Trivia:
The recent demise of ex-actress Liezl Martinez has devastated her family, loved ones and chums, including this writer. For I practically had watched LIezl grow as a moppet star (she was flower girl at my wedding), young girl and a family woman. It could be ascribed to the fact that for decades I was the publicist of her mom Amalia Fuentes’ Am Productions and uncle Alex Muhlach’s D Wonder Films.
Even as a kid, LIezl exuded reticent nature yet with a winsome smile to everyone. One time, I saw a glum-faced Liezl, sitting quietly at their digs. Amalia told me that she ordered her driver to fetch Liezl at the International School, using not their luxury car but the fiera service of her movie company. This embarrassed LIezl as some of her classmates teased her.
“I explained to Liezl I wanted to instill in her mind that being a hard working actress and movie producer I’ve achieved what our family enjoys now. She should always remember my humble beginning.”
Eventually, Amalia realized her daughter cleaved to that statement. She noticed that Liezl was never a braggart, no air of haughtiness. Truth to tell, during her college days at U.P. Liezl joined an organization which prioritized assistance to the less fortunate ones, particularly the typhoon victims in the provinces.
“I’ve allowed Liezl for I can see the joy in her eyes, feel her sincerity in the humanitarian acts though at times the group would encounter risk at the mission. At least, I’m happy to have a daughter with penchant for charity works.” Amalia disclosed then.
Conflicts arose between the two, like any other mom-daughter relationships, heightened by the time Liezl fell in love with actor Albert Martinez. Albeit Amalia was not exactly against Albert, her utmost dream was for Liezl to tuck in a college degree. Once I advised Liezl on this matter for which she replied.
“Kaya tawag ko sa iyo si Mr. Amalia Fuentes. Kas lagi kang nasa side ng mommy ko. Anyway. I do understand your concern.” Liezl snapped back to me.
Destiny had it for Liezl and Albert to elope, struggled for years in U.S. to cope up with the hard times, ignoring any financial help from Amalia. Subsequently, the stable couple finally returned back to the Philippines, to build their own house, put up businesses , aside from Albert’s re-entrance in showbiz with success.
That time, a visibly proud Amalia confided to me. “I do admit I was wrong in judging Albert. I acknowledge now his responsible, workaholic character and passion to raise his family well have done him good. And I know that Liezl’s independent, supportive traits have thoroughly inspired Albert.”
In my stay in Canada for many years now, Liezl’s uncle Alex would often feed me about Liezl, topped by the sad news that she had breast cancer. At first, Liezl wanted not to reveal her ailment to her mom.”Ayaw niyang mag-worry nang husto ang mom niya, with a promise to emerge a cancer free later. Of course we were forced to tell Amalia.”Alex confided.
In my short visit in the Philippines last Feb., it was also Alex who divulged to me that Liezl’s condition turned worst yet the Muhlachs and Albert and his children had not given up hope. Sadly, three weeks later upon my arrival, the Lord took her life. May eternal light shine on your soul Liezl. We will terribly miss you.
Amalia Airs Hurt Feelings on Liezl’s Cremation
As of this writing, people still talk about the sentiments of amalia Fuentes right after Liezl’s body was cremated. She stated to the press her presence was not acknowledged by son in law Albert Martinez and her grandchildren but also she was deprived to say something on her daughter.
“I truly loves Liezl yet I gave her the freedom she wanted then, not to meddle with her married life. I never did abandon her.” A tearful Amalia revealed to the writers which Lezl’s daughter Alyana rebutted in her Instagram sans the mention of the name of her grandma.
In part she wrote, “God knows who really loves my mom. Love and respect is earned not a show (obviously referring to Amalia’s words to the writers).
Understandably, many will sympathize with Amalia, especially the parents. You see, in the Filipino culture, parents are highly respected despite their shortcomings. As the Tagalog saying has it, ‘gaano man ang di pagkakaunawaan ay natatanggap ng magulang ang anak. Ngunit ang anak ay natitiis bale-walain ang magulang.’
Kris Mum on Nora’s Pnoy resign Move
Unlike before where Kris Aquino quickly reacted, threw barbs on celebrities who criticized Pres, Noynoy Aquino, at this writing she remains tight-lipped on the publicized move of Nora Aunor. That was when Nora joined the Pnoy Resign move of the caused oriented group Migrante as one of the spokespersons.
Some surmised that Kris heeded to the advice of those in the know not to comment on such issue against her brother. Others opined that her high respect for Nora compelled her not to retaliate to Nora’s stricture.
Meanwhile, Nora stressed once and for all that it was not to avenge Pnoy’s disqualification of her as National Artist.” I personally witnessed the sufferings of Pinoy workers abroad and the sad plight of typhoon victims in the Philippines. Saan napunta ang financial aids ng other countries worth billions in pesos? Is that the daang matuwid that he promised when elected?” Nora expounded.
Robin Still Hopeful after Mariel’s Miscarriage
Last month, an all agog Robin Padilla reported that finally his wife Mariel Rodriguez was an expectant mom after their years of togetherness. Now, Robin exudes plucky stand upon hearing the news that Mariel had a miscarriage leaving Mariel downhearted.
“I told Mariel di pa nating oras magka-baby. I’ve consoled her by saying I’m still hopeful that in due time we will be blessed with a child.” A colleague quoted Robin as saying with an advice to his wife to slow down on her works.
Current Items: Willie Revillame has started his new TV show Wowow Win under GMA-7 network. It will be directed by Randy Santiago. Expectedly, Willie does not promise anything. Nonetheless, he hopes he will not disappoint GMA-7 bigwigs. Let’s wait if his comeback proves successful.
Kapuso young stars Ruru Madrid and Gabbi Garcia banner the remake of Let the Love Begin which originally starred Richard Gutierrez and Angel Locsin. Oftentimes Gabbi has been tagged the new Angel Locsin. While Gabbi feels that’s a compliment, she has her own image to project.
Just like Mariel Rodriguez, ex Sex bomb Girl Jopay Paguia underwent a miscarriage. Her husband Joshua Zamora of the Manuevres dance group confessed it was almost a three month pregnancy.
TV 5 actor Neil Perez who represented the Philippines and won the Mr. International title recently denied that radio personality Kaye Dacer is her girlfriend though he admits she’s a very good chum. A policeman by profession, Neil won’t give it up even if he makes it big in showbiz.