PADILLA. Uses newfound happiness to energize her personal life and career.
CONGRATULATIONS TO Zsa Zsa Padilla for finding a new love in architect Conrad Onglao, and for using her newfound happiness to energize not just her personal life but also her career.
The new “chapter” in the acclaimed singer-actress’ career will be officially launched by way of her should-catch concert, “Beginnings,” on July 31 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, with Martin Nievera and Karylle as special guests.
In the musically and personally significant concert, Zsa Zsa will share with listeners and viewers the renewed effervescence she feels. All the more reason, then, for lovers of all ages to make a special point of watching Zsa Zsa in concert, to get empathetically affected and “infected” by her faith and trust in love and tomorrow—today!
For our part, we’re happy to share that Zsa Zsa’s Conrad is indeed one of our most artistically creative architects, because one of our dear friends is now the proud owner and happy resident of one of the beautiful homes he’s created.
We were invited to the lovely home’s house blessing, and it bowled us over with its minimalist beauty, expanses of glass that brought the outdoors in, and other design virtues that indicated that the architect wasn’t only a gifted technician but also an artist. Zsa Zsa Padilla and Conrad are both blessed to have found each another at this mutually “mature” stage in their lives.
Other veteran stars who are in the process of “writing” new chapters in their long-running careers are led by comebacking luminaries like Lilet, Aiko Melendez, Teresa Loyzaga and Karla Estrada.
Lilet made a successful return to performing on TV by way of the hit series, “Forevermore,” where she made a good impression due to her “authentically” classy projection. Later, however, her role became less consistent as she was made to shift from supportive mom to matapobre foe of Liza Soberano’s “poor” character, whom she deemed “unworthy” of her son’s love.
Still, we’re glad Lilet is back, and hope she soon gets to act on TV—and in the movies, as well. We should also remind producers that Lilet first made her mark as a singer, so she should be given recording and concertizing projects, too!
BUENCAMINO. Unimaginable loss.
Julia Buencamino
And now, a sudden shift from optimistic stellar prospects—to bleak tragedy: There are no words for us to empathetically express the sense of loss we feel at the tragic news that Julia Buencamino, the youngest child of acclaimed actors, Nonie Buencamino and Shamaine Centenera, passed away only a few days ago.
A talented, young actress in her own right, Julia played Janella Salvador’s “bestie” on the “Oh, My G” daytime drama series, and was clearly headed for bigger, better successes in the biz. We condole with her parents and pray that, with God’s healing grace, they will eventually come to terms with their unimaginable loss.
We have the highest regard for Nonie and Shamaine as actors and persons. After we caught Nonie’s comically memorable portrayal of a “hilaw na Elvis Presley” impersonator in the Filipino stage musical, “Kenkoy Loves Rosing” over 10 years ago, we became a fan “for life.”
In fact, his antic characterization was so outrageously spot-on that we announced to all and sundry that we were the self-appointed prexy of the first Nonie Buencamino National, Sensational and Horticultural Fan Club!
Our friendship with Shamaine began even earlier, way back in 1986, when we both worked on Eddie Romero’s historical film, “King and Emperor,” which was shot in China. We played a supporting role, and Shamaine was both script girl and cameo player. After working (and playing) together for months and months, we ended up thinking the world of Shamaine’s promise and potential, which she’s even exceeded in subsequent years.
It’s always a terrible tragedy for a parent to lose a child, regardless of the circumstances, but Julia’s abrupt departure is even harder to accept, even for those of us just agonizing in the sidelines. So, we pray with extra fervor and unction for Nonie and Shamaine, and for Julia—may she rest in peace.