TV superstars, then and now

In decades past, the superstars of television included Leila Benitez, Eddie Ilarde, Pilita Corrales, Dolphy and Nida Blanca, Nora Aunor, Eddie Mercado, Vilma Santos, Jose Mari Velez, Louie Beltran, Lino Brocka, Helen Vela, Inday Badiday.

Velez and Beltran were no entertainers, of course, but journalists. Brocka may well be considered a TV superstar as he directed several toprating drama anthologies, some which were made into movies, including Kastilyong Buhangin and Bona.

Of more recent vintage are Willie Revillame, Tessie Tomas, Charo Santos, Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda, Korina Sanchez, Tito, Vic & Joey (not really as the trio’s been around for decades, but then they remain very popular to date).

Willie single-handedly emcees Wowowee, which lasts for more than two hours. Tessie used to host the hugely popular Teysi ng Tahanan and star in the sitcom Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata, earning her the title “First Lady of Television.” Charo hosts the long-running Maalaala Mo Kaya, the finest drama show on television.

Kris and Korina vie for the title Queen of Talk, while Boy is the unchallenged King.

Include on the list Cristy Fermin and Butch Francisco, who used to host Showbiz Lingo, rating more than 30, phenomenal for a talk show. Cristy’s lying low for the moment, while Butch is with Startalk. Also Angel Locsin, Kristine Hermosa, Jericho Rosales, Judy Ann Santos and Claudine Barretto, who topbilled very popular teleseryes.

Now, who are the reigning primetime King and Queen? Judging from the ratings in 2008, they are Richard Gutierrez and Marian Rivera. Kris is right in saying that Marian’s the biggest, hottest TV actress.

Marian starred in two toprating soaps, Marimar and Dyesebel, both opposite Dingdong Dantes. Richard, on the other hand, “carried” two other topraters last year, Kamandag and Codename: Asero.

Marian and Dingdong team up for the third time in the upcoming Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang, Carlo J. Caparas novel turned into a movie — and now soap.

Come to think of it, Komiks King Carlo J can also be considered TV superstar as several high-rating shows are his novels: Bakekang, Kamandag, Joaquin Bordado the still running Gagambino and the upcoming Totoy Bato.

Richard plays the title role in Zorro, the legendary masked rider, defender of the oppressed. It airs a few months from now. He has the distinction of portraying many title roles on the small screen: Mulawin, Captain Barbel, Lupin, Sugo — and as earlier mentioned, Kamandag and Asero.

And Richard’s popularity extends to the big screen. Think of Let the Love Begin, I’ll Always Love You, My Best Friend’s Girl Friend, For the First Time (opposite KC Concepcion, also his leading lady in the Valentine offering When I Met U).

Of the current primetime shows on ABS-CBN, the most promising is Tayong Dalawa, with Jake Cuenca, Gerald Anderson, Kim Chiu, supported by an armada of veteran stars led by Helen Gamboa. Heard it toppled all oppositions at its initial airing. Will Tayong Dalawa signal the return of the Kapamilya channel to primetime supremacy? Its Betty La Fea and Eva Fonda are also doing well.

But of course the Kapuso channel, GMA, still leads with Luna Mystika, Gagambino and Lalola.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected] or at [email protected])