Author Archives: @ffv

Remembering Georgie Quizon

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ARTICLES - Remembering Georgie Quizon 1

Gay Role – “…While making the movie, he remembered his late gay brother, Georgie Quizon, who would have emjoyed seeing him as “Markova.” I probably would have played the role even better if Georgie was still around,” he says. “He would have loved this project for me.” Dolphy shifts from comedy to drama in “Markova” and he is being touted to win the filmfest’s best actor trophy…” – Leah Salterio (READ MORE)

Barely Recognizable – “…Comedian Dolphy’s younger brother Georgie Quizon was found dead in front of Camp Crame on EDSA, and there are conflicting reports as to the cause of his death. A sister initially told TV reporters that the 60-year-old Georgie was on his way to see German Moreno and was probably waiting for a ride when he had an epileptic seizure and fell on the ground while it was raining heavily. The Inquirer, however, reports that a police blotter indicated that Georgie was the victim of hit and run. “His face was barely recognizable, and he was covered with mud. Bystanders were probably afraid to help him when his body started to twist and shake during his epileptic attack,” Ms. Quizon said. Dolphy was still in his Makati Medical Center hospital room, recovering from a double heart bypass when informed of his younger brother’s death. He was said to have dried after hearing the news, but his heart was able to take the news. Georgie Quizon was, like Dolphy, a former vaudeville artist who later became a Sampaguita Pictures contract star. He also acted in many of Dolphy’s movies…” – Sol Jose VanziQuezon City, Aug. 12, 1998 (READ MORE)

Georgie Quizon – “…Like Dolphy, Georgie started out in comedy roles. In fact, he was his brother’s follower noon pang nasa Sampaguita Studios si Dolph at isa siyang mainstay ditto. Nang minsang isinama ni Dolph si Georgie sa kanyang shooting ay namataan si Georgie ng isang direktor a binigyan ito ng bit role. He was found out to have his brother’s talent and soon, Georgie found himself in one picture after another, mostly in Susan Roces-starrers where he played her sidekick or friendly neighbor. Ito ang simula ng binyag ni Georgie sa pelikula. Naging sikat din siyang comedian. Kaya lang ang problema niya ay hindi siya makakatakas sa image at pangalan ng kanyang kapatid na lalong sikat. Kahit ano ang gawin niya ay siyempre, associated and identified siya kay Dolphy. “Ito ang malaki kong problema,” nabanggit ni Georgie sa amin. “But I also love my brother! Kung wala naman si Ompong ay sino kami, aber! Siguro, ganito ang buhay kung mayroon kang tanyag na kapatid na parehong propesyon. Kung sino ang mas sikat, iyon ang mas kilala. At ang hindi ay nananatili sa background. Tulad ko,” aniya. “Ako ang anino ni Dolphy. Hindi ako kilala sa sarili ko. Ako raw ay kapatid ni Dolphy. And never was I called my name. Kung minsan nga ay ako raw si Dolphy. Ganoon. “Kung minsan, I feel flattered. Pero kadalasan, tinatanggap ko na lamang nang basta ganoon. Kibit balikat baga. Ano pa nga ba ang magagawa ko? Kapatid ko iyon at sikat pa! “Kaya lang, I really want to be on my own. I want to be known as Georgie at hindi yung kapatid ni Dolphy. I am my won individual. Iba ako, iba siya. Nagkataon lamang na nagko-comedy rin ako. Kaya hindi talaga ako makakatakas sa kanyang anino,” pagtatapat ni Georgie….

…As a whole, wala naman siyang reklamo. Okey naman ang takbo ng kanyang showbiz career. Hindi siya nawawalan ng assignment. Tuwing Linggo, mayroon siyang TV show, nagge-guest din siya sa mga tanyag na shows at kung minsan, kumakanta siya sa mga roadshows, sa mga bases. “Para sa akin, tipong okey na ang lahat,” banggit pa ni Georgie. Everything’s fine. I am busy everyday. Malusog pa ang ermat, masasaya kaming lahat. Wala na yata akong mahihiling pa,” Georgie confessed. The other surviving brother of Dolphy and Georgie is named JIMMY, ang bunso sa lahat na hindi kailanman sumali sa showbiz. Nasa States siya ngayon at isang medical intern sa isang tanyag na ospital doon. Sampu sanang lahat sina Dolph, kaya lang tatlo na ang namatay. Sina Tessie, ang uang Jimmy na siyang pang-walo at si Melencio, Jr. na binawian ng buhay noong early 1970’s. Ang iba – sina Zony, Dolphy, Josie, Laura, Auring at Georgie – ay pawang naging showbiz folks at dalawa na lamang sa kanila ang aktibo sa pelikula. Sina Dolphy at Georgie nalamang, bagamat ang iba, sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga anak, ay kasama pa rin sa iba’t ibang aspeto ng paggawa ng pelikula, particular na sa RVQ Productions syempre…” – Ross F. Celino, Jingle Extra Hot Movie Entertainment Magazine No. 20, June 22, 1981 (READ MORE)

Georgie Vera Quizon or popularly know as Georgie is the younger brother of Comedian Dolphy.

Georgie Quizon and Vilma Santos

Buhay Artista Ngayon (1979) – “…Talagang poor second lang noon si Vilma kay Nora Aunor, subali’t nang gawin niya ang trilogy film ng Sine Pilipino na Lipad Darna Lipad ay talagang lumipad ng husto ang kanyang box office appeal. Sinundan pa ito ng mga pelikulang Takbo Vilma Dali at Hatinggabi Na Vilma. Anupa’t itinambal din si Vilma sa mga matured leading man na katulad nina Eddie Rodriguez sa mga pelikulang Nakakahiya, Hindi Nakakahiya Part 2 kung saan nagkamit siya ng Best Actress Award sa 1st Bacolod City Film Festival at Simula Ng Walang Katapusan, Dante Rivero sa Susan Kelly Edad 20, Chiquito sa Teribol Dobol, Dolphy sa Buhay Artista Ngayon, Joseph Estrada sa King Khayan & I, Fernando Poe Jr. sa Batya’t Palu Palo at Bato Sa Buhangin, Jun Aristorenas sa Mapagbigay Ang Mister Ko, Dindo Fernando sa Langis at Tubig at Muling Buksan Ang Puso at Romeo Vasquez sa Nag-aapoy Na Damdamin, Dalawang Pugad Isang Ibon, Pulot Gata Pwede Kaya at Pag-ibig Ko Sa ‘Yo Lang Ibibigay…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)

Pag-ibig Masdan Ang Ginawa Mo (1969) – “…Nakagawa din si Vi ng pelikula na si Luciano B. Carlos ang direktor at ito ay sa mga pelikulang Pag-ibig Masdan Ang Ginawa Mo (1969), Teribol Dobol (1975) at Let’s Do The Salsa (1976)…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)

Ging (1964) – “…The ploy works all the time. Little did Ging realize that an unscupulous couple, racketeers Ramon D’Salva and Carol Varga were observing her in a restaurant and saw in her a goldmine: they would adopt her and make them rich as her talent manager. Talk of child exploitation. Reluctant at first, Ging agrees to go with the evil couple provided she would go to shool and that they would send her alcoholic mother (bagay na bagay ito sa isang artista) to the hospital for treatment. Of course, the evil and scheming couple reneged on their promises. They exploited Ging by forcing her to work overtime and would starve her so she wouldn’t grow up and lose her audience. Luckily, she has a guardian angel in Georgie Quizon, Dolphy’s erthswhile brother who, along with Aruray provided comic relief, and who would protect Vilma from her exploiters…” – Mario Garces (READ MORE)

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3 K

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ARTICLES - 3 K

As we celebrate the day that Vilma Santos was born, I could not help but reflect on her accomplishments and contributions to the Philippine movies in particular and to the Philippine nation in general. No movie star in the Philippines, past or present, can equal or surpass, the accomplishments of Vilma Santos in and out of showbusiness. Why? Because of Vilma’s 3 KKKs in her career.

The first K in Vilma’s career is walang KATULAD. Vilma is walang katulad among the female actresses or stars in Philippine movies. She is the most versatile female star the of them all. Proof? Look at her filmography. She essayed varied and interesting roles like a nun in Sister L to a go-go dancer in Burlesk Queen. She was a querida in Relasyon to a hard working OFW mother in Anak. She was an AIDS victim in Dolzura Cortez and a hunchback bell ringer in Kampanerang Kuba. She was a flying heroine in Darna and a swimming mermaid in Dyesebel. The different roles that Vilma has played in her movie career is the most varied that any actress has ever portrayed in the movies. The closest actress that comes close to her when it comes to versatility is Maricel Soriano. But Maricel has not been that successful in essaying any Pinoy heroines in her movie career. Vilma was not only the most succcessful Darna, she was also the most successful Dyesebel. How about her other talents? Granted that she is not a singer like Nora Aunor or Sharon Cuneta but she is a graceful and excellent dancer like Maricel Soriano. Just as Nora and Sharon can sing, Vilma and Maricel can dance. Tit for tat. Vilma is not only a versatile actress and a graceful dancer, she is an excellent and successful Mayor of Lipa City as well. She is a three term Mayor of that city. She also has received numerous awards as Mayor of Lipa. Again, no female star, past and present, has ever done that before. Only Vilma does. An actress in the first calibre, a good dancer in her own right, and a successful civil servant of a city, that’s Vilma Santos. Thus, Vilma is walang KATULAD.

The second K of Vilma is walang KAPANTAY. Some female stars, past and present, are considered by the film critics, directors, movie scribes and by the public as great actresses in their own rights. Aside from Vilma, some female stars that comes to mind are Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar, Hilda Koronel, Lolita Rodriguez, Maricel Soriano, the late Nida Blanca, Charito Solis and RIta Gomez. Though known for their acting talents, they are not considered by many, save for Maricel Soriano, as Box-Office Queens. They can certainly act but can they carry a movie to the box-office? While other female stars, past and present, are considered by the movie industry as Box-Office Queens. Sure they can bring money to the tills but they are not known as acting thespians. Aside from Vilma, females stars considered as Box-Office Queens, either today or during their days, are Sharon Cuneta, Gloria Romero, Susan Roces, Amalia Fuentes, Kris Aquino, Ai-Ai delasAlas, Claudine Baretto, Regine Velasquez. The closest female star that come close to Vilma in this regard is Sharon Cuneta. Like Vilma, she is a Box-Office Queen Hall of Famer. These female stars might have won an award or two, but the general concensus are that they are not acting greats compared to the first group. Vilma, on the other hand, is not only the most awarded actress we have in the Philippines but she is also the original Box-Office Queen. Acting and box-office appeal wise, she is number one. Thus, Vilma is walang KAPANTAY.

The final K in Vilma’s career is walang KUPAS. Ever since Trudis Liit up to Mano Po 3, Vilma has been reaping awards after awards. Recently, she was awarded the GAWAD PLARIDEL by the College of Mass Communication of the University of the Philippines. She was also awarded the GAWAD SURI by the University of Mindanao. Those who came before her in Philippine showbusiness and even her contemporaries can not compare to her durability. She is the most durable star the Philipines movies has ever produced. Many of her contemporaries are either gone and have retired from showbusiness or are no longer considered as bankable but not Vilma. Stars, male and female, have come after her, but Vilma can still command the respect and admiration of her peers, fans and the general public. She can still attract the moviegoers to her movies. Fact? Anak is considered as the second highest movie of all times. After so many years in the business, she is still considered as the number one actress and star among them. She is the Queen for All Seasons and Reasons for nothing. In terms of durability no one can top her. In summary, Vilma Santos’ place in the history of the Philippine Entertainment Industry will forever be remembered. We may have superstars, megastars, diamond stars around us. But Vilma is the one and only Queen for All Seasons. From the 1970’s up to the present she remained on top. She is THE Legend, THE Icon and THE greatest actress that everybody will continue to admire, respect and love. Thus, Vilma is walang KATULAD, walang KAPANTAY at walang KUPAS! – Juancho Gutierrez (READ MORE)

Ernie Garcia and Vilma Santos

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The Painter – “…He took a break from acting in the ‘80s in order to shed his sexy image. He decided to resume his love for singing and performed in the United States and Japan. When he came back to the Philippines, he was glad to learn that movie fans as well as his friends in showbiz still remember him for his performances in movies. He was no longer the Ernie who appeared in sexy roles, but instead, he started doing roles in movies that would identify him as an “actor”, and not simply as a movie celebrity. He eventually ventured on painting and entered the world of theater. Ernie did a lot of stage work like “Noli Me Tangere,” and “El Fili.” He did “Hamlet” for the late Rolando Tinio in which he garnered an Aliw Award for best actor on stage in 1988. He received the FAMAS best supporting actor the following year (1989) when he made the movie, “Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw” He also received the Best Supporting Actor for the same movie given by the Star Awards. While he was busy acting on stage, Ernie discovered and harnessed his love for the visual arts. He started painting and experimented on the canvas and eventually explored other art mediums like tiles and fiberglass….” – Romy R. Protacio (READ MORE)

Sexy Actor – “…Ernie started his showbiz career on television in the ‘70s before trying his hand at the movies. Prior to acting, the then 16-year-old neophyte was more known as a singer whose repertoire would range from popular ballads to upbeat numbers. He had his first taste of real acting when he filled in for Eddie Peregrina in the soap opera Aliw ng Buhay, and was paired with fellow young upstart, Gina Alajar. Ernie’s TV drama stint caught the producers’ attention and eventually paved the way for his entry into the movies. “I was asked to play important roles in three Vilma Santos films—Takbo, Vilma, Dali; Hatinggabi na Vilma; and Lipad, Darna, Lipad,” said Ernie. He was soon paired with Chanda Romero in Uhaw na Bulaklak, which became a big hit, especially to the “Bisaya” audience. The success of the team-up resulted in three more movies—Alma Bonita, Ikaduhang Bathala, and Sabrina. All these films raked in huge box office sales, which gave Ernie the title King of Visayan Movies. Subsequently, the public also started seeing Ernie as a serious-sexy actor, an image he perfectly carried out in the movies Hubad sa Mundo, Araw-Araw, Gabi-gabi, Beer House, Sumigaw Ka Hanggang Ibig Mo, Amor Seko, Ingat Kayo, Playboy Ako, Pagmamahal Mo, Buhay Ko, Eva Fonda, 16, Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw, among many others. He also starred in a Hong Kong-Korean-Philippines joint project titled Ang Mahiwagang Kris. But of all his films, Ernie was particularly proud of the 1982 Celso Ad Castillo obra, Virgin People. When the movie premiered at the Manila Film Center, the sizeable crowd applauded Ernie’s acting—which still gives him chills to this day, every time he recalls the event…” – Bong Godinez (READ MORE)

Ernie Garcia or Ernesto Garcia in real life, was born on August 12 in Caloocan City, Philippines. His father, Artemio Garcia, is a Caviteno but grew up in Masbate, and his mother, Marina Sta. Maria is from Bulacan, a pure Tagalog. He started schooling at San Sebastian College. He was a former University of Santo Tomas Architecture student. He is known as the Bold King of Philippine cinema due to his many daring scenes in movies that he starred in. Before becoming a movie actor, Ernie started his showbiz career on television in the ‘70s. – Buddhist Celebrities (READ MORE)

Ernie Garcia and Vilma Santos

Ernie Garcia and Vilma Santos did eight films together, seven of it was in the 70s. Their last film together was in 1988 where Vi appeared in a cameo role and Ernie Garcia supporting leading actor Snooky and Gaby Concepcion. He received a FAMAS nomination for this effort.

Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw (1988) – “…Ang tatay ni KC Concepcion na si Gabby Concepcion ay isa rin sa mga kaibigan ni Vi. Ilan ding pelikula ang ginawa ni Vi at Gabby katulad ng Pahiram Ng Isan Umaga, Sinungaling Mong Puso, Hahamakin Lahat, Ibigay Mo Sa Akin Ang Bukas at Asawa Ko Huwag Mong Agawin. Sa pelikulang Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw, kung saan si Gabby ang prodyuser ay naging special guest si Vi na sa totoo lang ay halos kasinlaki ang billing niya (Vi) sa mga major characters nito. Isa sa mga anak ni Gabby, anak niya kay Grace Ibuna ay inaanak ni Vi katuwang sina Lorna Tolentino, Alma Moreno, Snooky Serna at Maricel Soriano…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)

Amorseko Kumakabit Kumakapit (1978) – “…Ang first anniversary presentation ng Diamond Films na Amorseko Kumakabit Kumakapit (April 13, 1978) ay pinangunahan nina Vi, George Estregan, Ernie Garcia, Rez Cortez, Beth Bautista, Cloyd Robinson, Dick Israel, Laila Dee, Brenda del Rio, Anita Linda, Angie Ferro, Mary Walter at Odette Khan sa panulat at iskrip ni Ruben Arthur Nicdao at direksiyon ni Maria Saret…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)

Hindi Nakakahiya (1976) – “…Luis Enriquez aka Eddie Rodriguez first directed a young Vilma Santos in 1968 Kasalanan Kaya, another love triangle genre starring the dramatic trio of Marlene Dauden, Eddie Rodriguez and Lolita Rodriguez. Vilma received an early acting recognitions from this film by receiving a FAMAS Nomination for Best Supporting Actress. When Enriquez directed Vilma again, it was a calculated risk that allowed a still young Vilma into a bikini-clad lead role opposite his director himself, Eddie Rodriguez. The film, Nakakahiya, a may-december affair between an older man and a young woman was an entry to 1975 Bacolod City Film Festival. Aside from making the the film a smash hit, Vilma received the festival’s Best Actress. Enriquez will direct Vilma in five more films, the last one was ExWife in 1981 where surprisingly Luis used in film credits his screen name, Eddie Rodriguez. Theri total number of colloborations were seven (Ex-Wife 1981, Halik sa Kamay Halik sa Paa 1979, Hindi Nakakahiya 1976, Ikaw Lamang 1971, Kasalanan Kaya? 1968, Nakakahiya? 1975, Simula ng Walang Katapusan)…” – RV (READ MORE)

Kampanerang Kuba (1974) – “…With limited dialouge, a young Dindo Fernando portrayed Tateng’s lover convincingly. All the other supporting roles including Perla Bautista, Ernie Garcia and others gave a forgettable performances. About the two main lead, Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos did what they can to portrayed their roles. Edgar Mortiz seems to be trying very hard to be effective as the priest but acting is clearly not his forte. Would this be different if Jay Ilagan did this role? Vilma Santos succeed more with her solo scenes, talking to the patron saints and the bell tower, eating with her bare hands and trying to beautify her ugly face…” – RV (READ MORE)

Lipad, Darna, lipad! (1973) – “…Ding, ang bato!” yells Narda, the adolescent country lass, to her younger brother. Ding obligingly hands over a shiny pebble which Narda swallows to turn herself into the vivacious super-vixen, Darna. Mars Ravelo’s superheroine, clad in crimson bikinis and knee-high stiletto boots, may perhaps be the most famous local fantasy character given life on the silver screen. Though not actually considered a career-defining role, portraying Darna is, nonetheless, highly-coveted. Darna has been portrayed by no less than nine actress in 12 feature films. Rosa del Rosario first wore the scarlet two piece in May 1951. She reprised the role after three months. Liza Moreno, Eva Montes and Gina Pareno followed her. The inter-galactic pebble found its way to Vilma Santos’ throat in 1973 via the flick “Lipad, Darna, Lipad!” Santos, now a two-term mayor of Lipa City in Batangas, is probably the most popular Darna, with a total of four movies in a span of seven years. Some of these were made known to younger generations through afternoon airings on television in the late ’80s. Maybe RPN 9 should do that again so that even younger generations can marvel at Darna’s greatness, albeit antiquated, in such movies as “Darna and the Giants” and “Darna vs. the Planet Women…” – Armin Adina, Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 06, 2003 (READ MORE)

Takbo, Vilma, Dali! (1972) – “…Joey Gosiengfiao had his “sweet revenge.” “It was not wasy for us in the beginning,” Joey relates. “Just before the showing of our first film, Takbo, Vilma Dali!, Martial Law was declared. There were no newspapers then so we had to post bills all over the city, hanggang Pasay nagdidikit kami nina Douglas. We also distributed hand bills. Sa awa ng Diyos, kumita ang pelikula.” Of the films he has done, Joey considers Sunugin Ang Samar as the most difficult, not only because of its scope but also because action is not his forte. It took him three months to make the movie because the script (by Wilfrido Nolledo) called for different settings and they had to move from one place to another. Joey didn’t exactly follow Nolledo’s script but he saw to it that “the spirit was retained.” Of late, Joey has organized his own company called Juan de la Cruz Productions together with Elwood and Douglas. Their inital production, Asawa Mo, Asawa KO, was a moneymaker. SP specializes in home-movie types while JC makes more of the woman’s movie, “that’s because we are not good for action pictures.” Joey is now connected with SP only as a director…” – Expressweek, December 12 1974 (READ MORE)

Hatinggabi na Vilma (1972) – “…The following year, Santos made fourteen films, mostly forgettable musicals. It was also a year where her benefactor started to positioned her as more of a film actress than a singing film star. The results was successful experiments that showcased her comedic ability (Ang Kundoktora), screaming action stunts (Takbo Vilma Dali) and dramatic capability (Dama De Noche). Her followers was delighted when she earned her first acting recognition the next year receiving the FAMAS best actress via Dama De Noche. Most of her films in 1972 were directed by Emmanuel Borlaza however, she was able to do one film with Ishmael Bernal, “Inspiration” with the late Jay Ilagan, one of her regular film partner. According to Bernal, the film wasn’t as successful as what he expected, as the film flopped. Aside from Inspiration, Bernal did two other films, El Vibora (starring Vic Vargas and Boots Anson Roa) and Till Death Do Us Part (starring the young Hilda Koronel and Victor Laurel)…” – RV (READ MORE)

Remembrance (1972) – “…Remembrance,” another film musical, was chosen “best musical” in the Manila Film Festival. The film stars Vilma Santos (Wilear’) and Edgar Mortiz (Wilear’s). The film also won in the categories of best film editing, best sound and best script…” – Oskar Salazar (READ MORE)

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Endorsing Eskinol

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Endorsing Products – “…Vilma Santos started endorsing products in the early ‘70s and the first product she sold on TV I remember was Tanduay – the wholesome edition. (There was a sexy version with Rosanna Ortiz). Then, there were those beautiful Lux commercials, one of which was shot in an old church in Nagcarlan, Laguna. After that came the Fita ad where she hosts a children’s party for a niece who tells her, “Tita Vi, I am so happy. Thank you!” The one product she endorsed the longest, of course, was Eskinol. Her career at this point was charted very well. It was around this period when she did the Darna series, “Takbo, Vilma, Dali!” and other blockbuster hits. In 1975, she made a rather daring move that called for her to come out in a twopiece swimsuit. This was in “Nakakahiya” where she was involved in a May-December affair with Eddie Rodriguez…” – Butch Francisco, The Philippine Star, Nov 04 2003 (READ MORE)

Eskinol Cinematographer – “…Direk Marilou was like a mother to me, especially on the set of ‘Baby Tsina.’ I remember that she would always bring for the cast members pandesal and Spanish sardines, which we ate before shooting. “I love her and her husband, Direk Manolo, who I always requested to be my cinematographer in all of my Eskinol commercials before. “The last time I saw Direk Marilou was at the wake of actor Johnny Delgado. She was already sick then. She was a fighter. She told me, “kaya ko ‘to! I pray for her family and for the eternal repose of her soul…” – Marinel Cruz, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Oct 09 2012 (READ MORE)

Costliest Commercial – “Vilma Santos renews her contract with Metro Drugs Inc. manufacturers and distributors of the popular Eskinol line of beauty products. This year marks the eight year the actress will portray the glamorous Eskinol Girl, a role and image she has kept as the product’s longest-reigning model. The new Vilma Santos Eskinol commercial is a multi-million peso productions, perhaps the costliest commercial produced to date. Santos will receivea hefty talent fee, reportedly the highest of its kind so far in the industry.” – JC Nigado, Manila Standard, 08 Dec 1987 p11 (READ MORE)

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Trivia 2/2

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MEMORABILIA - Early 70sTrivia Part two of two

  • Sino ang unang nagbigay ng title na “Star For All Seasons” kay Vilma Santos in the mid 70s, kaya lang hindi gaanong nabigyan ng pansin dahil Ate Vi was known as Box Office Queen that time. Until Chit Guerrero of VIP/Vilma! gave the title to Ate Vi in the early 80s?
  • Sino ang former TV personality na identified kay Nora Aunor pero ang favorite actress niya ay si Vilma Santos(Noranians take note)?
  • Sino ang singer and former TV host who confessed that he had a big crush on Vilma Santos but after a couple of years, he ended as lover of Nora Aunor?
  • Sino ang former basketball superstar na gumawa ng pelikula with Nora Aunor but confessed (while promoting their film) on national TV that he and his wife’s favorite is Vilma Santos?
  • Sino ang Veteran actress and producer who confessed that since she watched Vilma Santos in Trudis Liit ay naging Vilmanian na siya?
  • Sino ang TV host and comedienne who first introduced in Vilma Santos movie na naka-take 10 sa scene niya with Ate Vi. He was very nervous and nag-walk out. Pinaki-usapan siya ng kapatid niya who happen to be the producer of the movie. The scene: Hahawakan ni Ate Vi ang private organ niya with matching squeeze.
  • Bago dumating sa buhay ni Ate Vi ang mga Recto, anong prominent clan ang unang nagpahayag ng pagkagusto kay Vilma Santos (Although mas na-identify ang anak nila kay Nora Aunor). They even line produced a movie starring Ate Vi.
  • Sino ang dating mailap na basketball superstar na naging crush ng bayan whom when asked on his first guesting sa See True ni ate Luds kung sino ang favorite niya at gustong makasama niya kung gagawa siya ng pelikula, and he answered Vilma Santos, to the dismay of mostly Noranians writers on the panel.
  • Sino ang unang Best Actress winner ng FAMAS whom when asked kung magkakaroon ng remake ang movie kung saan sya nanalo, she replied with matching taray, “Huwag nalang i-remake kung hindi rin lang si Vilma Santos ang gaganap!”
  • Ano ang title ng pelikula ni Ate Vi kung saan sinayaw nya ang national dance na singkil na naging main attraction ng movie. – V Magazine (READ MORE)

FILMS - Ophelia at Paris feat Cocoy Laurel

Trivia 1/2

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AWARDS - Box Office 1977Trivia part one of two

  • Vilma Santos has been awarded by the Guillermo Mendoza Scholarship Foundation as their choice for their All Time Favorie Actress.
  • Vilma’s guesting to the drama anthology show Maalaala Mo Kaya has been dragged into controversy due to allegation that MMK staff breached their agreement with an unnamed hospital, shooting beyond the agreed time and taping the hospital’s cerebral palsy patients. Sources said that Vilma has nothing to do with the controversy. The episode is yet to be schedule by ABS-CBN.
  • Vilma has earned a nomination from the prestigious Gawad Plaridel Awards from UP Film Institute.
  • Luna Awards, Philippines’ version of OSCAR is slated to give out their hardware this Sat. May 14. Vilmanians are all gearing up for another memorable victory for Ate Vi and this will follow by critic’s URIAN Awards on June 4th.
  • Unfotunately, Mayor Vi will not be able to attend the Luna Awards due to her scheduled trip with her senator husband Ralp Recto to China. She will accompany him together with Vice President Noli DeCastro. Looks like mayor Vi is preparing for a future higher political position or is it his husband’s ambition?
  • Lately the Recto’s are all praise of mayor Vi’s presence in Lipa politics. They pointed out, Vilma is a big asset in the Rectos’ political future.
  • All of the three Mano Po films won the best float in the Manila Film Festival’s annual parade.
  • “Pagbigyan Mo Ang Puso Ko,” the theme song for MP3 sung by Karylle and Jerome John Hughes won the festival’s best original song.
  • Karylle is the daughter of Zsa Zsa Padilla who sung the theme song Hiram in Vilma Santos’ starrer, Palimos Ng PagIbig.
  • Zsa Zsa Padilla is the step mother of actor Rolly Quizon? Rolly costarred with Vilma in 1977 MMFF entry Burlesk Queen and won the best actor award.
  • Aside from a best actress trophy, Vilma Santos received a medal for winning the best actress in 1977 MMFF for Burlesk Queen.
  • The director of Burlesk Queen was Celso Ad Castillo who also directed the first Vilma Santos-Christopher De Leon film, “Tag-Ulan sa Tag-Araw.”
  • Christopher De Leon didn’t win any award as Emil in Relasyon opposite Vilma Santos, won all of the Best Actress of 1982.
  • “Love and respect” were the two things that AIDS patients would like people to give them was the message of Vilma on her acceptance speech at Star Awards where she won best actress for Dolzura Cortez.
  • As Malou in Relasyon, Vilma works at Planetarium in Luneta.
  • Both Bata bata Paano Ka Ginawa and Dekada 70 were directed by Chito Rono. Both films gave Vilma International recognition.
  • Top 10 Award Winning Films – Relasyon; Dekada ’70; Bata Bata Paano Ka Ginawa; Dahil Mahal Kita: Dolzura Cortez Story; Pahiram ng Isang Umaga; Ipagpatawad Mo; Burlesk Queen; Dama de Noche; Trudis Liit; Mano Po 3 My Love. – RV, V Magazine, April – May 2005 (READ MORE)

FILMS - Relasyon feat Ishmael Bernal and Christopher de Leon

Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon (Photos)

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Christopher de Leon (born October 31, 1956) is a Filipino film actor and politician. De Leon appeared on the gag show Going Bananas and has appeared in over 120 films since the early 1970s. On July 1, 2010, he was sworn into office as the board member of the 2nd district of Batangas. He studied Fine Arts at the University of the East in Manila. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

Eternally Films

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ARTICLES - Eternally Films 1

Eternally (1956) – Direction: Armando Garces; Story: Mars Ravelo; Screenplay: Luciano B. Carlos; Cast: Gloria Romero, Juancho Gutierrez, Tony Marzan, Delia Marcos, Pacita Arana, Jun Aristorenas; Executive Producer: Jose O. Vera; Original Music: Nestor Robles; Production Co: Sampaguita Pictures; Film poster: Video48

ARTICLES - Eternally Films 4“…Akala ng kanilang fans ay sila ang magkakatuluyan. Ngunit ang talagang napusuan ni Gloria ay si Juancho Gutierrez, na ipinakilala sa isang movie niya, “Prince Charming”, as Mr. Number One. Ang naging ka-love team noon ni Juancho ay si Amalia Fuentes, na nahirang namang Miss Number One sa star search para sa pelikulang “Hindi Basta-Basta” na si Gloria rin ang bida. Ikinasal si Gloria kay Juancho noong 1960 at nagkahiwalay sila noong 1969. Pero muli silang nagsama and Gloria took good care of Juancho until he passed away after a debilitating stroke. Kahit kasal na sila ni Juancho, patuloy siyang gumawa ng movies with Luis na tinangkilik pa rin ng publiko…” – Showbiz Portal (READ MORE)

ARTICLES - Eternally Films 2

Eternally (1971) – Direction: Leonardo L. Garcia; Screenplay: Rico Bello; Cast: Edgar Mortiz, Vilma Santos, Ven Medina, Tita De Villa, Pedro Faustino, Precila Ramirez, Jingle; Original Music: Danny Subido; Film poster: Video48

ARTICLES - Eternally Films 3“…The loveteam of Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos endured a stiff competition from teeny bopper love team of Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III and came up with equal success with string of hit films during the musical era of the 70s. Together they did forgettable but commercial hits and also some hints of the years to come to Vilma Santos’ long career. The most notable one: Dama De Noche. Total Number of films with Vilma Santos – 25 (Young Love, Teenage Jamboree, Songs and Lovers, Renee Rose, My Pledge of Love, Mga Batang Bangketa, Love Is for the Two of Us, I Love You Honey, From the Bottom of My Heart, Baby Vi, Love Letters, The Wonderful World of Music, The Sensations, The Young Idols, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Leron-Leron Sinta, Edgar Love Vilma, Don’t Ever Say Goodbye, Dama de Noche, Anak ng Aswang, Because You Are Mine, Kampanerang Kuba, Kasalanan Kaya, Karugtong ang Kahapon)…” – RV (READ MORE)

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What’s Love Got To Do With It? Isang Gabi Tatlong Reyna

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One rainy Friday night in August, 1990, all roads led to the Metropolitan Theater where the top-rating and the most awarded musical-variety TV show Vilma! would air one of its most-watched episodes, ever. Vilma Santos, who would turn 37 that year, was on cloud nine. She was the toast of the town, in both movies and television. Her Lino Brocka directed movie “Hahamakin Lahat” was a commercial and critical success. Come hell or high water (there was a tropical storm), fans queued at the SRO theaters and saw her out and out Cruella Deville role as Gabby Concepcion’s paramour. Some like her bad. Vilma, the versatile actress scored again. Earlier, she won her first of six Star PMPC and her fourth Urian best actress awards for her ’best’ performance in years in “Pahiram ng Isang Umaga,” which was directed by Ishmael Bernal. She also just finished “Kapag Langit ang Humatol” with Laurice Guillen at the helm. At the PMPC Star Awards for TV, Vilma’s show harvested the biggest awards. And on that particular rainy night at the jam packed Metropolitan Theater, Vilma Santos was paying tribute to a Movie Queen she loved dearly and who reciprocated that love. Amalia Fuentes was the special guest, who just turned 50. Vilma! was giving her a tribute, with special appearances of former Sampaguita Productions ’stars.’ Everybody knew that despite the infamous Romeo Vasquez/Vilma Santos le affair Amalia and Vilma remained the best of friends. With a sincere, charismatic and humble La Vilma, who could resist her charm? Yes, the original Taray Queen, forceful and outspoken former queen of Philippine movies, she with a strong personality but with the most beautiful face in Philippine cinema, acquiesced to her friend’s request to grace the most watched TV show. Love begets love. Respect begets respect.

The retired and reclusive Amalia Fuentes could not say no to the current darling of Philippine movies. To recall, the senior and junior movie queens appeared in these movies: Bulaklak at Paru-paro (1970), Mga Reynang Walang Trono (1976) and Asawa Ko, Huwag Mong Agawin (1986). Amalia directed Vilma’s episode in Mga Reyna and agreed to second billing to Vilma in Asawa Ko. No doubt about it, Amalia Muhlach Sumilang Fuentes, is a Vilmanian. To seal their sisterhood and camaraderie, Vilma is Ninang to Liezl Martinez and to the latter’s son Alfonso. Why, Liezl even sang a song ’’Wind Beneath My Wings’ to her surprised mother that night which drove the strong-willed and still beautiful Amalia to tears. A Kodak moment, indeed. Priceless! While interviewing the three Muhlach generations, Fuentes, Liezl and young daughter Aliyanna, Amalia revealed to Vilma that she is protective of her ’unica hija’ Liezl. “Ay naku, I think I also have become like my Mom, I’m also very protective of my children,” Liezl remarks. Ex-Sampaguita stars Luis Gonzales and German Moreno served as Vilma’s co-hosts who provided comic relief as they recalled their Sampaguita days with Amalia Fuentes. Debonair Eddie Gutierrez also came to greet Amalia a Happy Birthday. Then Daisy Romualdez, Amalia’s contemporary and best friend danced the mambo/cha-cha with dancing queen Vilma, along with Kuya Germs and Luis Gonzalez. “I messed up that dance number,” Daisy gamely confesses, “wala kasing practice.” On her friend Nena (Amalia), Daisy admires her colleague for being frank and outspoken like her. “Nagkasundo kami kaagad dahil pareho kaming prangka ni Nena, hindi kami plastik,” she bemuses. The highlight of the evening was when Vilma introduced another special guest, the other Queen of Philippine movies, Amalia’s rival, Ms. Susan Roces. Radiant and regal in her Susan Roces hairdo and dark, glossy gown, Ms. Roces was polite and generous with her comments on her kumarerival. Vilma, obviously starstruck, throws a question to Susan: “What can you say about Ate Nena as being mataray and you Ate Susan as soft-spoken?” Susan: “I’d like to make a correction Vi, Amalia is not mataray, she is just outspoken, pero nasa lugar, so there’s a difference there.” Applause from the audience. “Alam mo ba Vi na my mother dotes on Amalia dahil pareho silang prangka? Sabi ng Mommy ko, iyang si Susan hindi pumaris kay Amalia, prangka at di iyakin.” Amalia on Susan: “I want to be like Susan dahil she is so sweet and soft-spoken. Doon nga sa weekly sessions namin, sabi ni Doctor Perez, why don’t you be like Susan, matiyaga sa fans, ikaw, sumakit lang ang ulo mo, ayaw mo nang harapin ang fans.” Guffaws and chuckles. The conversation turns serious. Vilma: “How did you handle the competition? Did the intrigues get in your way, affected you?” Susan, smiling sweetly, with a politically correct comment: “Hindi naman. We were in the same movie company and we were treated fairly. We’re like one big family.

In your case with Nora, and Gloria Romero and Nida Blanca, it’s different. Magka-iba kayo ng movie companies.” Vilma: “Ay ang sarap, sana, one of these days magksama rin kami ni Nora Aunor like this one, Ate Susan and Ate Nena, together.” Amalia Fuentes, Susan Roces and Vilma Santos. Isang Gabi, Tatlong Reyna. Susan, a movie queen, honoring a rival-friend movie queen Amalia on her 50th. birthday. Amalia confessed on the show and thanked Susan for throwing a surprise birthday party for her days before the Vilma show. What’s love got to do with it? In the case of Susan and Amalia, it’s love. In the case of Vilma and Amalia, it’s also love. Diva to diva. Competitors can be friends. May it also happen to Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor. Rivals on the silver screen, friends for life. After all, love conquers all. It is more permanent than fleeting fame and fortune. – Mario O. Garces, V Magazine Issue Nos 6 (READ MORE)