WOMEN’S MONTH – March is celebrated throughout the world as Women’s Month. Highspeed pays tribute to women in Philippine showbiz.
In no particular order…as they come to mind.
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MOTHER LILY MONTEVERDE – She continues to make movies despite the odds. Regal’s catalogue is without equal, composed of classics and blockbusters. Sure there were flops, but then Mother Lily carries on.
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MARICHU MACEDA and BOOTS ANSON-ROA RODRIGO – The pillars of Mowelfund which gives educational, medical, and death benefits to small workers in the movie industry. Not an easy task as Mowelfund is forever short of funds, but Manay Ichu and Boots manage somehow to raise money…thanks to the generosity of, among others, former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Susan Roces-Poe, and Mother Lily.
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LADY DIRECTORS – such as Laurice Guillen, Baby R. Nebrida, Olive Lamasan, Rory Quintos, Joyce Bernal, Antoinette Jadaone, Mae Cruz, Cathy Molina Garcia.
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DURABLE ACTESSES – Perla Bautista, Luz Valdez, Liza Lorena, Marita Zobel, Pilar Pilapil, Helen Gamboa, Gloria Diaz, Celia Rodriguez, Anita Linda, Hilda Koronel, Nova Villa. Not to forget movie queens Gloria Romero, Vilma Santos, and Nora Aunor. Oh, also Ai-Ai de las Alas, Eugene Domingo, Pokwang.
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STAGE LUMINARIES – Lea Salonga, Monique Wilson, Cris Villonco, Irma Adlawan, Sharmaine Centenera, Rachel Ann Go, Joanna Ampil.
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SINGERS – Pilita Corrales, Carmen Soriano, Celeste Legaspi, Lani Misalucha, Regine Velasquez, Imelda Papin, Eva Eugenio, Rachel Alejandro.
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TELEVISON EXECUTIVES – broadcasters, hosts—Charo Santos, Cory Vidanes, Pat P. Daza, Jessica Soho, Marissa Flores, Lilybeth Rasonable, Redgie Magno, Gretchen Fullido, Kara David, Sandra Aguinaldo, Vicky Morales, Mel Tiangco, Chistine Jacob, Karen Davila, Ces Drilon, Maki Pulido, Bernadette Sembrano, Winnie Cordero, Zen Hernandez, Luchi Cruz-Valdez, Cheryl Cosim. Linggit Tan.
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TALENT MANAGERS – Ethel Ramos, Shirley Kuan, Dolor Guevarra, June Rufino, Veanna Fores, Aster Amoyo, Betchay Vidanes, Girlie Rodis.
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GOV’T – functionaries Rachel Arenas, Marissa Leguardia, Mocha Uson (MTRCB), Liza Diño (Film Development Council of the Philippines), Aiza Seguerra (National Youth Commission).
But, of course it’s too early to judge how the just-mentioned ladies will perform in office.