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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

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)

Sweet Love, Sweet Sixteen (Repost)

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Sina Vilma Santos at Edgar Mortiz ang isa sa mga itunuturing na pinaka-durable loveteam ng lokal na aliwan. Alam naman ng lahat na si Edgar ang first love ni Ate Vi. Ang mga tagahangang nakasaksi sa kanilang pagmamahalan ay di-akalaing magwawakas agad iyon. Ate Vi was 14 years old then nang mapasama sa popular radio show ni Ka Tinno Lapuz, ang “Eskwelahang Munti.” Dito niya nakilala ang di inaasahang magiging ka-loveteam na si Edgar. Nakilala ang kanilang loveteam as “Vi and Bot”. Sumabay ang kanilang team-up sa “Guy and Pip” nina Tirso at Nora. Una silang napanood sa lokal na aliwan bilang suporta ng yumaong singer na si Eddie Peregrina sa pelikulang “My Darling Eddie” in 1969. Klik agad ang kanilang tambalan and from then on ay nagkasunodsunod na ang kanilang mga ginawang pelikula, gayundin ang mga TV shows, tulad ng “The Sensations” at “Edgar Loves Vilma.”

Kinanta ng dalawa ang “Devoted To you” and the fans were hooked. Nagsimulang nagtatag ang kanilang mga tagahanga ng Vi-Bot Fans Club all over the country, as against sa karibal nitong Guy and Pip tandem. Parang kabuteng nagsulputan ang kanilang mga fans from Aparri to Jolo. Tinagurian noon ang kanilang tambalan na “Subok na Matibay, Subok na Matatag” na siyang blurb n o o n ng isang kilalang bangko na naging commercial nila. Si-nundan agad ng pelikulang “The Jukebox King” as second lead na nagtampok din kay Eddie Peregrina. Taong 1970, ginawa nila ang “Young Love” under VP Pictures na kung saan kasama ang karibal nilang tandem, ang Guy and Pip. Nagkasunod-sunod ang pagpapareha nila sa mga pelikulang Song and Lovers, Bulaklak at Paru-Paro, My Pledge of Love, Love Is For the Two Of Us, From The Bottom Of My Heart, Young Idols, Sixteen, Because You are Mine, Love Letters, Sweetheart, Mga Batang Bangketa, I Love You Honey, Edgar Loves Vilma, Sapagkat Sila’y Aming Mga Anak, Vilma My Darling, Baby Vi at Renee Rose. Sa loob ng taong 1970, nakagawa ang kanilang tambalan ng labing walong pelikula. That was also the same time na na-inlove na si Bobot kay Vi. By the way, ang aktres mismo ang nagbinyag kay Edgar ng Bobot. Nang mabuo na nga ang kanilang tambalan, unti-unti nang nagpalipadhangin si Bobot kay Vi. Ayon nga sa pagbabalik-tanaw, si Ate Vi noon ay labing-anim na taong gulang nang maging magkatipan sila ni Bot.

Ang kani-kanilang tagahanga ay naniwalang meron na talagang affair ang mga idols nila. In February, 1970 nagtapat si Bobot kay Vi ng “I love You.” Nadebelop ang feelings nila sa isa’t isa dahil sa kanilang loveteam. Pero aprubado naman ng kani-kanilang parents ang relasyon. Botong-boto kasi at giliw na giliw si Mama Santos kay Bobot noon. Naging neighbors pa nga sila ni Bobot sa Arfel Homes sa Project 6, Quezon City. Nasundan pa ang kanilang pagtatambal noong sumunod na taon, 1971. Ginawa nila ang Love At First Sight, The Sensations, Angelica, The Wonderful World Of Music, Young Lovers, Our Love Affair at Eternally. Mapapansin na karamihan sa mga pelikula na kanilang ginawa ay puro hango sa titulo sa mga kantang pinatanyag noon. Usually, ang karamihan sa mga eksena ay tadtad ng mga musical numbers. Dahil sa kainitan ng tagumpay sa takilya at popularidad ang kanilang tambalan, ginawa ng Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions, ang Aloha My Love, taong 1972 na kinunan pa sa Hawaii, Don’t Ever Say Goodbye na kinunan pa sa Pasadena Palm Spring, San Francisco USA, Dulce Corazon, Remembrance na ka-love triangle ang yumaong si Jay Ilagan, Dama de Noche, an award winning movie ni Vi na nagpanalo sa kanya ng FAMAS Best Actress where she played a dual role, 3 Mukha ni Rosa Vilma at Leron-Leron Sinta. Their trip in Hawaii where they did Aloha My Love was very memorable. Marami kasi ang umaasa nilang mga fans na magaganap ang Hawaiian wedding nila pero hanggang sa pelikula lang ito nangyari.

Taong 1973, muli silang nagtambal sa pelikulang Now and Forever at Anak ng Asuwang. Nasundan pa ng dalawang pelikula noong 1974, ang Biktima at Kampanerang Kuba. Akala nila ay panghabambuhay na ang kanilang relasyon. But tulad ng kasabihan, nothing lasts forever, nabuwag din ang kanilang tambalan. Mahigit na 50 pelikula ang kanilang pinagtambalan. On and off, pinapanatili ng Tagalog Ilang-Ilang ang kanilang loveteam na talagang tinatangkilik ng kanilang matatapat na tagahanga. Ang last movie na pinagtambalan nila ay ang “Karugtong ng Kahapon,” taong 1975 para sa TIIP. Nagkaroon ng lamat ang kanilang loveteam nang mapatambal si Ate Vi sa iba’t ibang leading men. Nag-split sila formally noong April 28,1974. Sa kanilang breakup ay hindi nawalan ng pag-asa si Bobot who kept looking forward for a reconciliation. Only years after, when Bobot got married nang hindi na talaga sila puwede pang magkabalikan ni Ate Vi, ang kanyang first love. Ate Vi went on with her career as a solo star at tinangkilik ng publiko na maipareha sa ibang aktor. Sa paghihiwalay ng landas nina Vi at Bobot sa pelikula ay napanatili nila ang kanilang magandang bonding hanggang ngayon. – Sinulat ni Willie Fernandez, V Magazine, Nos 3 SEP 2007

HIGHLIGHTS: The love team of Vilma and Edgar started in a TV show entitled The Sensation. The pair became a twosome, on and off the small screen. They Starred in almost a hundred films like Teenage Señorita, Young Lovers, The Sensations, The Young Idols, Sixteen, Love at First Sight and My Pledge of Love. The love team that has the logo “Subok na Matibay, Subok na Matatag?” (Proven Strong, Proven Stable) didn’t live up to its bill. Although they remained actively busy doing movies together their real life relationship didn’t last. Here are some facts about the love team many considered one of the most memorable in local movie industry.

Edgar was first paired with Vilma’s rival Nora Aunor and Vilma was initially paired with Tirso Cruz III.

Ismael Bernal did a movie with Vilma in 1972 opposite Edgar in “Now and Forever, although Vilma’s first movie with Bernal was “Inspiration.”

Vi and Edgar won the Mr. and Miss Philippine Movies in 1972.

Vi and Edgar were neighbors in a subdivision in Quezon City.

Aside from working together in films they were also a regular mainstay in Channel 2’s The Sensations.

One of Vi’s famous record was titled “Along Came Edgar.”

Aside from Edgar, Vi did a top grosser film with Paolo Romero titled Ikaw Lamang in 1971 Quezon City Film Festival, Vi will later on do another film with similar title, 1993’s Ikaw Lang.

Vilma’s 1971 film, “Teen-age Senorita” with Manny de Leon, grossed no less than P40,000 on its first day showing in two theaters, a record breaking feat during that time.

Vi celebrated her 18th birthday at The Plaza with faithful boyfriend Edgar in Nov. 3, 1971. The two left to make two movies in Hawaii and USA two weeks later.

Vi and Edgar last film together was the drama “Karugtong Ng Kahapon.”

Vi and Edgar broke-up officially on April 28,1974.

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Susan Roces: A Superstar For All Seasons

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Bago pa man naikabit ang mga titulong Superstar at Phenomenal kay Nora Aunor, at Star For All Seasons kay Vilma Santos, nauna nang itinawag ang mga ito kay Susan Roces noong siya’y nasa pinakarurok ng kanyang katanyagan, Dekada 60.

Breathes there a star with box office success history of Susan Roces? Isa sa ating nation’s top story and magazine writers has added a new cliche to the thousand and one adjectives used to describe the most popular today ng ating pelikula, Susan. He calls her a “movie phenomenon” which ranks her among “cinerama, technicolor, zoom lenses, etc…” things na bahagi na ng motion picture industry, with their incalculable influence in its development and growth. At the rate Susan is going since 1961, mula sa hindi na mabilang na mga box office hits, winning one movie title after another, one popularity award after another, napakadaling sabihin na siya’y isang institution. Pero, tiyakang tututol dito ang millions of her fans…sa halip nito they would insist na their Susan is the best for them on the screen…her face that refreshes, her sweetness that just seems to creep into their hearts, her life and love story which simply feeds their need for vicarious and story-book existence. Susan is the fullfillment of every Walter Mitty dream: Kay Susan ang story ng isang babaing who became a national celebrity through her chosen profession, by proving herself as an actress. Pero, don’t call her an institution yet please naman. Kung magkakagayun nga naman, nangangahulugan ito na her glorious days of triumph are over.

For the purposes ng artikulong ito, it is more than apt to say na Susan is a phonomenon, period. What other star can boast of her success – magmula pa sa Sampaguita Pictures na doo’y isa siyang contract star, she hit big time una nang sila’y magkatambal ni Romeo Vasquez sa pelikulang “Sino Ang Maysala.” Ito ang pelikulang naglunsand sa kanilang dalawa bilang ganap na bituin. Indeed, it was a blessing in disguise for Eddie Gitierrez nang ipasya ni Bobby na maging free-lancer. Biglang-bigla, Eddie hit the big league bilang bagong screen sweetheart ni Susan, with “Eddie Loves Susie” as their biggest hit. It also heightened suspense in predicting a real life love teaming of the two most beautiful people of SPI. Kaya naman hindi nakapagtataka na nang magsimula nang nag-freelance si Susan, and Ronnie Poe entered her life, all kinds of expectations were fanned. Will the king of box office win the heart of the Queen of the box-office? Sabi ng mga fans ni Eddie Gutierrez, “We hope no.” Sabi naman ng mga fans ni Susan,” It will not be difficult for Susan is the answer to everyman’s prayer.” Singit naman ng mga tagahanga ni Ronnie, “There goes our movie idol who has never permitted any girl to come before him. Karaniwan, ang mga katambal na bituing babae ni Ronnie sa kanyang pelikula ay mga newcomers o bagong mukha.

Pero nang makatambal ni Ronnie si Susan, he shares the spotlight equally with her. That must be “love!” How rightly the FPJ fans sized up their idol. Sa daigdig na ito ng dog eats dog way of life, of calous take advantage of your neighbor, he will take advantage of you, Susan is like a whiff of fress air, na nagpipilit sa tuwina on keeping faith with principles, contracts, and high sense of values. When everyone was being tempted to free-lance, despite contract, Susan herself was being besieged with irresistibly tempting offers. She did not even struggle to say “no.” Basta, she just kept shaking her head, sa pagsasabing, “There is a time and place for everything.” How right she was! Susan Roces, the freelancer went from one box office hit to another. Mula nang gawin niya ang “Ang Daigdig Ko’y Ikaw” na katambal ni Ronnie Poe, she seemed to have made the trend for later Susan Rocess successes. “Bayan Ko Lumaban Ka” opposite Romeo Vasquez was another box office phenomenon. “Zamboanga” reportedly broke the records of the pre-war version, at ito’y isa pang tambalang -Susan-Ronnie. Isang bagay lang ang masasabi natin kina Susan at Ronnie, they never tried to hit saturation point of the box office sa pamamagitan ng malimit na pagtatambal. By now, it is movie history how she gave a rebirth to Romeo Vasquez movie career when they made “Maruja” together.

Hindi makakalimutan ni Ricky Belmonte and pangyayaring siya’y a virtual unknown… a Tirso Cruz member of the family, but just that, until he was given his first picture – a the leading man of Susan in “Si Sianang at ang 7 Tsikiting.” Then, he started hittign it big. May nagsasabi na Eddie Gutierrez seems to lack for good roles nowadays. Sa malas, movie fans any other way except as Susan Roces leading man. Gayunman, this article was inspired by the success that was “Kulay Rosas Ang Pag-ibig.” Ito ang kasaysayan taht established Susan the phenomenon that she is, of the local motion pictures today. Made in 12 shooting days, in Eastmancolor, “Kulay…” is reportedly the first venture ni Susan bilang prodyuser. Pero, sinasabi ni Susan na it is not fair to call her the producer. Why I don’t know. Pero the fact is, the movie was ready for screening after 15 days and it was shown in the first class Ever Theatre. It has even proved to be a complete hit, na masasabing a big break for a new leading man of Susan, namely Ramil Rodriguez, Susan, the box office star is a starmaker in her own right, don’t you think so? Kaya naman no wonder that this writer who has made many box office hits for movie stars, from the time of Tita Duran to Fred Montilla down to Joseph Estrada, feels justified in making this observation tungkol kay Susan.

She is a phenomenom, at maaaring star na may pinaka-mahabang reign as a movie queen, na pinatutunayan ng maraming titles & trophies na kanyang natamo, at higit sa lahat sa napakarami niyang box office successes. Hindi nakapagtataka na sime movie fans wrote in that they couldn’t care less na hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa nakapagtatamo si Susan ng FAMAS acting award. The time will come, they are sure. For how come that is convincing to her millions of fans, at hindi to a handful of movie reviewers? It should happen anytime now, these Susan Roces fans predict. Sang-ayon ba kayo? – Teena Cruzet, Tin-Edyers Songs & Shows, June 27, 1968 (READ MORE)

Susan Roces bares what saved her marriage with Ronnie Poe – “Despite the usual showbiz intrigues that have come their way, the marriage of Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces remains among the more durable relationship in showbiz. What could be their secret. “We’re friends! That’s very, very important in a relationship,” said Susan Roces. “Kasi, if you’re just lovers, it wears off easily. I love you, heart and soul. One hundred percent. Dapat ikaw din. Ako lang ang mahal mo, Ganoon. That’s when a person becomes so possessive na nakakasakal ba. If you’re friends, mas maganda. You can tell your wife or your husband certain things at puedeng magkaroon ng certain freedom. Hindi ‘yung sa kanya lang nakatutok ang mata mo that you see all the wrong things he has done and you start imagining what he can do when you’re not beside him.” According to her she and Ronnie agreed from the start to talk things over. “Let me explain,” Ronnie told her, “If there is something I should explain. Hindi ‘yung you’ve already made a conclusion based on what you read or heard na minsan naman eh hindi totoo.” She said there were times when a woman should be at home for her husband. Pero sa klase ng ating trabaho, this cannot always be so,” explained Susan. “Ako naman, whenever Ronnie shoots a film at alam kong medyo mahihirapan siya, I make it a point to be home para asikasuhin ko siya. I mean, you cannot let the maids take over. Tapos when he is settled at nakapahingana ang I have some other commitments I should attend to, that’s when I go. Wala namang problema doon. I guess it’s just a matter of understanding each other’s needs and the element of trust should always be there. Pag walang trust, malabo talaga.” – Lulubelle Lam Ramos, Manila Standard, May 10, 1991 (READ MORE)

Jesusa Purificación Sonora (born July 28, 1941), better known as Susan Rocés, is a Filipina actress and widow of Ronald Allan Kelley Poe, better known as Fernando Poe, Jr. Following the death of her husband in 2004, Rocés became a rallying point for the political opposition…Born to a French American mother and a Filipino father of Spanish and Chinese descent, Rocés is a member of one of the country’s biggest clans, the Locsin family of Negros Occidental. Their forebear Wo Sin Lok, a peddler from Amoy, had himself baptised into the Catholic Church as Agustín Locsin and married Cecilia Sayson of Molo. Rocés’s sister, Rosemarie Sonora, and niece Sheryl Cruz are also actresses. Rocés married Fernando Poe, Jr. and they have an adopted daughter, incumbent MTRCB Chairman Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)