LOCAL showbiz have seen a good number of stars come and go. Though indeed there are some who were able to tough it out to stand the test of time, there are those who simply faded to obscurity as quickly as they came.
Here are a few whom some might still remember.
Keno
Joaquin Francisco Sanchez, more known as the pop singer, Keno, was quite popular for a brief time in the mid to late 80s, so much so that many considered him next in line to Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano.
He started his career in opera but switched to popular music, coming out with the song “Leaving Yesterday Behind” in 1986. Soon after, he was cast in his first—and only – movie, Viva films’ “Ninja Kids.”
He became ALIW Awards’ most promising entertainer of the year (1987), going on to become an endorser of Pepsi-Cola.
His last big hit was the song “AFriend,” which was among the most requested songs on radio in 1990.
Keno announced his retirement from showbiz following a concert at the ULTRAstadium in 1991. He now works as crisis counselor in an in-patient psychiatric facility in Florida, USA. He is married with two children.
Wowie de Guzman
Aformer dancer, who gained fame via his crew, Universal Motion Dancer. Wowie de Guzman made his mark in the ‘90s via “Mara Clara,” where he was paired opposite the very popular Judy Ann Santos.
Several hit films featuring their tandem soon followed and De Guzman eventually became Santos’, first love.
When the duo saturated their popularity, Santos went on to bigger and better things.
De Guzman, othe other hand, tried to carve a career in theater, by joining productions for PETAand Ballet Philippines.
Eric Fructuoso
Frederick John Marco Magdaluyo Fructuoso, known to most as Eric Fructuoso, was part of the very popular trio, “Gwapings,” together with Mark Anthony Fernandez and Jomari Yllana.
He was very popular in the 90s allowing him to do what he does best – getting the girls.
Among celebrities he was linked to include Claudine Barretto, Ara Mina, Joyce Jimenez, Aubrey Miles, Toni Gonzaga and Priscilla Almeda.
Fructuoso is now married with two children. He is now in the construction
