(First of two parts)
Just like in the movies, it’s time for 2023’s “closing credits.” As the “show biz circus” takes a curtain call, let’s look back at some celebrity quotes I gathered this year.
Thank you to the stars for trusting me with their stories. And most of all, thanks to my readers for making Dollywood a part of their Saturday ritual.
May the lights shine brighter, the camera be busier and the action explode more this 2024.
Vilma Santos —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
VILMA SANTOS: Boyet (de Leon) and I never fell for each other because we were both emotionally unavailable every time we worked together. It’s either I had a boyfriend or he had a girlfriend. Out of mutual respect, we have kept our platonic love intact.
Cesar Montano (center) with Kath Angeles (left) and Sunshine Cruz —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
CESAR MONTANO: My ex-wife Sunshine (Cruz) and girlfriend Kath’s (Angeles) newfound friendship amazes me. It shows how God moved in our lives. Only God could make that possible.
JOHN ESTRADA: It’s like you’re trying to fit into such big shoes all your life, then eventually, you are easing into the fit. That’s what 50 feels like. It finally fits.
Aga Muhlach —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
AGA MUHLACH: I have nothing against acting workshops, but I would rather attack my role the way I know how. I forget I’m Aga and assume the persona of my character 100 percent. That’s why after every movie, I isolate myself for a week to shake off the character I have become attached to.
Matteo Guidicelli —ARTU NEPOMUCENO
MATTEO GUIDICELLI: When I was in the Army, soldiers showed me their agimat, which they claimed kept them alive through all the battles. So there’s no harm in believing in agimat. My lucky charm is my gold necklace, which I never take off even while I’m sleeping. Its pendants are a cross, Mama Mary, a corn and a South Sea pearl. But my real agimat is Sarah.
Pops Fernandez —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
POPS FERNANDEZ: Martin (Nievera) and I figured that mas kalmado if friends kami. There are many colorful and dramatic stories about us in between, but in the end, our friendship prevails—and the rest is history (laughs).
ALBERT MARTÍNEZ: Winning awards is important when you are a newbie because you want to make your mark. But when you have found your niche in the biz, box-office success matters more.
JACLYN JOSE: I make it a point not to intimidate newbies. I make them feel that we are on equal footing so it will make our jobs easier.
EUGENE DOMINGO: At a very young age, I already knew my mom was a mistress. Growing up in a broken family, there were many unpleasant moments. So I know that being a mistress isn’t a good idea. As I got older, I realized that sometimes women don’t choose to be a mistress. It’s just a natural tendency to fall for a man who showers you with love and attention.
MARK ANTHONY FERNANDEZ: If I had to pinpoint one trait of my dad that wasn’t OK, it was his being unable to forgive completely. So it was better not to do him wrong. There was no room for mistakes with Papa.
CARLO AQUINO: It’s situational whether giving up on a lover is a sign of strength or weakness. But make sure you never give up on yourself. INQ
(To be concluded next week)