Veteran actors gather for Gloria Romero tribute | ABS-CBN

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Veteran actors gather for Gloria Romero tribute

Veteran actors gather for Gloria Romero tribute

MJ Felipe,

ABS-CBN News

 | 

Updated Feb 29, 2024 02:23 PM PHT

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(Seated L-R): Liza Lorena, Chuchi de Vega and Tina Loy (Standing L-R): Pempe Rodrigo, Tessie Villarama, Pepito Rodriguez, (lady in red - friend of Anna Ledesma), Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, Ana Ledesma, Imelda Ilanan.

MANILA -- For 20 years now, it has been a tradition of the country’s veteran actors and actresses to gather and celebrate occasions together.

 Back in 2003, Josefina Rodrigo -- or known as Pempe -- organized a group.

 Pempe is the best friend of Susan Roces, the sister-in-law of Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, and she worked under the legendary starmaker Dr. Jose Perez. Her connections with the biggest stars of the past years helped her organize the group of veteran movie, TV, and radio stars from big picture companies like LVN, Sampaguita Pictures, and Premiere. She called it "Balik Samahan."

 From time to time, these iconic celebrities would gather and reunite to catch up. According to Pempe, before they would usually meet up during wakes and funerals. And the group has lost a handful of their friends and colleagues in the past two decades. Also, through reunions and catch-ups, they were able to help those artists who need medical or financial assistance. "We help each other. Kung sino ang may kailangan, natutulungan namin," said Pempe.

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 Hours before the tribute event for movie icon Gloria Romero, veteran stars gathered first for early dinner where ABS-CBN News was exclusively invited to join and chat with Divina Valencia, Liza Lorena, Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, Imelda Ilanan, Chuchi de Vega, Anna Ledesma, Tina Loy, Tessie Villarama, Pepito Rodriguez, Nova Villa, and Marissa Delgado, among others.

 Back in December, a surprise birthday celebration was held for Romero on her 90th birthday. And now, the "Balik Samahan" stars won’t miss this tribute event for the woman they consider "the queen."

 "Lagi naman kaming nagkikita 'pag may mga okasyon or birthday, but this is very special to all of us kasi siyempre, si Gloria is 90 years old na, maganda pa rin. Gloria kasi is really talaga a big star, the queen para sa akin,” said Ilanan.

Ilanan is the mother of Marical Laxa-Pangilinan and the grandmother of Kapamilya actor Donny.

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'New era' in pageantry as Miss Grand founder acquires Miss Universe Thailand franchise

'New era' in pageantry as Miss Grand founder acquires Miss Universe Thailand franchise

ABS-CBN News

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Miss Grand International founder Nawat Itsaragrisil (left) and Miss Universe co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip. Miss Universe Thailand/InstagramMiss Grand International founder Nawat Itsaragrisil (left) and Miss Universe co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip. Miss Universe Thailand/Instagram

Miss Grand International (MGI) founder Nawat Itsaragrisil is marking the start of a "new era" in pageantry as he acquires the Miss Universe Thailand (MUT) franchise.

An event was held Tuesday to commemorate the partnership between Itsaragrisil's company, MGI PCL, and the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), which is partly owned by his former competitor, Anne Jakrajutatip.

In an event that pageant fans never thought would be possible, the two Thai entrepreneurs shared a moment on stage, holding hands and even hugging each other.

"New era, new Miss Universe Thailand," Itsaragrisil said in an Instagram post.

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MUT has released a video of Jakrajutatip formally welcoming Itsaragrisil to the Miss Universe family, describing him as an "esteemed leader" who has "demonstrated outstanding success at the level of a publicly listed company."

She also revealed MUO's collaboration with MGI, and thanked fans of both pageants for their continued support. 

"I firmly believe that MUO and MGI will work hand in hand with strong commitment to create and empower women, as well as inspire people around the world," she said in Thai, as translated by MUT. "Through this collaboration, we will launch new partnerships and projects that will soon be introduced to audiences both in Thailand and worldwide."

"This partnership is founded on trust, confidence, and a long-term vision. We are certain that together, we can strengthen and advance female empowerment," she added. 

"Hello Universe, hello MGI!" 

Thailand will serve as the host of the 74th Miss Universe pageant in November. 

In last year's edition, which was held in Mexico, the Philippines' Chelsea Manalo was proclaimed the first-ever Miss Universe Asia.

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