As we say in show biz parlance, before we pack up and change location [to 2023], let’s look back at some celebrity quotes I gathered this year.
The pandemic turned show biz into “slow biz” in 2020 and 2021. Thank God that 2022 jump-started the entertainment scene somehow. May the grand finale of COVID-19 and all its variants be 2023’s main attraction.
CESAR MONTANO: Now that my ex, Sunshine (Cruz), and I have made peace, here’s my advice to ex-couples on how to be friends again, “Don’t force the situation. Leave it all to God to pave the way for reconciliation. Forgiveness comes easy when you let friendship prevail.
VILMA SANTOS: I salute Mareng Guy (Nora Aunor) for being named one of our National Artists. If we would do a film together, I want us to portray long lost friends and the story will be about woman empowerment.
AGA MUHLACH: Whenever I do a project, it’s never about me. It’s always about my audience. I want to make sure I give them what they want. It’s my way of paying them back for their support.
JOHN ARCILLA: I accept a project if it’s both entertaining and relevant. It can’t just be all substance, it also has to be engaging. I am not too keen about directing a film someday. I would rather write a screenplay. I also want to portray Juan Luna, who’s subdued, unlike my role as Heneral Luna.
ROBIN PADILLA: When I was a newbie in the biz, feeling ko ‘di ako guapo. But sabi ni Boss Vic (del Rosario) sa akin, kahit ‘di guapo basta may dating. ‘Pag takbo ako bilang senador, advice naman ni Boss Vic na huwag ako magpaka-pulitiko. Ipakita ko lang na puro puso ako.
JIM PAREDES: The biggest lesson Danny (Javier) left me with is that fame and money are fleeting. And that the most important mission in life is to love. In the end, only the love you give will live beyond you.
RICHARD YAP: I avoid extramarital affairs by not putting myself in a compromising position. I don’t flirt nor show any motives. My priority is my family, so I won’t do anything to hurt them.
BARON GEISLER: People who are critical of a disease are just ignorant. I hope that they learn more about alcoholism because millions of Filipinos are suffering in silence and not getting help because of the shame others put on them. More Filipinos die from alcohol-related causes than cancer. I am getting the treatment I need to deal with my alcoholism. Please give me the same courtesy you would a cancer patient.
NADINE LUSTRE: I’m still open to do a rom-com if the material is good. But for now, I want to explore other genres and do more out-of-the-box projects like “Deleter.” For my difficult roIe as a content moderator, I put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears and was powered by coffee.
KYLIE VERZOSA: When I am in love, I am not the quarrelsome type. It’s more of a quiet way of loving. My exterior may not seem like I’m sweet. Only the person I love can fully explain how I love.
ZANJOE MARUDO: It takes a while before I get to the point of commitment. But when I get there, I am all-in and all out.
MIC CAZZOLA: James (Yap) and I are not married yet because I see some married people who are happy, while many others are not. Marriage isn’t always necessary.
RHIAN RAMOS: I never think of an ended relationship as a failed one, not everyone is meant to stay in your life. I learn what I can while I can.
JACLYN JOSE: Intimidating my coactors is a no-no for me. If they feel intimidated by me, I make them feel at ease so the shoot will end up well.
KEAN CIPRIANO: Always fuel your creativity by shattering the constructs of your mind. You have to know your “why.” If the situation you’re in is not aligned with your soul, drop it. Not everyone will see things the way you do. But the answer is within you. No one can ever dictate upon your own truth.
PAULO AVELINO: I am not a fan of the love team thingy. Although I enjoy the attention that Janine (Gutierrez) and I are getting, I don’t want us to be boxed in a love team. We both must grow by working with other actors.
BELA PADILLA: There’s no formula for moving on. Pain has no timetable. There are others who are also going through pain, so don’t feel that you are alone. And take comfort in the thought that there is always someone willing to help you if you reach out.
SID LUCERO: There are advantages of being from a show biz clan, but that does not amount to anything if you have nothing to offer. I’m using a screen name so I don’t have to ride that boat. I found my niche and grew from there. More than the legacy that my Dad (Mark Gil) left behind, it’s what I do with his legacy that matters.
SUNSHINE CRUZ: I have no affair that I want to forget because I learn lessons from every relationship I’ve had. So even if it ended, I have become a better woman.
YASSI PRESSMAN: I want young girls who tell me I’m their role model to see that it’s OK to struggle as they try to achieve their fitness goals. That’s why I post even my deglamorized shots on social media. It’s my way of reminding them not to be pressured by beauty standards.
MARICEL LAXA: My advice to wives who have been cheated on by their husbands is to step back and grieve through the process. Then, allow the air to settle so they can think things through using wisdom more than emotion.
DIREK JOEY REYES: I am not mean to ham actors. It’s not their fault that acting is not in their DNA. I leave it to my editor to do the magic. INQ