By Nap C. Alip
Trivia:
Today’s generation for sure wouldn’t forget the top love teams of the ‘70s, none other than Nora Aunor-Tirso Cruz 111 and Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz. From grand champ of the top rated TV singing tilt Tawag ng Tanghalan for many months, Nora was given movie breaks with actor-singer Tirso Cruz 111 from the famous Cruz clan in showbiz.
Some of the duo’s early starrers were Young Love, Fiesta Extravaganza and Musical Teenage Idols. It was, however, Guy and Pip shot in U.S. which propelled their pair as top box office tandem, followed by other successful flicks at the tills. This ignited Nora’s tag: Superstar.
I befriended Nora through her writer-chum the late Rustum Quinton, one of my barkada then that included Ricky lo, Raoul Tidalgo, Eddie Campaner, Eddie Padilla, Robert Carreon and Malou Tronqued.Nora would often tease our group for that time we were called Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs. Before Rustom migrated to U.S. he wrote a book about Nora, a best seller then.
Later, Nora was paired with other actors, led by Christopher de Leon. Eventually, the duo became lovers, sired Ian and adopted Lotlot. Both crashed the movie world too that up to now have appeared in films and TV shows.
In passing, prior to turning actor, I bumped into Christopher at the house of his actress-sibling Pinky de Leon who was my friend. Their parents were the deceased actress Lilia Dizon and character actor Gil de Leon. So he divulged to me he joined his family in showbiz. He accepted the offer of megger Lino Brocka to topbill Tinimbang Ka ngunit Kulang. The flick not only transformed Christopher overnight star but a versatile award winning actor.
While Tirso in the ‘70s, sustained fame in musical-comedy stuffs. Nora tried dramatic vehicles, spearheaded by Himala under the meg of Ishmael Bernal. Thus, Nora branched out in heavy tearjerkers with the accolades handed to her locally and abroad, topped by the U.S. Award Top Asian Female actress.
For the record, Vilma began her career as a child actress. In her teen years, she was built up opposite Edgar who’s a singer also. All their headliners were successful. It was, however, the romantic flick Pledge of Love not only turned blockbuster. The theme song belted by Edgar was one of the favorite ditties then, a record holder as most requested song that time.
Later, Vilma was paired with Christopher in serious drama-romance stuffs. like Tag-ulan sa Tag-Araw and Masakit ang Umibig. Eventually, Vilma was dubbed Star for All Seasons. She reached the height of the
arch rival of Nora as the most popular young star of that decade. Both Nora and Vilma had won best actress awards and acknowledged for their talents abroad. Currently, Nora and Tirso are still active in TV series and in the movies. Vilma serves as congresswoman of Batangas and Edgar directs Willie Villame’s TV show Wowowin,
Kathryn Sets an Example
Being one of the top stars and highest paid, many have the wrong notion that Kathryn Bernardo belongs to those who prioritize luxurious items. According to my informant, Kathryn, though tempted, will not succumb to it. In fact, she sets an example by an advice on the proper saving and investment.
My source elaborated kathryn’s words. “For instance, rather than spend on luxurious things, try to invest on properties or essential businesses for a stable future. If one throws a bash for someone, let family members assist you instead of hiring others to do so and holds it on your place. That’s what she did in her surprise party for her niece recently.”
Of course, Kathryn is not a tight-wad or ‘kuripiot’, as attested by her chums, people around her. She simply follows her mom who has inherent flair on using finances properly.
“My mom’s constant advises truly has transformed me into a better person.” Kathryn was quoted to say.
Rachel Clarifies Issue on Vice President Leni
Someone who’s attached to veteran singer-actress Rachel Alejandro recounted to me the issue between her and Vice President Leni Robredo. The rumor that allegedly Robredo holds a grudge on her was ignited by Rachel’s photos in her Instagram. Rachel mentioned her facial similarity with her that caused some insensitive remarks from bashers.
According to Rachel, it was the Vice President who also admitted to her not a few mentioned she’s look-alike of Rachel. So if some maligned her, don’t mind it.
“There’s no issue whatsoever. So I’m thankful to Vice Pres. Leni for her nice words to me.” My informant quoted what Rachel voiced out.
Curiously, many anticipate the possibility of Rachel’s concert to loom, the daughter of music icon Hadji Alejandro. She was last seen in the internationally acclaimed pic Quezon’s Game, bannered by Raymond Bagatsing. The flick garnered several awards in world film festivals.
Pilita’s Proud of her Grandson
Known as Asia’s Queen of Songs, veteran singer-actress Pilita Corrales feels so happy about her grandson Diego Gutierrez. An upcoming singer-song composer, Diego has reportedly composed a ditty, a duet with Pilita. An elated Pilita expressed how excited she is, Diego’s plan pushes through. By the way, his first single On A dream has been released via Virtual Digital Music.
At the same time, Pilita’s in glee to hear Diego’s sister Janine Gutierrez would be launched as a songstress in her transfer to ABS-CBN. The siblings’ parents are Ramon Christopher Gutierrez and Lotlot de Leon, both in showbiz too.
Blind Item:
For more than three years, a veteran hunk actor suffers in silence. He has not seen his three children by his ex-partner. He can’t even communicate with them. Those in the know echoed an act of revenge by his ex. Allegedly, the actor had hurt her physically, mentally and emotionally to the hilt in the past.
Albeit the actor neither confirmed nor denied the allegation he’s still accoutered with hope. That soon she’ll realize the big change in him and would be forgiven.
Spicy Items:
A diehard fan of Kim Chiu reacted on the comment of Vice Ganda that Kim has an ugly hosting style. In contrast, she claimed since Kim joined his TV show It’s Showtime as co-host, not a few viewers have been impressed by Kim’s comic antics, not unfavorable as Vice Ganda blurted out.
In this light, Vice Ganda clarified it’s a mere joke. Off-cameras, he mattered their friendship goes stronger out of their exchange of insults to each other. “Sanay kami ni Kim sa biruan lagi. In truth, Kim is a big blessing to It’s Showtime.” Vice Ganda added an above board reply.
Alden Richards has been assuaged by the unexpected words uttered by Jessy Mendiola on him. That Alden’s nice, liikeable nature will truly make his girlfriend to be so lucky. Alden buttressed that Luis Manzano is blessed too for his girlfriend Jessy has lovable ways despite being brutally frank.
Incidentally, Alden simply grinned when queried if Jessy happens to be loveless, would he court her?
Amid the spreading talks that Bacoor, Cavite Mayor Lamo Mercado was rushed to a hospital for a serious ailment, her husband Senator Bong Revilla quashed it off. While it’s true Lani was hospitalized, she simply underwent angiogram test (heart problem on blood vessels).
“The negative result proved she has no heart disease. It’s the same with the endoscopy and colonoscopy tests. We have nothing to worry about her health condition. In fact, my wife is now busy with her mayoral job. I give my gratitude to those who prayed for Lani..” Bong impacted.
By the way, Bong has resumed taping of his TV series under GMA-7 and in all probability starts soon high-budgeted action movie.
To cease the blabber-mouthed from scattering that definitely by 2022, he will run in the election, Willie Revillame aired publicly this statement. “I have no plan to enter politics. I’m very sure of my decision. I really spend time in charitable acts to assist the needy ones. Pero di para pakitang tao for my political ambition,” Willie brazenly mouthed.
However, several friends from politics continue to prod Willie to run. Will they succeed? Let’s wait..