The biggest heartthrobs of the 70s era, Tirso “Pip” Cruz III, Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz, and Christopher “Boyet” de Leon, are back on stage.

The icons are preparing for their upcoming pre-Valentine show together with actress Lovi Poe. During their press conference last January 10 at Oriental Palace, the three recalled their old days and the rivalry among them.

According to Mortiz, he never felt threatened before, and he doesn’t feel threatened now either with his comrades “Pip” and “Boyet”. Mortiz explained, “Wala, wala akong gano’n eh.”

Their alleged rivalry began when they partnered with Filipino actress Nora “Guy” Aunor, hailed as a “superstar”.

Mortiz said during their interview with publicist-television host Boy Abunda, “Ako ang unang loveteam ni Nora Aunor. Pagkatapos, dumating si Pipo, nagka-love triangle pa kami, nakagawa kami ng ilang mga pelikula.” According to him, major changes in the story of the three happened when “Pip” and “Guy” had a real relationship.

The actor-director quipped, “Kaya lang, nagkagustuhan ‘yong dalawa, mahilig sa tisoy si Ate Guy, parehong Tisoy ‘tong [Pip and Boyet].”

Tirso Cruz III says competition among them is purely external and not personal. He explained, “Noong bata kasi kami, it wasn’t us eh, it’s the people around us. Alam mo ‘yong mga sulsol?” 

Moreover, the showbiz icons also shared their stories when they were having concerts back in the day, where they revealed that de Leon was a “hotshot” among fans.

The three used to be box office attractions and scene stealers. They were so popular that they pretended to leave on occasion.

They couldn’t even leave their home or attend their own movie premieres because they were afraid their fans would be extremely aggressive. Their various admirers regularly battled and even assaulted one another.

The legends are returning for a two-night pre-Day Valentine’s engagement at Newport Performing Arts Theater on February 3 and 4.

They assured their supporters that these nights would be fun and would bridge the gap between the present and the past.