Eigennmans and other showbiz clans

The Poes, Padillas, Ilagans, Salvadors are the most prominent clans in showbiz, dating back before World War II. Their achievements are truly awesome – and have been rightly honored by the Film Academy of the Philippines, Urian, FAMAS, and other industry groups.

Funfare cites the clans that followed after them – by no means complete – starting with the gifted Eigennmans (Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil and their children and grandchildren). Eddie (real surname is Eigennman, of Swiss origin) and Rose have three children: Michael de Mesa, Mark Gil, and Cherie Gil.

Michael and ex-wife Gina Alajar (one of our finest actresses) have three good-looking and talented sons: Ryan, Geoff, and AJ, all of whom appear onscreen.

Mark is father to Gabby Eigennman, who’s a singer. Gabby’s mom is former starlet and commercial model Irene Celebre. He also has a beautiful daughter by Jaclyn Jose, Andy, who’s a potential star. Mark is married to Maricar Jacinto.

Cherie’s married to international violinist and conductor Roni Rogoff. It seems their kids are not interested in showbiz. Well, not yet.

The Eigennmans may well be called the Philippines’ Barrymores, whose most famous member now is Drew. The history of Hollywood describes the Barrymores (John, Lionel, Ethel, Diana) as geniuses with a touch of madness.

The Laurels are more identified with politics and public service. Think of President Jose P. Laurel, Vice President Doy and Sen. Teroy Laurel, Speaker Pepito Laurel, and Batangas Gov. Joey Laurel. But the Laurel clan has its share of actors and singers, the most popular of whom is Cocoy, a graduate of New York’s Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Cocoy briefly appeared in movies (opposite Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Hilda Koronel) and waxed a few albums, but his real calling is legitimate theater, one of the leading lights of Repertory Philippines. He also paints.

Cocoy’s younger sister, Iwi, used to sing, while a niece, Denise, acts on television.

Two other Laurels in showbiz are Franco Laurel (married to singer Ayen Munji) and Chema Marquez (a.k.a. Kenji Motoki), grandsons of Ambassador (to Japan) Jose Laurel.

Cocoy’s mother, Celia Diaz Laurel, used to be the first lady of theater.

There’s the family of the king of comedy, Dolphy, who started in bodabil before World War II. His kids who are active in showbiz are Eric, Ronnie, Epi Quizon and Vandolph.

Dolphy’s other children – Rolly, Edgar, Dolphy Jr., Sally, and the late Freddie – used to appear in movies and TV.

His longtime partner is the lovely Zsa Zsa Padilla.

Among the Muhlachs, the biggest name is Aga (married to Charlene Gonzalez). But once upon a time, the Muhlachs who lighted up the big screen were Amalia Fuentes and child wonder Niño Muhlach.

Amalia’s only daughter, Liezl Sumilang (dad is Romeo Vasquez and husband is Albert Martinez) was a child star.

Aga’s sisters, Arlene and Almira (married to basketball player Paul Alvarez), are part-time actresses.

Will Aga and Charlene’s adorable twins, Andres and Atasha, join showbiz? "Mag-aral muna" is Papa Aga’s wise reply.

Other families worth mentioning include the Santiagos (brothers Randy, Rowell, Raymart), Barrettos (sisters Gretchen, Marjorie, Claudine), Legaspis (father Lito and sons Brandon, Kier, Zoren, living in with Carmina Villarroel), Ejercito-Estradas (President Joseph Estrada and sons Jude and Jinggoy, nephews ER and Gary. Not to forget brothers Jesse Ejercito, producer-starmaker), Sottos (brothers Tito and Vic. Tito is married to Helen Gamboa, father to Ciara. Vic and ex-wife Dina Bonnevie are parents to Oyo Boy and Danica. There’s Ali Sotto of ABC 5), Cruzes (Tirso and nieces Sheryl, Geneva, Sunshine, Donna), De Leons (Boyet and wife Sandy Andolong and children Ian, Lotlot, Matet. Boyet’s ate, Pinky, is a fine actress and singer. His ex-wife, Nora Aunor – as if you didn’t know – is regarded as the country’s greatest actress). Gutierrezes (Eddie and wife Annabelle Rama and their children Ruffa, Richard, Raymond, Richie Paul. Not to forget two other Gutierrez sons, Tonton and Ramon Christopher).

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