Rita: No, it wasn’t a gimmick

From the start the TV5 teleserye seemed meant to say goodbye even before it could be launched, plagued as it was by many problems, thus rendering it helpless to live up to its title — yes, Never Say Goodbye. The show was conceived with good intentions but then even the best-laid plans often go awry.

There was the problem with Nora Aunor, one of its lead stars, who kind of upset the schedule by going to the States, forcing the writer to “kill” her character, only for her to come back from the dead towards the end. Was there also any problem with Cesar Montano, one of the lead actors?

And there was the issue between Alice Dixson and Rita Avila who was taken in as replacement for Nora.

Was Alice carried away in three scenes in which, 1). She reportedly threw a bouquet at Rita’s face, 2). Grabbed Rita the hard way, and 3). Kicked soil against Rita? To which all Alice could say was, “Trabaho lang, walang personalan.” Knowing Alice, I believe she was just, ehem, carried away.

For a while, people did get curious about these issues which hardly improved the show’s rating. Was the fight between Rita and Alice for reality or all for show (a gimmickry)?

“No,” according to Rita, it was not. “I would never resort to a gimmick like that to draw attention to my work.”

In an effort to give that non-issue closure, Rita sent Funfare the following letter:

Dear Ricky,

Some people accused me of making noise so that I would be talked about. Reports about the on-the-set had come out even before I opened my mouth and I did explain my side.

The showbiz world knows that I am a quiet person, my presence almost “non-felt.” My life is simple: I work as Rita and then I go home to be myself as Ana. When I was being groomed by Seiko Films boss Robbie Tan as a controversial star, I said that I didn’t want to follow that path. I just enjoy acting for the camera.

Therefore, when I decide to speak up it is only to clarify things and to give due respect to those who are asking me. If the issue is picked up and blown out of proportion, it is no longer under my control.

Alice and I were given a chance to talk. She apologized for not being able to control herself in some scenes. She said that she is used to acting on impulse.

Gardo Versoza (also in the cast of Never Say Goodbye who also had an accident with Alice) and I were trained to get into the character while with our presence of mind intact. I call it discipline and calculation.

I am grateful to the soap’s group (P.U.M., E.P. and direk Mac Alejandre) for handling us fairly, given the fact that I am just a guest in the soap and Alice is the network’s contract star.

I prayed hard that Alice and I wouldn’t fight badly to prove to the public that there are still actors who possess the right etiquette. My prayers were answered. Alice and I may be different in many ways but I am grateful that we finished the soap peacefully.

Yours truly,

RITA

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Sen. Kiko: Goodbye, politics! Hello, farming!

Is there life after politics?

Ask Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and he will tell you, “Yes, there is!” loud and clear.

When his term as senator ends on June 30, Kiko will say goodbye to politics and say hello to farming.

“I’ve been into organic farming,” Kiko texted Funfare. “Been doing it in preparation for my bowing out of the Senate.”

He has been giving friends fresh organic lettuce and herbs from his farm as healthy gifts.

Kiko denied rumors that he’s taking over Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala.

“Sec. Procy is hard-working and a tireless agri advocate,” said Kiko, which is the same thing other people say about the secretary who is doing a good job.

In jest, Kiko commented about his new occupation as a farmer, “Mas madali kausap ang mga halaman at manok kaysa sa mga senador.”
I think I agree with him…no kidding!

Manila Councilor Edward has showbiz connections

Reelectionist Manila Councilor Edward Maceda has showbiz in his blood, being the youngest son of Marichu “Manay Ichu” Maceda of the pioneer film company Sampaguita Pictures and Ernie Maceda who is running again for senator. Edward is running under the UNA tickets headed by former Pres./Mayorable Joseph “Erap” Estrada and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.

For the record, Edward served twice as assistant majority floor leader of the City Council of Manila. He was the principal author of the ordinance granting free movies to senior citizens, the Tricycle Franchise Ordinance and a resolution in support of establishing the Persons with Disabilities office of the City of Manila.

He also worked with Senate Pres. Johnny Ponce Enrile in prioritizing the funding for the construction of the Library of Juan  Luna Elementary School, the stage in Moises Salvador Elementary School and the garden of the Legarda Elementary School. He sought the assistance of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada for the repair and rehabilitation of the second floor of the Luzviminda Health Center in Sampaloc.

A Law graduate (with honors) from the Ateneo de Manila School of Law in 1996 (admitted to the Philippine Bar in 1997), Edward plans to continue his work in the City Council in four main areas: Education, health, livelihood and youth.

Councilor Alfred’s mom’s hula has come true

When Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas’ cancer-stricken mom Ching Vargas saw Ang Supremo (which is about controversial aspects of Andres Bonifacio) at a special screening, she predicted that Alfred would win an award.

“Nagdilang anghel ang mommy ko,” said Alfred who won Best Actor at the 10th Golden Screen Awards of the Entertainment Press Society (ENPRESS’s) last Saturday, April 27, at Teatrino. “I wanted my mom to watch the movie. She came with a protective mask because she was susceptible to infection so I had the theater closed for the exclusive screening.”

It was Alfred who produced the movie which is being screened in schools throughout the country.

“I am dedicating my award to my father who is now in heaven,” added Alfred who was also among the Dekada Awardees. “And also to my mom, my wife Yasmine and our two daughters.”

Alfred is the administration bet for congressman in the fifth district of Quezon City.

Vin Diesel coming for movie promo

Did you know that Vin Diesel has a twin brother who is married to a Filipina?

He confirmed it to me when I interviewed him (for the second time) in Hollywood a few years ago. I was with Miriam Quiambao in that junket and Vin jokingly asked Miriam to sit on his lap but Miriam politely denied, saying, “No way; I have a boyfriend.”

I also asked Vin if he knew a Filipina actress named Andrea del Rosario who was reported to have gone on a date with him after they met by chance at a bar and Vin also confirmed it.

The Philippine media can ask Vin about it when he and co-stars Michelle Rodriguez, Gina Carano and Luke Evans (with producer Neal H. Moritz and director Justin Lin) arrive in Manila second week of this month for the promo of Vin’s latest movie, Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious 6. The two-day event will include one-on-one interviews with journalists from other Asian countries and countries outside of the region, and the star-studded world premiere of the movie at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) in May 15.

Manila is part of the talent world tour that includes stops in London, Seoul and Cabo San Lucas.

Fast & Furious 6 is a United International Pictures (UIP) release through Solar Entertainment Corporation, showing nationwide starting May 24.

(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com.)