JUNE. The onset of the rainy season had the entire nation mourning the death of Action Prince Rudy Fernandez, who succumbed to cancer last June 7. He was 56.
On June 17, five days after Daboy was laid to rest, Gretchen Barretto strikes again with the "credit card" incident .
The actress-host-singer had a dinner with her sister Marjorie and showbiz friends Ruffa Gutierrez and Pops Fernandez, plus a non-showbiz lady named "Jocie" at the Dusit Hotel. When it was time to settle the bill, the swiping machine declined her credit card, and La Greta supposedly uttered her now-famous line: "We own the bank!"
Meanwhile, disputes with "in-laws" also became dominated the scene.
Sunshine Cruz, who confirmed her separation from husband Cesar Montano during the early part of 2008, elevated her issues against Ched Manhilot-Cantu, her sister in law, to the courts.
Likewise, Cheska Garcia decided to sever her ties with Jennylyn Mercado, the mom of her first pamangkin. In an exclusive interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), the sister of Patrick said, "Would you invite a person who stepped on your brother a million times? No! No! Why should I?"
Another hot topic this month was the engagement of Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos.
JULY. The second major rift of 2008 involved Claudine Barretto, who had a "salon confrontation" with Angel Locsin.
The issue was brought up to ABS-CBN management, which acted as the mediator. A meeting was held last July 23, attended by Star Cinema managing director Malou Santos, ABS-CBN TV head Cory Vidanes, Star Cinema AdProm director Roxy Liquigan, Star Magic vice president Mariole Alberto, Becky Aguila (manager of Angel), and Raymart Santiago (husband of Claudine).
Afterwards, the management issued a statement: "Sa naganap na meeting, nilinaw ang mga isyung ito, kinilala at naintindihan ang nararamdaman at emosyon ng bawat isa. Naging malinaw ang lahat at nagkaroon ng kapatawaran."
But some PEP sources rebutted this, claiming that the two ladies allegedly had a heated argument in front of the bosses and did not arrive at a resolution. There were even talks that the "salon confrontation" did happen, but the reported trigger—which was Angel's bad attitude towards one of the staff—was allegedly a "made-up story."
Other stories that caught the attention of the fans: Riza Santos's "snob attitude" during the Bench Blackout event, the sudden breakup of Pauleen Luna and Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian, and the birth of Danica Sotto's first baby.
AUGUST. Major events, with tinges of contention,ruled the month. There was the opening of KC Concepcion's first movie with Richard Gutierrez, and the birthday concert of Dingdong Dantes and MarianRivera. Both would take place on August 27, and this did not sit well with Annabelle Rama, mom and manager of Richard.
She deemed the schedule of Dingdong and Marian's concert as "sabotahe" and declared war against Wilma Galvante, senior vice president of GMA-7.
Another shocking news was Francis Magalona's confirmation of his leukemia. The Master Rapper issued a statement last August 13, saying: "Ngayon meron akong isang pagsubok na dapat daanan at ang hiling ko lang ay ang inyong pang-unawa at suporta. I have been diagnosed with leukemia and I am preparing for my treatment."
The next day, Pinoys streamed to the Medical City to donate blood for the Master Rapper.
August 16 marked the birthday of Jennylyn Mercado's baby. The young mom gave birth to her son (and Patrick Garcia's) at St. Luke's Hospital via caesarian section.
The month ended with a sad news: Comedienne Zorayda Sanchez died of breast cancer on August 28. She was 57.
SEPTEMBER. See how complicated a real-life drama could get...The story began with a gap between a talent manager and her ward. According to an article published by PEP on September 10 , it was caused by "finance-related matters."
The gap widened as the talent made a decision to terminate his contract, and this provoked the manager to file a 20-million lawsuit last September 16.
But on top of a legal tussle, the issue gave birth to another hubbub, which involved another set of characters.
Said one reporter, "Gabby Concepcion started it all. Una, sila ni Mommy Rose [Faminiano], na dinawit si Nadia [Montenegro], na nasagad din ang galit dahil nakisawsaw si Cristy [Fermin]."
The simple gap between two people turned into a major tumult, with the three women involved hurling foul words at each other. Rose called Nadia "sulsoltant" and "badviser," and Cristy called the former Regal baby a "bangaw."
Nadia Montenegro snapped back, but her anger was directed at Cristy, whom she described as "walang budhi."
Another scene stealer was Kris Aquino, who made a "pa-star ka" remark on the gown of Charlene Gonzalez during a fashion show. Witnesses said Kris said it four times, and Charlene reportedly said, "Kris, do you have a problem with my dress?"
Kris said it was just a joke, but majority did not agree.
Meanwhile, we also saw some celebrities saying hello to a new phase of their life.
Lorna Tolentino finally confirmed reports that she's transferring to the Kapamilya network. The deal was inked last October 19, and one of the terms mentioned a television soap with Gabby Concepcion.
Dennis Trillo announced his breakup with Cristine Reyes. Ironically, the Gagambino star never was upfront in defining his relationship with the female lead of Eva Fonda. Both are now focused on their careers.
Last September 28, Vina Morales admitted her pregnancy. She did not talk much due to the complicated status of her relationship with the dad of her baby, but one thing's sure, she's very happy and excited to embrace motherhood.
On a separate note, a part two of Gretchen Barretto's reported ouster from the Dasmariñas Village mansion of her partner Tonyboy Cojuangco resurfaced last September 19 in the column of Ricky Lo. But PEP, with the help of three different sources, deduced: "She is still there and she never left."
And lastly, Riza Santos's "attitude problem" strikes again, and this time, it concerned her "tardiness." The former Ms. Earth-Canada got the flak from the former Miss World Second Princess Ruffa Gutierrez, her co-star in I Love Betty la Fea.
OCTOBER. This is perhaps thebusiest month of the year, so many things were happening at the same time. There was a breakup, a controversial suspension, an altercation in a bar, two reconciliation stories, and another baby boom.
Let's start with the Dingdong-Karylle split, which is the most-read breakup issue of 2008. PEP posted the article titled "Confirmed: Dingdong and Karylle breakup; Denied: Marian as third party" last October 29, which was a month prior to the day Dingdong was spotted watching Karylle's theater performance in West Side Story, and a few weeks before Karylle's television interview, where she dismissed breakup rumors.
Insiders say the announcement was made two or three months after the actual date of their breakup. Some claimed Dingdong and his leading lady Marian Rivera had been dating already. But the two denied the allegations.
Cristy Fermin's suspension, which was served last October 15, was another controversial story. The official statement of ABS-CBN about the issue read:
"Ang suspensyon ng talent contracts ni Ms. Fermin sa ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation ay may kaugnayan sa mga naging pahayag niya sa episode ng The Buzz noong October 5, 2008. Ang aksyong ito ni Ms. Fermin ay lumabag sa ilang probisyon ng kanyang kontrata.
"Sa pananaw ng kompanya, nadamay ang mga batang walang kinalaman sa kontrobersya sa kanyang pahayag.
"Nalabag din ng aksyon ni Ms. Fermin ang mataas na batayan ng propesyonalismo at integridad sa pamamahayag. Ito ay nagdulot ng kapinsalaan hindi lamang sa kanyang pangalan at kredibilidad, kundi sa programang The Buzz at sa ABS-CBN."
The major puzzlers here: What fueled the "all-out war" between Cristy and Nadia? Why did Cristy join Rose Flaminiano in lambasting Nadia in her tabloid columns? Why did Nadia describe her as "walang budhi?"
Some showbiz denizens asserted that the Gretchen-Dody affair was the root of their rift. PEP featured the two women and their versions of the story. (CLICK THESE LINKS TO VIEW THE STORIES: NADIA and CRISTY.)
Richard Gutierrez's near-brawl incident with StarStruck graduate Aljur Abrenica last October 18 at the Fiamma bar in Makati City launched more than a thousand comments from the PEPsters. Only a few media and press outfits touched the story, so showbiz fans relied on PEP for the detailed account.
Initially, Richard dubbed the issue an "invented rift." He did not deny that there was some hostility between him and Aljur because the latter "barged in" on him and his friends, sat down, and drank with them when he was clearly "uninvited." But all he did was ask the newbie to "leave the table politely."
But several sources , including Aljur —who broke his silence almost one month after the incident happened—said there was really a confrontation and that Richard slapped Aljur's head twice.
Simultaneously happening with the Fiamma bar incident was the "historical" reconciliation of Joey de Leon and Willie Revillame, which took place at the Embassy Super Club. After more than a year of a very public word war, the two hosts decided to bury the hatchet.
Joey said, "Tama ang sabi ni Willie, mga tuksuhan lang ‘yan. Kaya lang, yung dalawang co-hosts mo [to Willie], paliwanag muna nila kung bakit nakikiiyak sa ‘yo?"
Willie quipped, "Alam n'yo naman kami, artista! Ikaw nga ang nagturo sa akin niyan. Pero alam mo, hindi ba na-suspend ako, pero noong na-suspend ka, nakidalamhati rin ako!"
Likewise, in a PEP Exclusive, Gabby Concepcion told PEP about his ex-wife Sharon Cuneta: "Sharon and I are friends now. It's different. When my dad died, things have changed. You know, time has a mysterious way of healing things and I think it's happening."
The fourth pregnancy news this year was announced by Angelika dela Cruz. She said, "I am pregnant. I'm very happy and I am very proud." The La Lola co-star also related that she and her boyfriend already got married last August 19.
NOVEMBER. After the "hiwalayan issue," Sharon Cuneta found herself facing the persistent rumor about Senator Kiko Pangilinan's "other woman." And this time, she dealt with the intrigue in a more forthright manner.
She said half-seriously and half-jokingly, "Di ba, parang ini-insist nila? Humihingi ako ng pruweba, kahit five to ten million cash, ipabibigay ko doon sa tao. Nakakairita! Pengeng ebidensiya! Sige, isasanla ko asawa ko, magbibigay ako ng cash!"
Heart Evangelista became the center of attention when her paparazzi photos with new beau Francisco Delgado in Boracay circulated. Last November 12, the Luna Mystika star affirmed what the photos insinuated, and told the press, "Yes, I think I'm in love."
Jennylyn Mercado's comeback was greeted by a rumpus, allegedly caused by her manager Becky Aguila and her former road manager Mel Pulmano.
The single mom found out that somebody forged her signature and rediscounted checks on her behalf. Initially, tabloids dropped the name of Mel as the culprit.
In exclusive interviews with PEP, the former staff of Becky said she was just a messenger. In phone conversation with her last October 30, she stressed: "Hindi ako authorized na mag-withdraw. Alam ni Jennylyn na manager niya ang humahawak ng kanyang pera. Minsan, inuutusan ako bilang representative ni Becky."
In response to Mel's statements, Becky retorted: "Ang pagkakamali ko lang, naging mapagtiwala akong masyado at ipinaubaya ko ang pagha-handle ng talents sa mga handlers. Kung may ginagawa akong hindi maganda sa mga talents, tulad ng ibinibintang ni Mel na ako ang gumagalaw ng pera ng mga talents ko, bakit nasa akin pa rin silang lahat?"
Becky filed 19 counts of Qualified Theft, five counts of Qualified Theft Thru Falsification of Documents, at Falsification of Commercial Documents at the Quezon City Prosecutor's office.
On Mel's part, "Nagsampa ako noong October 12 sa DOLE, sa Department of Labor. Idinemanda ko si Becky ng illegal dismissal, salary wage, overtime pay, holiday pay, holiday premium, rest-day payment, 13th month pay, separation pay, non-payment, and moral exemplary damage, and attorney's fee..."
On a separate note, two socialites made headlines due to a pepper spray incident, which transpired at Embassy Fly last November 19.
Patricia Panlilio-Cu-Unjieng, a former model and the daughter of the late jeweler Fe Panlilio, allegedly used pepper spray to hurt stockbroker and fellow socialite Neny Montinola.
Actresses Maricar de Mesa and Angelu de Leon became witnesses and women of the hour that night. The two rushed the pepper-spray victim to the hospital.
The last item to earn a spot in the hot list of PEPsters was Karylle's transfer to ABS-CBN. Her new management STAGES told PEP last November 7: "Karylle, warmly welcomed by ABS-CBN executives Cory Vidanes and Deo Endrinal, will be seen in ABS-CBN's musical variety shows, and soap operas. She is set to record a new album, and reprise her critically-acclaimed portrayal of Maria in STAGES' production of hit Broadway musical, West Side Story, in 2009."
DECEMBER. A victory, an unexpected demise, a messy breakup, and reconciliation marked the ending of 2008.
December 7, people both rejoiced and grieved over Manny Pacquiao's win in his Dream Match against Oscar Dela Hoya in Las Vegas, and Marky Cielo's death.
The latter became this year's most read, and perhaps, most shocking showbiz news. Nobody saw it coming.
His death was shrouded in controversies.
First was about its cause. GMA Artist Center, Marky's family, and Antipolo Doctor's Hospital cited "bangungot." Some claimed "suicide." A few said there was a "foul play."
PEP was able to gather different versions of the story. Initially, there was the "gay benefactor issue," which was overshadowed by a "love triangle angle," which was reportedly dismissed by the lady involved. The last feed claimed that "foul play" reportedly killed the 20-year-old StarStruck Batch 2 Sole Survivor.
The second controversy was wreaked by the network war. Despite the family's requests for privacy, some news programs of ABS-CBN showed a tight shot of Marky inside his coffin.
Mildred Cadaweng, mom of Marky, tearfully said in her Startalk interview: "Nagtaka naman ako nang nalaman ko na lumabas sa news, nandoon yung mukha niya [Marky], kung saan, paulit-ulit akong nag-e-explain at humihingi ng paumanhin kung bakit ayaw naming pakuhanan ng picture... Bakit ginawa nila yun? Talagang masakit ang loob ko dun."
Marky was laid to rest last December 15 in Mountain Province.
Just before the Christmas break, the split of Dra. Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho became the talk of the town. The beauty doctor, to date, has never said a word about the issue. On the other hand, the former Celebrity Duets contender regretfully admitted that he had a suicide attempt and an affair with Katrina Halili.
Last December 29, Katrina affirmed Hayden's statement but she stressed that the breakup of Dra. Vicki and Hayden was caused by several factors. "Kung naghiwalay sila, maraming ibang bagay ‘yon. Huwag naman pong ako lang. Maraming ibang bagay, ang baduy naman na hiwalay sila dahil sa ‘kin lang e, ang tagal-tagal nang wala," asserted the StarStruck alumna.
Raymond Bagatsing's wedding in Los Angeles, California also caught the Pinoys by surprise. The age difference had most PEPsters talking—the 35-year-old award-winning actor married a 60-year-old Pinay columnist named Cora Pastrana.
Four more stories diverted our attention from the holiday rush: Didith Reyes's death, Marian Rivera's tearful interview due to the "plastikada" comment of a member of the showbiz press and Karylle's "pa-smile-smile" on the "buntis issue," and the squaring off of Annabelle Rama and Wilma Galvante last December 3 at Los Angeles Airport, and of Neny Montinola and Patricia Panlilio just before Christmas.
In total, suki PEPsters read and talked about more than 4,300 news items posted by PEP contributors and writers, but we recounted only the news items which made it to the Top 50 Most Read list per month.
The intent was neither to relive any kind of pain nor resurrect old issues. We just want to portray that celebrities are just like us ordinary people—they get hurt, they cry, they get excited, they laugh, they get mad, they argue, they make wise decisions, they make mistakes.
We get to witness almost everything they do and say. We talk about them. We take sides in the issues. We support them. We laud them. We ridicule them. Showbiz has given us a lot of things to do all-year round.
It's high time to thank the newsmakers who became our source of entertainment, and the Pinoy showbiz fans in the different parts of globe who patronized their stories.
Ang 2008, pinutakti ng bagyo, pero hindi yata natin ininda. Masarap kasing isipin na sa tuwing natatapos ang ulan, muling sisikat ang araw. Maligayang pagdating 2009!