KUNG ANG AMERIKA ay may Hollywood Walk of Fame at ang Hong Kong ay may Avenue of Stars, hindi naman siyempre magpapahuli ang ating bansa sa pagbibigay-pugay sa ating mga premyadong artista. The names of our local celebrities are immortalized on the Philippine Walk of Fame located at Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City. Si Kuya Germs na isa sa mga matatag na haligi ng industriyang Pilipino ang nagsimula ng magandang proyektong ito. The Philippine Walk of Fame is a commendable project because it recognizes the artists’ contributions to showbiz.
Now on its 4th Year, kabilang sa mga bagong recipients ng Walk of Fame star sina John Lloyd Cruz, Sarah Geronimo, Gabby Concepcion, KC Concepcion, Christian Bautista, Jed Madela, Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Rico J. Puno and APO. “Puwede na ako talagang tawaging artista kasi mayroon na akong sariling star at napahanay tayo sa mga hinahangaan at nirerespeto kong artista,” masayang pahayag ni John Lloyd.
Ilan sa mga stars na nauna nang pinarangalan sa Walk of Fame ay sina Nora Aunor, Dolphy, Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta, Joseph Estrada, Fernando Poe Jr., Susan Roces, Maricel Soriano, Lorna Tolentino, Lea Salonga, Aga Muhlach, Robin Padilla, Richard Gomez, Cesar Montano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Judy Ann Santos, Christopher de Leon, Manny Pacquiao, Senator Bong Revilla, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Ruffa Gutierrez, Hilda Koronel, Rudy Fernandez, Gloria Diaz, Charito Solis, Boots Anson Roa, Rosa Rosal, Barbara Perez, Amalia Fuentes, Nida Blanca, Nestor de Villa and Gloria Romero.
Hindi madali ang maging isang artista. The long hours of staying under the sun, the irregular hours of sleep because of tapings and shootings, the layers of make-up, the stress and the intense lights on the set can take its toll on their skin and health. But artists must love their work and hone their talents because their jobs are fleeting. They are not invincible. Kaya para sa isang artista, receiving an award is a great honor and seeing your name embedded on the Walk of Fame is a bonus.
In the US, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. Did you know that Diana Ross has two stars in the same category? One as a member of The Supremes and one as a solo artist. But it was Michael Jackson who first achieved this, through his solo career and as a member of The Jackson Five. In honor of his 50th anniversary, si Mickey Mouse ang unang cartoon character na nagkaroon ng star sa Hollywood Walk of Fame. Boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s star is displayed on a wall of the Kodak Theatre because of his request that he not be walked on.
Ang Avenue of Stars naman ay nasa Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Some of the celebrities honored are Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan, Director John Woo, Chow Yun Fat, Andy Lau, Jet Li, Tony Leung, Michelle Yeoh, Director Wong Kar Wai, Stephen Chow, Jacky Cheung, Aaron Kwok and Gong Li.
Kaibigan, usap tayo muli!
Points of Boy
by Boy Abunda
