FROM THIS TO – For one reason or the other, some actors change their names, from this to that.
BENJAMIN ALVES – The summa graduate (English major) of University of Guam and GMA actor, was earlier known as Vince Zaldaña. Then he was a Viva talent and his most memorable- role if it can be called that – was dancing the maglalatik in a forgettable movie with Luis Manzano.
Speaking of Luis, as a child and teener he was Lucky to everyone. Which he didn’t like at it became a butt of jokes. Remember Vilma Santos’ parting shot in her VIP show, “I love you Lucky?”
ARA MINA is good enough, but her handlers changed it to Danica Gomez. Which didn’t click. So it was back to Ara Mina.
MONA LISA – She was originally billed Fleur de Lis. Which was changed to Mona Lisa as her original screen name had an unsavory meaning in France, women of ill repute. But when “Insiang” was about to be shown in Cannes, Lino Brocka was “warned” the French audience would find the name funny. So the international version billed her Gloria Guinto her offscreen name.
PARALUMAN – Originally known as Mina de Gracia, the lovely star’s screen moniker was changed to Paraluman, the title of her movie. Her real name was too foreign-sounding, Sigrid Von Giese.
DANILO MONTES – He was introduced as “Ang Bituing Walang Pangalan” and then Roy de Costa and finally Danilo Montes.
JONA is name dropper; used to be Jonalyn Viray.
ROSSANA ROCES is ex-Ana Maceda; Priscilla Almeda ex-Abby Viduya; Gardo Verzosa ex-Peter Mennen Torres.
