Manay Ichu at Imelda, noon pa amiga

Ask ko lang, Salve A., nakaapak ka na ba sa Malacañang?

Yes, the palace where incumbent Philippine President Duterte, as well as all other presidents live during their incumbency.

In my case, maipagmamalaki ko, I did. Yes, courtesy of the late Manay Ichu Maceda.

And this was during the Martial law days, when Manay Ichu’s late husband, Ernesto Maceda, ay naging senador at eventually Senate President.

Yes, nagsusulat na ako tungkol sa entertainment at that time. Nakasabayan ko ang noon at hanggang ngayong mga kilalang entertainment writers and editor, sina Ricky Lo, Ronald Constantino at Crispina Belen.

I happened to be at that time sa Sampaguita Pictures for a presscon for an event. When Manay Ichu dressed to the hilt, approached me and asked me if I wanted to go with her.

“Saan?,” I asked her. “Sa Malacañang,” casually sagot niya. “Ipinatatawag ako ni Ma’am (referring to Mrs. Imelda Marcos).”

At that time, common knowledge lalo na’t sa showbiz na amiga ang turingan nila sa isa’t isa.

There was not an event sa Sampaguita Pictures, lalo’t in honor of Manay Ichu, that the former First Lady was not present.

The last time we saw her at the Sampaguita Events Place was at the 76th birthday, March 26, 2019, of Manay Ichu na nasa wheelchair na, but still looking bubbly and entertaining.

Wherever you are now, Manay Ichu, rest in peace. You will always be remembered with love.

Leandro, ‘di kinakahiya ang anak na trans

Like a popular singer na hindi rin inililihim na tomboy ang kanyang nag-iisang anak na babae, na maganda rin naman, former actor Leandro Muñoz revealed his only son is a transgender.

May isang anak din siya and his non-showbiz wife na babae, babaeng-babae.

Among the films daw na ginawa ni Leandro, na tunay niyang maipagmamalaki was Kahit Isang
Saglit, released in the year 2000, and which co-starred him with Judy Ann Santos at Piolo Pascual.

Directed by Gilbert Perez at Jerry Lopez Sineneng.

Andre, malaki ang nadagdag sa timbang

Sobra ang idinagdag ng timbang ni Andre Paras nang huli namin siyang makita sa guest appearance niya sa sitcom na Daddy’s Gurl, topbilled of course by Vic Sotto at Maine Mendoza bilang mag-ama.

Regular member ng cast ng sitcom, which Chris Martinez directs, si Benjie Paras, dad ni Andre.

Andre is one of Benjie’s two sons with his former actress-wife, Jackie Forster. The younger son is Kobe, a professional basketball player naman.

Kris at Bimby, nega

Sa isang pagtitipon daw na dinaluhan ng mag-inang Kris Aquino at Bimby (Yap), medyo nagkaroon siya ng takot na baka may mga nakasalamuha silang kapwa bisitang afflicted with the coronavirus.

To be sure raw, ayon kay Kris, nagpa-swab test silang mag-ina.

Thank God, ang verdict, both negative of the virus sila.