Who am I? Trivia#1

Let's play a game.. I have five names who changed their names when they started showbiz. On my next post, his/her screen name will be displayed. Anyway, here is trivia #1:

Among the several sons of well-to-do families, I was one of those who were drawn to the movies after World War II. I was persuaded by a friend named Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero to play the male lead in Wanted: A Chaperone. After that, I was convinced by my friend to audition in LVN pictures and start a career in showbiz. At first Dona Narcisa De leon a.k.a. Dona Sisang wasn't interested in me because I did not have that what we call, 'X-factor'. But later on, I got the call and did supporting roles until I became a full-fledged actor.

I have done roles such as Kapitan Kidlat (1953), Tiya Loleng (1953) with Ms. Tessie Quintana and other movies under LVN. I was married to the first Camay soap model Francisca Roces with whom I had seven daughters and a son and 28 grandchildren. Two of these are my grandsons, Bernard Palanca and Miko Palanca and one of my granddaughters, Bianca Araneta.

I have also appeared later on in movies such as Eskapo (1995) as Eugenio Lopez Sr. and Yamashita: The Tiger's Treasure (2001). Now, I am 82 years old, fit and active as I go to the gym twice a week.

Who am I?

(Photo and Content Source: Dona Sisang and Filipino Movies, 1977 and http://movie-industry.blogspot.com)

Answer will be posted on my next entry. Til next! :)

Weighed But Found Wanting

It's fun watching films especially when you learn a lot about the moral lesson of the story. From judging your neighbor (Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang) to believing in miracles (Himala), these two classics that i've seen have taught me in a way I can apply to little but important things in life. Let me tell you what I think on Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang.

"Maraming klaseng tao ang pinagtatawanan
ang kanyang kapwa dahil may diperensya.
Dahil sa mayroong hindi tama sa itsura.
At karamihan sa mga tumatawag iyon
ang hindi marunong tumingin sa loob, sa puso.
Ang puso'y hindi nakikita ng mata para makita mo ito,
Gamitin mo ang iyong puso."

-- Mario O' Hara as Berto in Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang

Judging others from the way they look is what i've noticed and that has become a trend. We often make fun of others because they are different from us or simply because they lack the superficial. In this movie, a village idiot, leper, a womanizer, apostolic hypocrites and a man entwined between goodness and peer pressure will show the audience a reflection of the nation's ugliness.

This movie truly stands out because of its story that will remain in the minds and hearts of the audience. Not to mention its achievement for winning 6 Famas awards including Best Picture. I, myself have been swept away and realized that even up to now, we are to blame for the world's injustice. Okay that might sound too big but as an example, instead of just blaming others with the crisis around us and give in to filthy pride, maybe we should do something instead to help out.

I am guilty for judging others and mind on what should be 'their business'. For instance, a helpless child asks for money. Instead of lecturing why they beg for money, maybe I should shed out a few of what I have. I always think that giving will just help the poor become more lazy. But what if they really can't get a job? Yep, i've realized its time to change.

It may still occur to me as if they're fooling me.. but I got to try right? We as a community should try.

Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang is a must-see for everyone. A star-stellar performance by Ms. Lolita Rodriguez (Best Actress), A first time Christopher De Leon (Best Actor) and a drama (Best Picture) that involves serious social issues made by the Lino Brocka (Best Director) for the society.

That's all.. Til Next! :)

A Closer Look on: Lamberto Avellana

Did you know that the only Filipino with the most number of wins locally and internationally is also the same person who destroyed the "bakya" crowd? (These were described as "unperceptive" and "socially unaware") He is none other than:

Lamberto Avellana
(B: February 12, 1915 – D: April 25, 1991)

As I flip through the pages of this book, I got so interested that I decided to post everything it said:

Lamberto V. Avellana is a pillar of Philippine Cinema. One of the few living witness to the growth and development of Filipino movies, Avellana began auspiciously as a stage director at the Ateneo de Manila, from where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1938. With his wife, the former Daisy Hontiveros, he founded in 1939 the Barangay Theater Guild, which pioneered in the presentation of legitimate plays.

Avellana movied into film at a time when the studio systems was just emerging. His first film, Sakay (1939) , was a landmark in Filipino filmmaking, because it marked in the words of a film critic T.D. Agcaoili, "The introduction of a truly creative Philippine cnema, employing organically in film some of the elements of modern stagecraft and dramaturgy that had been lacking in Philippine movies".

Avellana's direct contribution to Philippine cinema, however, is his use of cinematic techniques, in particular, of the mise-en-scene, which at the time was unheard of among directors who merely used their cameras to tell a story. In short, it was Avellana who first "discovered, exploited and enriched" the idiom of film in the country.

Aside from this, it was Avellana who first rebelled against the prevailing popularity of saccharine romances and superficial melodramas. Through his treatment of stories with serious themes and three-dimensional characters, he successfully mixed the significant issues of his time with the conventions of Filipino movie-making.

To name Avellana's best films that proved Filipinos can win Internationally, are:

1. Anak Dalita (1956)- "dealt with the cave-dwellers" of war-ravaged Intramuros, who, dispossessed of practically eveything, managed to survive and hold on to their dignity. This film was screened in the Asian Film Festival

2. Badjao (1957) - Painted an idyllic picture of the day-to-day existence of the sea-faring people in Mindanao. This film was also screened at the Asian Film Festival.

3. Kundiman ng Lahi (1959) - dramatized a woman's difficulties in love and life. This gave Charito Solis' breakthrough as an Actress for she bagged the 'Best Actress' Award in the 1959 FAMAS awards.

4. Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (1966) - translated into film Nick Joaquin's dramatic elegy on the death of Intramuros and of pure ideals in life and art.

5. La Campana de Baler (1961) and El Legado (1959) - won him International Prestige Awards.

The Highest point of his forty-year career as drama and film director is the National Artist Award, conferred on him in 1976, in recognition of his rare excellence and significant contribution to the growth of Filipino drama and film.

(Source: The Urian Anthology 1980-1989, Edited and Introduced by: Nicanor G. Tiongson)

So can we, the youth and the future of this country, be as great as Lamberto Avellana? Maybe not exactly like his greatness but why not? Dreaming to make a difference can bring us good.. no great results! :)

Til Next!

A Closer Look on: The Queen

In every kingdom, there is a Queen who, at a glance, mesmerizes everyone.. including the King. She dazzles with royalty and elegance and everywhere she goes, the people bow down to her with the same way people look up to her.

Ms. Susan Roces - Poe : The First Lady of Philippine Cinema

She has the name that surpassed time. Shining with glamour, she is one of the highly respected actresses in Philippine History.

Ms. Gloria Romero says: "She is loved by everybody around her" and Sharon Cuneta adds: "she must be emulated by everyone, very gracious, she's way up there, a class all by herself". Ricky Lo states that she has retained "The Face That Refreshes", all sweetness and light, the paradigm of things bright and beautiful.

(Source: http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/Susan_Roces/)

Born in July 28, 1941, Jesusa Porifcacion Sonora also known as 'Ms. Susan Roces' started her career just by admiring her favorite actress, Ms. Gloria Romero. One day, her uncle told her to come to Sampaguita Pictures and see her idol in person. Through her amusement in finally meeting her idol, she re-enacted a scene in which a man in mustache approached and was amazed of her talent. He said to send in her audition tape. This man is none other than Dr. Perez, owner of Sampaguita Pictures.

Her very first movie is 'Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan' by Nepomuceno Films. From then on she partnered with Luiz Gonzales in their first tandem movie, Boksingera. Followed by other loveteams with famous names such as Romeo Vasquez, Jose Mari Gonzales and the very handsome Eddie Gutierrez. But it was a man of action who had the tall, dark and handsome features that bagged the heart of Susan Roces, the King of Philippine Movies, Fernando Poe Jr. (+). Emerging herself in unforgettable movies such as to Susan with Love, Mga Ligaw na Bulaklak and Maruja, she earned the title as the Queen of Philippine Movies.

Today, she still continues to dazzle everyone. She is still supported by her loyal 'Susanians' and is a highly respected figure in the industry.

Her legacy is continued by ABS-CBN's Susan Roces Cinema Collection where they have showcased two of her best horror films of all time. (Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara & Maligno). Along with her friends, Amalia Fuentes, Delia Razon, Lilia Dizon, Gloria Romero and many more, she remains to be the "Face that Refreshes" that no one can equale or replace.

Mr. Bing C. Manalo shares his moments with the Queen and her friends

Sir Bing with the Queen

Ms. Delia Razon, Sir Bing, Ms. Lila Dizon and Mr. Eddie Garcia



Sir Bing with Ms. Barbara Perez

And Sir Bing's short advice for my thesis:

Just keep a positive outlook, you will reach your dream. I fulfilled one of my dreams, Susan Roces considers me her friend now, may bonus pa, her family is also very very nice to me. Sharing w/ you some memorable moments I had w/ the Queen of All Movie Queens

-- Bing C. Manalo, GMA Program Analysis - Office of the President

I wish I could also meet them.. I can feel that my destiny is getting crystal clear. I might after all belong to this industry. But that's too soon to tell.. Hope I could probably say it 5 years from now. :p

Hope you enjoyed this mini-tribute to the Queen.. Wait until you see her in my event! oops! I mean.. Theoretical event.. :D

Til next! :)

I am not the only one

I was looking for respondents for the 100-person survey so I posted my questionnaire in Philippinecinemavault. Just when I thought all hope is lost, these kind-hearted people volunteered to answer my survey.

It was my first time to post a topic and it wasn't about movie posters or any trivial facts about Philippine Cinema. Just when I thought I won't be able to find avid moviegoers of the Golden Era, these people gave their time just to answer my survey. One of them is Mr. Jimi De la Rosa who recommended his good friend Mr. Bing Manalo, GMA network's program analyst. It really went well to think they haven't met me. Afterwards, Sir Bing told me great stories of his experiences with the stars. He also designed the collated poster project from the Paradise of the Stars:

Seeing Da King and Queen of Philippine Cinema this young showers me with amusement. They look so.. Elegant. Handsome and Beautiful.. no wonder they have been like the best loveteam of all time. Next in line is Carmen Rosales & Rogelio De la Rosa, Vilma Santos & Edgar Mortiz, Sharon Cuneta & Gabby Concepcion and of course, Ate Guy & Pip.

Anyway, to all those who answered my survey.. thank you!!

And for those who would like to be part of my thesis on Filipino Classic Films, email me at juzgalvez@yahoo.com and i'll send you the file. :)

On my next entry, i'll be dedicating it to the one and only Queen of Philippine Cinema, Ms. Susan Roces.

Til next.. Signing out! :D

Daboy dies at 56

Recently, I was just talking to his director Edgardo 'Boy' Vinarao about Rudy Fernandez, how he works professionally as an actor  and how he is as a person. How fast time flies. Sad to say, another one of the good guys in Philippine history has already left us and the movie industry.

Rudy Fernandez also known as 'Daboy' has been fighting for two years and finally succumbed to his periampullary cancer in his dear home at White Plains, Quezon City at 6:15am, Saturday. 

The star of Director Edgardo 'Boy' Vinarao's Birador and Jun Gallardo's Baby Ama has been confined for one-month in Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City. Five days after being brought home (Wednesday), he had a seizure in which he refused to be taken back. He was still able to celebrate his 25th and last anniversary with wife, Lorna Tolentino. Shortly after his death, his close friends, Senators Bong Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada broke the news to the media. 

He was buried at the Heritage Park in Taguig City in which his interment will take 

place this Thursday. Everyone is invited to see the actor's remains for the last time. 

Condolence to the Family of Mr. Rudy Fernandez. You will forever be remembered in the hearts of the Filipinos.

My two favorite movies of Daboy:

Kung Kailangan Mo Ako 

with Ms. Sharon Cuneta

Directed by: Eddie Rodriguez

1993

 

Lagalag

            (The Eddie Fernandez Story)

with Ms. Dawn Zulueta

      1994

Source: video48.blogspot.com