Showbiz Prattle for Sunday, October 27, 1996
Clyde Adkins
From: ©1996 The Manila Times
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Copyright Reprinted by permission
Sunday, October 27, 1996
[STM] ENTERTAINMENT
Showbiz Prattle
BEEP, BEEP
So Ina Raymundo has finally dumped her beleaguered manager, Jojo
Veloso. Thursday night she signed a several-picture exclusive
contract with Viva Films with no manager as co-signatory. Will this
effectively put an end to all talk linking the sexpot to some filthy rich
padrino--the consultant of the lady senator bent on nailing Jojo-- who
was supposed to have offered Jojo a whitewash bail-out in exchange
for a tryst with Ina? Maybe. But for now, here's more of the same
talk.
Ina has told all and sundry that she has refused the offer. But
prattle hears otherwise. An unimpeachable source says that the
luscious Ina has actually been quite friendly with the padrino even
before this whole brouhaha. Even to the extent of sending sweet,
intimate messages to the padrino through his beeper. Our source
swears she saw the messages that Ina sent and they hinted of a very
close friendship between the two.
What say you, Ina?
RIGGED STAR AWARDS
Such is the contention of Rod Samson, who ended his 15-year
membership in the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) shortly
after the organization's recent Star Awards for TV.
The publicist-writer made no bones about his suspicion that
something fishy accompanied the fanfare. After he raised the
alarums, suspicious looks have been cast in the general direction of
Isabel Rivas whose victory in the best dramatic actress category Rod
claims was clinched with a luncheon she allegedly hosted for
PMPC's brass a week before the voting.
Samson implied that the fait accompli was clinched over a
heretofore unrevealed menu. Whether something sweeter
accompanied the dessert will remain a secret. What is certain,
however, is that Isabel has made it known that she will sue him for
libel.
Of course, this is not all there is to this raging scandal. The
grapevine is still ringing with names and even a television station is
being alleged to have been beneficiaries in the hanky panky. But with
libel threats heavy in the air, prattle finds it prudent not to fan the
flames.
Still, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) is also said to
have found something interesting: The PMPC hasn't updated its
books for the last five years. Question: Did they have a permit or
not? Next question: Can they account for the revenues over that
period? And still another question: How ocme the government keeps
on getting embroiled in showbiz scandals?
Meanwhile, the officers of the PMPC have yet to issue any
statement in reaction to Rod's allegations. Which is not to say they
are idling around. Quite the contrary. They are said to be very busy
trying to find out who issued this bitchy statement and, moreover,
why: "Plastikada si Vilma!" Vilma, of course, being Vilma Santos, the
Star for all Seasons, who shared co-hosting chores with Sharon
Cuneta during the ceremonies. But so far, no success.
TIRED OF WAITING
For several weeks now, Gelli de Belen has been filming Alas, an
action caper she co-headlines with Ace Vergel. But how true are talks
that she is seriously contemplating abandoning the film supposedly
because of her costar's unprofessional behavior?
According to our eyes and ears, the combative Gelli is getting irked
at Ace's frequent tardiness. More often than not, 'tis said, Ace is
horribly late and when he arrives, he appears listless. prattle would
not venture a judgment call on the action star given his past bouts
with stimulants. Nonetheless, a great number of folks are getting very
suspicious that he's gotten back to the bad habit.
Say this ain't true, Ace.
HE DOESN'T LIKE HER
Everybody likes Maricel Soriano, right? And would not think twice
of grabbing any opportunity of working with her, right again? Wrong!
Ariel Rivera does not.
This revelation came after Star Cinema offered the erstwhile
"kilabot ng mga kolehiyala" a comedy movie where he would be
paired off with the Diamond Star. Which he rejected flat-out. Why?
"I don't like her," our source quotes Ariel saying. "So thanks, but no
thanks." And that's it. Plain and simple.
NEW KILABOT
Speaking of "kilabot ng mga kolehiyala," it seems local tinseltown
has found itself a new one in the oh-so-cute person of 14-year-old
ABS-CBN find Patrick Garcia. And it seems that the kolehiyalas, as
well as the grade and high schoolers whose hearts have been sent
a-throbbing by this young looker are doing more than just watch him
on the boob tube or the big screen and dream about him. They have
also been going as boldly as calling him on the phone at home at any
given time of day--and night.
Which has become a major irritant in the Garcia household--his
dad's pad anyway where he is currently staying. (Patrick's parents
separated two years ago, which he says is a better arrangement
"instead of the two of them fighting all the time." Sob.) So much, in
fact, that his dad has decided to cut off the telephone line altogether.
He did give Patrick his own cellular phone so the calls won't be much
of an irritant to everyone inside the house anymore.
NOT ANOTHER CAPARAS
Certainly not from Joel Lamangan, who's said to be not too hot on
the idea of having the real Sarah Balabagan put in a guest appearance
in the soon-to-grind film to be produced by Viva Films.
Noting that this technique has long been patented by the
mega-director, the acclaimed director of The Flor Contemplacion
Story has said no to a proposal supposedly dropped by the Viva head
honchos for Sarah to appear in a scene or two in her own biopic. Not
that he means to be condescending towards the director of The
Maggie dela Riva Story and many other true-to-life pics. He just does
not want to be branded a copycat. Certainly not of Caparas.
How about a guest appearance of Papa Karim, Sarah's
alcohol-loving father who distinguished himself during his daughter's
trials by angering mainstream media and OWWA folks? Just a
thought.
CAREFUL, LOLIT
When Lolit Solis starts talking, she really starts talking. Even when
she does not seem to know what she is yakking about, often without
a damning care in the world about the rules of news-unloading.
Just last Friday, on her radio chat show over DZRH with Joe Taruc
and Ali Sotto, Lolit tested the boundaries of fair play yet again. So
casually and thoughtlessly, she managed to link Aiko Melendez with
PLDT's Tonyboy Cojuangco. Now, every fishmonger knows who
Aiko is currently going out with (Jomari Yllana), and who the mother
is of Tonyboy's year-old baby girl (Gretchen Baretto). So there is
absolutely no truth to this item.
It would have ended there, but another radio station, DWST,
DZRH's sister station on the FM band, picked up the tattle and
carried it as though it were factual news. If you add the number of
listeners from both stations who heard the "news," you will get an
idea why radio commentators are both feared and despised. Douglas
Quijano, Aiko's manager, however, had the presence of mind to call
the attention of Dick Sinchongco, DWST's station manager, from
whom he demanded an immediate retraction of the item. Dick
obliged. So things are okay on the DWST front.
What about DZRH, specifically Lolit Solis? Last we heard, Lolit
hasn't taken her pronouncements back.
ENOUGH ALREADY
If mega stage producer Cameron Macintosh would have his way,
Lea Salonga would be returning soon to Drury Lane in London's
West End section to reprise the role of Kim in Miss Saigon which she
originated several years back. But then, the final say would have to
come from the award-winning performer, right? And as far as Lea is
concerned, she's had more than enough of Kim already.
Yup, Macintosh wants Lea back to the West End production of
Miss Saigon. Why? Don't the current Kims fit the role? Perhaps. The
main reason, however, why Macintosh is hot on having Lea headline
the musical once again are the diminishing box-office returns of the
production. He firmly believes that putting Lea's name on Drury
Lane's marquee will bring in bigger audiences.
Now that's what we call "believing in the Filipino talent."
Anyway, the 24-year-old actress is said to be very flattered with the
offer. But it seems that she has long put to rest the part of herself
that responds to Kim.
Perhaps Macintosh should offer her the role of The Engineer or
Thuy. Just kidding.
SETTING UP HOUSE
The megastar and her husband, Kiko Pangilinan, left for the US last
week. Officially, it's a business trip in which Sharon will be fulfilling
some singing engagements. Of course, Kiko didn't tag along just to
see his wife entertain our homesick kababayans in the US. He's there
to start preparing setting up house somewhere in Boston where he
will pursue graduate studies at Harvard U for one year beginning July
1997. Surely, everybody understands that Kiko needs the additional
gravitas that come with being a graduate of Harvard. Especially given
his moist eyes on high office.
DO NOT DISTURB
When people go on a honeymoon, the first thing they put up
on the door is a "Do Not Disturb" sign. For noted filmmaker
Mike de Leon, the fiftyish virtuoso with a deep touch, his first
film in about ten years deserves as much coccooning. Especially
since he aims for the production to be the definitive film about
the life of the country's National Hero, Jose Rizal.
In a current Puerto Galera shoot with Aga Muhlach, who takes
on the title role in the film, the honeymoon stricture was
lowered on everybody. As in everybody including Ethel Ramos,
the well-loved grand dame of publicists, whose request to visit
her ward on the set was not granted. She wanted some advance
fluff about the film, it was said. But no! The director cannot and
will not oblige.
At least, the rule was applied on everybody--dogs, cats, oglers,
reporters, and yes, even divas in the industry. Well, that's a
master at work for you.
THE ALFIE-GIRLIE TUSSLE
You'd be surprised at how the comeback scenario in this
business can be high-octane fuel. Remember Jackie Forster, that
very pretty half-American mestiza who was batchmate to
Sunshine Cruz and Shirley Fuentes over at Regal Films in the
early-'90s? Oh well, don't fret if you don't. She never really
made any strides in her short-lived career.
Which is actually why she's been aching to launch a movie
comeback. She's been kept out of the spotlight for several years
now by her domestic chores as wife to cager Benjie Paras and
mother to a two-year-old baby girl. Now she wants back to
tinseltown.
The first step she has taken was arrange a meeting with Girlie
Rodis, who manages Benjie's show biz career, hoping to
jumpstart a managerial relationship. The meeting happened last
week.
Then some itchy tongue delivered the news to Alfie Lorenzo,
Jackie's manager until pregnancy forced her out of work.
Incensed, Alfie, who can get as contentious as a threatened hen,
has since made loud and angry noises. He is said to be
contemplating legal action against Girlie for ... poaching,
thinking he's still Jackie's manager.
For her part, Jackie has denied any existing written managerial
contract between her and Alfie. She claims the agreement was
made just orally long ago.
The feedback from Girlie's camp: no contract has been inked,
and Girlie did not actually solicit Jackie's attention. Watch out
how this case of alienation of affection turns out. Girlie's camp
smirks that, after all, nothing is concrete yet. And if ever, the
agreement can be just oral anyway.
SOCIAL SPORTS
As we await the announcement of Richard Gomez's wedding to
Patricia Borromeo, that willowy upper-class model and
kindergarten teacher, Goma has not been remiss in his sportly
pursuits. Two Thursdays ago, Richard flew to Taipei to compete
in some international fencing competition. He returned last
Monday with no trophy or medal. But that's all right. He
doesn't need anything that might keep his mind all agog for he
needs to psych himself up for the forthcoming GOMA Celebrity
Cup which will be held in Guam this November.
Surely this must be tiresome, even if you have a celebrity
tournament named after yourself. In the meantime, you can
digest this list of activities Richard pursued to date--rowing,
drag racing, fencing, and badminton. Some people hope that
marriage is next--and that it won't be just a passing fancy for
him but a lifelong activity.
STARLET ROULETTE
Finally, from beefcake poster boy to dramatic actor, Julio Diaz
is getting his due. Eastern Films has chosen the actor to lead the
cast of Nag-aapoy Na Dagat, a sea-adventure picture that owes a
lot to the hit Steven Seagal film Under Seige and which will be
shot in Cebu, Surigao, and Davao. Ironically, this break did not
come from Viva Films, Julio's home studio, where the actor had
been asking for exactly the same break.
But this early, the production has been meeting some rough
waters. Former 1995 Mutya Ng Pilipinas Maricel Morales, the
original choice for the lead female part, raised blood pressures
among the Eastern Films honchos when she breezily asked for a
fat P.5 M paycheck. Said to command no more than P.2 M per
film, one cannot bedrudge her for trying. As the unsinkable
stage-mother Annabelle Rama once pointed out about her
daughter Ruffa, "May corona ang anak ko" or declarations to
the same effect. Well, the crown just cost her this particular film
assignment.
Next, Rochelle Barrameda was enlisted. But on the movie's
first shooting day, she felt that the role was asking for far too
much epidermal exposure. So off she decamped.
Finally, we hear, Via Veloso has been tapped to take on the
role. She's already been cast in a supporting role the film. It's
just her good fortune that the starlet roulette in has turned and
finally pointed to her.
EMILIO PIN UP
What's with it? Do we have a story to accompany--and
therefore justify--it? Nothing, really. We just found it a
beautiful photograph which we thought you ought to see. So
there.