Top Entertainment Stories Of 2008 (First Of Two Parts)

The demise of Rudy Fernandez and Marky Cielo; the Dingdong-Karylle breakup; and controversy-magnet Marian Rivera highlight the year that was

As the year 2008 ends tonight, let’s look back at some of the showbiz news that hogged the headlines and became conversation pieces in the entertainment world.

Showbiz deaths: The whole nation mourned the death of action star Rudy Fernandez who succumbed to periampullary cancer last June. The charismatic action star battled the dreaded disease for more than two years. The outpouring of support and love for Daboy was felt as his fans lined up to view his remains at The Heritage Park located in Taguig City, with the long lines spilling over to the streets. Daboy left behind wife Lorna Tolentino and sons Ralph and Renz.

Another shocking death was that of Starstruck 3 Ultimate Sole Survivor Marky Cielo who reportedly died in his sleep last December 7. He was 20. According to a statement from the GMA Network, Marky’s mom, Mildred, went into her son’s room in their house in Antipolo City to wake him up. When he did not respond, his mother rushed him to the nearby Antipolo Doctor’s Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival, the statement added.

Marky’s death left many unanswered questions, and if there were any secrets related to his death, they were buried with him in the mountains of Mountain Province.

Break-up: Dingdong Dantes and Karylle broke up after more than two years of a happy relationship, with Marian Rivera (Dingdong’s co-star in “Marimar” and “Dyesebel”) being labeled as the culprit behind the split. Both Marian and Dingdong denied the issue.

Hurt by the breakup, Karylle moved to ABS-CBN and is now the newest Kapamilya star. She said it was the decision of her new management team to sign her up with ABS-CBN.

Controversial star: Marian Rivera is truly the hottest star in the Kapuso network. And as such, she is hounded by intrigues. Charges of being ill-mannered, plastic, and other negative traits were leveled at Marian. But the rumor that she was pregnant drove Marian to tears at the presscon of the movie “Desperadas 2.” So controversial was Marian that some writers labeled her as “Nega Star of the Year” because of the alleged numerous unpleasant incidents that Marian had supposedly been involved in.

Movies: Dante Mendoza’s “Serbis” became the first Filipino film to be invited to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Panned and praised by critics alike, “Serbis,” nevertheless, made the international film community take another look at Philippine movies. (To be continued)