LUNA AWARDS SIDELIGHTS 3
By Alex J. Socorro

The Pagcor Grand Theater, with a 2,000-seat capacity, was decorated to the hilt for the 24th Luna Awards night. The gargantuan stage, resplendent in Filipiniana décor, was like the big silver screen of cinema but with live performers. The crowd was very orderly, thanks to the ubiquitous faces of their house securities plus the crowd control personnel of Eight Elephants Productions.

Ana Capri in the showbiz media area.

First to draw fire was the categories for Best Supporting Actor and Actress which were snatched by Johnny Delgado and Hilda Koronel. Like BJ “Tolits” Forbes, Ana Capri was all smiles with her nomination statuette which was a mini replica of the real thing. “Okay lang, masaya naman eh,” Ana beamed with genuine euphoria. Incidentally, Ana was a FAP voter by virtue of her membership in KAPPT (Kapisanan ng Artista sa Pelikulang Pilipino at Telebisyon). The voters decide who the victors are among the nominees which were selected by the FAP nominators.

Eula Valdez with her escort having a taste of tilbury ride.

Eula Valdez was wearing a natively designed gown which enhanced her elegance. Known for her superb acting, Eula also proved to be a superb interviewer with sensible ad libs. Also arriving in a calesa was Mylene Dizon who was escorted by her beau Paolo Paraiso. Melissa Mendez came with friends Maria Isabel Lopez and Susan Henson. Of course, Zsa Zsa Padilla, adjudged Best Actress, personally received her Luna. Clad in revealing attire, Zsa Zsa seemed to have lost a lot of weight and noticeable was her pouting lips.

Mylene Dizon with partner Paolo Paraiso.

On the younger side of the fence, there was Alessandra De Rossi together with sister Assunta. Aiza Marquez, who came alone, was very accommodating to the camera. Anne Curtis, in a trendy gown, was in giggles when asked about Luis Manzano, “Meron pa ba? Tapos na yung episode kaya wala na.” Claudine was at her usual best, seeming contented with her 2 nominations, for Nasaan Ka Man and Dubai. Claudine and the suave John Lloyd Cruz were segment hosts likewise with Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin.

Morly Aliño while interviewing Iza Calzado.

“Ganyan ang mga artista,” quipped Morly Aliño. “Enjoy sila sa interview at picture-picture. Pero meron ding iba na masusungit. Nakita mo si Dennis kanina? Si Dennis Trillo. No, hindi naman talaga masungit yun. Siguro talaga lang nagmamadali.” Morly is a field reporter of DZRH which, he claims, is the number one radio station in the AM band. Being in showbiz is both fun and difficult, he added, because one finds pleasure in discovering the true persona of celebrities.

Barbara Perez with husband Robert Arevalo

Spotted in the exit area was Barbara Perez escorted by her ever-faithful husband Robert Arevalo. Learned from a veteran movie scribe that Barbara was offered a Hollywood role during her younger days but she elected to drop it in favor of the then dashing Robert. “Sayang.” the movie scribe sighed, “noon pa sana meron na tayong artista sa Hollywood. At malay natin, baka naging Best Actress pa siya kasi magaling talaga sa acting si Tita Barbara.”

Delia Razon in the exit area

Another good actress that we’ve been missing is Delia Razon. Like Barbara, Delia descended from her pedestal in showbiz to wed Rely Reyes of the Reyes clan who used to own the Philippine Racing Club in Santa Ana. Delia is aunt to Rina Reyes, the actress daughter of Baby O’ Brien and Gregorio “Boy” Reyes (deceased). Delia, however, still plays support roles on TV.

Alessandra De Rosi left behind by sister Assunta

A bevy of stars filled the stage. Eddie Garcia, who announced Blue Moon as the Best Picture, incidentally was cast in the same film. Caridad Sanchez received the Posthumous award for Nida Blanca. Also seen were Maricel Soriano, Jaclyn Jose, Boots Anson Roa was with her usual smiling face and the ageless contravida Bella Flores. Among those who performed were Joey Ayala, Gino Padilla and Rannie Raymundo.

Truly, the 24th Luna Awards night was an affair to remember.

Comments to this article can be sent to ajsocorro@yahoo.com