All in the extended show biz family

ZSA ZSA Padilla and Karylle photo:FACEBOOK PHOTO

Even as new starlets and stars make their bid for the viewing public’s approval and adulation, we note that, for the most part, the local entertainment “business” is still a family affair.

That’s the way it’s always been, and it looks like fans generally don’t want the “dynastic” template to be junked just yet.

In the early days, the “ruling” show biz clans included the Ilagan, Padilla, Salvador, Vera and De Leon families. Today, the Ilagans are still represented by hardy veterans like Robert Arevalo and his wife, Barbara Perez.

The Padillas are even more visible, with Robin and his siblings still very much around, as well as Zsa Zsa and her daughter Karylle, plus the new fave, teen idol Daniel.

On a less multigenerational basis, Eddie Gutierrez is still facing the cameras, as are his wife Annabelle Rama and most of their children, like Ruffa, Richard and Raymond—plus half-siblings  Tonton Gutierrez and Ramon Christopher, whose ex-wife Lotlot is still appearing on TV and in the movies—and their daughter, Janine, who has just launched her own show biz career.

More “intertwining” branches and twigs: Speaking of Lotlot, her adoptive sister Matet still appears on TV now and then—and their adoptive mom, Nora Aunor, has staged a successful TV-film comeback.

In addition, Nora’s son with Christopher de Leon, Ian, acted in a teleserye with her two seasons ago, while Christopher himself is still in demand as a senior lead actor in TV drama series.

What about the Muhlachs? Aga is still a top draw, his sister Arlene appeared recently on “Walang Hanggan,” his wife Charlene Gonzalez cohosts “The Buzz,” and aunt Amalia is still regarded as a film icon. Aga himself is starting a new chapter in his life as a politician.

What about the Cunetas? Sharon has a daily TV show and is about to shoot a comeback movie with her ex, Gabby Concepcion, and their daughter KC has a thriving show biz career of her own, both as actress-singer and TV host.

In addition, Sharon’s aunt, Helen Gamboa, was in “Walang Hanggan,” her daughter Ciara starred in “Magsimula Ka” two seasons ago, and her husband, Tito Sotto, has retained his popularity as a TV host and politician.

The “plot” thickens further when you focus on seemingly “new” and “unattached” stars and discover that they have show biz roots, as well. For instance, Cristine Reyes is the younger sister of erstwhile sexy star Ara Mina. Anne Curtis’ own kid sister, Jasmine, has launched her own performing career. Vina Morales’ younger sibling, Shaina Magdayao, is top-billing a current soap.

The late choreographer Lito Calzado’s daughter, Iza, is carrying the torch for him in show business. Jaclyn Jose and Mark Gil’s daughter, Andi Eigenmann, is a young-adult star on TV and in the movies, even as her other relatives go from one show biz project to another.

And even newer entrants include the Magalonas, Quizons—and then some!