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Sharon Cuneta names other showbiz friends

Sharon Cuneta can count on a lot of showbiz friends: (Voltaire Domingo/NPPA IMAGES)

Many people know Judy Ann Santos rushed to Sharon Cuneta’s side during one of the lowest points in her life. We also know Sharon and Zsa Zsa Padilla are so close, the former even introduced her to architect Conrad Onglao, rumored to be the next to get down on his knees and propose marriage to the Divine Diva, the way Dingdong Dantes and Sen. Chiz Escudero did to Marian Rivera and Heart Evangelista, respectively.

But do you know the Megastar has a treasure trove of other showbiz friends whom she loves just as dearly?

She not only mentioned them in her recent Facebook posts. Sharon also explained why they are close to her heart.

They are:

Lorna Tolentino

Lorna Tolentino: Teaching by example /NPPA Images
Lorna Tolentino: Teaching by example /NPPA Images

Sharon calls Lorna (LT in showbiz circles) ‘Ate’ because they grew extra close in “Nakagapos na Puso,” their only movie together. They got even closer when Lorna’s late husband, action star Rudy Fernandez, got sick.

The Megastar looks up to her fellow actress because Sharon learned so much from Lorna just by observing her.

“Ate Lorna is truly one of the best actresses in our industry... She is also ageless and beautiful. And one of the nicest, sweetest human beings I know. I love her from the bottom of my heart.”

Needless to say, Sharon hopes to work with her Ate Lorna again.

Rudy Fernandez

A great leader, always cool-headed and a problem-solver with a heart always open to help.

This is how Sharon remembers Rudy, who she learned to adore after their movie together made her discover he’s “one of the most humble, real, funny people” she has ever met.

“His heart was good and his friendship was true and sincere,” Sharon added.

When she learned of his death while she was in London for the after-premiere party of her movie “Caregiver,” Sharon booked herself on the first flight to Manila, left her staff and flew home to be by his side.

The late Action King Fernando Poe Jr. (Photo reproduction from the archives of Mowelfund/Mike Alquinto/NPPA Images)
The late Action King Fernando Poe Jr. (Photo reproduction from the archives of Mowelfund/Mike Alquinto/NPPA Images)

 Fernando Poe Jr (FPJ)

Sharon considers the late actor “my protector, dad, brother, and friend.”  So close were they, the Megastar got FPJ as one of her daughter KC Concepcion’s baptismal sponsors.

Their friendship blossomed on the set of their first team-up, “Kahit Konting Pagtingin," and FPJ became so comfortable with Sharon he would call her “Klatput.” This is why Tirso Cruz III and Phillip Salvador have no qualms calling Sharon "Klatput" to this day.

Sharon wanted to support FPJ when he ran for president in 2004.  She even inquired about his whereabouts during election day. But since her husband, Sen. Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan, belonged to the party of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, FPJ’s rival for the presidency, Sharon’s heart  was torn.

“That became one of the hardest things in my life to try to balance, because of course I am Kiko's wife, and I could not put him in the middle.”

FPJ understood. Sharon recalls him telling her on the phone, "Klatput, politics is only politics. When this is all over, we will still be friends!"

Sharon said  “I love you” to FPJ again when she rushed to the morgue at past 3 or 4 a.m. on the day he passed away.

Sharon hopes to talk to FPJ’s wife, “ Tita Susan (Roces)” soon and is sure Sen. Grace Poe (FPJ and Susan’s daughter) “will make her mark as one of the most honest politicos” because she is her father's daughter.

 Ogie Alcasid

Ogie Alcasid: Humility and talent(NPPPA Images)
Ogie Alcasid: Humility and talent(NPPPA Images)

Sharon admires Ogie’s humility, talent and dedication to his career and craft.  Her friend since her "The Sharon Cuneta Show" days is also a giant when it comes to generosity and sincerity.

The Megastar says Ogie never gave her a headache on the set.

He is also one of the easiest people to work with! He never fails to make me laugh because that's just him -- always a delight to have around. I trust Ogie completely. He is another person I have been able to cry to and open up to. And his talent has always inspired me. I love his songs and his singing, but most of all I love the person that he is.”

Martin Nievera

Martin, says Sharon, has never said no to her. He never even asked to get paid for singing with her in her shows, and performing in Kiko’s 50th birthday party last year.

Martin Nievera: He has never let Sharon down (Contributed photo)
Martin Nievera: He has never let Sharon down (Contributed photo)

Sharon remembers how Martin sent all his “areglos” (musical arrangement sheets) for her to choose from so he can render them in Kiko’s birthday – for free.

No wonder Sharon’s family loves Martin.

“ He is a true professional, generous with his craft and friendship. He can and should sing forever. I love Martin. There are so few people you can really count on to be there for you in an instant -- even at the shortest of notices.” 

The Megastar notes that Martin and his handlers are so easy to deal with. And although they are not the “barkada” or “keep my secrets” kind of friends, Sharon loves Martin. And she loves how he makes her feel special.

Cherie Gil

Sharon has always looked up to Cherie since they were in grade school (St. Paul’s College Pasig). Even then, Sharon recalls how Cherie already had stage presence.

Cherie Gil: Sharon's nemesis on screen; her friend off screen/NPPA Images
Cherie Gil: Sharon's nemesis on screen; her friend off screen/NPPA Images

“Oh, you should be in the room when she enters it during a scene! Her presence changes the atmosphere!”

Years later, they would square off on screen in that iconic scene from “Bituing Walang Ningning,” where Cherie threw water on Sharon’s face. The two real-life friends ended up laughing after the tense scene.

Sharon’s pet name for Cherie is “Cheech” and they wound up getting each other as godmother of their respective children.

“She is actually SWEET! We may not see each other often, but we are both secure in the knowledge that we are in each other's hearts. I love Cherie and always will,” Sharon said.

Amy Austria

 Sharon and her “Ate Esme" (Amy's her real name is Esmeralda Dizon Tuazon)became friends on the set of the film "Pagdating ng Panahon." Sharon admires Amy not just for her talent, but for her values.

“She is a true Christian, and a sincere friend. I miss her. But like my other friends who I don't see often, I have her in my heart!

The Megastar adds that she would watch  Amy’s movies opposite “very, very talented actors” from way back and would always walk away from the moviehouse impressed.  

Ai Ai Delas Alas

According to Sharon, having Ai Ai for a friend is finding out that she is funny, sweet, talented and sincere. Their friendship isn’t showbiz. They remain close even if they don’t make a movie or TV show together.

Ai Ai delas Alas: Sweet, talented and sincere/NPPA Images
Ai Ai delas Alas: Sweet, talented and sincere/NPPA Images

Sharon knows the real Ai Ai.

“She is a bit more quiet in real life than you would think, but not silent! She will still make you laugh, and she is very sweet as a person. I admire her for the way she has raised her children, too. You should see how she talks to them -- always so sweetly and even respectfully. And you should all the more see how her children respect her and adore her. In spite of her having been a box-office queen, and very successful in her career, she is a humble person. I admire the way she worked her way up to where she is now with her many talents, but admire her more for the kind of mother and friend that she is.”

Bing Loyzaga

Sharon found someone who takes her for what she is in Bing. Because of this, Bing knows Sharon a lot. But never for once, Sharon said, did her friend judge her.

Sharon’s friend since the early ‘90s “is so real and loving and just there for you whenever you need her.”

The Megastar says it’s a joy to work with Bing, who values her loved ones so much, she won’t have second thoughts fighting for her family.

“I love this woman. I wish we had all the time in the world to talk!

Chokoleit

Chokoleit's version of sultry selfie. (Photo from Chokoleit's Instagram)
Chokoleit's version of sultry selfie. (Photo from Chokoleit's Instagram)

Sharon calls the comedian “my Chokie” and appreciates the fact that he holds her in high esteem.

Aside from being a funny and good singer, Sharon says her friend is “darn smart,” and his heart is in the right place.

Sharon knew from Day One that he is true to her.

“I can never be friends with someone who isn't sincere, and Chokie has sincerity by the boatload! I love Chokie. He has never failed to check on me or just make his presence felt.”