Apoy Sa Ibabaw, Apoy Sa Ilalim (1977)

Posted on April 26, 2013 by @ffv Standard

Basic Info: Screenplay, Director: Ben Feleo; Cast: Romeo Vasquez; Chanda Romero; Lorna Tolentino; Barbara Luna; Original Music: Demet Velasquez; Cinematography: Max de la Peña; Release Date: December 9 1977; Production Co: VS Films – IMDB

Plot Description: No information available except that the Vilma Santos’ birthday celebration was added as bonus feature of the film.

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Review: “…Ate Vi made around 198 films from 1963 to 2002. This includes cameo appearances in Dugo at Pagibig sa Kapirasong Lupa, Mga Mata ni Angelita, Huwag Hamakin Hostess (with Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno with Vilma getting Orestes Ojeda in the end), Candy, No Other Love, Charot, Rizal Alih, Engkanto, and ‘Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw’, a Gabby-Snooky starrer, produced by friend Gabby Concepcion…” – The 28th (READ MORE)

Victoria Lorna Aluquin, better known as Lorna Tolentino, sometimes known as L.T., an abbreviation of her screen name (born December 23, 1961), is a Filipina actress, host, executive producer and widow of actor Rudy Fernandez. Together, they bore two sons named Ralph and Renz. She was born on December 23, 1961 in Concepcion, Tarlac and later moved to Manila. Her dad is from Liliw, Laguna. She is also the stepmother of actor Mark Anthony Fernandez. She is first cousin to actress Amy Austria and a niece of actor Jerry Pons. She was married to Rudy Fernandez from 1983 till his untimely death in 2008. They had two children. She attended the elementary grades at St. Anthony School where she also finished high school She took up a Bachelor of Arts course at St. Paul College in Quezon City, and also at the University of Santo Tomas and Maryknoll College. She started her career as a child actress. Later, she portrayed the young Susan Roces in Divina Gracia and has a total of at least 60 movies. She has won eight film awards and garnered 20 nominations (mostly for Best Actress in FAMAS). She’s also one of the Grandslam actresses in the Philippine Cinema together with Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos and Sharon Cuneta. She won her Grandslam Best Actress for Narito Ang Puso Ko (1993). – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

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A Very Long Rivalry – 1980

Posted on April 25, 2013 by @ffv Standard

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Pre-1980 – The December festival favoured Lolita and Nora. In the festival’s awards Night both were recognized for their effective acting in Ina Ka ng Anak Mo. Meanwhile, their rival, Charito Solis and Vilma Santos, took consolation of the fact that their film, despite losing in the acting contest, remained one of the top revenue earner. It’s the end of the decade and both Nora and Vilma are looking forward to a brighter career. Both wanted to remain as bankable and popular. For Nora, the end of the 70s cemented her reputation as an actress. For Vilma, the end of the decade seem to be a disappointment, atleast in awards derby, as she seems to be ignored by the award giving organizations several times. She has promised herself not to expect to win any award but concentrate on box office results.

Snubbed by the Critics – “…In 1980, tatlong pelikula ni Nora Aunor ang maituturing na panlaban: two by Brocka (Nakaw na Pag-ibig and Bona) and the other by Laurice Guillen, Lea Productions’ Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo. She won the Gawad Urian for Bona. Ang panlaban ni Vilma was Zialcita’s Langis at Tubig. Hindi taon ni Vilma ang 1980, which saw the emergence of other young and talented actresses like Gina Alajar (Brutal), naka-tie ni Nora sa Urian, and Amy Austria, na tumalo kay Aunor sa Metro Manila Film Festival. In the 1980 MMFF. Amy won with a lone entry, Brutal while Nora got nominated for Bona and Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo. (A case of split votes.) Sa 1980 Gawad Urian, nominated sina Nora, Gina (eventual winners) at Amy, samantalang si Vilma was “snubbed by the critics…” – William Reyes (READ MORE)

Nora Aunor’s Films (9): (Anak ng Atsay; Bona; Bongga Ka ‘Day; Candy; Darling, Buntis Ka Na Naman; Kastilyong Buhangin; Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo; Nakaw na Pag-ibig; Reyna ng Pitong Gatang) – After the successful project with Brocka in last year’s local festival, they reunited in two projects, “Nakaw na Pag-ibig,” with Philip Salvador and Hilda Koronel and another festival entry, “Bona.” Nora entered two films in 1980 MMFF, Brocka’s “Bona” and Laurice Guillen’s “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo.” With two entries, Nora find herself a stiff competition not from her close rival Vilma but from another Brocka protege, Amy Austria in Marilou Diaz Abaya’s “Brutal.” For Nora, the first year of the new decade was a mix of hit and miss, “Bongga Ka Day” was a successful follow-up to “Annie Batungbakal” but overshadowed by the box office disappointments of “Anak ng Atsay,” “Darling, Buntis Ka Na Naman,” and “Reyna ng Pitong Gatang.”

Vilma Santos’ Films (8): (Ang Galing-galing Mo, Mrs. Jones; Darna at Ding; Good Morning, Sunshine; Gusto Ko Siya, Mahal Kita; Langis at Tubig; Miss X; Romansa; Yakapin Mo Ako, Lalaking Matapang) – For Vilma Santos, 1980 was an affirmation of her sexy image, with most of her projects has “adult” theme, “Mrs Jones” and “Miss X” were big hits despite its lack of weak production value. She even wore a sexier Darna outpit, in her fourth Darna franchise, Darna at Ding. Like Nora, she had her share of disappointments, her film with husband, Edu Manzano, “Romansa” was a big flop. Come December, Vilma concentrated on not thinking about winning the best actress award, instead, agreed to do a commercial film with Danny Zialcita, the result was the hit, “Langis at Tubig.” The film earned her some nominations and a best actor trophies to her leading man, Dindo Fernando.

Nora Aunor’s 1980 acting recognition (3) – Best Actress from URIAN and a nominations from the Metro Manila Film Festival and FAMAS, all for “Bona.”

Vilma Santos’ 1980 acting recognition (2) – Best Actress nominations from Metro Manila Film Festival and FAMAS both for “Langis at Tubig.”

Sociological Phenomenon – “…Brocka is one of the most physical of directors. His films are full of scenes of people touching — nervously, tentatively touching one another, and his rapport with actors is tremendous. Nora Aunor is a special case, she’s the Filipino’s favorite movie star, and more. Herself a slum child at 14, she won a singing contest and soon became a film personality, appearing in trivial, successful hit after hit; she now has her own weekly TV show. Aunor is a sociological phenomenon: the first dark-skinned superstar, idolized by the underclasses. Her fan’s devotion is unlimited. A score of them have come to live and work in her house as self-appointed servants. For many, she has the status of a saint. Her role in Bona in Brocka’s movie, which she produced out of her own pocket in order to appear in a serious film, is not unlike that of one of her own fan-servant-slaves. Aunor’s co-star is no less than Phillip Salvador’s glistening body (who was Stanley Kowalski in Brocka’s Tagalog production of Streetcar) which Brocka makes us to see with Bona’s eyes in a dozen bed and bathtub scenes. The camera observes Salvador’s body with something of the meticulous awe with which Von Sternberg and his lenses ogled La Grande Marlene…” – Elliot Stein, Village Voice, September 25, 1984 New York (READ MORE)

Handing Magparaya – “…Muli, binigyan ng magagandang linya si Vilma Santos mula sa umpisa kung saan kinompronta niya ang manloloko niyang ka-live in at sinabing: “namputsa naman nahuli ka na ayaw mo pang aminin” at sa bandang huli nang intindihin niya ang asawa at handing magparaya, sinabi niya “…handa akong magparaya, kung gusto niya isang lingo sa kanya, isang lingo sa akin…” Pero halatang ang pelikulang ito ay pelikula ni Dindo Fernando. Deserving si Dindo sa kanyang pagkapanalo sa Famas bilang pinakamahusay na actor bagamat nang taong ito’y mahusay rin si Christopher Deleon sa Aguila at Taga ng Panahon at Jay Ilagan sa Brutal. Tahimik lang ang pag-arte niya’t makikita ang kanyang intensity sa kanyang eksena kung saan nagtapat na siya sa asawang si Cory tungkol sa kanyang kaso. Mahusay rin siya nang hinarap niya si Pilar at sabihin niyang, “mahal ko kayong dalawa.” Maganda ang location ng pelikula. Makikita ang mga ordinaryong tanawin ng Albay sa Bicol at ang mga ordinaryong manggagawa rito mula sa mga nagtatanim ng palay hanggang sa mga nagtitinda ng mga paninda sa palengke ng bayan. Sa kabila ng ordinaryong istorya ng Langis At Tubig, ang mahusay na direksyon at mahusay na pagkakaganap ng mga artista rito’y nangibabaw ang tunay na karapatan nitong panoorin muli ng mga mahihilig sa pelikulang Pilipino. Sayang nga lang at hindi na gumagawa ng pelikula ang ang gumawa ng obrang ito…” – RV (READ MORE)

Post-1980 – As Brocka’s Bona toured the international festival, it looks like Nora was again in command with the acting contest and Vilma was content in making sure that her films were commercial success. By this time, Vilma’s tax problem has become a number one priority. No longer a teen pop star, both Nora and Vilma’s projects declined. It seems like yesterday, when in early 1970s both were releasing one or two films each month. Now, both have limited film projects and have to be selective to succeed at the box office.

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Vilma…Born Winner (Repost)

Posted on April 24, 2013 by @ffv Standard

And the winner is…Vilma Santos.The U.P. College of Mass Communication announces the choice of Ms. Vilma Santos as the recipient of Gawad Plaridel 2005. Born winner ngang matatawag ang QueenStar na si Vilma Santos dahil halos lahat ng larangan ng kanyang pinasukan ay naging matagumpay,hindi nga lang siguro siya Star for All Seasons and Reasons sa punto ng pagiging aktres. Laging kinikilala sa kanyang kahusayan sa magkakaibang panahon ng pamamayagpag, making her an actress for all seasons, indeed! Like the fabled Midas Touch, Vilma Santos seemingly has that power to transform into gold, whatever her petite hands can touch. In the movies and on television, she is the undisputed Star for All Seasons.On the domestic front, she is victorious mom to Luis and Ryan Christian.

Huling pinasok at sinubukan ni Ate Vi ang magulong daigdig ng pulitika. Sa kanyang huling termino bilang Ina ng Lipa City, pinatunayan niya kung gaano siya kaseryoso bilang aktres ay mas lalong pursigido na mapagbuti ang kalagayan ng kanyang kababayan at nasasakupan. Wala na ngang dapat patunayan pa si Ate Vi, tunay ngang siya’y na namumukod-tangi bilang bituin. Katangi-tangi siya bilang artista at lingkod-bayan. Sa malao’t madali, magbubunga ng maganda ang kanyang pagpupunyagi. Ipinapalagay na kundi man gobernador ng Batangas, nakatakdang tumuntong si Ate Vi sa Senado.

But all things considered, isa lang ang vision nais ni Mayor Vilma in 10 years from now, a place in Malacanang. Ang maging First Lady na hindi malayong mangyari. If ever na matupad, the Vilmanians will rejoice at sasabihing “Heaven.” And “You’re such a victorious lady.” As a star, Vilma Santos, is the last of the great movie queen. As an actress, well, she has nothing to prove anymore. Unarguably, Ate Vi has etched her mark in the local showbiz industry and maintain that status. Already being considered a pillar in the celluloid world, Vilma has claimed not only to great results of her movies, but to the critical acclaim that her movies enjoy.

Even the most rabid Noranians will have to concede to Vilma’s enduring popularity and spell-binding mass appeal. Bluntly and simply stated, Vilma is the country’s reigning movie queen, Sharon Cunetas’ presence notwithstanding. Vilma Santos is undeniably the country’s uncontested Star for All Seasons and QueenStar. Without a modicum of an exaggeration, her lofty achievements in the industry still have to be duplicated nor equalled by anyone. She is definitely one of the highest paid star, darling of the press and without scintilla of a doubt, showbusiness personified. She is the quintessential image of a real movie star-beautiful and glamorous, well-mannered and a seasoned actress. It is easy to be awed by Vilma Santos. The name warrants all caps in the Philippine entertainment: charisma that goes beyond unquestioned talent. – Willie Fernandez, V Magazine 2005 Global Vilmanians

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Remembering George Masangkay Canseco

Posted on April 23, 2013 by @ffv Standard

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Musical Director – “…Arguably the best composer in the land, George Canseco was born on April 23, 1934. He took Liberal Arts at the University of the East, but did not finish his course…Aside from composing movie theme songs, he has also been musical director for many films, such as “Burlesk Queen,” “Pagputi ng Uwak , Pag-itim ng Tagak,” “Atsay,” and “Miss X.” The great songwriter has won almost every musical award for a composer: best composer, best theme song, song of the year, best musical director, and best musical scoring from several award giving bodies. His best theme song awards were for “Kapantay ay Langit,” 1971, and “Imortal,” 1989, for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF); “Huwag Bayaw,” 1979, “Langis at Tubig,” 1980, “Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan?” 1982, “Paano Ba ang Mangarap?” 1983, “Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?” 1984, and “Hihintayin Kita sa Langit,” 1991, all from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS). His other musical directing awards include “Hiram,” Star Awards, 1987 and “Sinasamba Kita,” 1982, “Misis mo, Misis ko,” 1988, and “Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit” from the film academy awards (FAP). He was also chosen as the Best Musical Director by the MMFF for “Bato-bato sa Langit,” 1975; “Burlesk Queen,” 1977; “Pagputi ng uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak,” 1978, “Huwag Bayaw,” 1979; “Miss X”, 1980, “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan?” 1982, and “Palimos ng Pag-ibig,” 1988, by the FAP Awards for “Paano Tatakasan ang Bukas,” 1988, and by the Star Awards for “Magdusa Ka!” 1987. Among his award winning songs are “Sinasamba Kita,” 1982, and “Langis at Tubig,” 1983, both chosen by the Cecil Awards as best song written for a motion picture. “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan?” gave George the Cecil Song of the Year award 1984, and “True love came too late,” Awit Awards’ Song of the year, 1970….” – Carrie B. Yan (READ MORE)

P1.5M for a song – “…Canseco said that Marcos paid him P1.5 million to write the song, which was interpreted by Kuh Ledesma. The song also became the theme for a bank’s television commercial. The songwriter also brought honor to the country by winning in foreign music festivals. The song “Ako ang Nagwagi,” interpreted by Dulce, lost in the Metro Pop Music Festival in 1978. But it brought home top honors for Canseco and the country from the Hong Kong Music Festival the same year. The following year, he bagged the grand prize in the Metro Pop Music Festival with the song “Ngayon,” interpreted by Basil Valdez. He also wrote music for the movies and won countless awards for his scores. However, Canseco was not proud of his movie scores, because “not one of them stands out.” He composed his last film score in 1989 for “Paano Ang Ngayon Kung Wala Nang Bukas,” which starred Kring Kring Gonzales and Ronaldo Valdes. He also wrote the movie’s theme song, “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas,” sung by Basil. Canseco wrote jingles for radio and television commercials. Like his songs, these jingles were also timeless. A jingle for a cigarette commercial which he wrote in the ’70s is still being used today….” – Nini Valera, Philippine Daily Inquirer, November 20, 2004 (READ MORE)

George Masangkay Canseco (23 April 1934 in Naic, Cavite, Philippines – 19 November 2004 in Manilla, Philippines) was a Filipino song composer…He died on November 19, 2004 in Manila, Philippines due to cancer. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

George Canseco’s Music in Vilma Santos Films

Imortal (1989) – George received the best musical score and best original song from the 1989 Metro Manila Film Festival, Vilma recieve the best actress.
Saan nagtatago ang pag-ibig? (1987) – George recieved the FAMAS hall of fame award this year while Vilma Santos recieved her fifth best actress award that elevated her to be the following year’s hall of famer awardee.
Palimos ng pag-ibig (1986) – George received the best musical score award from FAMAS while Vilma recieved a best actress nomination.
Muling buksan ang puso (1985) – George was ignored by the award giving bodies for his work on this film, Vilma received a nomination from FAMAS.
Minsan pa nating hagkan ang nakaraan (1983) – Basil Valdez performed the soundtrack, both George and Vilma weren’t recognized for their work on this Diaz-Abaya film.
Paano ba ang mangarap? (1983) – George received the best theme song from FAMAS for the soundtrack, “Paano ba ang mangarap” while Vilma did not received any acting award for this film but was recognized for another film, Bernal’s Broken Marriage.
Sinasamba kita (1982) – Both George and Vilma were big winners from the very first Luna Awards. He recieved the Academy Award for best original song for the soundtrack, “Sinasamba Kita” while she received the best actress trophy.
Gaano kadalas ang minsan? (1982) – Canseco received the FAMAS best musical score and best theme songs for the soundtrack, “Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan” while Vilma did not received any acting award for this film but instead recognized for her grand slam film, Bernal’s Relasyon.
Langis at tubig (1980) – Canseco received the best theme song from FAMAS for the soundtrack, “Langis at tubig,” performed by a very young, Sharon Cuneta, Vilma received a nomination for best actress from FAMAS.
Miss X (1980) – He received the best musical score award from FAMAS while Vilma did not received any acting award for this film but was recognized for Langis at Tubig.
Good Morning, Sunshine (1979) – George was credited as contributor lyricist for the single, “Yakap,” one of the soundtrack of this musical and sung by Latin singer, Junior but this clearly needs official citation.
Coed (1979) – Both George and Vilma did not received any awards or nomination for this film.
Pagputi ng uwak…Pag-itim ng tagak (1978) – George received the best musical score from FAMAS and a nomination from Gawad Urian (Pinakamahusay na Musika) and Vilma received the best picture trophies both from FAMAS and Gawad Urian as the film’s executive producer.
Bakit kailangan kita (1978) – The soundtrack, “Kailangan Kita” composed by George and performed by Leah Navarro was this year’s biggest hit song.
Burlesk Queen (1977) – Both Vilma and George were big winners at the 1977 Metro Manila Film Festival, she received the best actress while he got the best musical score. They also recieved nominations from Gawad Urian in their respective categories.
Mga rosas sa putikan (1976) – Both George and Vilma did not received any awards or nomination for this film but Vi performed the film’s soundtrack, “Mga Rosas sa Putikan.”
Vilma and the Beep Beep Minica (1974) – The very first film of Vi and George as actor and musical scorer. Although both did not received any award or nomination on this project, Beep Beep Minica was a huge hit.

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Special Film: Ibong Lukaret

Posted on April 21, 2013 by @ffv Standard

Ibong Lukaret (1975) Vilma witnessed the traumatic death of her mother that made her crazy until she met the murderer again. – RV (READ MORE)

Source: gobitz69

FAIR USE NOTICE (NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE): This site contains copyrighted materials the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to preserve the film legacies of actress, Vilma Santos, and to make her career information available to future generations. We believe this is NOT an infringement of any such copyrighted materials as in accordance to the the fair dealing clauses of both the Canadian and U.S. Copyright legislation, both of which allows users to engage in certain activities relating to research, private study, criticism, review, or news reporting. We are making an exerted effort to mention the source of the material, along with the name of the author, performer, maker, or broadcaster for the dealing to be fair, again in accordance with the allowable clauses. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

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RP Cinema’s Best Actress of All Time (Repost)

Posted on April 20, 2013 by @ffv Standard

One of the lingering showbiz debates concerns the choice for the greatest Pinay movie actress. The matter may now be settled with the Gawad Plaridel that the University of the Philippines bestows on outstanding Filipino mass media practitioners.

Established by the UP College of Mass Communication under Dean Nicanor G. Tiongson last year and derived from the nom de plume of Philippine hero and propagandist Marcelo H. del Pilar, Gawad Plaridel is a form of lifetime-achievement honor with the recipient coming from any of the various fields that encompass mass media such as journalism, broadcast arts and, of course, cinema.

The first Gawad Plaridel awardee, Eugenia Apostol, hails from print media. For this year, it has been decided by the Gawad Plaridel organizers to hand out the plum to a film artist. Many welcome the choice of Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos getting the Gawad Plaridel, and many more could not less agree.

With a screen career spanning five decades, Vilma outshines her peers. She has proven herself not only as a consummate actress but also more importantly, a role model and enduring inspiration. The Gawad Plaridel is just the latest in the string of lifetime achievement awards Vilma has received in the course of her stellar career. It was the Film Academy of the Philippines that first extended Vilma such great honor in the early 1990s followed by the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences later in the decade and then the Cinemanila International Film Festival a couple of years back.

On top of all these distinguished honors for lifetime contribution to motion-picture arts, Vilma has been proclaimed on various occasions as the country’s premier actress, sole screen diva (*Filipino cinematic diva* as Hollywood bible Variety Magazine exactly put it in 2003), most celebrated actress, best actress for all seasons and reasons, national actress, film actress par excellence, etc. – all in testament to the magnitude of the artistic legacy attributed to the actress-politician idolized by throngs of ardent admirers.

All in all, Vilma has amassed more than four dozen trophies for her sterling performance in a gamut of noteworthy films that automatically form part of the country’s cinematic heritage. She has worked with the best talents that Philippine cinema could boast of, and the Gawad Plaridel accorded to her is in itself an honor Vilma could share with these industry colleagues allied with her.

The Gawad Plaridel citation says it all. Part of it reads: “(The choice of Ms. Vilma Santos as this year’s Gawad Plaridel recipient was) among other reasons for building a brilliant career which saw her grow from popular icon to professional actor through self-discipline and tireless honing of her craft; for bravely using her popularity as an actress to choose roles which bring to the public attention as astounding range of female experiences, as well as an array of problems confronting women of different classes and sectors in contemporary Filipino society; and for bringing to life on screen characters whose stories have the effect of raising or transforming the consciousness of women, leading them a few steps closer to a deeper understanding of their situation vis-à-vis the patriarchy and to the ability to control their own lives and make empowered choices of their own.” – Nonoy L. Lauzon, “Reel Pinoy, RP Real Pinoy” July 2005 (READO MORE)

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Si Vi at si Erap

Posted on April 19, 2013 by @ffv Standard

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The Comeback – “…His last movie in 1989, after an eight-year lull, was seen as part of a campaign to stage a political comeback. He’d been unseated in 1986 after serving 16 years as municipal mayor, when the late dictator and his political patron Ferdinand Marcos fled into exile and Corazon Aquino assumed the presidency. Estrada was elected to the Senate in 1987, then vice-president in May 1992 and finally in May 1998 was elected the 13th president of the Philippines. His popularity as an actor is said to have contributed to him winning the largest majority vote in election history. Political pundits say Estrada still believes himself to be a hero in a real-life movie that is reaching its dramatic crescendo with his stepping down as president in January amid a wave of people power…” – Kirsty Alfredson and Rufi Vigilar (READ MORE)

Best Actor “…At first, Joseph wanted to become an engineer just like his hardworking dad. But his restless nature, coupled with his growing interest in acting, brought him to the world of showbiz. He first studied at the Ateneo de Manila University, but he was expelled after picking up a fight with a fellow student. He transferred to Mapua Institute of Technology, but he did not finish his engineering degree. In 1957, he went against the wishes of his parents and started appearing in movies as an “extra.” He quit schooling, pursued acting, and adopted the surname “Estrada.” His father forbade him to use “Ejercito” in his screen name. For his first name, “Erap” the backward spelling of “pare,” which means buddy or friend in English became his friends’ and fans’ preferred nickname for Joseph. In the 1960s, Erap did about 90 films and that’s like having a movie shown almost every month. But it was in Asiong Salonga and Geron Busabos where he was embraced by the masses as their hero. Erap’s movies were notorious for themes inspired by Robin Hood, an anti-hero who becomes a hero himself through his fierce yet understated qualities…

His showbiz career spanned 32 years, and Joseph starred in more than a hundred movies, which include Ito Ang Pilipino, Blacksheep Gang, Cuatro Cantos, Lo Waist Gang, Kandilang Bakal, Sa Baril Mag-Uusap, Moises Padilla Story, Tondo Boy, and Markang Rehas, among many others.
And he was good at his craft. In fact, he was the first FAMAS Hall of Fame awardee for Best Actor (1981), and he also became a Hall of Fame Award winner as a producer (1983).
Moreover, he was also considered as one of the early purveyors of independent filmmaking through JE Productions and EMAR Pictures, his own film outfits. …” – Bong Godinez (READ MORE)

Farming and Retirements “…Vegetable patches cover a portion of one of several hills in the farm. A tractor levels a winding road below leading to the resthouse. A solitary horse, a gift from Ronnie Poe, Joseph’s kumpare, nibbles the grass. The farm was originally 24 hectares, but three hectares of it was eaten up by the national highway which, incidentally, made the dirving to Tanay smooth, pleasant and fast. Joseph says the resthouse is temporary, which explains its light structure, mostly wood. he plans to build a permanent “hideaway” on the next hill, the highest site in the farm. But when is he retiring? “Its still a long way, perhaps 10 years from now. I still have a few things to do, to accomplish. Besides I like to think I’m still too young to consider retirement,” smiles Joseph who, but for thickening of the waistline, has the looks and traits of a young man: smooth skin, quick and easy movements…If and when he finally settles down to his Tanay farm, would he give up politics and movies entirely? “I guess I would. Aside from small-time farming, I’ll branch out to another business, construction. In fact, I’ve started setting up a construction frim. I also plan to put up a piggery, and raise some cattle. I just can’t do it right now as there’s no efficient water system yet in this farm.” Joseph says that in a few years, the seedings he planted will, hopefully, grow firm and tall and bear fruits. A few months ago they harvested corn and some vegetables. “Nothing much really, strictly for own consumption,” he says…” – Ronald K. Constantino (READ MORE)

Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada (born Jose Marcelo Ejercito on April 19, 1937) was the 13th President of the Philippines, serving from 1998 until 2001. Estrada was the first person in the Post-EDSA era to be elected both to the presidency and vice-presidency. Estrada gained popularity as a film actor, playing the lead role in over 100 films in an acting career spanning 33 years. He used his popularity as an actor to make gains in politics, serving as mayor of San Juan for seventeen years, as Senator for one term, then as Vice President of the Philippines under the administration of President Fidel Ramos. Estrada was elected President in 1998 with a wide margin of votes separating him from the other challengers, and was sworn into the presidency on June 30, 1998. In 2000 he declared an “all-out-war” against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and captured its headquarters and other camps. However, allegations of corruption spawned an impeachment trial in the Senate, and in 2001 Estrada was ousted by “People Power” 2 after the prosecution walked out of the impeachment court when the Senator Judges voted no in the opening of the second envelope. The EDSA 2 protests resulted from the concerted efforts of political, business, military, and church elites who were displeased by Estrada’s policies that included removal of sovereign guarantees on government contracts. In October 2000, the Daily Tribune reported about elite plans to “‘constitutionally’ oust President Estrada under ‘Oplan Excelsis.” Emil Jurado of the Manila Standard reported as early as 1999 about a PR demolition work designed to embarrass Estrada “by attributing to his administration all sorts of perceived faults and scams with the end in view of covering up anomalies and scams also committed during the Ramos administration.” Former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo also admitted in an interview with Nick Joaquin that he and then-Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson and certain military officials plotted plans to oust Estrada in January 2001, with the alternative plan B being violent “with orders to shoot. And not only in Metro Manila.” In 2007, he was sentenced by the special division of the Sandiganbayan to reclusion perpetua for plunder, but was later granted pardon by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He ran for president anew in the 2010 Philippine presidential election, but lost to then Senator Benigno Aquino III. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

Joseph “Erap” Estrada and Vilma Santos

Joseph “Erap” Estrada and Vilma Santos did seven films, three of which were an all star cast that didn’t require them to share screen time. The first two films were in 1966, both a smash hit and critically acclaimed, Vi was just a child star then. Their only significant film as mature actor were in a fantasy film in 1974. The last film that featured them was the late Julie Vega starrer that also featured FPJ.

Mga Mata ni Angelita (1978) – “…The story revolves around that of a blind girl named Anghelita who was given the eyes of the Virgin Mary. But having her sight back, she will see what the world really is, filled with pain and sins. So, in search for her long lost mother, she will be instrumental in changing the lives of people along her way…” – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

Dugo at Pag-ibig sa Kapirasong Lupa (1975) – “…A Must for the Filipino History Students and for everyone who wants to awaken the innate nationalism in them. These series of stories depicting the fight of the Filipinos against colonialism of Spain, Japan and even their fellow Filipinos abusing the power in the government. A seemingly serious film but spiced with the star-studded cast like Fernando Poe Jr., Ramon Revilla, Joseph Estrada, Nora Aunor, Dante Rivero, Eddie Garcia, Vic Vargas, Goerge Estregan and the other all time favorite artists. This movie even highlighted the comparison between the love of country and the other kind of love we offer to our family and to our beloved as the story featured love stories in the midst of tragic and bloody war happening in our society…” – Kabayan Central (READ MORE)

KIng Khayam and I (1974) – “…The film started promising with funny scenes of Joseph Estrada facing his people seeking his advice or help. One was when a man presented his new product, a flying magic carpet but when the carpet didnt fly, Estrada suggested a lighter weight rider. Then veteran actress and much younger, Mary Walter in a cameo role, brought her just bought magic lamp. She complained to the king that the seller fooled her to buy the lamp and wanted a refund. She then caress the lamp and the gennie came out but instead of the expected giant gennie, a midget dwarf came out. Then from this moment the film went downhill. A singing bird, a transexual Ike Lozada being auctioned, Rod Navarro’s over the top villain antics, all failed to sustained our attention. The weak storyline did not help. Patterned with the Hollywood film, King Kayam & I’s only saving grace was the acting of its lead stars. Joseph Estrada’s precense was commanding and convincing as the playboy king and Vilma’s charming innocense despite the sexy dance number at the end complimented Joseph’s macho image…” – RV (READ MORE)

De Colores (1968) – “…An all-star cast flick with such superstars as Joseph Estrada, Amalia Fuentes, and Gloria Romero. Despite multiple episodic stories of this movie about the “cult” “religious” revival among the elite Catholics, Vilma was in a forgettable episode. I wasn’t sure if she played a rebellious daughter turned good via the Cursillo, and whether she shared scenes with Ms. Romero. What mattered was that she bumped into her Tita Gloria on the set…” – Mario O. Garces (READ MORE)

Ito ang Pilipino (1966) – “…In 1966, Estrada was “just” an actor portraying a bandit fighting the Spaniards, led by Eddie Garcia. Directed by Cesar “Chat” Gallardo, an important scene in the film featured the late Vic Silayan telling the young Estrada that he would be the country’s next president-to which, Estrada’s character answered in disbelief, saying it was impossible, because he could neither read nor write! Prophetically, the historical film presaged the actor’s political career. Who would have known that he’d become the 13th president of the Philippines?! At the screening, Estrada’s leading lady, Barbara Perez, who was first seen in 195’6′s “Chabacano,” was in the audience to watch the “lost” film revived by the Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (SOFIA). The actress shares: “Back then, I kept getting in and out show biz, especially when I had to give birth!…” – Rica Arevalo (READ MORE)

Batang Iwahig (1966) – “…Joseph Estrada was at his best appearing in ‘tough guy’ roles after striking it big as “Asiong Salonga” in 1961. He was rough and mean in movies like North Harbor (1961), Pulong Diablo (1963), Basagulero (1963); Geron Busabos: Ang Batang Quiapo (1964); Batang Angustia (1965); Batang Iwahig (1966) and many more where he essayed the role of a ‘kanto boy.’ However in the 70s and 80s, Estrada chose to do light-comedy films (remember the Tatay na si Erap series, Erap is my Guy, Mamang Sorbetero, among others) and more of a Dirty Harry type of movies, where he portrayed a determined and dedicated law enforcer. He did quite a number of these movies starting with Kill the Pushers in 1972 and so on with Panic (1973), Ranson (1974), among others…” – Simon Santos (READ MORE)

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Excerpt from “Leche: A Novel”

Posted on April 17, 2013 by @ffv Standard

ARTICLES - Leche

Brown vs Fair – “…Alone once again in waiting shed, littered with fliers for the upcoming election like “V is for Victory, so vote for Vi.” As in Vilma Santos, known for her dramatic roles, mestiza complexion, and TV commercials endorsing Eskinol skin-care products. Vince will deny it now, but he was once a Vilmanian, meaning he was part of the multitude of hopelessly devoted diehard true-blue-’til-death-do-us-part fans who didn’t live a single day without thanking the Lord for bringing into their rich or wretched existence Vilma santos. Aka Star for All Seasons. Expect to see a horde of Vilmanians camping outside theaters days before her movie premieres. To buy or the entire issue wherever she graces the cover of a magazine. To make her records go platinum in a week. To go on pilgrimages to Manila and stand outside the gate of her home on her birthday. To hold a novena when she’s up for an acting award. And to pore over their scrapbooks whenever they come down with Vilma-itis. Vince had such a scrapbook. Scribbled on its front comver, in his first-grade penmanship, was: Ate Vi & Me. In it were articles and pictures that he cut out from magazines with the precision of surgeon and pasted onto the pages. A piece of memorabilia that, because there was no room in his suitcase and box, his grandfather had asked him to leave behind, along with his collection of komiks, books, and Charlie Chaplin movie posters. He agreed, thinking he would return soon.

While, Vince, like half the country, was a bona fide Vilmanian; the other half were Noranian, like Jing and Alvin. As in Nora Aunor, Vilma’s showbiz rival for the past two decades, though the two superstars claim to be very good friends (“We’re as close as wall-to-wall carpeting.” – Vilma). Whereas Vilma is mestiza, which means she can enter through the front door of Pinoywood without getting stopped or mistaken for a maid, Nora, on the other hand, is petite, olive-skinned, barely speaks English, prefers to converse in Tagalog, and is likely to be mistaken for a nanny or a squatter. As a young girl in the province of Camarines Sur, Nora helped her poor parents by peddling water in train stations. Her impoverished existence came to an abrupt end when she entered the country’s amateur singing contest. She sang a Barbra Streisand chart-topper, “People,” and from then on, Nora (who also goes by “Ate Guy”) became one of the luckiest Filipeoples in the world. Except Nora wasn’t just lucky; she was talented. Her eyes could evoke a thousand and one emotions – she could tear your heart with one look – and her singing voice catapulted her to overnight stardom, breaking rules and records in Pinoywood, where whiteness was – and still is – used to judge one’s beauty and talent and determine the number of digits in contracts. Like Vilma, she too broke box-office records, in movies such as Atsay and Bona, where she usually played an underdog, the maid, the poor girl, the maide, the provincial, the maid, the pariah, the maid, the lesbian, the maid.

Gazing at the flier of his former idol Vilma, Vince listens to the voice of his childhood and remembers the endless Nora-Vilma catfight with his siblings. “So? Ate Vi dances better than Ate Guy,” Vince said, response to Alvin’s, “At least Ate Guy’s boyfriend isn’t fat.” “So what? Ate Vi is Darna,” Vince retorted. It was Vilma as Darna who made Vince believe that heroes on the screen were as real as the lights that made them. In the open-air cinema of San Vicente, underneath the stars and seated right beside his grandfather, Vince watched his childhood idol bring her komikbook heroine to life. When she wasn’t championing good over evil, Darna was Narda, a provincial lass who got her superhuman powers from a while stone that fell out of the sky. Inscribed on the stone was “Darna,” which she yelled out whenever she needed to fight her enemies, like the snake-coiffed Valentina, who turned people into stone. Vince read about them in the komiks and watched the film adaptations in the open-air cinema, as well as on TV. He’d even feigned illness in school (“Ma’am, I think I have tapeworms!”) just so he could go home and watch Isputnik Versus Darna on Sine Sa Siete (Movies on Channel Seven). And today, here she is, Vince’s childhood screen idol, running for a mayoral seat in the province of Lipa, Batangas, where, in the sixties, the Virgin Mary had appeared through a rain of roses. “Nora can’t dance to save her left foot, but she sings like an angel,” Jing told Vince. “But Vilma can’t sing for shit.” It was true. Vilma couldn’t tell the difference between sharps and flats, do from fa, mi from la, like ninety-nice percent of the movie stars in Pinoywood who insists on staging concerts in big arenas and releasing one album after another, relying on their tone-deaf fans to turn them gold or platinum. Alvin describe Vilma’s singing most accurately, “She sounds like Astrud Gilberto on morphine….” – R. Zamora Linmark, Excerpt from the novel, “Leche” (READ MORE)

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SI DARNA AT SI ATE VI

Posted on April 16, 2013 by @ffv Standard

Darna has been portrayed by no less than nine actresses 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 Pareño followed her. The inter-galactic pebble found its way to Vilma Santos’ throat in 1973 via the flick “Lipad, Darna, Lipad!” Santos, now the mayor of Lipa City (As of 2012, she is now the Governor – RV) in Batangas, is probably the most popular Darna, with a total of four movies in a span of seven years. Rio Locsin squeezed in a portrayal in 1979 with “Bira, Darna, Bira!” But Santos made a comeback, with the legendary Niño Muhlach as Ding, in 1980’s “Darna and Ding.”

Lipad, Darna, Lipad (1973) – the quintessential action-fantasy Pinoy flick that appeals to all ages, from generation to generation. This movie is a major milestone for Vilma because it proved that she could really carry a solo movie and bring in the dough (up to now of course!). Vilma’s Darna franchise is the most memorable and successful of all Pinoy fantasy-action genre. Imitated but never equalled, Vilma’s Darna lives on. Unforgettable. Memorable. It grows on you. No Pinoy kid ever grows up without being a part of the Darna magic. Vilma, practically flew at the top of the box office in Sine Pilipino’s trend setting trilogy “Lipad, Darna, Lipad!” Many fans consider Lipad, Darna, Lipad, as one of the most entertaining Darna movies ever. After all, who could forget that climactic aerial battle scene between Darna and the Impakta (Gloria Romero)? That shot of Romero impaled in a giant crucifix ensconced on top of a church tops any gory scene in The Omen. The enormous success of Lipad, Darna, Lipad led to three more Darna movies with Vilma Santos. As a result, the star for all seasons became the star for all Darnas! Santos played her four times, more than any other actress in the superheroine’s history Lipad, Darna, Lipad! were thus divided into three separate segments, directed by three different directors. In Darna’s case, the three directors were Maning Borlaza, Joey Goesiengfao, and Elwood Perez – three names that promised an adventure that could do Andy Warhol proud.

First episode “Ang Impakta” Starring Gloria Romero as Miss Luna, Narda’s school teacher who has a dark secret. She is actually a flying blood sucking creature at night. In this thrilling episode she knows the secret identity of Narda. The most memorable part was when Ms. Luna asked Narda to help her with some paper works. Little that she know, while she was busy checking the papers Ms. Luna excused herself, she then went to the next room and transformed into a scary vampire. Ding found out that Ms. Luna is the vampire and Narda forgot to bring the magical stone , he rushed to her sister who then was being strugled by the monster. As soon as he got there, he threw the stone to her much terrified sister and she immediately changed to Darna. Followed was the famous aerial fight scene. Nanette Medved and Bing Loyzaga tried to copy the infamous fight scene in 1990 Viva films Darna. Episode one was directed by Maning Borlaza. Vilma also had to battle with Celia Rodriguez, who played a campy Valentina, a super- model by day and a snake priestess by night. One scene has the actress naked in bed being caressed by a dozen snakes. Indeed, with the likes of Gosiengfao, Perez, and Borlaza at the helm, Darna is sure to get stuck in grotesque situations reminiscent of the Rocky Horror Movie. Their take on Darna is sometimes too risqué and violent for little children; but as a camp fest, the movie works.

In the next episode, Valentina, tried to steal Narda’s magical stone. Also, there was a scene where Valentina dressed up as Darna. I love the exciting part where Darna and Valentina battled on top of a high rise building. Darna, was almost a no match to her mortal enemy. Dangerously armed with lazer beams coming out from Valentina’s eyes, Darna was helpless and knocked down several times. Until, she stumbled upon into a piece of broken mirror and used it as a shield againts Valentina’s deadly lazer beams. Darna quickly made her looked in the mirror. Her lazer beams bounced back and she turned into a stone. From the roof, Valentina fell hard on the ground and broked into shattered pieces. Anjanette Abayarri and Cherrie Gil almost did the same scene in ” Darna, Ang Pagbabalik ! ” Second Episode was directed by Elwood Perez.

The final episode was “Babaing Lawin” ( Hawk Woman), starring Liza Lorena as Babaing Lawin. I barely remember this one, there was this scene where Narda and Ding got caught and almost drowned in a quick sand. In Hawk Woman’s cave there’s this stream, that can make her wings disappear by walking across to it. There was also this character named Agila, a bird man played by Rod Dasco, he’s like the Hawk Woman’s mate. There was some fight scenes in the cave between Hawk Woman and and Darna. At the end of the story Darna and Hawk Woman, mend their ways. Vilma Santos was the second actress to play both ” Narda and Darna” first was Liza Moreno in Sputnik VS. Darna. The famous expression – “Ding, ang bato…Dali” was originated in “Lipad, Darna, Lipad”. It did not come from the comics.

Vilma did have one important asset that easily made the role all her own – she had the box office clout. Lipad, Darna, Lipad, (1973) was a certified blockbuster, and not just because of the millions of Vilmanians. Local movie fans suddenly seemed to have a penchant for movies about superheroes. Darna And The Giants (Dec. 22,1973) Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions, Official Entry for 1973 Manila Film festival. For the second time around Vilma, proves that her first Darna was no fluke. Darna And The Giants vanquished all of her box office competitors. Very creative special effects by Tommy Marcelino consider it was made early in the 70’s. Sex kitten Divina Valencia as one of the giants as well as Ike Lozada, Max Alvarado, Zandro Zamora and many more. Vilma was the third actress to play the dual role of a teen-age Narda, Darna. Gina Pareno had two alter-ego’s in her own version as well as Liza Moreno played Narda and Darna in Sputnik VS. Darna. Vilma also changed Darna’s transformation in all of her Darna films by using a flash of light instead of the thick smoke. She dons a retro version of Darna with shiny gold and red costume and matching platform boots. In this film Vilma was no hold bars. Romy V. Susara and Leody M. Diaz choreograped Darna’s awesome fight scenes.

Darna and The Giants (1973) – Continuing where “Lipad, Darna, Lipad” left off, Narda (Vilma Santos) and Ding (Dondon Nakar) encountered their greatest challenge yet – The Alien Warrior Queen-“X3X” (Helen Gamboa) and her alien minions. In this latest adventure, X3X terrorizes Narda’s village and captures several of the townsfolk and transforming them into mindless Giants who went on a rampage across the countryside in the hopes of conquering the earth without the use of nuclear weapons. When Narda’s suitor Romy (Romeo Miranda) is captured, the threat of the alien Queen becomes personal With a Global threat such as this, will Darna’s courage and powers be up to the challenge? Watch and find out!! “Darna and the Giants” Also stars – Katy Dela Cruz as “Lola”, and an all-star cast of 70’s icons with cameos from Leopoldo Salcedo, Edgar Mortiz, Eddie Peregrina, Nick Romano, Lotis Key, Tony Ferrer (as Falcon) & more. “Darna and the Giants” produced by Tagalog-Ilang Ilang production and directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza with Darna Theme composed by Sunny Ilacad (Vicor).

Darna VS. The Planet Women (Dec. 25,1975) – Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions, Christmas Presentation. In this 1975 film (the 3rd in a 4 Darna film franchise), the story of Darna is rebooted as this new installment is not a continuation of the 1st and 2nd films. In this revamped version, Narda (Vilma Santos) is a cripple who dreams of accomplishing great things for the betterment of humankind despite her physical limitations. One day, she discovers her suitor (Zandro Zamora) paralyzed after having been attacked by a UFO. Together with her brother Ding (Bentot Jr.), she prays for help and offers to sacrifice herself for the sake of her suitor’s survival. A voice from beyond answers and sends her an enchanted amulet of power. The power of Darna contained within the magic pebble. With her newfound powers, she battles The Planet Women-Alien Amazons who are trying to transport the Earth to their own star system.

Darna at Ding (Feb. 8,1980) – Produced by D’ Wonder Films – Vilma Santos donned her Darna costume for the last time in 1980 with Darna at Ding. For the first time, Ding was mentioned in the title. And why not? The kid was now played by Niño Muhlach, the most popular child star of the day. The company that produced it, D?Wonder films, belonged to the Muhlach’s family. The Wonder films tried to captured the magic of 1973 monster hit “Lipad, Darna, Lipad.” By recasting some of the original cast of Vilma’s first Darna movie. Celia Rodriguez declined to play Valentina, instead they tailored a new character for her as Lei Ming the sorceress. Then Veronica Jones was asked to play Valentina but, ended up playing the role of Hawk Woman. Max Alvarado reprised his role as the Giant. Marissa Delgado also joined the cast as Dr. Vontesberg. The movie started on how Narda got her power as Darna. As soon as Narda transformed into Darna, she quickly started her adventure with Ding fighting the Hawk Woman. And soon after Darna and Ding found a giant and both lost the fight to Darna. As the story unfold Dr. Vontesberg pretended as a good samaritan with an evil plan to destroy the towns people who killed her grandfather mistakenly accused as a devil worshipper. Dr. Vontesberg summoned the dead and terrorized the townspeople. Narda was captured by the mad Dr. Vontesberg and showed her how she operates her plans. Ding got on time to rescue her helpless sister and they both stopped Vontesberg evil plans. Then, Darna and Ding flew their way to the city. And on their way, they captured a bunch of loose prisoners, after this scene was a long lots of talking non-action scenes. Finally, Lei Ming and Darna measured their strength and powers. Lei Ming created an evil Darna to destroy the real Darna. At the end Lei Ming lose and took her own life.

Vilma finally relinquished the role of Darna to Sharon Cuneta, who appeared in a cameo role as Darna, in 1986’s Captain Barbel, also a Mars Ravelo classic creation. Years after, Dawn Zulueta was rumored to play Darna but the role of our beloved superheroine went to Nanette Medved who would have preferred to play Valentina.

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Vilma Santos was indeed the most successful Darna in history of this franchise. Eric Cueto who is also the web master of the Mars Ravelo (the creator of Darna) web-site interviewed the Star for All Season about her stint as Darna. Here are the highlights and Vilma’s replies:

Favourite Darna: “Syempre Lipad Darna Lipad, yon kasi ang unang Darna ko at maganda talaga. May copy ka ba nito?”

Action stunts: “…may pagka tomboy din ako noong araw kaya madali kong napag aralan (stunts). Actually minsan nga nag karoon ng aksidente na kailangan ko na mag tumbling at sasaluhin ako ng stuntman ang nangyari nasipa ko sya sa mukha kaya putok yong ilong nya at kailangang dalahin sya sa hospital, ako naman nauntog sa bato kaya ang sakit ng ulo ko…”

Snakes: “…Oo totoo yon! natakot ako sa mga ahas first shooting day yata namin yon sa may roof top ng isang building sa may Santa Mesa. Isang lingo akong nagkalagnat yata noon – then bago uulit kami mag shooting pinahahawakan na muna nila sa akin yong mga snakes para masanay na ako…”

Villaines: “…Celia (Rodriguez), she’s really good! and Tita Glo (Gloria Romero) was so scary as Impakta, I love her so much…(and Liza Lorena) She’s good too! I remember ang costume nya ay yong parang sheep skin at may pair of wings sya. Sa may Antipolo kinunan yong episode ng Babaing Lawin…”

Her early exposure of Darna: “…Napanood ko yong Darna ni Eva Montes sa sine at yong Kay Rosa Del Rosario sa TV…”

Body Stockings: “…I remember nag paalam pa ako sa mga madre sa school na pinapasukan ko noon, kasi diba na ka two piece si Darna at okay naman sa kanila, kasi nga hindi naman daw bastos yong character ni Darna, superheroine nga sya eh. Tinanong ko rin yong mga fans noon at medyo nga worried din sila sa costume baka daw bastusin ako. Kaya nga noong una sa pictorials ng promo ng movie naka body stocking ako, kaya lang hindi talaga magandang lumabas nakakataba yong stocking. William Leary and Douglas Quijano convinced me na tangalin ko yong stocking sa press-con ng Darna. I remember nasa bathroom pa nga ako noon at mag papalit na ko ng Darna costume ko, then tinangal ko na rin kasi sabi nila: “Vi, masagwa talaga yong stocking bakit di mo sila gulatin lumabas ka ng walang stocking tutal may ipapakita ka naman” . At yon na lumabas na ko ng walang body stocking…”

Will she plays Impakta: “…Naku mukha na ba akong impakta! (sabay halakhak) actually may ginawa na kong Aswang yong “Anak ng Aswang” pero hindi ako ang aswang si Tita Glo. Actually very interesting yang role na yan at challenging, i don’t mind playing those kind of roles na kontrabida, basta ba maganda ang story…” – Eric Cueto (READ MORE)

Googling Darnas: “…I was watching an interview with Vilma Santos earlier today and she was talking about how great her experiences were being Darna. I got inspired and I started researching about the past Darna movies and franchises. Raymond and I were just telling Dominic yesterday that archiving in the Philippines is horrible. I was glad that when I was googling, there’s this whole site dedicated to Mars Ravelo’s Darna, one of his most famous stories…Anyway, it’s so interesting. I think I’m becoming a fan of Darna. I’ve seen most of the movies. I haven’t seen any of the series though. I like the idea that she really had to be voluptuous. Vilma Santos and Angel Locsin even had to fatten up to gain more muscle for the role. Anyway, here’s my Darna Gallery (I’ll even include the cameos)…The great Vilma Santos. It’s so funny how she’s the first Darna to also play Dyesebel (the second is Marian Rivera) who’s one of her allies. Multi-personality. She’s the easiest Darna to research. During the span of her four Darna films, lots of other adaptations were also released but hers were always best received…” – Sasha Limuy, scottstuart.wordpress.com, 19 September 2009 (READ MORE)

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Special Film: King Khayam and I

Posted on April 15, 2013 by @ffv Standard

King Khayam’s search for another wife brought him the escapee, Princess Gracia. She doesn’t want to be wed to a man, she doesn’t love so she left her kingdom and ended up in King Kayam’s kingdom. They met and fell in love. (READ MORE)