THERE are lots and lots of Spanish mestizos and mestizas in showbiz, as shown in previous columns. Highspeed starts with those who speak Spanish.
Eddie Gutierrez, Edu Manzano, Pepito Rodriguez, Tony Carreon, Cocoy Laurel.
The late German Moreno, the Master Showman, also spoke Spanish.
Pilita Corrales and daughter Jackie Lou Blanco, Diane Castillejo, Angelique Lazo, Rosemarie Gil,
Celia Rodriguez, Carmen Soriano, Maggie de la Riva, Loly Mara.
Tessie Tomas, Lorna Tolentino, Kristine Hermosa and the Padillas trace their roots to Spain.
Marian Rivera’s father is from Madrid, Señor Gracia. Nadia Montenegro’s father was from Barcelona, Señor Pla. Jake Cuenca’s family is from Valencia. Jake is the grandnephew of Don Manoling Morato, former chair of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
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OTHER MESTIZOS MESTIZAS – More of Spanish mestizos and mestizas.
Cristina Gonzalez, Barbara Perez, Martin Nievera, Ricky Davao, Lance Raymundo, Louie Heredia, Gabby Concepcion, Ryan Agoncillo, Martin del Rosario.
Come to think of it, First Ladies Esperanza Osmena, Trinidad Roxas, and Imelda Marcos are Spanish mestizas.
While First Lady Eva Macapagal was no “Española,” she spoke perfect Spanish. Ditto her daughter former President Gloria Arroyo.
Celia Diaz Laurel, widow of Vice President Doy Laurel, speaks flawless Spanish.
Among our beauty queens, Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran speak Spanish.
By the way, the late director Marilou Diaz-Abaya spoke Spanish. Which proved useful when she directed “Jose Rizal.” She coached Cesar Montano on how to speak correct Spanish.
