Ariel Ureta,Handsomely Funny

Before those dashing leading men became hosts to beauty contest, the  job was was used to be  dominated by Ariel Ureta. While  the younger generation would only know  Ariel as the  the lighthearted father of Kimi and Dora in the the twosome hit KIMI Dora Movies and would not imagined the still dashing old gentleman was once a big star during his heydays.

   Not too many young people know that Ariel was the original Crush ng Bayan , The original Tube debonair  The Handsome Funnyman and Kilabot ng mga Kolehala. True to his titles, Ariel has broken too many hearts in and out of his showbiz career. The beautiful Tina Revilla and Funny girl herself and talented Bibeth Orteza once shared his colorful lovelife.

Ariel started as an advertising man until he was discover for his funny antics and soon started a long and fruitful TV and movie career. He provides the afternoon spice for afternoon TV viewing with his TV Show Ariel at 4 roght after Martial law was proclaimed. But earlier he was the other half of the famous TV loveteam of Ariel Con Tina opposite the beautiful Tina Revilla. He is  also the original Pinoy Popeye and Superman teaming with Miss International Aurora Pinjuan as Olive Oyl. Ariel also was also the other funny side of an unusual cute tandem sharing the limelight with the Boy Wonder of the Philippine Movies, Nino Mulach. He is considered to be the one who discovered and honed the talents of the Boy Wonder Of Philippine movies.

Ariel, the gladsome gentleman is now doing cameo roles in movies that are mostly boxoffice hits like Bahay-Bahayan,kasal-kasalan series and the recently blockbuster Kimi Dora series. Ariel is still active in TV Show like Kaygandang Umaga and in his popular and top rated DZMN Radio Show :todo-todo con Todo with eqaully funny girl Winnie Cordero.

Ariel is enjoying his other role as  a quiet family man and who is happy to see and know that the younger generation still can go  gaga over his dashing look that through the years never fail to elicit "spark" among women, young and old.

Regine Velasquez-Philippine's Songbird

Regine Velasquez- Always faithful to her first love (Singing)

Like Nora Aunor, Regine Velasquez is a product of singing contests. She was the grand champion of Tawag ng Tanghalan hosted by Pilita Corrales and the late Bert"Tawa: Marcelo. She was then using her real name ,Chona Velasquez and only changed it to Regine Velasquez when she was signed into a management contract by Ronnie Henares.

Under Ronnie Henares, Regine's singing career started and slowly became one of the top choice for front acts for international singers doing concerts in the Philippines. She also one of the favorite singer interpreters in the Metro Pop Song Festival and through it, she represented the Philippines in various Asian and International singing contest. She bagged the Gold medal in Asian Pop Music Competition with her rendition of "Walk Alone" and became known as Asian Songbird.

Regine is also known for her concerts and in fact she is one of the few and selected artists who could fill the Big Dome (Araneta Colisium). Her series concerts with Kuh Ledesma (Philippine's Pop Queen) were one of the biggest and most successful show in the Big Dome History. She was tagged as Concert Queen and a showstopper with her fabulous rendition of songs like of those of Barbra Streisand. She was only barely a teenager then.

Like Nora Aurnor, Regine was offered to do movies , mostly musical and was paired with the leading top teenagers stars like Herbert Bautista, Lea Salonga, Mikee Cojuangco and Donna Cruz. She was also paired with top leading men of Philippine Showbiz such as Aga Mulach, Richard Gomes, Robin Padilla, Christopher de Leon and Piolo Pasqual. All of her movies were blockbusters but unlike Nora Aunor, Regine is faithful to her first love which is singing. She devotes her time to her singing careers and only do movies from time to time.

Regine is now a full-grown woman, a wife and a mother and a singer which she admits she loves to be called and known. 

Rico Puno: Not only a singer but a Total entertainer

Rico Puno tagged as total entertainer of Philippine music indsutry

Rico Puno may not has the looks to make girls run after him but his charisma and good voice are enough to have a tag as ladies' man and a total entertainer of the Philippine music industry.

Rico is the macho guwapito we all love as he sings lovesongs mostly of OPM. He is also one of the superstars of OPM of the 70"s when all OPM music enjoys its heyday. He also starred in several movies teaming with Nora Aunor is "Silang Mga Mukhang Pera" and with Alma Moreno in "Lihim na Pag-ibig". Although all of his movies made money, Rico stuck to his singing career.

Rico is one of the mosr endearing personality in the Philippine entertainment. He has the natural charisma to keep his audience entertained not only with his songs but also with his antics on stage. He has the flair to crack "green" or ditry jokes without offending his audience. In fact, it was known that the late Fernando Poe Jr, was a great fan and would always watch his local concerts. Another great fan is Dolphy who would sing with him in stage impromtu.

Rico dared to take a different path other than performing at stage and singing. He run as city councilor in Makati City and won. He served his terms as reelectionist and then run to a higher position as Vice-Mayor. He won but only served a single term and run again as city councilor, the position he said he loves and let him serves his people.

Rico now shuffles his time singing in hotels and in concerts and being a public servant. He also produces concert shows locally and internationally. One of his ventures as concert producer  is the reunion of 70's superstars such as Hadji Alenjandro, Rey Valera, Marco Singson and Nonoy Zuniga. The concerts was a great hit that several repeat performances were made not only in local stage but also internationally.

Rico is still singing and does some TV hostings proving that he is still the total entertainer that he is.

Pilita Corrales- Asia's Queen Of Song

Pilita Corrales in her signature singing  style

She was half-Spanish-half Filipino but considered herself "tunay na Babaing Pilipina". This woman is no toher than Miss Pilita Corrales dubbed as Asia's Queen of Songs, a title that until now belongs to her and only hers.

Pilita was the a young Cebuana who's begun her singing career to support her family after her father. She sung her way into stardom and made her self the first International Pinay singer.

Pilita's early career was purely singing until she was invited to show showbiz and made movies with the then currently matinee idols like Efren reyes Sr., Eddie Rodriquez and even the late Fernando Poe Jr. She was thwe original Miss Wow-Wow, whose broken tagalog endeared her to the Pinoy Masa and movie fans. She was the first Pinay singer to sing along side famous international singers and became the favorite of Bob Hope, the lagendary American-host-comedian. Her " A Million Thanks To You" was a big  hit not only in local airwaves but also in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and other Asian Countries.She was the first Singing Ambassador of the Philippines singing her sog to entertain Filipinos abroad.

Pilita Corrales has some shares of controversies in her career. She was one of the ladies who have been involved with the matinee idol Eddie Guiterrez. She had a lovechild with Eddie (Ramon Christopher) who has followed his celebrities parent in pursuing a showbiz career. Pilita's other child is Jackie-lou Blanco who is one of the lovely faces that has graced Philippine Movies.

Pilita has not yet retired and still continues to sing. She's busy with hotels and private parties shows. Her new album will soon be released bearing new compositions showcasing the reason why she's dubbed as Queen of Songs. She also busied herself with some TV sitcoms and comedy movies when she's not too busy singing.

Pilita Corrales, still gorgeous as she is, is still the iconic Miss Wow-Wow of the Philippine Music and Movies.

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Lucio Tan- True-blooded Tsinoy Tai-pan

Lucio Tan
A man who lives by the controversies in his business dealings

Lucio Tan's name is often associated with controversies in Philippines politics and business. He is most controversial for his Tax evasion case, his alleged fraud acquisition of  Philippines Airline and as a business dummy of the Marcos family.

But more than these controversy, Lucio Tan's name shines as one of a true-blooded Tsinoy Tai-pan with businesses that rank among the top in the country. Asia Brewery, the second largest brewery in the Philippines and tough competitors of San Miguesl Brewery is own and managed by him. He also runs and owns and  majority shares of Tanduay Corporation , Fortune Tobacco and other businesses in agriculture, banking, finance,education, hotels,propety developments, travel services, etc.

Lucio Tan is a native of Amoy .China and has lived in the Philippines all of his life. He was born on July 17, 1934 and studied in the Philippines schools. He enrolled in a Chemical engineering course in Far Eastern University but did not finish his course. His first job was in a tobacco factory and ventured to have his own tobacco company. His first venture lead to what he is now in the business industry.

Although Lucio Tan is often associated with shaddy deals, he is one of the respected figure in Philippine business. He is not a social figure and always shy away from the limelight. However, he is always associated in various controversies that caught media's attention and people's cursiousities. LUcio Tan is often linked to various women who have been open with their relationship with the man. There is also a small talk in Chinese Feng-shui that his luck comes from his famous relationship with women as a man born with a Dog sign. In Chinese Fung-shui, dog sign people are lucky as long as they have many partners. Although  it is a plain rumor, Lucio tan seems to live up with his lucky charms.

His acquisition of the University Of the East is said to be his biggest feat in promoting education in the country. He founded the Tan Yan Kee Foundation which is one of the biggest foundation offering scholarships to high school gradutes in public and private schools. His Tan Yan Kee Foundation has given numerious scholarships to Filpino students who belong to the low income families.

While he is sided with controversies, Lucio Tan is a man whose heart if dedicated in promoting education for the Flipino Youth as he believes that the Youth is the hope of the country he loves most which is the Philippines.

John Gokongwei- A businessman with a heart

Mr. John Gokongwei Jr. Fil-Chinese Tai-pan

It's common to tag a businessman as a heartless individual and only keen in making money and who does not care for his fellow. If there's an exception, John Gokongwei is a sure exemption.

John Gokongwei Jr.  is the man behind the big success of businesses like The Robinson Lands which operates the Robinson Malls, Universal Robina Corporation, one of the biggest snacks manufacturers in the Philippines, The JG Holdings, The Summit Holdings ; a media giant, Cebu Pacific and Sun Cellular. Although he has relinquished  his empire to his son Lance Gokongwei, John Gokongwei  Jr. is still active as emeritus chairman of his business empire.

John Gokongwei started early as a young entrepreneur selling food in the streets of Cebu.His success story is not a rugs-to-riches but interestingly a rich-to-rugs-to riches one. He comes from a wealthy Chinese family but when his father died, the family lost its fortune. Being the eldest son he has to provide for his family as dictated by the Chinese culture. He started by selling food and goods roving around the streets of Cebu where his family originated.

Mr. Gokongwie is proud to admit that he did not finish his schooling because he is too busy making money but wittingly declares that most of his skills in business he learned in the street and said that he is a fine graduate of school of hard knocks.

He also admitted that he also suffered setbacks in his business dealings and attributed his success to some people who claimed to be instrumental to where and what he is now. He credited much to the two men whom he has great respect. One of these is Mr. Chiong of the China bank  who helped him through a financial setbacks in the late 1960's by lending him a the amount he needed for his company's expansion.

Although businessmen are seen as tough and ruthless, Mr. Gokongwei is often described as a good man and this character of him had earned him the respect of his fellows in the industry that lives by the rule of greed and self- interest.

Mr. Gokongwie is a dedicated businessman and is also a good husband and a FATHER. When asked which role is most difficult for him, he willingly admits that his being the father is the most demanding and difficult role he has ever assumed. He said what he practices as an entrepreneur, he also practices as a father which includes being fair and equal and treating his children as his most valued possessions just like his business empire.

Mr. John Gokongwei is named as the third richest man in the Philippines and comes only behind Henry Sy and Lucio Tan. The Forbes Magazine has listed him as one of the four heroes of Philanthropy in Asia together with Jaime Zobel de Ayala , Ramon del Rosario and Oscar Lopez. He is now negotiating for the transfer of ownership of Singapore Lands to his empire as  having more than 30% of share holdings Singapore Land is  the biggest landlord in Singapore. He has authorized a book for his 7 Principles for entrepreneurs that retells his endearing experiences as an entrepreneur.

Mr. John Gokongwei  Jr. still continues to guide and inspire young and beginner entrepreneurs and still carries the energy and the guts to be a game changer in the various industries that he is in. He still describes his self as uncommonly lucky man but those who know and have been closed to him describe him a man of a good character and heart.

Henry H. Sy-Philippines' Retail King

Mr. Henry H. Sy-Philippines' malls mogul

If the US has Sam Walton (Walmart founder) as retail king, the Philippines has HENRY HAN SY as the country's Retail king and mogul. He is the founder of SM corporation that manages and owns 41 super malls across the country.

Henry Sy's vast business experience has him served as direcotrs to different corporations that he helped and lead to business success. Some of these corporation which he served as directors are San Miguel Corporations, China Banking corp. Kwppel Philippines Marine Inc.,Keppel Phillippines Holdings,Republic Glass Holdings, De La Salle University Keppel Philippines Properties, Sm Lands, BDO Unibank Inc., Highlands Prime Inc., SM Investments Corp.,and De La Salle University, Incorporated. He is connected to 42 board members in 7 different organization in 12 different industries. At the age of 86, he still acts the Chairman of SM investments Corporation and SM Development Corp.

Mr. Henry Sy would always say that as long as he lives, he will be working and will always stay close to his stores that he loves most.

Born on December 25, 1923,  his ethnic Chinese is traced to Han Chinese. His business success story started with a small shoe store in downtown Escolta that he set up in 1946 right after  World War II when the people are still struggling from the devastation brought by the war. He took his college when he was already making bigplans for his small shoe store and as soon as he got his Bachelor Degree in Commercial Science , he begun his business journey and work hard to become the Retail King of the Philippines. He is considered as a Tai-Pan with estimated $7.2 billion assests. He is included in Forbes Magazine  listing as top Philippine Billionaire.

He was awarded his honorary Doctorate by De La Salle Incorporated. He obtained his doctorate in the same university but obtained his bachelor degree of Coomercial Science at Far Eatern University.

Mr. Henry Sy is not only a dedicated businessman but also a dedicated husband to his wife Felicidad Tan Sy. He is also a devoted father to his six children who are now helping in running his business empire.

The man is still remain smart and active and fondly says that his love for working is what makes him live longer and smarter. Mr. Henry Sy is proved to be a Philippine business icon who describes his self as Filipino on a Chinese working shirt and shoes.

Ferdinand Edralin Marcos-History had judged the man

Ferdinand E. Marcos- the Philippine's strongman 

"This Nation will be great again". This is the battle cry of  Ferdinand Marcos in his first bid for President in 1965 Philippine Presidential Election. Indeed he tried his best to make the nation great while the country is in fighting off communism. which ut the nation in chaos. Demonstrations flooded his first terms with accusations of corruptions and communism ideals progressed and demand his resignations. But Marcos' political clever tactics allowed him to win his reelection, thanks to his wife Imelda Marcos who proved to be his best weapon against his political enemies.

Imelda Marcos was able to win the hearts of the masses with her compassion for the poor and her nonstop campaigns  ushering Philippine traditions and arts.Although Imelda was heavily criticized for her  spending, people love her  and won their loyal support.

In his first year of his reelection, Marcos saw the collapse of his government and in order to protect his position, he declared Martial law in September 21, 1972 and have all of his government's critic arrested and declare a one-man rule. The congress was abolished, too leading to his autocratic rule.

With a strong support from the Military, Marcos was able to perpetuate a new dimension in Philippine Society with the introduction of his NEW SOCIETY or the Bagong Lipunan. With is one man rule, he was able to place the country in peace and all communism ideals were literally removed and those who have such idealism became victims of his Military.

Although many claims that Martial years was the darkest age in Philippine History, ordinary folks would say that all was at peace and in order during the Martial law years. Only those who dare opposed Marcos were labelled as victims of the strongman and suffered under his reigns. People obey Marcos rules and enjoy more stable economy. Demonstrations were banned and Marcos' enemies claimed this as a means of violations of Human Rights.

With Marco's stewardship, the Philippines became second richest country among southeast Asian Nations and have foster foreign relationship with the strong Asian nations like Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore whose heads became his friends.

It was also during Marcos time that Filipino talents were used in foreign country-building such as Saudi Arabia and other middle-east country. This grace way to OFW's opportunity to make life better for their families. His critics saw these as his way of diverting the truth of mismanagement economy driving Pinoy manpower to foreign shores just to survive.

Marcos in his rule was able to build structures that are now part of his legacies to the Filipino. Although accused of amassing wealth, still his legacies remain as unequaled and had placed the Philippine in  the economic globe.

The debate is on  whether Marcos is the greatest president the Philippine had ever have or the dictator that have put his nation in bankruptcy. With all that has been said of the man, with all what had happened in our country since his fall, history had judged the man. And whether his critics would admit or not, Marcos had his share of greatness in making the Philippines a recognized country among Asians' , Western and European nations.