I've been tagged by Acy. (Girl, sensya na kung ngayon lang. Tinatamad akong magsulat lately, eh. Obvious naman sa di ko pag-a-update, di ba? Hehehe.) It says state SEVEN facts about myself that people (who know me) do not (often) know. Here it goes (in no particular order):
1. My ultimate desire when I was a kid was to be a singer. 'Yun lang! 'Nuff said.
2. Hindi ako magastos sa pagkain o sa damit. With my collections, ibang usapan 'yun. In college, para makabili ng VHS tapes o CDs, tinitipid ko 'yung allowance ko. Hanggang lunch lang ako. Paminsan-minsan lang ang snack. 'Pag birthday ko, nag-aasign ako sa mga friends ko ng CDs as their gifts for me. In that way, menos gastos. (College friends, now you know why!) Kaya naman I made sure na may party ako kasi without it, no gifts from them. Pero 'yung iba makapal talaga ang mukha. Nakiki-party kahit walang gift! Hahaha!
(OT: Naging yearly thing 'yung parties ko, sort of an event to my friends that years after graduation, nagtatanong pa rin sila kung may party. Some can't even remember the exact date of my birth kasi ini-equate nila sa day na nag-celebrate ko. So I'd get greetings from Feb. 9 -14. Carry na dahil at least naalala nila. Sa mga hindi nakakaalala, F.U.s ang bati ko sa n'yo! Hehehe.)
Sa ngayon, I'm into collecting DVDs and action figures. I swear, wala akong ipon. Kautangan marami!
Speaking of collections, I have a bunch of pig figurines. I started collecting them nu'ng Year Of the Pig dati. Ginusto ko pa ngang magka-pet ng pig ala Babe! Ngayon, YOP uli. Pero deadma na ko.
3. I didn't think that I'd be coming out of the closet. Sabi ko nu'n, kaya ko naman itago hanggang sa mamatay ako. I can handle heartaches on my own, 'yung gabi-gabing pag-iyak, carry ko. Not when I had an online relationship with a Brit when I felt na di ko pala kayang di i-share sa mga closest friends ko. I'm too happy not to express my feelings with at least one person. That was in 1999. From then on, my life has changed.
I'm out to my family now, legal na kumbaga. But there are still friends who I haven't talked to about it yet. Pa'no mo ba naman kasi sasabihin sa mga bihira mong makita? Pwede bang i-text ko na lang: Kumusta ka na? Btw, bading ako. Hahaha! On the need to know basis ang ginagawa ko. Bakit? Maaaleviate ba ang world hunger sa pag-amin ko sa kanila?!
4. Alam na ng mga friends ko ang dream project ko but just to get it out there for the all the heavens to know, I'll post it here: a Sharon-Maricel project! As of the moment, I stopped working on it because of a particular "approved" project. Like what Ryan said, blessing na rin siya so I could really work well on it. Wish ko lang na hindi ako maunahan ni Aloy Adlawan who expressed his desire to do an S-M movie, as well. In case wala akong maisulat, sana naman eh maging part ako ng film na 'yun kahit crew man lang, di ba?
5. My dream business: a video shop! Sobrang tagal ko na siyang pangarap at sana balang araw, I could own one. Magiging super happy ako 'pag natupad siya.
6. When it comes to relationships, ang panuntunan ko ay 'yung sinabi ni Cory kay Kris. According to Kris, her mom told her that her perfect partner is a male Cory 'cause she is a male Ninoy. I'm like my mom: tough-headed and topakin. So ang kailangan kong makita ay katulad ng dad ko na pasensyoso at talagang opposite ni Mommy. Luckily, I found Biboy! *wink wink*
7. That is why I'm not so looking forward to him going abroad. Not because I'm afraid that I'll lose him but because I wouldn't know to deal with the days that I won't be with him. . . *sniff sniff*
I feel like doing an extended version of this. Will do it on another day then, sabay tag sa iba!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Warning: Not For the Faint-Hearted!
Ah... Dream set ko 'to! Promise!
Guess kung 'asan ang DVDs?
Hanep! Ang galing nito!
Have you ever seen such beauty? Very original!
Predator Series
Love to have these Friends around!
For an X-Philer like me, this is a must-have!
***
Grabe! Check ko muna BP ko. Baka tumaas! Hehehe. . .
P.S.
Most of these collectibles are from Europe and Japan. American distributors have issues with rights and distributions so they can't easily make such collectibles. Even putting special features in DVDs can cause problems for them so R2-R4 are sometimes better than R1 DVDs!
Ang Korea ay hataw na rin sa mga collectibles these days. Sana ganun din sa 'tin sa susunod na. . . milenyo! Hahaha!
Pictures taken from Pinoy DVD forums
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
In Lust . . .
This is the repercussion ng pag-aayos ko ng mga DVDs. Gusto kong madagdagan 'yung mga katabi nilang actions figures! Grrr! Kakagigil silang tingnan sa toy store. Parang they were telling me to bring them home. (Siyet! Hallucination na 'ata ito!) Kaya naman next project ko sila.
Don't worry, my babies. Uuwi rin kayo!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Kolek Ka Riyan!
The above shelf includes some collectibles (special editions, limited editions, steel books) and TV series. Dati kasi puro toys lang siya.
This third shelf mostly includes my Streisand and Madonna collection.
My Pinoy DVDs('Ung notebook sa taas, Charlie And the Chocolate Factory notebook)
Friday, August 03, 2007
Award!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Call Center Boo-boos
Telesales agent getting the customer's credit card info:
Agent: Can I have your expiration date, sir?
Customer: My what?!!
***
Telesales agent giving promo spiels:
Agent: You called at the right time, ma'am. We have a lot of freebies to give away, such as free installation, free equipment, and free DVD player. That's a great offer, di ba?
Customer: Huh?!
***
Agent verifying info from the customer:
Agent: Is that a P for Ping-Pong?
Customer: No, it's B.
Agent: Oh, B, like Bing-Bong...
***
Customer trying to return a defective product:
Customer: I need to return this defective sauna belt that you delivered yesterday.
Agent: For that concern, you can call our customer service at www.picustomerservice.com.
Customer: Call where??!!
***
Agent answering a call:
Agent: Thank you for calling Dish Network Department, my name is Vince..... (sees that the number called by customer is for a different client— a DirecTV dealer).
Customer: So, I called the wrong number then?
Agent: Let me transfer you to DirecTV. Please don't go.... (puts the customer on hold, and then. . .)
Thank you for calling DirecTV Department, my name is Vince...
***
Agent wrapping up the sale:
Agent: Our INSTALLATORS will contact you within the next 24 hours to verify your installation schedules...
Customer: Uhm.... Say what now? Who's gonna call me?
Agent: The INSTALLATORS, sir.
***
Agent getting coupon code from customer:
Agent: Can I ask for the coupon code? It's a bunch of letters.
Customers: Like ABCs?
Agent: Yes.
Customer: OK. ABCDEFG. . .
***
Agent giving the customer service web address:
Agent: It's P- as in Papa, I- as in India, C- as in costume, U- as in you, S- as in Sam, T- as in Tango, O.... Oscar...V- for Voy...
***
Agent wrapping up the sale, trying to give the account info to customer:
Agent: I will now be giving you your account number and order confirmation number. Do you have a PEN and BALLPEN with you?
***
Agent trying to create urgency over the available promotion:
Agent: Are you sure you don't want to take advantage of me?
Customer: Say what?
***
Agent trying to upsell a warranty:
Agent: Here's an example: In California, a plane crashed into a customer's house, their dish was replaced, no questions asked!
***
Agent trying to upsell a TiVo to customer:
Agent: With a TiVo, you can do this and that, and you know, pretty much anything under the sun. Isn't that a great offer?
Customer: What?
***
Agent was asking the customer about the cost of his cable service:
Agent: How much are you paying with your current provider?
Customer: Well, I'm only paying $25.00 (--which is way cheaper than what the agent was offering)
Agent: (Surprised) Shet, magkano??!!
***
Agent getting customer's address:
Agent: Can I have your address, please?
Customer: It's twenyfurfif- ysavan newyaorkgh road (2457 New York Road)
Agent: Can you repeat that ulit?
***
Agent asking the customer to be put on hold:
Tech Agent: Sir, Can I hold you for just a minute?
Customer: Sure, baby, go ahead!
***
Agent verifying correct spelling:
Agent: Is that a B as in boy, or a B as in Bravo?
Customer: Umm... How about B as in Boy?
***
Technical Agent giving customer support:
Agent: Is the ethernet cord connected?
Cust: Tha Hwhut??? (with Alabama accent)
Agent: 'Yung yellow cord kung nakakabit ba!
***
Agent from a local phone company entertaining a Visayan customer:
Customer: Hillo! Wala kasi yung bell ng pon namin??
Agent: Hindi naman po ba nabagsak yung phone?
Customer: Hende naman.
Agent: Kailan pa po ito nagsimula?
Customer: Ang alen?
Agent: Na hindi po nagri-ring yung phone?
Customer: Nagre-reng naman ah?!
Agent: Di ba sabi mo walang ring?
Customer: Hende! yong BELL! yong lestahan nong babayaran namin!!
Agent: Ahh... yung BILL?!
***
Technical Agent: To help you out with your concern, ma'am, let me just pull out my tool here, OK? (referring to a computer program used in call centers to address the customer's concerns)
Customer: Pull out your what now?
***
Tech Support: OK, Bob, just type P on your keyboard?
Customer: What? Could you repeat that?
Tech Support: 'P' on your keyboard, Bob.
Customer: No way. I'm not going to do that.
***
Agent: Sir, that is C for Cubao, Q for Quiapo.....
Customer: What is that?! I dont understand. I don't want to talk to you.
Agent: Who do you want to talk to?
Customer: I want to talk to the highest person.
Agent: My supervisor is not available as of the moment sir.
Customer: I said, I want to talk to the highest person.
Agent: OK, you want to talk to the highest person?
Customer: Yes!
Agent: Do you want to talk to God?
Customer: What the f***! I'd rather talk to you.
***
Irate Customer: F***k you!
Tech Support: Sir, we're not allowed to say "F***k you!" here...
***
Agent: It's C as in CAT.
Customer: what?
Agent: C as in CAT. C-A-T as in meow meow...
***
Agent: Thank you for calling us. This is Candy. How may I help you?
Customer: What did you say your name was... Mandy?
Agent: No, sir. It's Candy.
Customer: Sorry, I can't hear ya. Didja say Mandy?
Agent: It's Candy, sir. Candy... as in Stork!
***
Agent: Alright, let me verify that... Was that a "G" as in golf?
Customer (with a different accent): NO! That was a "G" as! in GEBRA! (z as in zebra)
Agent: Oh, Gebra! Like the one in the Goo?!
***
Agent: Yeah, sir. . . Hello, sir? Are you there?
Customer: Yes, sorry. I'm still there.
***
Agent: OK, sir. Do u have a PEN and a PENCIL ready?
Customer: What?!!
Agent: Oh, I'm sorry, sir. I mean, do u have a PEN and a BALLPEN ready?
***
Agent: I'd like to speak with Billy Thompson please?
Contact: He's not in. Would you like to leave a message in his voicemail?
Agent: Sure, SIGE.
***
Tech support: We're going to perform a check disk to see if your hard drive has errors in it. Please type in C-H-K-D-S-K.
Customer: What is that again?
Tech Support: C-H-K-D-S-K. That is... C as in Charlie... H as in Harley... K as in Karly.. D as in Darley... S as in Sarley... and K as in Karly... got it?
Agent: Can I have your expiration date, sir?
Customer: My what?!!
***
Telesales agent giving promo spiels:
Agent: You called at the right time, ma'am. We have a lot of freebies to give away, such as free installation, free equipment, and free DVD player. That's a great offer, di ba?
Customer: Huh?!
***
Agent verifying info from the customer:
Agent: Is that a P for Ping-Pong?
Customer: No, it's B.
Agent: Oh, B, like Bing-Bong...
***
Customer trying to return a defective product:
Customer: I need to return this defective sauna belt that you delivered yesterday.
Agent: For that concern, you can call our customer service at www.picustomerservice.com.
Customer: Call where??!!
***
Agent answering a call:
Agent: Thank you for calling Dish Network Department, my name is Vince..... (sees that the number called by customer is for a different client— a DirecTV dealer).
Customer: So, I called the wrong number then?
Agent: Let me transfer you to DirecTV. Please don't go.... (puts the customer on hold, and then. . .)
Thank you for calling DirecTV Department, my name is Vince...
***
Agent wrapping up the sale:
Agent: Our INSTALLATORS will contact you within the next 24 hours to verify your installation schedules...
Customer: Uhm.... Say what now? Who's gonna call me?
Agent: The INSTALLATORS, sir.
***
Agent getting coupon code from customer:
Agent: Can I ask for the coupon code? It's a bunch of letters.
Customers: Like ABCs?
Agent: Yes.
Customer: OK. ABCDEFG. . .
***
Agent giving the customer service web address:
Agent: It's P- as in Papa, I- as in India, C- as in costume, U- as in you, S- as in Sam, T- as in Tango, O.... Oscar...V- for Voy...
***
Agent wrapping up the sale, trying to give the account info to customer:
Agent: I will now be giving you your account number and order confirmation number. Do you have a PEN and BALLPEN with you?
***
Agent trying to create urgency over the available promotion:
Agent: Are you sure you don't want to take advantage of me?
Customer: Say what?
***
Agent trying to upsell a warranty:
Agent: Here's an example: In California, a plane crashed into a customer's house, their dish was replaced, no questions asked!
***
Agent trying to upsell a TiVo to customer:
Agent: With a TiVo, you can do this and that, and you know, pretty much anything under the sun. Isn't that a great offer?
Customer: What?
***
Agent was asking the customer about the cost of his cable service:
Agent: How much are you paying with your current provider?
Customer: Well, I'm only paying $25.00 (--which is way cheaper than what the agent was offering)
Agent: (Surprised) Shet, magkano??!!
***
Agent getting customer's address:
Agent: Can I have your address, please?
Customer: It's twenyfurfif- ysavan newyaorkgh road (2457 New York Road)
Agent: Can you repeat that ulit?
***
Agent asking the customer to be put on hold:
Tech Agent: Sir, Can I hold you for just a minute?
Customer: Sure, baby, go ahead!
***
Agent verifying correct spelling:
Agent: Is that a B as in boy, or a B as in Bravo?
Customer: Umm... How about B as in Boy?
***
Technical Agent giving customer support:
Agent: Is the ethernet cord connected?
Cust: Tha Hwhut??? (with Alabama accent)
Agent: 'Yung yellow cord kung nakakabit ba!
***
Agent from a local phone company entertaining a Visayan customer:
Customer: Hillo! Wala kasi yung bell ng pon namin??
Agent: Hindi naman po ba nabagsak yung phone?
Customer: Hende naman.
Agent: Kailan pa po ito nagsimula?
Customer: Ang alen?
Agent: Na hindi po nagri-ring yung phone?
Customer: Nagre-reng naman ah?!
Agent: Di ba sabi mo walang ring?
Customer: Hende! yong BELL! yong lestahan nong babayaran namin!!
Agent: Ahh... yung BILL?!
***
Technical Agent: To help you out with your concern, ma'am, let me just pull out my tool here, OK? (referring to a computer program used in call centers to address the customer's concerns)
Customer: Pull out your what now?
***
Tech Support: OK, Bob, just type P on your keyboard?
Customer: What? Could you repeat that?
Tech Support: 'P' on your keyboard, Bob.
Customer: No way. I'm not going to do that.
***
Agent: Sir, that is C for Cubao, Q for Quiapo.....
Customer: What is that?! I dont understand. I don't want to talk to you.
Agent: Who do you want to talk to?
Customer: I want to talk to the highest person.
Agent: My supervisor is not available as of the moment sir.
Customer: I said, I want to talk to the highest person.
Agent: OK, you want to talk to the highest person?
Customer: Yes!
Agent: Do you want to talk to God?
Customer: What the f***! I'd rather talk to you.
***
Irate Customer: F***k you!
Tech Support: Sir, we're not allowed to say "F***k you!" here...
***
Agent: It's C as in CAT.
Customer: what?
Agent: C as in CAT. C-A-T as in meow meow...
***
Agent: Thank you for calling us. This is Candy. How may I help you?
Customer: What did you say your name was... Mandy?
Agent: No, sir. It's Candy.
Customer: Sorry, I can't hear ya. Didja say Mandy?
Agent: It's Candy, sir. Candy... as in Stork!
***
Agent: Alright, let me verify that... Was that a "G" as in golf?
Customer (with a different accent): NO! That was a "G" as! in GEBRA! (z as in zebra)
Agent: Oh, Gebra! Like the one in the Goo?!
***
Agent: Yeah, sir. . . Hello, sir? Are you there?
Customer: Yes, sorry. I'm still there.
***
Agent: OK, sir. Do u have a PEN and a PENCIL ready?
Customer: What?!!
Agent: Oh, I'm sorry, sir. I mean, do u have a PEN and a BALLPEN ready?
***
Agent: I'd like to speak with Billy Thompson please?
Contact: He's not in. Would you like to leave a message in his voicemail?
Agent: Sure, SIGE.
***
Tech support: We're going to perform a check disk to see if your hard drive has errors in it. Please type in C-H-K-D-S-K.
Customer: What is that again?
Tech Support: C-H-K-D-S-K. That is... C as in Charlie... H as in Harley... K as in Karly.. D as in Darley... S as in Sarley... and K as in Karly... got it?
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
June Horoscope
I would've posted this last month only that I couldn't find the magazine. Nasa laundry basket pala siya. I'm not really a horoscope fanatic but once in a while, I get to read horoscopes that strike a chord in me. Paminsan-minsan, sapol na sapol niya ko. Like this one that clearly described a phase in my life:
Finished. It's over. the biggest storm in your life is finally over. Forgiveness will bring about peace to everyone especially to that person who has caused you a great deal of trouble. Remember wala ng rewind rewind. The moment you do a flashback at bumalik uli ang galit mo sa taong ito, mas malaking gulo ang mangyayari. Gano kalaki? Uhm. . . nakakita ka na ng dalawang bading na nagbo-boxing? Parang ganon.
The flashback happened recently. Luckily, wala namang boxing ng naganap. Kailangan lang talagang magpatawad ng totoo at magmahal ng tapat. . .
Finished. It's over. the biggest storm in your life is finally over. Forgiveness will bring about peace to everyone especially to that person who has caused you a great deal of trouble. Remember wala ng rewind rewind. The moment you do a flashback at bumalik uli ang galit mo sa taong ito, mas malaking gulo ang mangyayari. Gano kalaki? Uhm. . . nakakita ka na ng dalawang bading na nagbo-boxing? Parang ganon.
The flashback happened recently. Luckily, wala namang boxing ng naganap. Kailangan lang talagang magpatawad ng totoo at magmahal ng tapat. . .
Desperate Housewives: Philippine Edition
Another interesting reading posted in Pinoy DVD forum from an anonymous author. A friend sent this to the poster and doesn't know who the writer is. If anyone knows the author/s or can claim this write-up, let me know so I could properly addressed him/her.
Enjoy reading!
***
Winners/Losers : From Kris to Ruffa to Gretchen
(Desperate Housewives. Philippine Edition)
(Or are we reaping some sort of a negative karma to deserve them?)
The month of June is a good time to review what transpired for the first six months of 2007. For this edition, Conventional Wisdom is focusing on showbiz-related matters instead of the usual politics (which in a way is also show-biz but ......for ugly people). Read on.
Kris Aquino: Loser. While she is the innocent one in the whole James-Hope brouhaha, Conventional Wisdom thinks that she could have handled the incident with more dignity and privacy. One wonders why this drama queen wants to inflict her day-to-day saga with the whole planet. From exaggerating her "life-threatening" pregnancy, to lambasting her husband in public ("O magsalita ka? Totoo namang pina-palayas na kita sa bahay a?"), to actually using Ninoy to promote a cake in her latest commercial. Kris' next endorsement should neither be beer nor pastries but laundry detergent for her unquenchable desire to always wash her very dirty underwear in public.
James Yap: Loser. One word cad. As one writer succinctly said: "What do you expect from a provincial boy who suddenly became famous and wealthy?" The last time we witnessed a showbiz cad was during Gabby Concepcion's time. James is now second in our list. Conventional Wisdom is giving them maximum of 3 years as a couple. Kris is starting to look more and more mature and matronic. James is still young. Give James sometime, and after Hope – Faith and Charity will spring forth. Moral of the story. Smoking is bad for marriage: Kris had Philip, James had Hope. Conventional Wisdom can't take any More of this!!!
Ruffa Gutierrez/Annabelle Rama: The mother and daughter (MAD) team strikes again. From a filmfest scam that made it to CNN, to Brunie-yuki scandal that merited a senate hearing, and now, the falling out with Ylmaz - - which is desperately being peddled out as Philippines vs. Turkey/Oppressor vs. Victim.
Ruffa Gutierrez: Loser. A desperate act from a has-been, middle-aged B-actress who is trying to make a come-back by capitalizing on whatever publicity that can be squeezed out from this split. From caterwauling one minute "Hindi ko na kaya Kuya Boy!", to coyly saying the following week "Ligawan nya (Ylmaz) ulit ako" to having her born again baptism rites captured on cam and then heading off to Las Vegas the following week to relax and do damage control (about his marriage five years ago in Las Vegas). Ruffa, you're act is getting stale. You have become so predictable and boring.
Annabelle Rama: Winner. For always a character that she is. For being consistent in her act and for being our constant source of amusement. Conventional Wisdom almost fell off its chair when this motor-mouth fish-wife asked Dolly Ann to return the cosmetics she gave her and then, proceeded on by actually naming two unknown women on national television to pay their debts to her since she now has to take care of Ruffa and her grandchildren : "Hoy, so and so... magbayad na kayo ng utang nyo sa akin dahil marami na akong papalamunin ngayon" or something to that effect. Panalo talaga si Bisaya. I strongly suggest to PGMA that we give this woman a postion in the government preferably as Head of our National Defense. Asap.
Dolly Ann Carvajal: Winner and Loser. A lot of people don't like this woman. For one, she is not pleasing to the eye. Her gay son looks a lot better than she. And admit it or not, she became a writer through connections - mom and aunt. But being objective about the whole thing, Conventional Wisdom thinks that Dolly Ann is on the right this time. Why can't the mother and daughter (MAD) tandem just answer the questions posed by Dolly Ann? Why can't Annabelle stick to the issues instead of pointing out something we already know : how ugly Dolly Ann is. What makes Dolly Ann a loser is her constant use of her departed mom's legacy and memory whenever someone would diss her out. Honey, stop hiding under the skirt of your mom. You are not a sacred cow.
Pia Guanio: Loser. What a lousy lousy interviewer. The depth of her talent as a host is as long as her irritating mini skirts. Do us a favor Pia, ask Bossing to marry you already and then fade into oblivion.
Gretchen Baretto: Loser. One word: Wow. The affectations of La Greta can only matched by her delusions of grandeur. From the looks of it, she is experiencing the early on-set of a mid-life crisis. She has been picking fights left and right... with Lani Mercado, and then with Dawn Zulueta. From her classic statement about the looks of her own daughter: "Naaawa nga ako dahil karamihan ng tao ang sabi kay Dominique, kamukha sya ng tatay nya?". And now the "friendly beso-beso" lip-lock with John Estrada. Please explain to Conventional Wisdom -- "How can this be a friendly kiss when you and John looked so orgasmic in that shot? Gretchen is a classic example of "langaw na nakatungtong sa kalabaw, pero feeling mataas pa sa kalabaw." Someone should already tell this woman to seek professional help. Sober up and clean your act sister. You are no Paris Hilton. More like Plaster of Paris Hilton.
Cesar Montano, Richard Gomez, Manny Pacquiao, etc.: Losers. No further explanations needed.
Borgy Manotoc: Loser. Please. Please. From one scandal to the next. From one basag-ulo to the next. We have enough of you and your sap-sap mouth face. Will someone already put this psycho behind bars?
Butch Francisco and Dolly Ann as writers: Losers. Please don't waste precious newspaper space writing about personal stories that nobody (repeat, nobody!) finds interesting at all. From your maid's antics to your experience as a judge of Slimmers World Mr. and Ms. Ek ek, to a current love who inspires you. Please! A tree gave up its life to have these newspaper printed. Have I mentioned that nobody is interested?
Belo's Billboards: Loser. Hideous. Plain hideous. Whoever is advising Vicky (I can't call her Doctora Vicky because as Osang said, she was a mere aerobics instructor before) to put out all those monstrosities should be charged with Human Rights violations. From the disturbing Christmas billboard last December, to Richard Gomez's billboard pre-campaign period, to Ai-ai's scary shot. Conventional Wisdom would rather stare at the billboards of Ellen's Beauty Salon (with Ellen as the model herself) than see these Belo ads.
Nora Aunor: Loser. To be a has-been superstar drug dependent in your fifties is bad enough. To be caught doing drugs in another country is worse. To be found-out to have married another woman many years ago for a US green-card is worst. Ate Guy is a classic example of a person blessed with so much talent and opportunity gone to waste.
Regine Velasquez & Ogie Alcasid: Losers. Regine is what... nearing 40? As someone said "from her demeanor to her utterance, Regine is trying very very very hard to hold on to youth." And if I may add, failing miserably. This home-wrecker who speaks with an American sleng-sleng should act her age. Seeing her kilig-reaction about the admission of Ogie made me lose my appetite for dinner. Conventional Wisdom is really worried that anytime soon, Regine's face and body will collapse. From her hair extension, her fake long eyelashes, her fake nose, her man-made eye slits, her tooth-caps with gums, and her Gluthathioned skin, her fake boobs. Last we heard, her movie with Piolo flopped big time. Nobody wants to see a May - December love story anymore. Or more correctly, a May 1960 - December 2007 love affair story anymore.
These are the people that are giving Conventional Wisdom constant migraine the past months. If this trend continues until December, aneurysm can't be far behind.
Enjoy reading!
***
Winners/Losers : From Kris to Ruffa to Gretchen
(Desperate Housewives. Philippine Edition)
(Or are we reaping some sort of a negative karma to deserve them?)
The month of June is a good time to review what transpired for the first six months of 2007. For this edition, Conventional Wisdom is focusing on showbiz-related matters instead of the usual politics (which in a way is also show-biz but ......for ugly people). Read on.
Kris Aquino: Loser. While she is the innocent one in the whole James-Hope brouhaha, Conventional Wisdom thinks that she could have handled the incident with more dignity and privacy. One wonders why this drama queen wants to inflict her day-to-day saga with the whole planet. From exaggerating her "life-threatening" pregnancy, to lambasting her husband in public ("O magsalita ka? Totoo namang pina-palayas na kita sa bahay a?"), to actually using Ninoy to promote a cake in her latest commercial. Kris' next endorsement should neither be beer nor pastries but laundry detergent for her unquenchable desire to always wash her very dirty underwear in public.
James Yap: Loser. One word cad. As one writer succinctly said: "What do you expect from a provincial boy who suddenly became famous and wealthy?" The last time we witnessed a showbiz cad was during Gabby Concepcion's time. James is now second in our list. Conventional Wisdom is giving them maximum of 3 years as a couple. Kris is starting to look more and more mature and matronic. James is still young. Give James sometime, and after Hope – Faith and Charity will spring forth. Moral of the story. Smoking is bad for marriage: Kris had Philip, James had Hope. Conventional Wisdom can't take any More of this!!!
Ruffa Gutierrez/Annabelle Rama: The mother and daughter (MAD) team strikes again. From a filmfest scam that made it to CNN, to Brunie-yuki scandal that merited a senate hearing, and now, the falling out with Ylmaz - - which is desperately being peddled out as Philippines vs. Turkey/Oppressor vs. Victim.
Ruffa Gutierrez: Loser. A desperate act from a has-been, middle-aged B-actress who is trying to make a come-back by capitalizing on whatever publicity that can be squeezed out from this split. From caterwauling one minute "Hindi ko na kaya Kuya Boy!", to coyly saying the following week "Ligawan nya (Ylmaz) ulit ako" to having her born again baptism rites captured on cam and then heading off to Las Vegas the following week to relax and do damage control (about his marriage five years ago in Las Vegas). Ruffa, you're act is getting stale. You have become so predictable and boring.
Annabelle Rama: Winner. For always a character that she is. For being consistent in her act and for being our constant source of amusement. Conventional Wisdom almost fell off its chair when this motor-mouth fish-wife asked Dolly Ann to return the cosmetics she gave her and then, proceeded on by actually naming two unknown women on national television to pay their debts to her since she now has to take care of Ruffa and her grandchildren : "Hoy, so and so... magbayad na kayo ng utang nyo sa akin dahil marami na akong papalamunin ngayon" or something to that effect. Panalo talaga si Bisaya. I strongly suggest to PGMA that we give this woman a postion in the government preferably as Head of our National Defense. Asap.
Dolly Ann Carvajal: Winner and Loser. A lot of people don't like this woman. For one, she is not pleasing to the eye. Her gay son looks a lot better than she. And admit it or not, she became a writer through connections - mom and aunt. But being objective about the whole thing, Conventional Wisdom thinks that Dolly Ann is on the right this time. Why can't the mother and daughter (MAD) tandem just answer the questions posed by Dolly Ann? Why can't Annabelle stick to the issues instead of pointing out something we already know : how ugly Dolly Ann is. What makes Dolly Ann a loser is her constant use of her departed mom's legacy and memory whenever someone would diss her out. Honey, stop hiding under the skirt of your mom. You are not a sacred cow.
Pia Guanio: Loser. What a lousy lousy interviewer. The depth of her talent as a host is as long as her irritating mini skirts. Do us a favor Pia, ask Bossing to marry you already and then fade into oblivion.
Gretchen Baretto: Loser. One word: Wow. The affectations of La Greta can only matched by her delusions of grandeur. From the looks of it, she is experiencing the early on-set of a mid-life crisis. She has been picking fights left and right... with Lani Mercado, and then with Dawn Zulueta. From her classic statement about the looks of her own daughter: "Naaawa nga ako dahil karamihan ng tao ang sabi kay Dominique, kamukha sya ng tatay nya?". And now the "friendly beso-beso" lip-lock with John Estrada. Please explain to Conventional Wisdom -- "How can this be a friendly kiss when you and John looked so orgasmic in that shot? Gretchen is a classic example of "langaw na nakatungtong sa kalabaw, pero feeling mataas pa sa kalabaw." Someone should already tell this woman to seek professional help. Sober up and clean your act sister. You are no Paris Hilton. More like Plaster of Paris Hilton.
Cesar Montano, Richard Gomez, Manny Pacquiao, etc.: Losers. No further explanations needed.
Borgy Manotoc: Loser. Please. Please. From one scandal to the next. From one basag-ulo to the next. We have enough of you and your sap-sap mouth face. Will someone already put this psycho behind bars?
Butch Francisco and Dolly Ann as writers: Losers. Please don't waste precious newspaper space writing about personal stories that nobody (repeat, nobody!) finds interesting at all. From your maid's antics to your experience as a judge of Slimmers World Mr. and Ms. Ek ek, to a current love who inspires you. Please! A tree gave up its life to have these newspaper printed. Have I mentioned that nobody is interested?
Belo's Billboards: Loser. Hideous. Plain hideous. Whoever is advising Vicky (I can't call her Doctora Vicky because as Osang said, she was a mere aerobics instructor before) to put out all those monstrosities should be charged with Human Rights violations. From the disturbing Christmas billboard last December, to Richard Gomez's billboard pre-campaign period, to Ai-ai's scary shot. Conventional Wisdom would rather stare at the billboards of Ellen's Beauty Salon (with Ellen as the model herself) than see these Belo ads.
Nora Aunor: Loser. To be a has-been superstar drug dependent in your fifties is bad enough. To be caught doing drugs in another country is worse. To be found-out to have married another woman many years ago for a US green-card is worst. Ate Guy is a classic example of a person blessed with so much talent and opportunity gone to waste.
Regine Velasquez & Ogie Alcasid: Losers. Regine is what... nearing 40? As someone said "from her demeanor to her utterance, Regine is trying very very very hard to hold on to youth." And if I may add, failing miserably. This home-wrecker who speaks with an American sleng-sleng should act her age. Seeing her kilig-reaction about the admission of Ogie made me lose my appetite for dinner. Conventional Wisdom is really worried that anytime soon, Regine's face and body will collapse. From her hair extension, her fake long eyelashes, her fake nose, her man-made eye slits, her tooth-caps with gums, and her Gluthathioned skin, her fake boobs. Last we heard, her movie with Piolo flopped big time. Nobody wants to see a May - December love story anymore. Or more correctly, a May 1960 - December 2007 love affair story anymore.
These are the people that are giving Conventional Wisdom constant migraine the past months. If this trend continues until December, aneurysm can't be far behind.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Anti-Climactic
Parang napaka-anti-climactic ng ilang mga nangyayari sa buhay ko. Kumbaga sa movie, dumating na ang climax na hindi man lang napapansin ng mga manonood. It flows evenly that there seems to be no dramatic conclusions to it.
Two years ago, I got sick for almost three weeks. On and off ang naging lagnat ko n'un during the first couple of days until nagtuloy-tuloy na siya the week after. Nang mag-pa-check-up ako, I had dengue daw, according to the doctors. Usong-uso 'yun that time. Dahil sa prolonged fever, naisip na rin namin na baka nga dengue. But I waiting for some bleeding or rashes to surface para masabi ko nga na tinamaan nga ako ng lintek. There was none kaya the result was sort of surprising. Dagdag pa nga ng mga doctors na I already have an anti-dengue strain in my blood so they were able to tell na 'yun nga ang naging sakit ko. Luckily, malakas ang resistensya ko kaya nalampasan ko. Imagine, nagka-dengue na pala ako ng hindi ko nalalaman. Kung hindi kami pumunta sa hospital, I could've gotten better without knowing what hit me. Hindi ko lang kasi tinuloy-tuloy ang pag-inom ng paracetamol kaya nagpa-balik-balik 'yung lagnat ko, thus we had to visit the doctor.
Last Friday, my dad and I made another hospital visit. This time it was because I felt a sudden lightness and numbness in my left arm. I am not that alarmed with it but I had to make sure that it wasn't what we're thinking it was. Because the feeling was sudden and first time, the doctors had to asked me to be admitted for at least a day. I had to be under observation because it might've been a case of "mild stroke," just what Biboy thought it was. And if I really suffered such, the next hit would be dangerous and might lead to death. Still, I wasn't that alarmed. I didn't have any thoughts of it might be my last day. However, we had to make sure. Kahit kapos sa budget, carry na rin.
Naisip ko, kita mo nga naman, kung totoo nga, na-istroke na pala ako nang hindi ko nalalaman. Anti-climactic, di ba? Siguro kaya minsan nagkakaganu'n ang mga pangyayari sa buhay ko is because I don't like confrontations. Usually, when I feel bad about something, iniinda ko muna; ninanamnam bago iparating sa mga taong involved. So when it reached them, hindi na ganu'n kalakas ang impact on them or on me even. Pang-closure na lang kumbaga. Naisip ko nga noon pa na kung magkakaroon ako ng sakit, sakit sa puso 'yun dahil sa dami ng kanyang dinadala.
Naisip ko rin, hindi ring malayo na nagka-mild stroke ako that night. This year has been quite awful to me and my family and it seems that it keeps on hitting us, testing our strenghts and courage. Hindi pa nga kami fully recovered with the last major blow, may mga dumadating na naman. Aside from that, this week (and the past months) has been pretty stressful to me. Everything seems to be not going right in my life. Parang anytime ay magbe-break down ako. A lot of thoughts have been running through my mind and I'm having unpleasant dreams. Wala akong maaccomplish. Wala akong magawang tama. It seems like no matter what I do, everything is against me.
Fortunately, after all the tests that were given to me -- ECG, Head CT Scan, urine test, blood test, I was cleared. There was no stroke, no hypertension, no diabetes. Malinis ako. Most likely, it was just muscle strain. But still, we shouldn't dismissed the idea of a stroke. I have to observe myself if there'd be any changes these coming two weeks. Baka mayro'n daw kasing hindi nakita sa CT Scan. Para lang makasiguro.
Sa ngayon, mayro'n pa rin akong muscle pain. Ngayon nga lang nag-surface 'yung sakit. Hindi pa rin normal ang pakiramdam niya compared with my right arm. Nagna-numb pa rin 'yung left thumb ko once in a while.
One thing na nasiguro ko with my first time confinement in a hospital is that I wouldn't want to die in it. Ang lungkot-lungkot niya kahit pa sabihin mo you'd be surrounded by your love ones. The fact that you're there is already a statement of sadness. Mas masarap pa rin sigurong bawian ng buhay sa sarili mong tirahan, sa sarili mong kwarto. Walang kung sinu-sinong nurses at interns (idagdag pa ang Care Giver students) na titingin sa 'yo at mag-uusisa sa kung anuman ang nangyari sa 'yo. Mamamatay ka nang matiwasay. (Assuming that you'd die of a disease, ah.)
Anyway, nagpapasalamat pa rin ako na walang nangyaring masama sa akin. But if it was my time, carry na rin. At least okay rin 'yung may sort of warning of an impending death. May time ka pang magpaalam sa lahat. Huwag naman sana anti-climactic uli na hindi na lang ako magigising one night at mare-realize ng lahat na I have passed on. Ang corny ng ganu'n!
Two years ago, I got sick for almost three weeks. On and off ang naging lagnat ko n'un during the first couple of days until nagtuloy-tuloy na siya the week after. Nang mag-pa-check-up ako, I had dengue daw, according to the doctors. Usong-uso 'yun that time. Dahil sa prolonged fever, naisip na rin namin na baka nga dengue. But I waiting for some bleeding or rashes to surface para masabi ko nga na tinamaan nga ako ng lintek. There was none kaya the result was sort of surprising. Dagdag pa nga ng mga doctors na I already have an anti-dengue strain in my blood so they were able to tell na 'yun nga ang naging sakit ko. Luckily, malakas ang resistensya ko kaya nalampasan ko. Imagine, nagka-dengue na pala ako ng hindi ko nalalaman. Kung hindi kami pumunta sa hospital, I could've gotten better without knowing what hit me. Hindi ko lang kasi tinuloy-tuloy ang pag-inom ng paracetamol kaya nagpa-balik-balik 'yung lagnat ko, thus we had to visit the doctor.
Last Friday, my dad and I made another hospital visit. This time it was because I felt a sudden lightness and numbness in my left arm. I am not that alarmed with it but I had to make sure that it wasn't what we're thinking it was. Because the feeling was sudden and first time, the doctors had to asked me to be admitted for at least a day. I had to be under observation because it might've been a case of "mild stroke," just what Biboy thought it was. And if I really suffered such, the next hit would be dangerous and might lead to death. Still, I wasn't that alarmed. I didn't have any thoughts of it might be my last day. However, we had to make sure. Kahit kapos sa budget, carry na rin.
Naisip ko, kita mo nga naman, kung totoo nga, na-istroke na pala ako nang hindi ko nalalaman. Anti-climactic, di ba? Siguro kaya minsan nagkakaganu'n ang mga pangyayari sa buhay ko is because I don't like confrontations. Usually, when I feel bad about something, iniinda ko muna; ninanamnam bago iparating sa mga taong involved. So when it reached them, hindi na ganu'n kalakas ang impact on them or on me even. Pang-closure na lang kumbaga. Naisip ko nga noon pa na kung magkakaroon ako ng sakit, sakit sa puso 'yun dahil sa dami ng kanyang dinadala.
Naisip ko rin, hindi ring malayo na nagka-mild stroke ako that night. This year has been quite awful to me and my family and it seems that it keeps on hitting us, testing our strenghts and courage. Hindi pa nga kami fully recovered with the last major blow, may mga dumadating na naman. Aside from that, this week (and the past months) has been pretty stressful to me. Everything seems to be not going right in my life. Parang anytime ay magbe-break down ako. A lot of thoughts have been running through my mind and I'm having unpleasant dreams. Wala akong maaccomplish. Wala akong magawang tama. It seems like no matter what I do, everything is against me.
Fortunately, after all the tests that were given to me -- ECG, Head CT Scan, urine test, blood test, I was cleared. There was no stroke, no hypertension, no diabetes. Malinis ako. Most likely, it was just muscle strain. But still, we shouldn't dismissed the idea of a stroke. I have to observe myself if there'd be any changes these coming two weeks. Baka mayro'n daw kasing hindi nakita sa CT Scan. Para lang makasiguro.
Sa ngayon, mayro'n pa rin akong muscle pain. Ngayon nga lang nag-surface 'yung sakit. Hindi pa rin normal ang pakiramdam niya compared with my right arm. Nagna-numb pa rin 'yung left thumb ko once in a while.
One thing na nasiguro ko with my first time confinement in a hospital is that I wouldn't want to die in it. Ang lungkot-lungkot niya kahit pa sabihin mo you'd be surrounded by your love ones. The fact that you're there is already a statement of sadness. Mas masarap pa rin sigurong bawian ng buhay sa sarili mong tirahan, sa sarili mong kwarto. Walang kung sinu-sinong nurses at interns (idagdag pa ang Care Giver students) na titingin sa 'yo at mag-uusisa sa kung anuman ang nangyari sa 'yo. Mamamatay ka nang matiwasay. (Assuming that you'd die of a disease, ah.)
Anyway, nagpapasalamat pa rin ako na walang nangyaring masama sa akin. But if it was my time, carry na rin. At least okay rin 'yung may sort of warning of an impending death. May time ka pang magpaalam sa lahat. Huwag naman sana anti-climactic uli na hindi na lang ako magigising one night at mare-realize ng lahat na I have passed on. Ang corny ng ganu'n!
Sunday, July 08, 2007
GMA 7 Sindie Awards Night
Shocked. "Congratulations Don and Jheck for winning Best Story," was the message I received from Anjo tonight. "Totoo ba ito," ang tanging naibato kong sagot sa kanya. Frankly speaking, I was shocked. Paano nangyari 'yun? How could we have been nominated in the first place in the said category when it wasn't our story to begin with? Was there a mix-up of some sort? Best Story ba talaga o Best Screenplay? But Anjo made it clear that we really won the Best Story category.Confused. With that being said, I got confused. Ano ba ang dapat maramdaman sa pagkakataong ito? It was supposed to be a "winning" moment yet it doesn't feel so. As I've said, screen writers lang kami. Hindi kami ang pinagmulan ng kuwento. However, even if we have won Best Screenplay, parang mali pa rin since what was seen on screen was not our writing. Napalitan na nga on the day of the shoot without our (Don and I) prior knowledge. I'm not the kind of person na mag-eepal para sa isang bagay na hindi ko naman talaga kinarir. Unless magiging true to its form ang judging at screenplay talaga "namin" ang pagbabasehan.
Weirded Out. Sabi ko kay Don na ang weird ng feeling. Was it a mistake? A consolation? Or a vindication? Ito ba ang sagot sa lahat ng dusa na naranasan namin before, during, and after the shoot? I swear, kahit na pilit na namin siyang tinalikuran, sinusundan pa rin niya kami, nagpi-feeling Sukob girl! (Just to make it clear, Kasal ang title ng aming short film.)
Whose winning is it, anyway? Thank heavens that we didn't attend the awards night. (At one point parang ginusto kong umaten if not for what happened to me last Friday -- for a later post 'yun.) I wouldn't know how to react once on stage or what to say. I wouldn't want to fully claim it as my own and I wouldn't want to mention the name-that-we-shouldn't-speak-of, as well. I wouldn't want to give him any satisfaction.
But what could the name-we-shouldn't-speak-of have felt too upon learning such winning? Matutuwa ba siya kahit na hindi pangalan niya ang binanggit? This could have been his ticket to whatever fame he is aiming at. But no! Tulad ng dati, kami na naman ng humarang sa kanyang mga pangarap. In his story, we are the antagonists. In our story, he is the devil! Kanya-kanyang POV (point of view) lang 'yan.
Grinned. Still, masarap pa rin ngumiti. The award was in our names and not his. Hindi ko siya aangkinin. Nakakatawang isipin lang na kami pa rin ang pinangaralan at hindi siya.
So it is but right to say
Belat.
P.S. I haven't seen our finished project yet. Siguro it's time to watch it. Bago man lang magtapos ang showing on July 10. So invite ko na rin kayo to watch Sindié: Sa Pagsisismula ng Indie at Robinson's Galleria Cinema 8, 12-10 PM. Tickets are at PhP100.00 for all short films.
The 14 featured short films are: Katha, Saka, Mga Kuwento Kong Sana, Taong Grasa, Otra Ves, Sidewalk, Kasal, Baritada, and In A Flash (8 minutes); Lea, Batang Bato, Binhi, and Photo Express (20 minutes); and Glen Con Banyo (3 minutes).
P.P.S. Siguro ang magiging acceptance speech ko ay "Acy, Don, and Len, congratulations sa 'tin! May saysay rin pala lahat ng naging hirap natin! At sa lahat ng naging kontrabida. . . Ewan ko sa n'yo!"
;)
Thursday, June 21, 2007
7 Untold Pinoy Stories
This isn't my writing nor my chikkas. I just thought that it is an interesting read, aside from the fact that it was well-written, so I'm posting it here. Medyo mahaba pero worth reading.
'Yung iba alam ko na, pero hindi ang buong kwento. 'Yung iba naman ay nakakatuwang malaman. Ibang klase talaga umikot ang gulong ng buhay. It is fascinating to learn where our lives would lead us and how intertwined it would be.
Anyway, in case may matamaan, 'wag po ako ang sisihin n'yo.
---------
Untold Pinoy Story No.1
It Could Happen Only in the Movies
These two women move in different circles but they seem to lead parallel lives.
Barbara C. Gonzales is the great-granddaughter of national hero, Dr.Jose Rizal. Her great-grandmother is Dr. Jose Rizal's elder sister, Maria, a liberated woman who was separated from her husband Daniel.
Barbara is more popularly known by her nickname, Tweetums. She once appeared in a Del Monte tomato sauce TV commercial featuring three generations of women in the kitchen. Yes, that was Tweetums with her daughter, Panjee, and Tweetum's mother whom they fondly called Mamu. Tweetums was married to Ramon Tapales, a successful businessman. Their daughter, Panjee Tapales ( a.k.a. singer Panjee Gonzales), was co-host of ABS-CBN's daily morning show, Alas Singko Y Media (now Magandang Umaga Pilipinas) and its defunct Sunday morning game show with Roderick Paulate and Eric Quizon. Panjee soon became the second wife of ABS-CBN chairman, Gabby Lopez. (But that's another story.) Tweetums writes about art and culture in her column for the Philippine Star.
She has published a couple of books consisting of collections of her essays from her newspaper column. She remains a highly-respected media personality, being the president of a major advertising company.
Socorro Alicia R. Quirino is the granddaughter of former president Elpidio Quirino. More popularly known by her nickname, Cory, she hosts a lifestyle show on TV. Her kidnapping ordeal a few years ago was made into a movie entitled The Cory Quirino Kidnap which was directed by massacre king Carlo J. Caparas. Cory was married to Roman Cruz, Jr. who was the president of Philippine Airlines and head of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Cory writes a regular column on fitness and health for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. She also published a series of health, beauty and inspirational books. She remains a highly visible media personality with her radio and TV programs.
While Tweetums and Cory were both successful in their respective careers, their personal lives were not as rosy. Tweetums Gonzales and her husband, Ramon Tapales, eventually decided to lead separate lives. Likewise, Cory Quirino and her husband, Roman Cruz, Jr., soon parted ways.
Indeed, Tweetums and Cory seem to lead parallel lives.
Then, in a strange twist of fate, the unthinkable happened. While geometry teaches us that parallel lines can never intersect, the parallel lives of Tweetums and Cory did intersect.
Tweetums Gonzales got married to Cory's former husband, Roman Cruz, Jr.
Meanwhile, Cory Quirino got married to Tweetum's former husband, Ramon Tapales.
Just like in the movies.
And you know the rest of their stories. . .
***
Untold Story No. 2
At a tender age of 17, Marcial was a war correspondent for The Manila Times. Marcial's war experience provided him with a treasure chest of stories which inspired him to write a movie screenplay. His screenplay was made into a movie, starring Jaime de la Rosa and a 16 year old actress named Dorothy. Helmed by renowned director Lamberto Avellana, the movie was a huge success. During the first FAMAS award ceremony in 1952, Dorothy received the first FAMAS trophy for best supporting actress for her role in the movie.
The only child of a US soldier and a Filipina, Dorothy was also a semi-finalist in the 1952 Miss Philippines beauty contest. It was therefore not surprising that Marcial got so enamored with Dorothy that he did everything to court her. Marcial even carried Dorothy's make-up kit during movie shootings. Marcial became Dorothy's dakilang alalay.
Dorothy studied pre-Law at the University of Santo Tomas but her booming movie career made it impossible for her to continue.
Likewise, Marcial took up Law at the University of the Philippines but the lure of journalism ended his dream of becoming a lawyer.
Marcial became known for his gift of gab and political skill. This led to his victory as a town mayor at a young age of 22. Meanwhile, Dorothy became popular for her acting prowess and dancing skill. This led to her victory in several acting derbies.
Marcial's younger sister was the director of the movie which won for Dorothy her last FAMAS best supporting actress award.
But while Philippine politics and show business naturally intertwine, political kingpin Marcial and movie queen Dorothy were not destined to be together.
Dorothy married a man named Victorino who fathered her only daughter. But their union did not last. After a series of unsuccessful relationships, Dorothy finally tied the knot again with an American B-movie actor-singer. In contrast, Marcial remained faithfully married all his life to an American-educated woman who bore his only son and four daughters.
But while Marcial survived the Korean War which he covered, he did not survive the war on the home front. Likewise, Dorothy did not survive her own war at home.
Both Marcial and Dorothy suffered violent deaths. Marcial was shot. Dorothy was stabbed several times. Committed 18 years apart, the separate murders of Marcial and Dorothy made headlines several years ago. However, both murders remained unsolved to this day. Some say that identifying their killers is not the issue because everyone, except the authorities, seems to know the identity of their respective killers. Rumors even abound that the masterminds in the murders of Marcial and Dorothy were related to them by affinity. But the real mystery lies in the fact that the perpetrators of these high-profile crimes remain scot-free to this day, despite the enormous clout which the victims' respective family wields.
Some say that Marcial's death was a result of his being branded a communist by the government. This is ironic because the screenplay which Marcial wrote and which won for Dorothy her first FAMAS trophy was the second in a trilogy of anti-communist movies which were produced by LVN Pictures in support of the government's efforts to fight communism.
Dorothy's shocking death led to embarrassing revelations about her painful personal battle. Marcial's equally shocking death led to well-deserved recognition of his heroic political battle.
Dorothy was killed amid rows of cars in the covered and dark parking lot of the Movie and Television Review
and Classification Board (MTRCB) building. Despite his escorts, Marcial was killed amid rows of airplanes in a wide open space in broad daylight while descending down the tarmac of what was then known as the Manila
International Airport (MIA).
Of course, we all know Dorothy was Dolphy's TV wife, Marsha.
And we all know Marcial was Cory's real-life husband, Ninoy.
Yes, Dorothy Jones was the real name of Nida Blanca. And yes, Marcial Bonifacio was the fictitious name on the passport of Benigno Aquino, Jr. on the day that he was murdered.
And you know the rest of their stories. . .
***
Untold Pinoy Story No. 3
She was born on the day of hearts, February 14. But her parents did not name her Valentina. Not even Venus or Aphrodite. They opted for the holy-sounding Kristina Bernadette. But she did not turn out to be a saint.
Being the youngest, Kristina Bernadette captured the heart of her father. Father and daughter were inseparable. Until tragedy struck.
Kristina Bernadette's father was sent to prison. His heart ailment grew worse there.
On February 14, 1974, Valentine's Day, Kristina Bernadette celebrated her third birthday with her father in prison. On the same day, a man was exchanging hearts with a southern belle in nearby San Juan church.
Nine years later, on August 21, the man who got married in San Juan church was celebrating his birthday
with his basketball buddies. On the same day, Kristina Bernadette's father was killed.
Kristina Bernadette and the married man never knew each other. They lived very different lives. But in 1994,
Kristina Bernadette and the married man met at work. Their first meeting blossomed into deep friendship. Some said that she longed for a father figure. But the friendship blossomed into romance which went beyond control. Kristina Bernadette used her heart, not her head. She decided to live with the married man.
Kristina Bernadette's mother was furious at the relationship. How could Kristina Bernadette's mother like a man who celebrates his birthday every year on the death anniversary of her murdered husband? But more than this was the fact that the man's heart already belonged to someone else. In fact, he has a grown-up daughter in New York who was nearly Kristina Bernadette's age.
Despite her religious mother's efforts to put an end to Kristina Bernadette's adulterous affair with the man, Kristina Bernadette had her way. It didn't matter to Kristina Bernadette that her decision prevented her from receiving church communion because she was openly living in sin.
It did not take long before Kristina Bernadette gave birth to her love child who was the spitting image of her live-in partner. But Kristina Bernadette's son was born with Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder. Her son's birth softened the heart of Kristina Bernadette's mother who announced that Kristina Bernadette's son as her favorite grandson. When Kristina Bernadette first planned to have a liposuction, her mother tried to stop her, warning Kristina Bernadette that she (the mother) was too old to take care of Kristina Bernadette's son if something happened to her during her surgery. But as in the past, Kristina Bernadette had her way. She went on with her liposuction.
But Kristina Bernadette's relationship with her live-in partner was not meant to last. In her Ateneo accent, Kristina Bernadette would always correct her live-in partner's grammatical lapses. Her live-in partner also got annoyed whenever Kristina Bernadette would hand him a stick of Milagrosa candle every time he used the bathroom.
According to Kristina Bernadette, the candle helped drive away the stinking smell of her live-in partner's crap. Kristina Bernadette confessed that she learned this trick from her mother. And when Kristina Bernadette's live-in partner stopped pursuing his petition for the annulment of his first marriage in San Juan church, Kristina Bernadette began to express doubt about her live-in partner's sincerity in marrying her. Kristina Bernadette's heart was hurt.
Their relationship turned for the worse.
Kristina Bernadette finally realized that her live-in partner could never be her savior. She decided to leave the father of her son and her live-in partner for many years: Philip Salvador.
Yes, Kristina Bernadette is the youngest daughter of President Corazon (means heart in Spanish) Aquino and the late Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr.
And yes, Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino is the full name of Kris Aquino.
And everyone knows the heart of her story.
***
Untold Pinoy Story No. 4
East and West
The Story of the Muslim Princess
Suppose that there was a Muslim princess from the flood capital of the Philippines, Malabon, who has just finished her degree in Mass Communications from the University of the Philippines with Latin honors (cum laude). Suppose that she decided to work for Discorama. Remember the Saturday afternoon show on GMA Channel 7 with former Senator Tito Sotto, his brother Vic Sotto and comedian Joey de Leon as hosts?
The Muslim princess was assigned to host the Tough Hits segment of the show. As Tough Hits girl, she did the
weekly countdown of popular songs with bastardized lyrics to elicit cheap laughs. Her mother, who was an executive at the Philippine National Bank in Escolta, just shrugged her shoulders whenever her colleagues would ask about her favorite daughter's TV show.
Soon, a female newscaster of a major TV network introduced the Muslim princess to her brother, a flight steward. After a whirlwind courtship, the Muslim princess married the flight steward who used to be a child actor whose only claim to fame was playing the role of a toddler Bongbong Marcos in a Marcos bio-flick. After a couple of months, the Muslim princess and the flight steward quietly separated.
But career-wise, lady luck smiled at the Muslim princess when she was given a big break by the major TV network. She bagged the plum assignment of delivering the evening news while at the same time hosting a successful TV magazine program which was pitted against a similar program in a rival TV network hosted by her former UP professor. However, the Muslim princess was such a perfectionist that it was reportedly not uncommon to see objects flying whenever she was unsatisfied with her TV staff's work.
Later, the Muslim princess got married again, this time to a well-known local politician from a province south of Manila. The namesake of her father, her politician husband had grown-up children close to the Muslim
princess' age and it was being talked about that his first wife lived in the same condominium building where the Muslim princess and her new husband occupied the penthouse. The Muslim princess'husband also reportedly decided to become a Muslim so that he could have more than one wife. They were blessed with two sons.
The Muslim princess' husband soon retired from politics and became contented with being a magician and a human toothpaste applier for his Muslim princess' toothbrush. (Incidentally, the Muslim princess once appeared in a Close-Up Toothpaste TV commercial.) Now, the Muslim princess and her magician husband (He could make a big Coke bottle disappear before your eyes.) are happily separated. Later, the Muslim princess' husband was accused of being responsible for the disappearance of his close friend.
The Story of the Black Nazarene Devotee
Suppose that there was a Black Nazarene devotee from the tamaraw capital of the Philippines who claimed to have graduated with a business degree from the University of the East despite his critics' contention that he just bought his college diploma from the sidewalk of C. M. Recto Avenue. He worked as a radio reporter for a major radio and TV network. With perseverance, he was given a Sunday morning radio show. Later, he would occasionally pinch-hit for announcers whenever they would not show up for their radio program.
He also hosted a daily radio serialization of movies for a program dubbed as Sineradyo.
His biggest TV break came when a TV network hired him for a top-rated showbiz-oriented TV show called See-True. The show was hosted by gossip queen, Lourdes Jimenez-Carvajal who was more popularly known as Inday Badiday or Ate Luds to her legions of fans.
The Black Nazarene devotee's appearance was only through voice-over (and he was never really seen by the TV audience) and it was always preceded by his usual line: "Ate Luds, may phone-in question po tayo rito galing kay...". Yes, his job involved reading TV audience's phone-in questions to Inday Badiday's movie star guests.
However, despite the TV show's enormous popularity, it was immediately cancelled after one of the show's female guests hurled an ashtray at another female guest.
Later, the Black Nazarene devotee married a lady executive of the radio and TV network where he had moved up to become the host of its early morning radio show. They adopted a girl and had a younger son later.
Never The Twain Shall Meet
Suppose that the Muslim princess and the Black Nazarene devotee met in the same office where they both work. Suppose also that the Black Nazarene devotee personally chose the Muslim princess as one of the principal sponsors for his adopted daughter's wedding to one of the members of the staff of his widely popular TV program.
Suppose further that both the Muslim princess and the Black Nazarene devotee became elected government officials and they both decided to run for the same government office on the same year. They both run for say, the presidency of the Philippines. No, that's being too ambitious. Okay, suppose that they both run for the position of Vice President under opposing political parties. Who would you vote for?
The Muslim princess or the Black Nazarene devotee?
If you would vote for the Muslim princess, you just wasted your vote.
If you would vote for the Black Nazarene devotee, you are good at spotting a winner (but it does not mean that you did not also waste your vote).
Because the honorary Muslim princess is former Senator Loren Legarda who lost her bid for the Vice Presidency of the Philippines in the 2002 national elections.
And yes, the Black Nazarene devotee who helps carry the replica of the Black Nazarene image barefoot and earing only a white undershirt (sans bullet-proof vest) during the annual Quiapo procession as part of his
religious devotion (yes, he still does it up to this day) is Noli de Castro, current Vice President of the
Philippines.
***
Untold Pinoy Story No. 5
Her Mother's Joy
Her mother has always been proud of her. Mighty proud. And rightly so.
In the spring of 1991, Julia Roberts graced the cover of People Magazine's special issue featuring its annual list of The 50 Most Beautiful People in the World. Together with Julia Roberts in this ultimate list of the most beautiful people were Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Madonna, Mel Gibson, Whitney Houston, Michelle Pfeiffer, Isabella Rossellini, supermodels Claudia Schiffer & Naomi Campbell and oops!.. a Filipina?
Yes, People Magazine's 1991 list of The 50 Most Beautiful People in the World included a true-blooded Filipina who was born, raised and educated in the Philippines.
Unlike most beautiful Filipinas who were the products of mixed marriages and who have therefore acquired foreign physical features, this Filipina was born to a Filipina mother and a Filipino father. It is no wonder that she does not typify a beautiful woman by any standards: She is short, standing only 5'2". She has a huge and deep acne scar on her forehead. She has that distinct Asian nose (read: flat). She uses only Avon cosmetics (gasp!) and applies makeup by herself.
During her pre-Inno Sotto days, her clothes were not made by known couturiers: They were lovingly sewn at home by her mother who is a dressmaker. She does not even have the right genes to inherit beauty from: Her mother was plain, even stern-looking. Her father was a dark-skinned guy with the tough facial features of a hardened military man.
Although both the first names of her mother and father means happy in two different languages, their union was not as joyous. Her mother and father were never married, making her and her only brother illegitimate children.
In the mistress hierarchy, her mother was not even her father's second woman. Her father had a first mistress who ranked above her mother.
She and her brother only belong to their father's third family. And yes, the gay club performer who once appeared on national television was indeed her half-brother. She couldn't therefore be faulted for not talking about her father. In contrast, too much has been known about her mother. Her mother was always visible, too visible for comfort.
Her mother gave her the name Carmen and raised her in a province north of Manila. However, when it was time for her to go to school, her overprotective mother brought her and her brother to Manila to give them the best education. Carmen studied in Preciosa Soliven's Operation Brotherhood Montessori in Greenhills where she emerged as the school's valedictorian. However, Carmen's academic rival protested the school's decision to award Carmen the school's highest honors, claiming that she had better grades than Carmen.
Carmen's rival even revealed that the school's owner, Mrs. Soliven, was only fond of Carmen because she always performed in school programs which gave Carmen an edge in extra-curricular activities. But academically, Carmen reportedly did not really rise above her rival.
Lured into show business, Carmen became part of German Moreno's inane daily afternoon TV show, That's Entertainment, where she got paired with comedian and now Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert "Bistek" Bautista. (Some say that Vice Mayor Bautista was so enamored with Carmen that he later refused to marry his partner despite their having a child.) As one of the countless stars of Kuya Germ's That's Entertainment, Carmen's talent was overshadowed by the ridiculous mass appeal of the triumvirate of Sheryl Cruz, Manilyn Reynes, and Tina Paner.
Later, Carmen made a couple of forgettable films which were big flops.
Unsuccessful in local show business, Carmen enrolled as a BS Biology student in Ateneo de Manila, hoping to become a doctor. However, the lure of fame and fortune shattered her medical ambition. She followed her other dream and landed in a "Dreamland"! Yes, instead of comforting innocent and fresh-smelling babies in a hospital, she ended up entertaining horny, sweaty and foul-smelling drunken men in seedy bars.
When Carmen was a little girl, a local manghuhula predicted that she would be crowned Miss Universe. Her mother, legally known as Miss Imutan, was ecstatic upon hearing this. Sadly, the prophecy did not come true.
However, when Carmen was 18 years old, she bagged a beauty title. But it was farfetched from a Miss Universe crown. Carmen became Miss Saigon.
Yes, the only true-blooded Filipina who was included in People Magazine's The 50 Most Beautiful People in the World in 1991 is Feliciano Salonga and Ligaya "Joy" Imutan's only daughter: Carmen Lea Imutan Salonga.
Most of us know her simply as Lea Salonga.
***
Untold Pinoy Story No. 6
Beyond Sibling Rivalry
If your siblings are married to huge celebrities and you've just lost your chance of marrying one, would
you still strive to surpass their feat?
But how could you beat being married to an award-winning actress whose mother is a beautiful actress and whose father is the original Agent X-44 of Philipine movies?
Or being the wife of Mr. Pure Energy?
Or being Mr. Megastar?
Now, aren't you glad that you're not among the Pangilinan siblings?
Former Penthouse Live co-host and newspaper columnist Anthony Pangilinan married Maricel Laxa, an excellent actress who is the lovechild of circa '60s actress Imelda Ilanan and action star Tony Ferrer. She is also the half-sister of 1990 Miss Asia runner-up Mutya Crisostomo Laxa.
Anthony's brother, Senator Francis Pangilinan, was a campus figure in UP Diliman. He was the chairman of the UP Student Council in 1986. He married no less than the megastar, Sharon Cuneta.
Their sister, Angeli Pangilinan, was a campus beauty and brain while she was a student at the UP School of Economics in Diliman. Angeli married Mr.Pure Energy himself, Gary Valenciano.
REWIND: In the early 80s, teenager Edgardo Jose Martin Santiago Valenciano or Gary V. to most of us, fell deeply in love with a teenage girl who eventually became his girlfriend. Gary's true love, they said. And they really looked perfect together.
Their friends said that they were truly meant for each other. They were the picture of pure bliss. But not for
long.
Few weeks before Gary's first major concert in 1984, a female singer became pregnant. And Gary was the alleged father. Gary did not deny it. At 19, Gary joined the growing list of unwed teenage fathers.
Gary's former girlfriend was shocked upon hearing about Gary's indiscretion. She felt betrayed by Gary and the female singer. Gary's former girlfriend was devastated.
The pregnant singer who bore Gary's child was a former Camay girl who joined the ultra exclusive league of several generations of Camay beauties from the first Camay girl Paquita Roces to her two daughters, Maritess Revilla (Ang lahat ay napapalingon. At muling napapalingon) and Rosie Revilla to actress Rosa Rosal's daughter Toni Rose Gayda (Kutis porcelana) to concert pianist Ingrid Sala Santamaria's daughter Crispy Santamaria to a few others. The female singer indeed looked devastatingly beautiful in her memorable Camay TV commercial. But there was a teeny weeny objection among his friends: She was too old for the teenage and vibrant Gary whose popularity was just beginning to zoom up.
Everybody knows that the female singer who became pregnant with Gary's child was Maria Anna Elizabeth Nepomuceno Pangilinan. In 1985, Gary exchanged vows with the female singer who is more popularly known by her nickname: Angeli.
Angeli retired from her singing group, Music and Magic. Angeli sacrificed her flourishing singing career and left behind her fellow Music and Magic members led by jeepney driver's daughter-turned-nurse-turned-singer Kuh Ledesma, tenor singer-turned-Music and Magic co-founder-turned-musical director Jet Montelibano, and singer-turned-comedian-turned TNT-turned-bogus political asylum seeker-turned-Michael Garfinkel endorser Fe de los Reyes.
Angeli decided to become a full-time wife to Gary, baby Paolo's mom, and Gary's talent manager.
Meanwhile, the pain of losing Gary has left Gary's former girlfriend in deep shock. Gary and his new bride tried to comfort her but Gary's former girlfriend was inconsolable.
PLAY: Gary Valenciano's most inspired and most popular composition was first heard as the theme song of a Vilma Santos movie before it became the title of an Aga Muhlach-Lea Salonga flick and later, the title of a
Kim Chiu-Gerald Anderson TV soap opera.
The haunting melody and melancholy lyrics of this beautiful song make one wonder where Gary drew the passion and longing for lost love which every line of this song clearly evokes.
Listen:
Sana maulit muli
Ang mga oras nating nakaraan
Bakit nagkaganito
Naglaho na ba ang pag-ibig mo?
Sana'y maulit muli
Sana bigyan pansin ang himig ko
Kahapon, bukas, ngayon
Tanging wala ng ibang mahal
Kung kaya kong iwanan ka
'Di na sana aasa pa
Kung kaya kong umiwas na
'Di na sana lalapit pa
Kung kaya ko sana
Ibalik ang kahapon
Sandaling 'di mapapantayan
Huwag sana nating itapon
Pagmamahal
na tapat
Kung ako'y nagkamali minsan
'Di na ba mapagbibigyan
O giliw, dinggin mo ang nais ko, oooh...
Kung kaya kong iwanan ka
'Di na sana aasa pa
Kung kaya kong umiwas na
'Di na sana lalapit pa
Kung kaya ko sana
Ito ang tanging nais ko
Ang ating kahapon sana maulit muli
Kung kaya kong iwanan ka
'Di na sana aasa pa
Mahal pa rin kita
O giliw, o giliw ko, oooh...
This song was originally written by Gary in English. Ironically, the one who translated it to Tagalog was Gary's wife, Angeli.
FAST FORWARD: Now, Gary has three grown-up children with Angeli. On the other hand, Gary's former girlfriend is now known as Mrs. Buizon. She occasionally hosts a show on TV.
The pain has eased. Somehow. Even if the former lovers get to see each other regularly. They meet at her Mom's house during important occasions: Christmas. New Year. Birthday of Mrs. Buizon's mother. Mrs. Buizon's birthday. Gary's birthday. Holidays. Easter Sunday. Every Sunday, in fact.
Gary's equally famous in-laws were witnesses to the former lovers' meetings. But they do not mind at all.
Gary's wife, Angeli, does not make a fuss over it.
Even the family matriarch, retired public school teacher Mommy Emma, is not bothered by it.
But the truth is, they could not prevent the former lovers from seeing each other.
Because Gary's former girlfriend has to join her mother, siblings and in-laws during important family
occasions.
And because Gary's former girlfriend was Felichi Buizon.
And because before she got married, Gary's former girlfriend was known as Felichi Pangilinan.
And yes, because Felichi Pangilinan-Buizon is the younger sister of Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano.
And none of us would probably ever know the rest of this intriguing triangle's story.
***
Untold Pinoy Story No. 7
Pure Innuendoes
They were the best of friends. They were always seen together around the University of the Philippines (UP) campus in Diliman: one was undoubtedly a very good-looking guy and the other was unquestionably a plain-looking guy. Opposites really attract. Hey, but they're both brilliant students. Well, birds of the same feather also flock together. Indeed, they were very close to each other. Unusually close.
They were the perfect tandem. Like suman and ripe mango. Or nuts and bolts. Peg and a hole.
They were both protégées of then UP Student Council chairman Chito Gascon. Soon, the good-looking guy took the helm as UP Student Council chairman. But the best friends seem to follow each other's path. The plain-looking guy also ran for the same position with the all-out support of his good-looking friend. He won, of course.
The good-looking guy was the crush ng bayan of the iskolars ng bayan.
During lunchtime, students of all persuasions flocked to the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) cafeteria to catch a glimpse of the good-looking guy. Even singer-actress Regine Velasquez later admitted on national television that she had a big crush on the good-looking guy.
But loveless Regine's daring admission did not earn her even just a movie date invitation from the good-looking guy; instead, the good-looking guy merely flashed a demure smile in response to desperate Regine's thinly-veiled date invitation.
But after finishing college, the best friends went their separate ways. (Or so it seemed). The plain-looking guy pursued his law studies and later taught law courses. The good-looking guy delivered the evening news on TV, hosted a TV quiz show and wrote analytical articles on pop culture. His good looks, intelligence and impeccable manner endeared him to televiewers.
Despite their divergent career choices, the good-looking guy and the plain-looking guy really seemed to follow each other's path. But this time, their path led to a nice little apartment near the Ateneo de Manila campus. And they shared that nice little apartment. Just the two of them.
Yes, the plain-looking guy and the good-looking guy lived together.
Those gifted with wild imagination got titillated at the mere thought of these two young men sharing a lovely apartment. The moralists out there shook their heads at the mere thought of the goings-on beyond that innocent-looking apartment door amid rows of middle-class houses in Loyola Heights in Quezon City.
But the pair would not budge from their nest. Nor would they yield to any pressure. Not even from the
plain-looking guy's bible-reading siblings who berated him for living with another guy. The plain-looking guy's own family started to cast doubt about his masculinity.
All tell tale signs which have accumulated all those years could no longer be ignored. People started talking openly about the two guys.
Speculations about the true nature of the pair's friendship became a daily fodder for gossip mongers. The academic freedom which alma mater UP's oblation symbolizes seemed to have gone beyond the duo's lust for
knowledge.
In order to prove to his family that he was not what they thought he was, the plain-looking guy suddenly announced that he was getting married. His family jumped with joy.
But the plain-looking guy's marriage did not dispel wild speculations about his sexuality; instead, it only
succeeded in erasing any remaining doubt about his alleged agenda of using his wife to finally succeed in his failed initial crack at pursuing his lifelong dream.
And it was well worth his efforts. Because this former loser's desperate act finally triumphed. Thanks to his wife.
However, the plain-looking guy's deep friendship with his good-looking friend took a backseat as a result of the former's new civil status. The plain-looking guy did not want to hurt his new wife's flourishing career nor spoil his newfound success.
That's why he played his role as a good family man to the hilt. However, he had not forgotten his good-looking best friend at all. As a token of their undying friendship, the good-looking guy stood as one of the
godfathers of the plain-looking guy's first baby, together with Edu Manzano, Cesar Montano, Cherie Gil, Ciara Sotto, Angeli Valenciano, Fanny Serrano, and a host of other household names.
Of course, the plain-looking guy's wife was clueless about her husband's past.
But the plain-looking guy's wife had her share of dark past. She is a single mother who parted ways with her good-looking "first husband" after she discovered that her good-looking "first husband" was already married
to another woman when she hastily married him after she got pregnant at a young age. This meant that her
marriage to her good-looking "first husband" was not legally binding after all.
Now, the plain-looking guy was her knight-in-shining-armor who rescued her from the stigma of being an unmarried mother.
Ironically, while her non-binding marriage with her good-looking "first husband" was solemnized by several high-ranking priests at the cavernous Manila Cathedral amid countless clicking cameras and thousands of shrieking admirers several years ago, her supposedly legitimate marriage with the plain-looking guy was officiated not by a Catholic priest but by a pastor in a cramped living room, with only few relatives and friends as witnesses.
Later, the good-looking guy reportedly got married also without fanfare. They said that his bride was a creative consultant for ABS-CBN Interactive. However, some women still believe and hope that he is still unmarried to this day.
The good-looking guy soon rose to become ABS-CBN News Channel's ANC) Director for Current Affairs. He has been circling the globe as host of ANC's weekly travel show, Executive Class.
Yes, the good-looking guy is David Celdran.
And the plain-looking guy is ...'s husband, . . .
'Yung iba alam ko na, pero hindi ang buong kwento. 'Yung iba naman ay nakakatuwang malaman. Ibang klase talaga umikot ang gulong ng buhay. It is fascinating to learn where our lives would lead us and how intertwined it would be.
Anyway, in case may matamaan, 'wag po ako ang sisihin n'yo.
---------
Untold Pinoy Story No.1
It Could Happen Only in the Movies
These two women move in different circles but they seem to lead parallel lives.
Barbara C. Gonzales is the great-granddaughter of national hero, Dr.Jose Rizal. Her great-grandmother is Dr. Jose Rizal's elder sister, Maria, a liberated woman who was separated from her husband Daniel.
Barbara is more popularly known by her nickname, Tweetums. She once appeared in a Del Monte tomato sauce TV commercial featuring three generations of women in the kitchen. Yes, that was Tweetums with her daughter, Panjee, and Tweetum's mother whom they fondly called Mamu. Tweetums was married to Ramon Tapales, a successful businessman. Their daughter, Panjee Tapales ( a.k.a. singer Panjee Gonzales), was co-host of ABS-CBN's daily morning show, Alas Singko Y Media (now Magandang Umaga Pilipinas) and its defunct Sunday morning game show with Roderick Paulate and Eric Quizon. Panjee soon became the second wife of ABS-CBN chairman, Gabby Lopez. (But that's another story.) Tweetums writes about art and culture in her column for the Philippine Star.
She has published a couple of books consisting of collections of her essays from her newspaper column. She remains a highly-respected media personality, being the president of a major advertising company.
Socorro Alicia R. Quirino is the granddaughter of former president Elpidio Quirino. More popularly known by her nickname, Cory, she hosts a lifestyle show on TV. Her kidnapping ordeal a few years ago was made into a movie entitled The Cory Quirino Kidnap which was directed by massacre king Carlo J. Caparas. Cory was married to Roman Cruz, Jr. who was the president of Philippine Airlines and head of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Cory writes a regular column on fitness and health for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. She also published a series of health, beauty and inspirational books. She remains a highly visible media personality with her radio and TV programs.
While Tweetums and Cory were both successful in their respective careers, their personal lives were not as rosy. Tweetums Gonzales and her husband, Ramon Tapales, eventually decided to lead separate lives. Likewise, Cory Quirino and her husband, Roman Cruz, Jr., soon parted ways.
Indeed, Tweetums and Cory seem to lead parallel lives.
Then, in a strange twist of fate, the unthinkable happened. While geometry teaches us that parallel lines can never intersect, the parallel lives of Tweetums and Cory did intersect.
Tweetums Gonzales got married to Cory's former husband, Roman Cruz, Jr.
Meanwhile, Cory Quirino got married to Tweetum's former husband, Ramon Tapales.
Just like in the movies.
And you know the rest of their stories. . .
***
Untold Story No. 2
At a tender age of 17, Marcial was a war correspondent for The Manila Times. Marcial's war experience provided him with a treasure chest of stories which inspired him to write a movie screenplay. His screenplay was made into a movie, starring Jaime de la Rosa and a 16 year old actress named Dorothy. Helmed by renowned director Lamberto Avellana, the movie was a huge success. During the first FAMAS award ceremony in 1952, Dorothy received the first FAMAS trophy for best supporting actress for her role in the movie.
The only child of a US soldier and a Filipina, Dorothy was also a semi-finalist in the 1952 Miss Philippines beauty contest. It was therefore not surprising that Marcial got so enamored with Dorothy that he did everything to court her. Marcial even carried Dorothy's make-up kit during movie shootings. Marcial became Dorothy's dakilang alalay.
Dorothy studied pre-Law at the University of Santo Tomas but her booming movie career made it impossible for her to continue.
Likewise, Marcial took up Law at the University of the Philippines but the lure of journalism ended his dream of becoming a lawyer.
Marcial became known for his gift of gab and political skill. This led to his victory as a town mayor at a young age of 22. Meanwhile, Dorothy became popular for her acting prowess and dancing skill. This led to her victory in several acting derbies.
Marcial's younger sister was the director of the movie which won for Dorothy her last FAMAS best supporting actress award.
But while Philippine politics and show business naturally intertwine, political kingpin Marcial and movie queen Dorothy were not destined to be together.
Dorothy married a man named Victorino who fathered her only daughter. But their union did not last. After a series of unsuccessful relationships, Dorothy finally tied the knot again with an American B-movie actor-singer. In contrast, Marcial remained faithfully married all his life to an American-educated woman who bore his only son and four daughters.
But while Marcial survived the Korean War which he covered, he did not survive the war on the home front. Likewise, Dorothy did not survive her own war at home.
Both Marcial and Dorothy suffered violent deaths. Marcial was shot. Dorothy was stabbed several times. Committed 18 years apart, the separate murders of Marcial and Dorothy made headlines several years ago. However, both murders remained unsolved to this day. Some say that identifying their killers is not the issue because everyone, except the authorities, seems to know the identity of their respective killers. Rumors even abound that the masterminds in the murders of Marcial and Dorothy were related to them by affinity. But the real mystery lies in the fact that the perpetrators of these high-profile crimes remain scot-free to this day, despite the enormous clout which the victims' respective family wields.
Some say that Marcial's death was a result of his being branded a communist by the government. This is ironic because the screenplay which Marcial wrote and which won for Dorothy her first FAMAS trophy was the second in a trilogy of anti-communist movies which were produced by LVN Pictures in support of the government's efforts to fight communism.
Dorothy's shocking death led to embarrassing revelations about her painful personal battle. Marcial's equally shocking death led to well-deserved recognition of his heroic political battle.
Dorothy was killed amid rows of cars in the covered and dark parking lot of the Movie and Television Review
and Classification Board (MTRCB) building. Despite his escorts, Marcial was killed amid rows of airplanes in a wide open space in broad daylight while descending down the tarmac of what was then known as the Manila
International Airport (MIA).
Of course, we all know Dorothy was Dolphy's TV wife, Marsha.
And we all know Marcial was Cory's real-life husband, Ninoy.
Yes, Dorothy Jones was the real name of Nida Blanca. And yes, Marcial Bonifacio was the fictitious name on the passport of Benigno Aquino, Jr. on the day that he was murdered.
And you know the rest of their stories. . .
***
Untold Pinoy Story No. 3
She was born on the day of hearts, February 14. But her parents did not name her Valentina. Not even Venus or Aphrodite. They opted for the holy-sounding Kristina Bernadette. But she did not turn out to be a saint.
Being the youngest, Kristina Bernadette captured the heart of her father. Father and daughter were inseparable. Until tragedy struck.
Kristina Bernadette's father was sent to prison. His heart ailment grew worse there.
On February 14, 1974, Valentine's Day, Kristina Bernadette celebrated her third birthday with her father in prison. On the same day, a man was exchanging hearts with a southern belle in nearby San Juan church.
Nine years later, on August 21, the man who got married in San Juan church was celebrating his birthday
with his basketball buddies. On the same day, Kristina Bernadette's father was killed.
Kristina Bernadette and the married man never knew each other. They lived very different lives. But in 1994,
Kristina Bernadette and the married man met at work. Their first meeting blossomed into deep friendship. Some said that she longed for a father figure. But the friendship blossomed into romance which went beyond control. Kristina Bernadette used her heart, not her head. She decided to live with the married man.
Kristina Bernadette's mother was furious at the relationship. How could Kristina Bernadette's mother like a man who celebrates his birthday every year on the death anniversary of her murdered husband? But more than this was the fact that the man's heart already belonged to someone else. In fact, he has a grown-up daughter in New York who was nearly Kristina Bernadette's age.
Despite her religious mother's efforts to put an end to Kristina Bernadette's adulterous affair with the man, Kristina Bernadette had her way. It didn't matter to Kristina Bernadette that her decision prevented her from receiving church communion because she was openly living in sin.
It did not take long before Kristina Bernadette gave birth to her love child who was the spitting image of her live-in partner. But Kristina Bernadette's son was born with Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder. Her son's birth softened the heart of Kristina Bernadette's mother who announced that Kristina Bernadette's son as her favorite grandson. When Kristina Bernadette first planned to have a liposuction, her mother tried to stop her, warning Kristina Bernadette that she (the mother) was too old to take care of Kristina Bernadette's son if something happened to her during her surgery. But as in the past, Kristina Bernadette had her way. She went on with her liposuction.
But Kristina Bernadette's relationship with her live-in partner was not meant to last. In her Ateneo accent, Kristina Bernadette would always correct her live-in partner's grammatical lapses. Her live-in partner also got annoyed whenever Kristina Bernadette would hand him a stick of Milagrosa candle every time he used the bathroom.
According to Kristina Bernadette, the candle helped drive away the stinking smell of her live-in partner's crap. Kristina Bernadette confessed that she learned this trick from her mother. And when Kristina Bernadette's live-in partner stopped pursuing his petition for the annulment of his first marriage in San Juan church, Kristina Bernadette began to express doubt about her live-in partner's sincerity in marrying her. Kristina Bernadette's heart was hurt.
Their relationship turned for the worse.
Kristina Bernadette finally realized that her live-in partner could never be her savior. She decided to leave the father of her son and her live-in partner for many years: Philip Salvador.
Yes, Kristina Bernadette is the youngest daughter of President Corazon (means heart in Spanish) Aquino and the late Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr.
And yes, Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino is the full name of Kris Aquino.
And everyone knows the heart of her story.
***
Untold Pinoy Story No. 4
East and West
The Story of the Muslim Princess
Suppose that there was a Muslim princess from the flood capital of the Philippines, Malabon, who has just finished her degree in Mass Communications from the University of the Philippines with Latin honors (cum laude). Suppose that she decided to work for Discorama. Remember the Saturday afternoon show on GMA Channel 7 with former Senator Tito Sotto, his brother Vic Sotto and comedian Joey de Leon as hosts?
The Muslim princess was assigned to host the Tough Hits segment of the show. As Tough Hits girl, she did the
weekly countdown of popular songs with bastardized lyrics to elicit cheap laughs. Her mother, who was an executive at the Philippine National Bank in Escolta, just shrugged her shoulders whenever her colleagues would ask about her favorite daughter's TV show.
Soon, a female newscaster of a major TV network introduced the Muslim princess to her brother, a flight steward. After a whirlwind courtship, the Muslim princess married the flight steward who used to be a child actor whose only claim to fame was playing the role of a toddler Bongbong Marcos in a Marcos bio-flick. After a couple of months, the Muslim princess and the flight steward quietly separated.
But career-wise, lady luck smiled at the Muslim princess when she was given a big break by the major TV network. She bagged the plum assignment of delivering the evening news while at the same time hosting a successful TV magazine program which was pitted against a similar program in a rival TV network hosted by her former UP professor. However, the Muslim princess was such a perfectionist that it was reportedly not uncommon to see objects flying whenever she was unsatisfied with her TV staff's work.
Later, the Muslim princess got married again, this time to a well-known local politician from a province south of Manila. The namesake of her father, her politician husband had grown-up children close to the Muslim
princess' age and it was being talked about that his first wife lived in the same condominium building where the Muslim princess and her new husband occupied the penthouse. The Muslim princess'husband also reportedly decided to become a Muslim so that he could have more than one wife. They were blessed with two sons.
The Muslim princess' husband soon retired from politics and became contented with being a magician and a human toothpaste applier for his Muslim princess' toothbrush. (Incidentally, the Muslim princess once appeared in a Close-Up Toothpaste TV commercial.) Now, the Muslim princess and her magician husband (He could make a big Coke bottle disappear before your eyes.) are happily separated. Later, the Muslim princess' husband was accused of being responsible for the disappearance of his close friend.
The Story of the Black Nazarene Devotee
Suppose that there was a Black Nazarene devotee from the tamaraw capital of the Philippines who claimed to have graduated with a business degree from the University of the East despite his critics' contention that he just bought his college diploma from the sidewalk of C. M. Recto Avenue. He worked as a radio reporter for a major radio and TV network. With perseverance, he was given a Sunday morning radio show. Later, he would occasionally pinch-hit for announcers whenever they would not show up for their radio program.
He also hosted a daily radio serialization of movies for a program dubbed as Sineradyo.
His biggest TV break came when a TV network hired him for a top-rated showbiz-oriented TV show called See-True. The show was hosted by gossip queen, Lourdes Jimenez-Carvajal who was more popularly known as Inday Badiday or Ate Luds to her legions of fans.
The Black Nazarene devotee's appearance was only through voice-over (and he was never really seen by the TV audience) and it was always preceded by his usual line: "Ate Luds, may phone-in question po tayo rito galing kay...". Yes, his job involved reading TV audience's phone-in questions to Inday Badiday's movie star guests.
However, despite the TV show's enormous popularity, it was immediately cancelled after one of the show's female guests hurled an ashtray at another female guest.
Later, the Black Nazarene devotee married a lady executive of the radio and TV network where he had moved up to become the host of its early morning radio show. They adopted a girl and had a younger son later.
Never The Twain Shall Meet
Suppose that the Muslim princess and the Black Nazarene devotee met in the same office where they both work. Suppose also that the Black Nazarene devotee personally chose the Muslim princess as one of the principal sponsors for his adopted daughter's wedding to one of the members of the staff of his widely popular TV program.
Suppose further that both the Muslim princess and the Black Nazarene devotee became elected government officials and they both decided to run for the same government office on the same year. They both run for say, the presidency of the Philippines. No, that's being too ambitious. Okay, suppose that they both run for the position of Vice President under opposing political parties. Who would you vote for?
The Muslim princess or the Black Nazarene devotee?
If you would vote for the Muslim princess, you just wasted your vote.
If you would vote for the Black Nazarene devotee, you are good at spotting a winner (but it does not mean that you did not also waste your vote).
Because the honorary Muslim princess is former Senator Loren Legarda who lost her bid for the Vice Presidency of the Philippines in the 2002 national elections.
And yes, the Black Nazarene devotee who helps carry the replica of the Black Nazarene image barefoot and earing only a white undershirt (sans bullet-proof vest) during the annual Quiapo procession as part of his
religious devotion (yes, he still does it up to this day) is Noli de Castro, current Vice President of the
Philippines.
***
Untold Pinoy Story No. 5
Her Mother's Joy
Her mother has always been proud of her. Mighty proud. And rightly so.
In the spring of 1991, Julia Roberts graced the cover of People Magazine's special issue featuring its annual list of The 50 Most Beautiful People in the World. Together with Julia Roberts in this ultimate list of the most beautiful people were Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Madonna, Mel Gibson, Whitney Houston, Michelle Pfeiffer, Isabella Rossellini, supermodels Claudia Schiffer & Naomi Campbell and oops!.. a Filipina?
Yes, People Magazine's 1991 list of The 50 Most Beautiful People in the World included a true-blooded Filipina who was born, raised and educated in the Philippines.
Unlike most beautiful Filipinas who were the products of mixed marriages and who have therefore acquired foreign physical features, this Filipina was born to a Filipina mother and a Filipino father. It is no wonder that she does not typify a beautiful woman by any standards: She is short, standing only 5'2". She has a huge and deep acne scar on her forehead. She has that distinct Asian nose (read: flat). She uses only Avon cosmetics (gasp!) and applies makeup by herself.
During her pre-Inno Sotto days, her clothes were not made by known couturiers: They were lovingly sewn at home by her mother who is a dressmaker. She does not even have the right genes to inherit beauty from: Her mother was plain, even stern-looking. Her father was a dark-skinned guy with the tough facial features of a hardened military man.
Although both the first names of her mother and father means happy in two different languages, their union was not as joyous. Her mother and father were never married, making her and her only brother illegitimate children.
In the mistress hierarchy, her mother was not even her father's second woman. Her father had a first mistress who ranked above her mother.
She and her brother only belong to their father's third family. And yes, the gay club performer who once appeared on national television was indeed her half-brother. She couldn't therefore be faulted for not talking about her father. In contrast, too much has been known about her mother. Her mother was always visible, too visible for comfort.
Her mother gave her the name Carmen and raised her in a province north of Manila. However, when it was time for her to go to school, her overprotective mother brought her and her brother to Manila to give them the best education. Carmen studied in Preciosa Soliven's Operation Brotherhood Montessori in Greenhills where she emerged as the school's valedictorian. However, Carmen's academic rival protested the school's decision to award Carmen the school's highest honors, claiming that she had better grades than Carmen.
Carmen's rival even revealed that the school's owner, Mrs. Soliven, was only fond of Carmen because she always performed in school programs which gave Carmen an edge in extra-curricular activities. But academically, Carmen reportedly did not really rise above her rival.
Lured into show business, Carmen became part of German Moreno's inane daily afternoon TV show, That's Entertainment, where she got paired with comedian and now Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert "Bistek" Bautista. (Some say that Vice Mayor Bautista was so enamored with Carmen that he later refused to marry his partner despite their having a child.) As one of the countless stars of Kuya Germ's That's Entertainment, Carmen's talent was overshadowed by the ridiculous mass appeal of the triumvirate of Sheryl Cruz, Manilyn Reynes, and Tina Paner.
Later, Carmen made a couple of forgettable films which were big flops.
Unsuccessful in local show business, Carmen enrolled as a BS Biology student in Ateneo de Manila, hoping to become a doctor. However, the lure of fame and fortune shattered her medical ambition. She followed her other dream and landed in a "Dreamland"! Yes, instead of comforting innocent and fresh-smelling babies in a hospital, she ended up entertaining horny, sweaty and foul-smelling drunken men in seedy bars.
When Carmen was a little girl, a local manghuhula predicted that she would be crowned Miss Universe. Her mother, legally known as Miss Imutan, was ecstatic upon hearing this. Sadly, the prophecy did not come true.
However, when Carmen was 18 years old, she bagged a beauty title. But it was farfetched from a Miss Universe crown. Carmen became Miss Saigon.
Yes, the only true-blooded Filipina who was included in People Magazine's The 50 Most Beautiful People in the World in 1991 is Feliciano Salonga and Ligaya "Joy" Imutan's only daughter: Carmen Lea Imutan Salonga.
Most of us know her simply as Lea Salonga.
***
Untold Pinoy Story No. 6
Beyond Sibling Rivalry
If your siblings are married to huge celebrities and you've just lost your chance of marrying one, would
you still strive to surpass their feat?
But how could you beat being married to an award-winning actress whose mother is a beautiful actress and whose father is the original Agent X-44 of Philipine movies?
Or being the wife of Mr. Pure Energy?
Or being Mr. Megastar?
Now, aren't you glad that you're not among the Pangilinan siblings?
Former Penthouse Live co-host and newspaper columnist Anthony Pangilinan married Maricel Laxa, an excellent actress who is the lovechild of circa '60s actress Imelda Ilanan and action star Tony Ferrer. She is also the half-sister of 1990 Miss Asia runner-up Mutya Crisostomo Laxa.
Anthony's brother, Senator Francis Pangilinan, was a campus figure in UP Diliman. He was the chairman of the UP Student Council in 1986. He married no less than the megastar, Sharon Cuneta.
Their sister, Angeli Pangilinan, was a campus beauty and brain while she was a student at the UP School of Economics in Diliman. Angeli married Mr.Pure Energy himself, Gary Valenciano.
REWIND: In the early 80s, teenager Edgardo Jose Martin Santiago Valenciano or Gary V. to most of us, fell deeply in love with a teenage girl who eventually became his girlfriend. Gary's true love, they said. And they really looked perfect together.
Their friends said that they were truly meant for each other. They were the picture of pure bliss. But not for
long.
Few weeks before Gary's first major concert in 1984, a female singer became pregnant. And Gary was the alleged father. Gary did not deny it. At 19, Gary joined the growing list of unwed teenage fathers.
Gary's former girlfriend was shocked upon hearing about Gary's indiscretion. She felt betrayed by Gary and the female singer. Gary's former girlfriend was devastated.
The pregnant singer who bore Gary's child was a former Camay girl who joined the ultra exclusive league of several generations of Camay beauties from the first Camay girl Paquita Roces to her two daughters, Maritess Revilla (Ang lahat ay napapalingon. At muling napapalingon) and Rosie Revilla to actress Rosa Rosal's daughter Toni Rose Gayda (Kutis porcelana) to concert pianist Ingrid Sala Santamaria's daughter Crispy Santamaria to a few others. The female singer indeed looked devastatingly beautiful in her memorable Camay TV commercial. But there was a teeny weeny objection among his friends: She was too old for the teenage and vibrant Gary whose popularity was just beginning to zoom up.
Everybody knows that the female singer who became pregnant with Gary's child was Maria Anna Elizabeth Nepomuceno Pangilinan. In 1985, Gary exchanged vows with the female singer who is more popularly known by her nickname: Angeli.
Angeli retired from her singing group, Music and Magic. Angeli sacrificed her flourishing singing career and left behind her fellow Music and Magic members led by jeepney driver's daughter-turned-nurse-turned-singer Kuh Ledesma, tenor singer-turned-Music and Magic co-founder-turned-musical director Jet Montelibano, and singer-turned-comedian-turned TNT-turned-bogus political asylum seeker-turned-Michael Garfinkel endorser Fe de los Reyes.
Angeli decided to become a full-time wife to Gary, baby Paolo's mom, and Gary's talent manager.
Meanwhile, the pain of losing Gary has left Gary's former girlfriend in deep shock. Gary and his new bride tried to comfort her but Gary's former girlfriend was inconsolable.
PLAY: Gary Valenciano's most inspired and most popular composition was first heard as the theme song of a Vilma Santos movie before it became the title of an Aga Muhlach-Lea Salonga flick and later, the title of a
Kim Chiu-Gerald Anderson TV soap opera.
The haunting melody and melancholy lyrics of this beautiful song make one wonder where Gary drew the passion and longing for lost love which every line of this song clearly evokes.
Listen:
Sana maulit muli
Ang mga oras nating nakaraan
Bakit nagkaganito
Naglaho na ba ang pag-ibig mo?
Sana'y maulit muli
Sana bigyan pansin ang himig ko
Kahapon, bukas, ngayon
Tanging wala ng ibang mahal
Kung kaya kong iwanan ka
'Di na sana aasa pa
Kung kaya kong umiwas na
'Di na sana lalapit pa
Kung kaya ko sana
Ibalik ang kahapon
Sandaling 'di mapapantayan
Huwag sana nating itapon
Pagmamahal
na tapat
Kung ako'y nagkamali minsan
'Di na ba mapagbibigyan
O giliw, dinggin mo ang nais ko, oooh...
Kung kaya kong iwanan ka
'Di na sana aasa pa
Kung kaya kong umiwas na
'Di na sana lalapit pa
Kung kaya ko sana
Ito ang tanging nais ko
Ang ating kahapon sana maulit muli
Kung kaya kong iwanan ka
'Di na sana aasa pa
Mahal pa rin kita
O giliw, o giliw ko, oooh...
This song was originally written by Gary in English. Ironically, the one who translated it to Tagalog was Gary's wife, Angeli.
FAST FORWARD: Now, Gary has three grown-up children with Angeli. On the other hand, Gary's former girlfriend is now known as Mrs. Buizon. She occasionally hosts a show on TV.
The pain has eased. Somehow. Even if the former lovers get to see each other regularly. They meet at her Mom's house during important occasions: Christmas. New Year. Birthday of Mrs. Buizon's mother. Mrs. Buizon's birthday. Gary's birthday. Holidays. Easter Sunday. Every Sunday, in fact.
Gary's equally famous in-laws were witnesses to the former lovers' meetings. But they do not mind at all.
Gary's wife, Angeli, does not make a fuss over it.
Even the family matriarch, retired public school teacher Mommy Emma, is not bothered by it.
But the truth is, they could not prevent the former lovers from seeing each other.
Because Gary's former girlfriend has to join her mother, siblings and in-laws during important family
occasions.
And because Gary's former girlfriend was Felichi Buizon.
And because before she got married, Gary's former girlfriend was known as Felichi Pangilinan.
And yes, because Felichi Pangilinan-Buizon is the younger sister of Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano.
And none of us would probably ever know the rest of this intriguing triangle's story.
***
Untold Pinoy Story No. 7
Pure Innuendoes
They were the best of friends. They were always seen together around the University of the Philippines (UP) campus in Diliman: one was undoubtedly a very good-looking guy and the other was unquestionably a plain-looking guy. Opposites really attract. Hey, but they're both brilliant students. Well, birds of the same feather also flock together. Indeed, they were very close to each other. Unusually close.
They were the perfect tandem. Like suman and ripe mango. Or nuts and bolts. Peg and a hole.
They were both protégées of then UP Student Council chairman Chito Gascon. Soon, the good-looking guy took the helm as UP Student Council chairman. But the best friends seem to follow each other's path. The plain-looking guy also ran for the same position with the all-out support of his good-looking friend. He won, of course.
The good-looking guy was the crush ng bayan of the iskolars ng bayan.
During lunchtime, students of all persuasions flocked to the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) cafeteria to catch a glimpse of the good-looking guy. Even singer-actress Regine Velasquez later admitted on national television that she had a big crush on the good-looking guy.
But loveless Regine's daring admission did not earn her even just a movie date invitation from the good-looking guy; instead, the good-looking guy merely flashed a demure smile in response to desperate Regine's thinly-veiled date invitation.
But after finishing college, the best friends went their separate ways. (Or so it seemed). The plain-looking guy pursued his law studies and later taught law courses. The good-looking guy delivered the evening news on TV, hosted a TV quiz show and wrote analytical articles on pop culture. His good looks, intelligence and impeccable manner endeared him to televiewers.
Despite their divergent career choices, the good-looking guy and the plain-looking guy really seemed to follow each other's path. But this time, their path led to a nice little apartment near the Ateneo de Manila campus. And they shared that nice little apartment. Just the two of them.
Yes, the plain-looking guy and the good-looking guy lived together.
Those gifted with wild imagination got titillated at the mere thought of these two young men sharing a lovely apartment. The moralists out there shook their heads at the mere thought of the goings-on beyond that innocent-looking apartment door amid rows of middle-class houses in Loyola Heights in Quezon City.
But the pair would not budge from their nest. Nor would they yield to any pressure. Not even from the
plain-looking guy's bible-reading siblings who berated him for living with another guy. The plain-looking guy's own family started to cast doubt about his masculinity.
All tell tale signs which have accumulated all those years could no longer be ignored. People started talking openly about the two guys.
Speculations about the true nature of the pair's friendship became a daily fodder for gossip mongers. The academic freedom which alma mater UP's oblation symbolizes seemed to have gone beyond the duo's lust for
knowledge.
In order to prove to his family that he was not what they thought he was, the plain-looking guy suddenly announced that he was getting married. His family jumped with joy.
But the plain-looking guy's marriage did not dispel wild speculations about his sexuality; instead, it only
succeeded in erasing any remaining doubt about his alleged agenda of using his wife to finally succeed in his failed initial crack at pursuing his lifelong dream.
And it was well worth his efforts. Because this former loser's desperate act finally triumphed. Thanks to his wife.
However, the plain-looking guy's deep friendship with his good-looking friend took a backseat as a result of the former's new civil status. The plain-looking guy did not want to hurt his new wife's flourishing career nor spoil his newfound success.
That's why he played his role as a good family man to the hilt. However, he had not forgotten his good-looking best friend at all. As a token of their undying friendship, the good-looking guy stood as one of the
godfathers of the plain-looking guy's first baby, together with Edu Manzano, Cesar Montano, Cherie Gil, Ciara Sotto, Angeli Valenciano, Fanny Serrano, and a host of other household names.
Of course, the plain-looking guy's wife was clueless about her husband's past.
But the plain-looking guy's wife had her share of dark past. She is a single mother who parted ways with her good-looking "first husband" after she discovered that her good-looking "first husband" was already married
to another woman when she hastily married him after she got pregnant at a young age. This meant that her
marriage to her good-looking "first husband" was not legally binding after all.
Now, the plain-looking guy was her knight-in-shining-armor who rescued her from the stigma of being an unmarried mother.
Ironically, while her non-binding marriage with her good-looking "first husband" was solemnized by several high-ranking priests at the cavernous Manila Cathedral amid countless clicking cameras and thousands of shrieking admirers several years ago, her supposedly legitimate marriage with the plain-looking guy was officiated not by a Catholic priest but by a pastor in a cramped living room, with only few relatives and friends as witnesses.
Later, the good-looking guy reportedly got married also without fanfare. They said that his bride was a creative consultant for ABS-CBN Interactive. However, some women still believe and hope that he is still unmarried to this day.
The good-looking guy soon rose to become ABS-CBN News Channel's ANC) Director for Current Affairs. He has been circling the globe as host of ANC's weekly travel show, Executive Class.
Yes, the good-looking guy is David Celdran.
And the plain-looking guy is ...'s husband, . . .
---------
I am sorry if I'm a bit hesitant on revealing the other guy's name. Call me biased but it caught me by surprise. Dunno if it's true or not. Nevertheless, I don't wanna perpetuate any rumors about him through my blog. Tutal nagkalat naman ang "Untold Stories" na ito sa net, you might as well look for it na lang kung hindi n'yo pa nahuhulaan. Or ask me personally. Sana lang hindi totoo. For the love of. . .
'Yun lang!
(More from Untold Pinoy Stories)
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