JUST as wagging tongues were dying down in talking about the Raymart Santiago-Claudine Barretto battle, another showbiz marriage was making the news. This time, it’s actress Sunshine Cruz against action star Cesar Montano.
Last August 13, Sunshine, along with her lawyer Atty. Bonifacio Alentajan, filed a complaint-affidavit against her estranged husband Cesar for violating Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act.
According to Atty. Alentajan, the actress has experienced all kinds of abuse from Cesar—psychological, emotional and financial. The first part of the affidavit also explained the charges, describing the actor as a “very domineering, philandering husband.”
The affidavit also stated that, “(Cesar) demanded full submission and obedience from complainant (Sunshine Cruz), while he continually prohibits the latter from inquiring on his own affairs.”
Another matter in the affidavit included the said affair of Cesar with actress Krista Miller, who worked with the actor in the movie The Turning Cradle: The Untold Story of Alfredo Lim. Last January, Sunshine reacted to an Instagram posting by Krista that included photos of gifts apparently given to him by Cesar. Sunshine said those were actually gifts for Cesar, from her.
But the biggest issue in the Sunshine-Cesar battle is the accusation that the actress was raped by her own husband. In the affidavit, Sunshine described how Cesar violently attacked her at her home, employed physical violence and raped her last Mother’s Day.
Of course, Cesar denies these accusations, claiming that it was Sunshine who invited him to have dinner with their kids, and even let him stay the night.
So do showbiz marriages still last? In the past, celebrity couples have tried to work out their troubles but still failed in the end. These include Superstar Nora Aunor and multi-awarded actor Christopher de Leon, who got married in a civil ceremony on January 25, 1975. The marriage didn’t last long and they separated and she was annulled to the actor in 1996. They have one son, actor Ian de Leon, and have adopted two daughters; actresses Lotlot de Leon and Matet de Leon; and sons Kiko and Kenneth. Christopher is now happily married to actress Sandy Andolong.
The same can be said about Star for All Seasons and now Batangas Governor Vilma Santos. Married to actor Edu Manzano in 1980, just like reel rival Nora, their union did not last. They had one son, actor and TV host Luis Manzano. Gov. Vi is now married to Senator Ralph Recto and they have one son, Ryan Christian.
Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion were a hot item in the ‘80s—the young couple’s love team and reel romance turned real, sending their fans wild. Their church wedding on September 23, 1984 was a big event, with no less than then president Ferdinand Marcos serving as principal sponsor. In 1985, their daughter, Maria Kristina Cassandra (KC) Concepcion was born.
Unfortunately, the marriage never lasted as Sharon and Gabby eventually parted ways in 1987, to the dismay of their fans. Their union was later on annulled in 1993. The Megastar is now married to Senator Kiko Pangilinan and have two daughters, Frankie and Miel; and an adopted son named Miguel.
There are more failed showbiz marriages, but there are some too that have endured the trials and struggles of being in a high profile union—temptations, schedules, intrigues, etc. Next week, we’ll look into those couples whose marriages have stood the test of time!
