yet mum on the real score.
Maja Salvador is out of the cast of the top-rated TV series Ang Probinsyano? Words spread fast Maja allegedly has a misunderstanding with the show’s director. Or could it be with lead actor Coco Martin? If ever, Maja joins Bela Padilla, once a co-star too in the tele-serye.
Are Luis Manzano and Kapuso actor Derrick Monasterio in altercation over Jessy Mendiola? The root of it all could be Derick’s courting Jesse, reportedly the current love of Luis. As expected Derrick denied it.