NICKNAMES, PET NAMES – Highspeed’s item a few columns back on popular names among stars, “What’s in a name?” has a sequel of sorts. Nicknames and pet names, at times understandable, at times, “weird” – without rhyme or reason.
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ELIZABETH OROPESA – Oro, as in gold, prompting colleague Gay Ace Domingo to call her “Golden Actress.”
Another Elizabeth (Bautista) is Bote. The lady is no longer interested in showbiz and leads a quiet, comfortable life. Her son “Barok” (by Cheng Muhlach) is married to ABS-CBN announcer Barbie Salvador.
Like Oro, Bote is an Urian awardee (best actress for “Hindi Sa ’Yo ang Mundo, Baby Porcuna,” directed by the late Danny Zialcita.
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GINA ALAJAR – Alati-it (from her real name Regina Alati-it).
Another Gina (Pareño) is Ging.
Lorna Tolentino is LT (Lata, at times).
Amy Austria is Esme (from real name Esmeralda Tuazon, which is also cinematic).
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PERLA BAUTISTA is Baby, or Pearl, most apt as the actress is a gem of a lady.
Baby R. Nebrida’s complete name is Maria Luisa Fatima. But in the US, where she lived for many years, she is Bea.
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RICHARD GOMEZ is Goma.
Richard Gutierrez is Chard, while twin brother Raymond is Mond.
Piolo Pascual is Papa P to one and all.
John Lloyd Cruz is Lloydie. Jericho Rosales is Echo.
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ROBERT JAWORSKI is Bobby or Sonny or Big J (Why?)
Albert Martinez is Little. Xian Lim is XL. (Really?)
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MARICEL SORIANO is Marya.
Snooky Serna is Cookie. Gabby Concepcion is Gabo. William Martinez is Kulit.
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BANGENGE – Believe it or not, that’s Alma Moreno. But, why Bangenge when she’s so pretty… even with excess pounds?
Daria Ramirez is Dadang. Chanda Romero is Chanding. Pilar Pilapil is Laling. Charo Santos is Charing.
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INAY – That’s director Olive Lamasan to young stars.
Lolit Solis is Manay or Nanay. Cristy Fermin is simply Nanay. Ethel Ranos is Manay… just like Marichu Maceda and Gina de Venecia.
Eddie Garcia is Manoy. Willie Revillame is Kuya Wil. Gloria Romero is Tita Glo. Vic Sotto is Bossing, Annabelle Rama is Bisaya.
Don’t have to tell you who Guy & Pip, Vi & Bot, Shawie, Swanie, Bistek, and Chong are.
Anymore nicknames and pet names?