RURU Madrid is elated to star in the Viva-GMA co-production, “Video City,” which will be shown in theaters nationwide on September 20.

“The story excited me as it’s about time travel and Yassi Pressman is my leading lady,” he says. “I play Han, who will be magically transported to 1995 dahil sa isang mahiwagang rewinder that will really rewind time for him. I also enjoyed being reunited with Yassi kasi the first time we got to work together was in GMA’s youth-oriented show, ‘Dormitoryo,’ that was in September 2013, so exactly ten years ago. Siya ang first crush ko then.”

He says he has followed Yassi’s career through the years. “I’m impressed with all her achievements. I didn’t expect na ganito kasaya ang magiging samahan namin at mas magiging closer ang friendship namin. Siya pa rin ang dating cheerful na Yassi na nakilala ko before: very talented, very generous hindi lang sa food na dinadala niya sa set kundi sa emotions and dedication she brings sa bawat eksenang ginagawa namin. We said na magtutulungan kami and we did, from day one. For some reason, we really can feel ‘yung rapport namin sa bawat eksenang ginagawa namin.”

One thing is sure about Ruru and Yassi — they can not be linked with each other to help drum up interest for “Video City” as everyone knows Ruru is already taken by Bianca Umali.

“Hindi naman kailangan romantically linked kayo for viewers to watch your movie,” says Ruru. “And ‘Video City’ can stand on its own kasi maganda talaga ang story.”

***

‘Jillian is really going places and she most certainly deserves it as she has a clean reputation, unlike other stars who are shunned for counting boyfriends and even chasing good-looking guys quite brazenly.’

Jillian Ward is no doubt the brightest teen star on the Kapuso network’s firmament today.

All her series lately clicked well with viewers, like “Prima Donnas” that was such a hit it had a Part 2.

Now, her current afternoon drama show, “Abot Kamay Na Pangarap,” is the number one drama show on GMA. It is rating so high, surpassing even the ratings of GMA primetime shows. Amazing!

The show is being followed by millions of viewers so it has been extended several times and now, it celebrates its first anniversary on the air. The show first aired on September 5 last year and now its rating continues to soar.

“Sobrang nakakatuwa po kasi even the feedback in social media is so encouraging,” says Jillian. “May regular followers ang show who write sa internet that watching ‘Abot Kamay na Pangarap’ has been a daily afternoon habit for them, Monday to Saturday. Lagi raw silang tuwang-tuwa kapag nae-extend ang show namin, so maraming salamat sa lahat ng loyal viewers ng ‘Abot Kamay na Pangarap.’ Salamat din sa lahat ng members ng cast and the production team dahil without them, the show will not be this big a success.”

Her role in the show as the youngest doctor in the country, Dr. Analyn Santos, has captured the hearts of viewers nationwide. Jillian also has tremendous following across all social media platforms with each post garnering hundreds of thousands of engagements. No wonder she’s now tagged as the “Star of the New Gen.”

The future’s looking brighter than ever for Jillian and a new project waiting for her is a full-length movie with a top action star. Wow, that means Jillian is really going places and she most certainly deserves it as she has a clean reputation, unlike other stars who are shunned for counting boyfriends and even chasing good-looking guys quite brazenly.

***

Empoy Marquez is glad Viva gave him another big break in the highly entertaining romantic-comedy, “Kidnap for Romance,” pairing him for the first time with Cristine Reyes and is now showing in theaters nationwide.

“It’s something totally unexpected,” he says. “But I consider it a big blessing. Nagkasama na kami before sa isang teleserye na bida siya, support lang ako. Dati na niya akong admirer kasi maganda na, napakagaling pang artista. ‘Di ko inakalang makakapareha ko siya balang araw. Ang request ko lang sa kanya when we started shooting, sana huwag kami ma-link sa isa’t isa, kasi ayokong magselos sa akin ang boyfriend niya na 8 lang ang abs. E, ako, 84.”

He’s referring to Marco Gumabao, who was at the movie’s premiere night to support his inamorata. But Cristine says she wants to keep their relationship in low profile. “I want to keep it private,” she says. “Mas maganda chill lang and keep it low key.”

As for Empoy, he says he’s unattached at the moment. He reveals he used to have a non-showbiz girlfriend, but he got hurt. “Pero may kalaro naman ako. But like Cristine, I believe it’s better to keep such things private. I’m afraid to seriously love again. I just leave it kay God. Darating naman kung ibibigay Niya.”

At the premiere night, it’s apparent his tandem with Cristine clicked with the audience who was laughing loudly in many scenes. “Marami kaming scenes ni Cristine na naga-adlib kami and I’m glad that it worked, pati ‘yung lips to lips kissing scene namin sa ending, tilian nang tilian ang mga tao. Akala ko, mandidiri sila, pero tawang-tawa sila.”

‘Also, pinangako ko naman talaga kay Coco na babalik ako agad as I am committed to my role as Mokang in “Batang Quiapo.” — Lovi Poe’

CONTRARY to what rumormongers say that she has been replaced as Mokang in “Batang Quiapo,” Lovi Poe-Blencowe is now back in town and taping for Coco Martin’s show.

Lovi had a much talked-about wedding in London and she wants to thank her husband, Monty, for understanding how much she loves acting and allowing her to continue with her showbiz career.

“He knows how passionate I am with my work so he generously permitted me to leave a few days after we tied the knot,” she says. “Also, pinangako ko naman talaga kay Coco na babalik ako agad as I am committed to my role as Mokang in ‘Batang Quiapo.’ Siempre, hindi ko basta puedeng mapabayaan ang trabaho ko.”

As Coco’s leading lady, Lovi has been working hard as soon as she arrived. This is due to the fact that the production is running a tight schedule these days, since Lovi and Coco Martin aka Tanggol in the series, are scheduled to leave today, September 7 to take part in the grand event of “Asap Natin ‘To” in Milan, Italy.

As Mokang, she is all set to marry Ramon, the character being played by Christopher De Leon, the biological father of Tanggol, but this fact is a big secret to Tanggol and Mokang.

What happens if the wedding pushes through? Find out in the coming exciting episodes of “Batang Quiapo.” And Kapamilyas based in Europe, catch the fabulous “Asap” Live show in Milan on September 10 at the Mediolanum Forum, Assaga, Milan, Italy!

***

Robi Domingo is hosting “Watchawin,” his first game show with the PIE Channel. He was discovered when he joined PBB Teen Edition in 2008 and ended up as the first runner-up to Ejay Falcon.

“Watchawin” will be shown Monday to Friday, from 8:15 to 9 p.m., starting September 11.

In the game, Robi as game master will show short videos called “watchables” to the studio contestant that viewers or online “KaTroPIES” can also see. The participant and all the viewers who want to join should then watch the video intently and try to remember all the details and elements they will see in it. Later, Robi will ask a question that pertains to what they just saw and to win, they have to give the correct answer. This is a test of how observant you are and how good your memory is.

Robi is turning 34 on September 27 and it is common knowledge that he has proposed last November to his fiancee, Maiqui Pineda, in the middle of Tokyo’s very busy Shibuya Crossing.

They are now officially engaged but Maiqui has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and is currently undergoing treatment. Robi says she’s okay now, feeling much better, and they have no plans of postponing their altar date, the requirements of which he himself is attending to.

***

After her successful launching in “Kamadora,” Tiffany Grey is quickly given a follow up project, “Punit na Langit,” directed by Roe Pajemna and starts streaming on Vivamax this Friday. “I play Claudia, a probinsyana who got a scholarship in Manila,” she says. “Best friend ko rito si Apple Dy as Dyosa, a deaf mute. Pero bago ako makapunta ng Manila, I worked muna sa isang peryahan sa probinsya namin. Diyan magsisimula ang complications sa story.”

She and Apple become involved with two guys in the peryahan: Aerol Carmelo as Diego and Chester Grecia as Rafael. Tiffany has love scenes with both Aerol and Chester, but it turns out Apple is also in love with Aerol so it becomes a love triangle for the three of them.

Tiffany does not hide the fact that she has a boyfriend, an Amboy from Guam named Errol Alegre. She even brought him with her at the screening of her last movie.

“I told him huwag na lang siya manood,” she says. “Sabi ko, don’t watch, but he insisted on watching, kasi raw I look so beautiful on screen. He was born and grew up in Guam so he has more liberal views. He understands that the sexy scenes I do in front of the camera are part of my job as an actress. Very supportive siya.”

LUIS Manzano’s original game show “Tamang Hinala” leads the new programs launched by PIE Channel. The other shows are Robi Domingo’s “Watchawin,” Eric Nicolas’ “Mukhang Perya,” Melai Cantivero’s “Ur Da Boss” and Jolina Magdangal and Bayani Agbayani’s “Sinong Manok Mo.”

They will occupy PIE Channel’s 6 p.m. slot starting September 9 to offer a pleasant alternative entertainment to our viewers. This is Luis’s first show with the PIE Channel.

What prompted him to accept it?

“Kasi kaliwaan ang bayad,” he said. “Alam nyo naman, may anak na ako.”

The writers present in the launch all laughed. “But honestly, I got excited by its concept kasi it’s an original show,” he added. “It’s something very different for me, after coming from the so many shows I’ve hosted before that are all franchises.”

“Tamang Hinala” will be aired 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. “When they presented the format to me, it’s like crime or detective shows such as ‘CSI’ or ‘SOCO,’ but with a twist as the viewers will be given the chance to win prizes if they can correctly guess kung sino ang salarin.”

Luis is obviously enjoying his role as father to Isabella Rose or Baby Peanut. He and Jessy had their intimate wedding in February, 2021. Their daughter was born on December 28, 2022 and baptized in April of this year. We won’t be surprised if Isabella Rose will follow in the footsteps of her Grandma Vi, who started as a child star.

***

‘We are just enjoying being with each other and we continue to be supportive of another. — Miguel Tanfelix’

“Voltes V Legacy” started airing on May 8 and has a very successful run on GMA. Now, after four months, it’s now on its finale week. They had a farewell press con and in attendance were Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Radson Flores, Matt Lozano, Raphael Landico and their main antagonist, Martin del Rosario.

What can they say about their experiences being part of such a big and expensive show like “Voltes V Legacy”?

“Siempre, malungkot kami na malapit nang matapos ang show na pinaghirapan namin,” said Miguel. “We worked on this for four years, tapos ngayon, ending na. But I am so grateful na naging bahagi ito ng buhay ko.”

So what’s the real score now between him and Ysabel?

“We really became much closer to each other,” answered Miguel. “Pero definitely, hindi pa po kami mag-jowa. We are just enjoying being with each other and we continue to be supportive of another. Like me, nag-aaral ako ngayon and she’s putting up her own business so we are seeing each other grow outside of ‘Voltes V’ and it’s exciting.”

***

Nadine Samonte was in the original “Starstruck” in 2003, exactly 20 years ago. She played important roles on TV and in films then got married to Richard Chua (son of actress Isabel Rivas) and had three kids – daughters Heather and Harmony and son Titus.

Now, she is making a comeback in the GMA’s afternoon series, “The Missing Husband.”

So what made her act again? “Na-miss ko naman talaga ito,” she said. “May offers na noon pa, pero siempre nag-yes ako sa ‘The Missing Husband’ kasi it’s with GMA, my original home. Tapos ang co-star ko, si Yasmien Kurdi, na ka-batch ko sa ‘Starstruck’ so bale reunion namin ito. Si Yasmien, hindi nagbago, masayahin pa rin siya at kalog. But I talked to my husband muna about acting again and I’m so glad na he’s very supportive naman sa decision ko sa career ko.”

So how is it? “At first, feeling ko, para akong nagsisimula uli. Nangangapa. Kasi ang tagal kong nawala. Naging wife and mother muna ako. I got married in October 2013 so bale we’ll be celebrating our 10th anniversary soon. So I focused muna on our family.”

To think her doctor originally declared that she cannot have kids of her own. “I was really shocked when the doctor said hindi ako magkakaanak. Humanap na lang daw kami ng surrogate. Pero ang mommy ko, sabi, don’t lose hope. Basta pray to God. And the Lord is so good, kasi ayan, hindi lang isa kundi tatlo pa ang ibinigay Niyang mga anak sa amin.

Lahat sila, difficult pregnancy, bed rest ako, maraming gamot, injections everyday, sacrifice talaga, but it’s all worth it and I really feel so blessed.”

JAK Roberto laughs off allegations he is not at all jealous of his GF Barbie Forteza’s successful love team with David Licauco. Does he get annoyed when some fans even suggest that he should break up with Barbie so she and David can be together on and off cam?

“No, I’m not annoyed, mas nalulungkot ako na ang ibang fans, sobrang pine-personal ang comments nila. Siempre, inuunawa ko na lang po na kinikilig sila sa ‘BarDa’ love team, pero sana, maintindihan din nila na trabaho lang po ‘yun at iba ang trabaho sa personal na buhay ng mga artista. Six years na kaming on ni Barbie at never kaming nakialam when it comes to our careers. Pareho kami artista so alam naming kapag trabaho, trabaho at kapag lovelife, iba rin ‘yun.”

He swears he never felt jealous and “anti selos” memes started appearing after he and Barbie walked separately on the red carpet of the GMA Gala last month. Jak proved to be a big sport and even did “anti selos” dance with his co-stars in the new GMA series that starts this Monday, “The Missing Husband.” It was a hit that even Dennis Trillo did his own version; making Jak very popular.

Has he talked about facing the altar with Barbie?

“Siempre napag-uusapan, pero nothing serious po as of now. Kasi we’re both still so focused on our careers. Lalo si Barbie, tutok talaga siya sa career dahil gusto niya talagang magtagal sa industry, like Tita Gloria Romero. Ganun ang mindset niya. She just turned 26 noong July 31 so bata pa siya for us to start our own family. That can wait pa rin po.”

Don’t miss Jak Roberto as Joed, the hunky cop who helps Yasmien Kurdi look for Rocco Nacino as “The Missing Husband” now showing on GMA Afternoon Prime.

***

‘We won’t be surprised if she’d be nominated for an acting award.’

AJ Raval and boyfriend Aljur Abrenica were absent at the screening of their movie “Sugapa” as they’re both in Canada. But Vivamax had a Zoom press con for them. It was alleged that she gave birth to her and Aljur Abrenica’s love child, but she denied it and also stressed she is not a “kabit” as she and Aljur hooked up long after he separated from Kylie Padilla.

When asked why she was absent for a long time, she said she went back to school and finished high school now that she’s 22 years old. “Nagpahinga ako. Pero marami akong ibang nagawa, marami po akong napag-aralang bago. I finished high school sa Alternative Learning System at balak ko pong magpatuloy sa college.”

So how is it working with Aljur in ‘Sugapa”?

“We’re comfortable kasi nga magkarelasyon kami, so wala ng walls between us. ‘Yung feelings namin, nailalabas naming kung ano ‘yung totoo.”

In the movie, they play Ben and Anna, young lovers in the province who want a better life so they go to the city to try their luck. They vow to strive and achieve success side by side with each other, but contrary to what they expect, they get to face a lot of problems and challenges that test their relationship and also put their lives in danger. Can she relate with her role?

“In a way, my character, si Anna, may pagkakahawig sa akin in real life kasi mapagmahal siya sa family niya at kaya niyang mag sacrifice para sa kanyang mga mahal sa buhay. But I cannot fully apply myself sa role ko, kasi hindi naman ako nanggaling sa probinsiya. I grew up sa city.”

AJ is really superb in her role. She delivers what may be considered the best performance in her career, especially in her dramatic scenes with Aljur after she finds out that she has sold their sex video to be able to pay his gambling debts. We won’t be surprised if she’d be nominated for an acting award.

***

Richard Yap is the only actor today seen in two top shows daily. In GMA’s afternoon block, he stars with Carmina Villaroel and Jillian Ward in the top-rating “Abot Kamay ng Pangarap.” In the evening, he stars with Jodi Sta. Maria and Gabbi Garcia in “Unbreak My Heart,” GMA’s co-production with ABS-CBN and Viu Philippines.

“Sobrang masuwerte lang ako kasi nag-abot ‘yung dalawang shows ko,” says Richard.

“Nawala ako sa ‘Abot Kamay’ as my character went into coma and while I was out of it, nag-taping naman ako for ‘Unbreak My Heart.’ We thought matatapos na ang ‘Abot Kamay,’ but after one year on the air, it’s still running kasi lagi kaming nae-extend dahil laging sobrang taas ang ratings. Dito naman sa ‘Unbreak My Heart,’ abangan nyo lang dahil maraming bagong kaganapan at pasabog sa kuwento nito.”

After weeks of surprising plot twists, “Unbreak My Heart” is all set to unfold its new chapter this week. Starring Richard, Joshua Garcia, Gabbi Garcia and Jodi Sta. Maria, the intriguing series revolves around a forbidden love that may break the hearts of those they hold dear.

Last week, the revelation of Rose’s (Jodi) history with Renz (Joshua) changes the course of Rose’s life forever. This prompts Alex (Gabbi) to seek vengeance and her decision is irreversible. She not only exposes her mother’s affair at her wedding but also vows to give her back the pain and triple it by sabotaging her career, her whole life, and the people around her.

Matt (Richard) helps his daughter get back on her feet and start over. Rose’s concern and need to fix her daughter’s life intensifies. Unknown to them, life has played a shocking twist of fate on Alex that will connect her once more with Renz.

BEA Alonzo and Dennis Trillo were batchmates in Star Circle Batch 10 introduced in the teen show, “K2BU,” exactly 21 years ago in 2002. But Dennis transferred to GMA-7while Bea gained stardom as a Kapamilya paired with John Lloyd Cruz. They now get to work together again in “Love Before Sunrise” and they’re supposed to go to Canada to shoot some important scenes on location there. GMA gives Bea and Dennis a powerhouse cast to support them led by Andrea Torres, who plays lead roles, but agreed to be the villain just to work with both Bea and Dennis.

Bea is also the talk of the town because of her official engagement to Dominic Roque. Folks ask her as to when they will walk down the aisle but she says there is nothing definite yet as of now. “Huwag nyo naman kaming madaliin,” she says. “We really want to prepare well for it as it’s a very important event. Kailangan munang pagplanuhang mabuti.”

***

‘It helped that AJ and I now know each other better and we’re comfortable to do the delicate and intimate scenes together – Aljur Abrenica’

AJ Raval and boyfriend Aljur Abrenica first met on the set of a movie directed by Law Fajardo in 2020 in an island off Quezon, “Nerisa.” That’s where their relationship ignited and now, they’re paired together for the first time in another movie directed by Law Fajardo entitled “Sugapa.” Whose idea is it to make a project for them?

“Si Boss Vic ang nagsabi, bakit ‘di sila igawa ng movie and I respected that, oo na ako agad,” says Law. “Bumagay naman sila sa roles that I envisioned for them. Mga promdi sila from La Union who move to a big city that is Angeles at doon na-test ang love nila for each other. They’re perfect for their roles as Ben and Ana.”

Is Aljur able to relate with his role as Ben?

“Yes, I can relate sa role ko kasi ganundin ang nangyari sa’kin. Galing ako sa probinsiya, nagpunta sa Maynila to get a good job as an actor at para makatulong sa pamilya.

Sumugal ako at nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng nangyari sa’kin. I joined ‘Starstruck’ in 2006 and after 17 years, I’m glad that I’m still here. Hindi ako sumusuko, lumalaban pa rin.”

How is it working with his girlfriend, AJ Raval?

“Bale first time time talaga namin ni AJ, kasi sa ‘Nerisa,’ wala kami masyadong eksena together. Dito, first time ko gumawa ng ganitong explicit love scenes at mahirap, kasi iba-ibang anggulo, but masaya naman ako sa naging resulta. It helped that AJ and I now know each other better and we’re comfortable to do the delicate and intimate scenes together.”

What can he say to the bashers who don’t approve of their relationship?

“‘Yung bashers ‘di na naman mawawala ‘yan. Normal na ‘yan. Basta kapag may negative comments, hindi ko na lang binibigyan ng panahon. Naka-focus na lang ako sa trabaho ko and useless namang sumagot pa.”

***

Senator Bong Revilla is so happy his action-comedy show on GMA, “Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis,” ended very high on its Sunday slot.

“Gusto ko pong magpasalamat sa lahat ng nanood at tumangkilik sa aming show,” he says.

“Talagang ang daming tumututok sa show. Mami-miss daw nila ang show but no worries kasi we’ll start taping Season 2 this October.”

The coming months of September and October will be very special for him. First, he would celebrate his 57th birthday on September 24 at Okada Manila. Then in October, he will celebrate his 50th anniversary in showbiz. He started as a child actor in the films of his dad when he was only 7 years old. In line with this, GMA will do a television special celebrating his golden year in the entertainment industry and ABS-CBN promised to help in putting it up as Bong was their star in their very first movie produced for Star Cinema, “Adan Ronquillo,” which was blockbuster hit. To Sen. Bong, advanced happy birthday and 50th anniversary!

‘While we are pretending that we are in a relationship, I realize I’m really falling for her and I feel it’s really destiny that we met at the wedding. — JC Santos’

JC SANTOS is glad to reunite with Bela Padilla in “Wish You Were the One.”

“I’m always excited to work with Bela,” he says. “All our movies before are dramas na hindi kami nagkatuluyan. Now, for the first time, we’re doing a romantic comedy, very light compared to the ones we’ve done before.”

He says he has special rapport with Bela. They’ve become so close he made her the godmother of his daughter, River Altheia. “Our friendship is the kind na we can rant and be very honest with each other. We also give advice sa isa’t isa. We can confide kung may maganda kaming hindi pinagdaraanan.”

In “Wish You Were the One,” he plays Ellis, a landscape artist. He is reserved and quiet while his girlfriend, Franki Russel as Zoe, is an outgoing extrovert. Eventually, they part ways after JC proposed marriage and Franki rejected his proposal. When he is about to meet Franki again, he asks Bela to pretend to be his new girlfriend. “While we are pretending that we are in a relationship, I realize I’m really falling for her and I feel it’s really destiny that we met at the wedding. I felt that she feels the same way about me and that’s why the movie’s title is ‘Wish You Were the One’.”

In this movie, they are directed for the first time by Derrick Cabrido and we ask him how is it directing JC and Bela who have made several drama movies together. “I really welcomed the chance to work with them at pareho silang napakagaan katrabaho. Sobrang kalog sila kaya masaya kami sa set and I really appreciate that they’re both very collaborative.”

***

Stephanie Raz has played support to her sisters Angela Morena and Micaella Raz who have both given launching films ahead of her. Now, she plays the lead role in the erotic drama, “Kahalili,” that starts streaming on Vivamax on August 18.

Of course, comparisons with her sisters and with the reigning Vivamax queens, Angeli Khang and Azi Acosta, cannot be helped. Does she feel pressured on how she would fare when compared to them?

“Siempre po, may pressure, but more than that, grateful po ako na after playing many supporting roles, nabigyan na ako ng solo movie ni Boss Vic,” she says. “Basta ako po, I don’t want to be compared with anyone. All I can say is that I did my best in this movie at kayo na po ang humusga.”

In the movie, she is supported by more experienced actors like the award-winning Sid Lucero, as the man who impregnates her, and Mercedes Cabral as her older sister who tries to be protective of her. How is it working with them?

“Nung una, kinakabahan ako kasi mas matagal na sila sa industry. But it turns out, ang babait nila. I really asked help from them and they were willing to help. Talagang sinuportahan nila ako. They guided me sa mga eksena namin together. I learned a lot from them, pati on how to deliver ang mga linya ko more effectively.”

***

Robert Arevalo was introduced by People’s Premiere Productions in 1960 in the movie “Huwag Mo Akong Limutin,” a movie directed by his uncle, National Artist Gerry de Leon. It was controversial as the local censors then tried to ban it due to its theme of infidelity and some steamy scenes. Robert then did “Noli Me Tamgere” and “El Filibusterismo,” again with his Uncle Gerry, and he did two memorable films with National Artist Eddie Romero, “N.B.I.”

(which was inspired by the huge success of “FBI Story” starring James Stewart) and the omnibus romantic comedy, “Magtago Ka Na, Binata.”

He also did action-dramas released abroad like “Flight to Fury,” “Cordillera,” and “The Ravagers.” In 1965, he did “Daigdig ng mga Api,” with his wife Barbara Perez, directed by Gerry de Leon. It won so many major awards at the FAMAS, including best actor and best actress for himself and his wife.

Another socially relevant film he did is “Sakada” with Rosa Rosal in 1976 and in 1977, he went into directing in “Hubad na Bayani,” about a peasant revolt. It won best picture in the Urian Awards. When his showbiz assignments lessened, he accepted an executive position with a big advertising agency. In 1968, Associated Broadcasting Company, owned by the top newspaper that time, The Manila Times, got him to be the station manager of their TV station in Pasong Tamo, Makati, Channel 5.

This was where we got to work with him. We were head of the Film Programming-Traffic Department when he got in and we attended a lot of company meetings together. We even had a team building activity in a hotel in Pagsanjan where we got to discuss the most popular book at that time, “The Godfather” by Mario Puzo. Our work in Channel 5 ended when martial law was declared in 1972 and The Manila Times and all their companies were closed down by the Marcoses for being critical of the administration. Let’s all pray for the repose of his soul. Our deepest condolences to Barbara Perez and their children.