Will being First Son go to Mikey’s head?

Curtain-raisers:

• One of the most stirring (ehem!) pronouncements from the batch of showbiz denizens at the People Power II came from Ariel Rivera who declared, "Handa akong mamatay para sa bayan!" A Funfare reader observed, though, that Ariel forgot to say which bayan was he willing to (ehem!) die for – the Philippines (which gave him fame and fortune) or Canada (of which he’s a citizen)?

• The Star of the People Power II observed yet another perceptive Funfare reader, was no doubt new boldie Rica Peralejo who showed up in EDSA fully made-up, as if straight out of a Greenhills beauty parlor. Dressed for "war" or dressed for a street party?

• Will People Power II do wonders to the APO guys (Danny, Buboy and Jim) who were among the most passionate stars in that second bloodless revolt? The trio is having a show at the Hard Rock Cafe in Makati and, for the sake of the country for which they’ve been fighting so hard for, Pinoy music-lovers should support them.

There’s one – or even more – in every administration but I don’t know if it’s a bane or a boon to us showbiz-crazy Filipinos. I mean, a member (or members) of the First Families involved with showbiz in one way or another.

During the Marcos era, we had Imee Marcos who, in contrast to younger sister Irene (very self-effacing and truly admired by many people), was very visible and very audible on the showbiz scene, credited for, among other artistic pursuits, the mounting of the TV show Kulit Bulilit which developed such child performers as Herbert Bautista and Maricel Soriano.

During the Cory era, we had – and, happily, still have – Kris Aquino who, in all fairness, blossomed into one of country’s finest talk-show hosts after her mom’s term, debunking speculations that her showbiz career was co-terminus with the Cory Government.

During the Ramos era, we had – whether we liked it or not – Jo Ramos the singer/recording star who married and later separated from Lloyd Samartino.

During the Erap era, we had a surplus of showbiz, Erap having come from the showbiz ranks himself, starting with his son (San Juan Mayor) Jinggoy Estrada who had already been active as actor-producer even before Erap became President, Jinggoy’s brother Jude, leaving sister Jackie (self-effacing and well-loved, like Irene Marcos-Araneta) out of the showbiz glare.

There were also Erap relatives Gary Estrada and Jorge Estregan, sons of Erap’s late brother George Estregan; and Jesse Ejercito who, decades before Erap even thought of running for President, was already an established and respected (well-loved, I should add) producer and star-builder.

And now, with the advent of the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Era, we’re having –  since the past few years, or haven’t you noticed? – Mikey Macapagal-Arroyo, part-time actor, whose star is predicted to sparkle (finally!) that his family is in power. Well, you know how we Filipinos treat and kowtow to those in power; and you know how we discard them once they’re out of power.

Last seen on the big screen with April Boy Regino in the musical-fantasy Super Idol (no, Mikey didn’t play the title role), Mikey has been saying in interviews during the weekend, on the heels of his mom’s assumption of the presidency that,

1. His new status as First Son won’t change his "simple" lifestyle,
2. He’ll have more than two bodyguards from now on but he won’t swagger around like some power-intoxicated people in government, and
3. He won’t allow people to use him in ingratiating themselves to his mom.

Well and good – if Mikey will prove true to his words.

Already, Mikey is rethinking his plan (hatched up even before the abortive Impeachment Trial that preceded People Power II) to run as Vice-Governor in Pampanga, presumably with incumbent Gov. Lito Lapid, because, according to Mikey, "People might accuse us of building a political dynasty."

There’s really nothing wrong in building a "political dynasty" if the members of the dynasty seeking public office are qualified. It’s true in the Philippines as it is in other countries, including the USA where the new President, George W. Bush, is the son of a former US President (the son’s namesake), in the same way that GMA is the daughter of a former Philippine President.

While before he wasn’t taken very seriously as an actor, who knows, now that he’s a First Son, Mikey might be getting a "royal treatment" from his showbiz colleagues, although, again according to Mikey, "I won’t expect any special treatment from anybody." Sana nga.

Incidentally, Mikey was vocal about his slim chances if and when he did court his long-time crush, Judy Ann Santos, saying Judy Ann was a "somebody" while he was a "nobody." Now that he’s a First Son, Mikey is on "equal grounds" with Judy Ann – magka-level na sila. Will his new status encourage Mikey to finally court Judy Ann?

Anyway, let’s hope that the euphoria of the People Power II victory doesn’t go to (especially) Mikey’s head. Here’s hoping he’ll stay as level-headed as he has always been and not allow himself to be adversely influenced by some people around him, some of whom should now be whispering, you know, "sweet nothings" into his ears.

Sana nga, sana nga!

Meanwhile, here are the 12 (only, and not 20 as projected) winners of the Funfare-OctoArts-EMI quiz promo for the Beatles new album simply titled 1, carrying the Fab Four’s 27 No. 1 hits. According to Maristel Fernandez-Sampedro, hundreds joined the contest but, sigh, only the following 12 got the correct answers to the 14 questions (each of the winners gets a free copy of the album):

1. Emmanuel Chuasoto ([email protected])
2. Andy Tan Ang; Sta. Cruz, Manila
3. Victoria Tan; Sta. Cruz, Manila
4. Paul Yu; Binondo, Manila
5. Vivian Mapa; Sta. Mesa, Manila
6. Ramir Correa; Sta. Mesa, Manila
7. Severino Almeria; Sta. Mesa, Manila
8. Carlo Miclat; Meycauayan, Bulacan
9. Mary Ann F.; Pasay City
10. Elenita Prado; BF Homes, Parañaque City
11. Ferdinand Ortilla; Central Bank Complex, Manila
12. George Raymundo; Arkong Bato, Valenzuela, Metro Manila

Here are the questions and the correct answers:

1. Who are The Beatles? John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr
2. Who is their long-time producer? George Martin
3. Who among The Beatles said that they’re more popular than God? John Lennon
4. What is the title of the new single included in The Beatles Anthology 1, recorded by John Lennon before his death? Free As a Bird
5. Who among the Fab Four formed The Wings after the group disbanded? Paul McCartney
6. What is the title of The Beatles’ very first US No. 1 hit? I Wanna Hold Your Hand
7. What is the first US show that The Beatles guested on? The Ed Sullivan Show
8. Who among The Beatles wrote the song Something? George Harrison
9. What is The Beatles’ very first single? Love Me Do
10. What was the official worldwide release date of 1? Nov. 13, 2000
11. Which Beatles song spent the most number of weeks at the top spot of Billboard charts? Hey Jude
12. What is the name of the studio where all The Beatles recordings were remastered? Abbey Road Studios
13. What was the very first Beatles song that topped the UK charts? From Me To You
14. How many No. 1 hits did The Beatles have? Yes, 27!

(Note: Winners may claim their prizes from the OctoArts-EMI office at the 25th Floor of the Atlanta Center, Annapolis, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila. Or call 723-08-61 to 70. Bring your ID.)