BILLY B. – Some years ago, Billy Balbastro wrote about the best of friends in the showbiz. He mentioned in passing the colorful and controversial Troika, composed of Oskee Salazar, Alfie Lorenzo, and Billy himself. They are all gone now.
Billy B. was a lawyer, bar topnotcher (Top 10) from UP. Oskee was Billy’s UP contemporary, English major. Alfie was a UST fine arts student, said to be a former muscleman.
Atty. Balbastro worked for a while at Comelec, but movie writing was his first and great love. He won so many trophies at the Philippine Movie Press Club writing contest that he was named Movie Journalist of the Year, Hall of Famer of sorts.
Other perennial winners were Ricky Lo, Bob Castillo, Emmie Velarde, Gil Villasana.
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FRIENDS – On the list of friends of Billy were Edu Manzano and June T. Rufino, Ilonggos both. Edu is also one of June’s many talents, her Numero Uno.
By the way, Edu was former Makati vice mayor He was also mayoral, senatorial and vice presidential aspirant. Edu’s now running for congressman of SanJuan.
More on Billy’s list from way back:
Ishmael Bernal and Marilou Abaya, acclaimed filmmakers no longer with us. Bernal was named National Artist. Will Marilou also be so honored?
Directors Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes.
Beautician Tony Galvez, writers Nena Villanueva (Belle of the Commonwealth Era), and Linda Celestial (Celestial Beauty). Tony’s still around, Nena and Linda are gone.
Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano – still on top after all these years.
Norma Japitana, Rico J. and Cesar Montano. Norma J., a very fine lady writer-manager, had a falling out with Rico J. and Cesar, her talents. But when Rico J. got sick, Norma was one of the first to visit him at the hospital. Cesar recently made the first move for a reconciliation.
Mark Anthony Fernandez, Jomari Yllana, and Eric Fructuoso – “The Guwapings.” They are now semi-senior actors with separate careers and lives.
Mother Lily Monteverde and Ng Meng Tam (Tama the filmbooker).
Cristy Fermin and Butch Francisco during their “Showbiz Lingo” days on ABS-CBN.
Deo J. Fajardo and Robin Padilla. Direk Deo discovered Robin…and Rudy Fernandez, too.
