Actress Liezl Sumilang Martinez died in her sleep last March 14 at the Medical City in Pasig City, after a long batter with cancer. She was only 47 years old.
Showbusiness has always been in Liezl’s blood. The daughter of veteran actors Amalia Fuentes and Romeo “Bobby” Vasquez (who is based in California), she is also the cousin of Aga Muhlach, Nino Muhlach and Arlene Muhlach.
Born Anna Lisa Sumilang on March 27, 1967, Liezl started acting at a young age. She was known for her movies Portrait of an Angel (1971), Poor Little Rich Girl (1972), and Liezl at ang 7 Hoods (1971).
She eloped with actor Albert Martinez, when her mother objected to their relationship. Liezl was supposed to be launched in a movie when they decided to run away to the United States where they stayed for years. They had three children: Alyanna, Alfonso and Alyssa.
Liezl and Albert returned to the Philippines eventually, and both of them went back to revive their showbiz careers. She finally retired from acting after appearing in movies produced by her mom’s company and became contented with being a wife and mother. At the time of her death, Liezl was a board member of the Movies and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
Our sympathies to Albert, their children, Amalia and Bobby for Liezl’s passing. She will be truly missed.
Third time’s the charm
There’s a new set of beauty queens who will represent the Philippines at international pageants such as Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss Supranational and Miss International.
Last March 15, 34 beautiful ladies from all over the Philippines competed for the coveted Bb. Pilipinas 2015 major titles. This year, it was Pia Alonzo Wutzbach who was crowned as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2015. The Filipino-German actress and model is a graduate of Professional Culinary from the Center for Culinary Studies in San Juan, Manila.
Before being an actress (under the name Pia Romero) under ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, Pia was a model for a cosmetics brand. Among her TV credits include K2BU, ASAP, the romance anthology Your Song, Bora and the drama series Sa Piling Mo. She also appeared in films such as Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (2003), All My Life (2004) and All About Love (2006).
It was her third time to join Bb. Pilipinas. In 2013, she was hailed as 1st runner-up. The following year she only made it to the Top 15. This year, aside from bagging the major title, Pia was also awarded Ms. Cream Silk.
The winners of the other major titles are Bb. Pilipinas-International Janicel Lubina, Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational Rogelie Catacutan, Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental Christi Lyn McGarry, Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism Ann Lorraine Colis, 1st Runner-up Hannah Sison and 2nd Runner-up Kinverlyn Suiza.
Special awards include Miss Talent, Best in National Costume and She’s So Jag -Teresita “Wynwyn” Marquez; Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown Janicel Lubina; Miss Photogenic and Manila Bulletin Readers Choice Caneille “Faith” Santos; Miss Friendship-Toni Hipolito and Miss Philippine Airlines-Kylie Versoza.
Congratulations to all winners! May you represent the Philippines well in the various prestigious beauty pageants.
