Remembering Vilma’s 18th Birthday!

Posted on December 10, 2009 by @ffv Standard

The year was 1971, when ate Vi celebrated her debut. Ang tagal na pala. Parang kailan lang when I cut these photos sa isang newspaper. I was still in grade school then, at wala pang pambili ng mga magazines. So, I content myself sa newspaper naming sa bahay. As far as I can remember, isang bonggang birthday celebration iyon. Nagkaroon ng isang asalto on the eve of her birthday. Meron din fans party na ginanap sa Mehan garden, pero ang talagang coming-out party niya ay ginanap sa The Plaza restaurant. Wala na itong restaurant na ito ngayon, but it was very popular ng mga panahon na iyon.

The restaurant, which was, located sa Makati, ay siya ring naging venue ng reception ng wedding nina FPJ at Susan Roces. Ang asalto, fans party sa Mehan garden at ang debut party ay added attraction sa movie nina ate Vi at Edgar na “Eternally.” Ang gown ni ate Vi was made by Ben Farrales. Sa isang write-up interview kay Danilo Franco, na siyang gumawa ng wedding gown ni ate Vi, nabanggit nito that he was working for Mang Ben during that time. The white gown bore hand-painted pink roses, which were made by Danilo Franco. Star-studded ang party ni ate Vi. Halos lahat ng young stars of the era ay dumating. Ang mga kasamahan niya sa TV show na The Sensations ang siyang mga kasali sa cotillion.

Dumalo rin ang big stars of the era like sina Rosemarie at Ricky Belmonte, at doon nila inannounce na magpapakasal sila the following month. Special guest din si Mr. Manda Elizalde of Panamin, na tinulungan noon nina ate Vi at Edgar para ikampanya para sa Senado. Dumalo rin ang super big action star noon na si Tony Ferrer kasama ang kanyang misis na si Mutya Ng Pilipinas winner, Alice Crisostomo. Naroon rin ang mga producers ni Ate Vi at ang mga press people. It’s now 2005, 34 years na ang nakakaraan, pero andito pa rin si Ate Vi at siyang nangungunang Reyna ng pelikulang Pilipino. Nawala na ang mga kasabayan niya at maging ang mga sumunod sa kanya, pero nanatiling nag-iisa ang tunay na Reyna ng Pelikulang Pilipino sa lahat ng panahon. – Eric Nadurata, V Magazine 2006

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Filmography: Phantom Lady (1974)

Posted on December 2, 2009 by @ffv Standard

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Basic Information: Director: Leonardo L. Garcia; Writers: Cora M. Crisol (story), Nilo Saez (screenplay); Cast: Vilma Santos, Nick Romano, Paquito Diaz, Rodolfo ‘Boy’ Garcia, Cristina Reyes, Max Alvarado, Angero Goshi, Angel Confiado, Bino Garcia, Greg Lozano, Francisco Cruz, Angelito, Steve Alcarado, Pons De Guzman, Edward Torres, Jack Montes, SOS Daredevils, Pmp Commandos; Music: Tito Arevalo; Cinematography: Ricardo Herrera; Production Co: Silver Film Productions; Released Date: 28 February 1974 (Philippines) (IMDB)

Plot Description: Blind Vilma fights bad guys as Phantom Lady!

Film Achievement: Box Office Hit of 1974

Film Review: “…There was a time in the 70s, particularly in 1973 and 1974, when a spate of Pinoy fantasy films featuring Pinoy superheroes graced our big screens. I think it was Vilma Santos’ Lipad Darna Lipad that started it all. It ushered in this wave of so-called trend in fantasy movies. Besides Darna, Vilma came up with Wonder Vi (1973), Phantom Lady (1974) and Vivian Volta (1974); Nora Aunor had Super Gee (1973) based on a popular komik serial; Superman and Batman had their local counterparts in Zoom, Zoom Superman (1973) with Ariel Ureta and Fight Batman Fight with Victor Wood. Vilma came out with another sequel of Darna titled Darna and the Giants, also in 1973; Dolphy had his own version of Captain Barbell in Captain Barbell Boom (1973). It was the movie, Supergirl (1973) which starred Pinky, that made a major impact among the moviegoers that time. It was a surprise hit that year. It was reshown several times due to insistent public demand…” – Simon Santos (READ MORE)

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Filmography: Tok, Tok, Palatok (1974)

Posted on December 2, 2009 by @ffv Standard

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Basic Information: Directed: F. H. Constantino; Screenplay: Bert R. Mendoza; Cast: Vilma Santos, Panchito, Bentot, Pugak, Dencio Padilla, Tange, Max Alvarado, Jojit Paredes, Ike Lozada, Ponga, Rodolfo boy Garcia, Alicia Alonzo, Mary Walter, Ange; Original Music: D’ Amarillo; Cinematography: Fermin Pagsisihan

Plot Description: Vilma Santos played a twin sister…of a snake.

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Review: “…That was not the first time I met her. Actually, I know her way way back when she was only 8 or 9 years old, pumupunta sila sa amin. Kasi regular customer ng Mother ko ang Mama niya sa ready made clothes, yun kasi ang business ng Mother ko noon sa Rustans. I was about 10 or 11 years old then, and while her mom is making the selection of cloth, iniiwan naman niya si Vilma sa living room namin. Minamasdan ko siya, ang ganda-ganda ng mukha niya…Maasikaso sa set, malambing, mabait lalo na sa maliliit na crew. Doon kami nagkaroon ng bonding when we were doing that film. Mabuting tao talaga si Vilma, she has a good heart and always willing to help others. We became very close, di ko makakalimutan na minsan ay nag-drive ako ng 3 hours just to see her…Let’s split it up into two. Personality and how she relates to others. Personality wise, mabuting tao siya, she is so trusting to the extend that it becomes disadvantage on her part , she trusted people so much. About relation to others, she is so approciable, a perfect politician, she’s always ready to help, not skimming, she has social conscience and will do things to achieve her goal…” – Franco Gabriel (READ MORE)

“…And so, to prove them wrong, Vilma’s manager smartly plotted follow-up recordings. Not only did Vilma record her follow-up album, she recorded a string of mini-LPs. Mini-LPs are shorter version of the big vinyl record with two songs on each side. She ventured into Tagalog songs, recording six songs that include instants hits like Isipin Mong Basta’t Mahal Kita, a theme song to a film she did opposite Filipino chess grand master, Eugene Torre; Palong-Palo, where she received a golden record award in 1974 and an up-tempo opm, Tok-Tok Palatok, another theme song from one of her comedy film with the same title opposite Jojit Paredes…” – RV (READ MORE)

“…Very few probably are aware that Ronnie was once a matinee idol in the music profession. He was the other half of the famous singing duo called The Two of Us. His partner was Jojit Paredes, the cousin of Jim Paredes, who was also a kilabot ng mga colegiala as part of the Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, now better known as the APO. Ronnie and Jojit were schoolmates in La Salle grade school, while Jim and his then large group were from rival Ateneo…After The Two of Us, Jojit eventually disappeared from the scene (he is now in L.A. married to an American and works as an assistant administrator in a hospital), while Ronnie’s popularity lingered, especially when he and Vilma Santos began dating. Ronnie also joined Penthouse 7 as executive producer/dancer and also part of the group was Ida Ramos, who many years later would become his wife. (Ida Henares now heads GMA Artist Center.) In between, he also hosted his own variety shows on TV, primarily in the Broadcast City stations…” – Butch Francisco (READ MORE)

RELATED READING: Interview with Jojit Paredes

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Filmography: Happy Days are Here Again (1974)

Posted on December 2, 2009 by @ffv Standard

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Basic Information: Directed: Cirio H. Santiago; Cast: All Star Cast; Production Co.: Premiere Productions/LVN Productions/Sampaguita Pictures; Release Date: November 15, 1974

Plot Description: A collections of special film clips, mostly production numbers, from the hit films of the big three, Sampaguita, Premeire, and LVN. Films of the 50s, 60s and 70s narrated by the big studio’s contracts stars like Gloria Romero, Nida Blanca, Eddie Gutierrez and others.

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Review: “…In 1974, the Big 3 studios of the 50s, LVN Pictures, Sampaguita Pictures and Premiere Productions reproduced a full-length movie showcasing a compilation of the musical comedies produced by the three studios. It was a painstaking job for the researchers since most of the best musicals produced by the three studios were either lost or destroyed. At the start of the project, director Lamberto V. Avellana was supposed to direct the film but eventually replaced by Cirio Santiago after so many changes in the project including the script. He ended up as consultant of the movie. The film was HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN, with brief narrations by movie stars like Gloria Romero, Nida Blanca, Susan Roces, Leopoldo Salcedo, Jaime de la Rosa, Eddie Gutierrez, Tirso Cruz III, Pugo, German Moreno and Ike Lozada…” – Pelikula Atbp (READ MORE)

“Happy Days Are Here Again (Sampaguita Pictures / LVN Studios And Premiere Productions, 1974) proves to cynics that there was a golden age of Filipino movies. From the pre-war era to the early 50’s, the Filipino film industry produced movies with superior techniques and highly entertaining plots. These films were considered a national past-time not only by a common public but also by an elite group who looked upon its stars as peers. If moviegoers nowadays look upon their plots as overused formulas and their gawky sentiments as embarrassments, it is because these films expressed the spirit of their times, an innocence albeit hypocritical, which we have overgrown. Although limited to the output of three major studios LVN, Sampaguita and Premiere, the movie has many memories to offer. If we do let a tear fall, it’s because there has been nothing to replace them. First and foremost of the excerpts is from Giliw Ko (1939), a musical with Mila del Sol being serenaded by Fernando Poe. The movie was restored by The National Film And Sound Archive Of Australia and the Philippine Information Agency in 1998 since most of the pre-war films are either lost or destroyed. Among the other outstanding excerpts are the finale from Nasaan Ka Irog (1957) with Letty Liboon, Diomedes Maturan singing The Rose Tatoo, Nida Blanca’s singing and dancing in Batangueña (1953) and Waray-Waray (1954), Pugo and Togo in scenes from their comedies, Dolphy and Lolita Rodriguez as Jack And Jill (1953), Hollywood actor Don Johnson singing Close To You, a song popularized by The Carpenters to leading lady Nora Aunor in a deleted scene from Lollipops And Roses (1971) and the grand finale from Hawayana (1953)…” – Jojo Devera, Sari-saring Sineng Pinoy (READ MORE)

“…Cirio H. Santiago had grown up in the studio owned by his parents and in 1957, aged only 21, had enough business acumen to forsee the grim future for the Big Three studios. Of particular interest to Santiago were the opportunities to be made in the lucrative and ever-expanding American drive-in circuit. With dreams of taking his films to the world’s screens, and with the American drive-in circuit firmly in his sights, Santiago took a huge financial risk for Premiere: along with Eddie Romero, he set up the Philippines’ first production, The Day Of The Trumpet (1957), for the international market. Santiago himself continued to pursue a career in the international whilst keeping Premiere Productions afloat. By the early Seventies Premiere began seeking out co-production deals with countries including the United States; Premiere, one of the Big Three studios of the Fifties, was rapidly evolving to become primarily, though not exclusively, a production unit for international features and co-productions including those of Roger Corman. In Corman, Santiago found the perfect partner in crime, and would continue a working relationship and close friendship from their first meeting in 1970 until Cirio passed away in 2008…” – Andrew Leavold (READ MORE)

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Filmography: Mga Tigre ng Sierra Cruz (1974)

Posted on December 2, 2009 by @ffv Standard

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Basic Information: Directed: Augusto Buenaventura; Screenplay, story: Augusto Buenaventura, Ruben Rustia; Cast: Charito Solis, Vilma Santos, Dante Rivero, Eddie Garcia, Paquito Diaz, Ruben Rustia, Raul Aragon, Estrella Kuenzler, Ernie Zarate, Mandy Bustamante, Ruel Vernal, Robert Talby, Bert Laforteza, Angero Goshi, George Henson, Sam Jorge, Pons De Guzman, Mary Martin, Lito Cruz, The PMP Boys, The SOS Daredevils; Executive producer: Emilia Blass; Original Music: Restie Umali; Cinematography: Fortunato Bernardo

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: One of six (and the first!) Solis and Santos’ collaborations (Happy Days are Here Again, Mga Tigre ng Sierra Cruz, Modelong Tanso, Ipagpatawad Mo, Dahil Mahal Kita The Dolzura Cortez Story, Hanggang Ngayon Ika’y Minamahal) – RV (READ MORE)

Film Review: “Ooops! Keep your cool, dear Noranians, and listen to Charito Solis’ explanation before you accuse her of being, uh, maka-Vilma. “Vilma has a wider range as an actress while Nora is limited and typecast in certain roles,” Charito said in a tone devoid of intrigue, answering our question in a straightforward, matter-of-fact manner. “Si Vilma, puede kahit anong role, kahit bold. You can’t imagine Nora doing a bold role, can you?” But, and that’s the big but, “Nora has more depth than Vilma,” Charito added, “and it’s because of her expressive eyes. Nora is very effective in scenes where she doesn’t say anything, just act with her eyes, at “yan ang kulang ni Vilma. Vilma has to say something to be effective.” Charito has worked with Vilma twice (in “Mga Tigre ng SierraCruz” and “Modelong Tanso”) and with Nora once (“Minsan May Isang Ina”). Speaking in general now, said Charito, “Vilma is the better actress.” We asked Charito that ticklish question during the lunch presscon for her latest movie, the star-studded Mother’s Day offering of Regal Films titled “Dear Mama,” which also stars Gloria Romero, Laurice Guillen, Snooky, Janice de Belen, Julie Vega, Manilyn Reynes, Jaypee de Guzman, Rey “PJ” Abellana and Alicia Alonzo in the title role. Our own personal opinion somehow jibes with that of Charito whose “throne,” I suppose, will be inherited by Vilma (while Nora will inherit the “throne” of the other drama queen, Lolita Rodriguez).” – Ricardo F. Lo, The Phil. Star April 031984 (READ MORE)

“…To the right are the living quarters, including the high ceiling bedrooms topped with transoms or carved room vents for air circulation. The expansive dining room features an old-fashioned banguerra, where tableware and glasses are left to dry. This area of the house figured prominently in the 1972 shooting of the Vilma Santos-Dante Rivero-Charito Solis war-themed movie, Mga Tigre ng Sierra Cruz…” – Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) (READ MORE)

“…Charito Solis, who initially had a tempestuous and hostile relationship with Vilma while making the ill-fated but box-office MMFF champ Modelong Tanso, had a change of heart when the reborn versatile/professional/charismatic actress Vilma impressed her through the years, at idineklara niya sa buong mundo, without batting an eyelash. na di hamak na mas magaling na aktres si Vilma kaysa kay Nora Aunor. Walang kumontra kay Chato dahil totoo ang sinabi niya, si La Solis yata iyan, at pati nga si Amalia Fuentes, another certified Vilmanian, at “kaaway” na mortal ni La Solis, ay sumang-ayon sa kanya. Si Susan Roces, ano naman kaya ang opinion niya sa obserbasyon ni Chato? Ah, Nida Blanca. Ang dami nilang pinagsamahan ni Vilma, mula TV hanggang sa movies. Dati ay una sa billing si Nida, subali’t dahil nga sa gulong ng buhay ay kailangang maging praktikal at handa ka sa katotohanang magiging second lead ka lang in the future. Walang problema sina Nida at Vilma – ke mag-Ate o mag-Ina sila sa mga proyekto, may chemistry sila and mutual respect. Patok ang kanilang pagsasama. Remember their mother and daughter roles in Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos? Sayang at wala na ang original versatile movie and dancing queen Nida – mapa-aksiyon (Babaing Isputnik), musical (Huwag Kang Sumingit with Gloria Romero), comedy (Waray-waray) at drama (Miguelito at Magdusa Ka!). Kung tutuusin ay tunay na maigsi ang ating hiram na buhay. Kung buhay nga lang ang mga nabanggit sa itaas ay mas lalu sanang makulay ang daigdig ng sining. Subali’t ang lahat ay may katapusan. Ating suriin ang mga sumusunod na talata…” – Mario O. Garces (READ MORE)

“…The best part of the shoot was meeting the stars of the movie in person. I became an instant Ate Vi fan when she obliged the townpeople gathered outside the gate with a personal appearance, waving her hands to the crowd below from the balcony. The whole town just went mad. Later, with my portable cassette recorder, I even managed to interview Ate Vi, asking how she could possibly retain her composure despite her stardom. I asked a lot of showbiz questions that would put Ricky Lo to shame. I kept playing our recorded conversations for months after that, until I lost the cassette tape. Co-starring with Vilma in the movie was another Kapampangan, Dante Rivero (aka, Luisito Mayer Jr., from Floridablanca). Unlike Ate Vi who was always game, Dante was not too accommodating, brushing my request for interview with a terse “Can I talk later?”. But he took a shine to my cousin Beng, who later asked her for a date. I was also luckless with supporting actor Ruel Vernal, who intimidated me with his height. Charito Solis, a co-starrer, was unfortunately not part of any scenes that were for shooting here…When it was all over, the house and its garden were a mess, with most of the flowering plants in the garden dead and trampled. Worse, when the movie was finally shown in local theaters after months of anticipation, the house was just seen on screen for a minute or so, I could barely recognize it. Even the part of the Filipina househelp played by a local Mabalacat girl was edited out, her 15 minutes of fame down the drain. I don’t think “Mga Tigre ng Sierra Cruz” made a killing in the box office, either. Many shootings have been held at the grand Morales mansion since then—the most recent one was undertaken by U.P. film students in March 2009. But old folks who pass by the street still point to the old mansion and refer to it as “the house where they shot the movie ‘Mga Tigre ng Sierra Cruz’ starring Vilma Santos and Dante Rivero…” – Alex R. Castro (READ MORE)

“…The expansive dining room features an old-fashioned banggera, where table ware and glasses are left to air-dry. This area of the house figured prominently in the 1972 shooting of the Vilma Santos-Dante Rivero-Charito Solis war-themed movie, “Mga Tigre ng Sierra Cruz”. A utility wing is conjoined with the dining area. A small veranda and the white-tiled bathroom are found here, complete with claw foot porcelain tubs and modern plumbing. Space flows from one room to another leading you to the kitchen and semi-enclosed azotea with stairs that you down almost down the Sapang Balen bank…” – Alex R. Castro, Views from Pangpang, Dec 10 2008 (READ MORE)

“…She had come to Mabalacat to film the war movie, “Mga Tigre ng Sierra Cruz”and several key scenes were to be filmed in my granduncle’s old house in Sta. Ines, conveniently right next to ours. That meant instant access to the production, as we were the designated caretakers of the Morales mansion. The enviable task of fetching Vilma from an undisclosed hotel to be brought to the house was assigned to my father. To get to the shooting venue without attracting the attention of the motley crowd to get a glimpse of the stars, Vilma was whisked off to our own house which had a connecting passage to my relatives’place. For the next three days, I fell under the spell of Ate Vi—easily transforming me from a Noranian to Vilmanian. More so when, during a lull moment in the shoot, I had the gumption to talk to her (her co-star Dante Rivero refused to be interviewed!), and I even managed to put on tape our short conversation which began with her greeting ”To all the people of Mabalacat, I love you all!!”. Who wouldn’t be charmed by her sweetness? (Though I bet that was a standard line she said to ALL the people in ALL the towns she visited)…” – Alex R. Castro, Views from Pangpang, Sep 10 2012 (READ MORE)

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Filmography: Batya’t Palu-Palo (1974)

Posted on December 2, 2009 by @ffv Standard

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Basic Information: Directed: Pablo Santiago; Screenplay: Fred Navarro; Cast: Fernando Poe Jr., Vilma Santos, Fred Montilla, Mila del Sol, Dencio Padilla, Robert Talabis, Vic Varrion, Janine Frias, Lorna Tolentino, Phillip Salvador, Liza Anzures, Angge, Paquito Diaz, Max Alvarado, Lito Anzures; Executive producer: Fernando Poe Jr.; Original Music: Ernani Cuenco; Cinematography: Sergio Lobo; Film Editing: Augusto Salvador; Production Design: Pete Herrera; Sound: Angel Avellana, Jun Ella; Release Date:4 May 1974 (Philippines); Production Co: FPJ Productions – (IMDB)

Plot Description: “Batya’t Palu Palo,” is a situation comedy about a rich heiress, Estella (Vilma Santos), who disguises as a lowly washerwoman in order to find out for herself the true meaning of love that she found in Berting (Fernando Poe Jr).

Film Achievement: The success of this film resulted with a follow-up film, Bato sa Buhangin (1976), the OPM hit, used as the theme song or soundtrack of this 1974 Box Office Hit. Total Number of Fernando Poe Jr. and Vilma Santos Films: 5 – Batya’t Palu-Palo, Bato sa Buhangin, Ikaw ang Mahal Ko, Dugo At Pag-ibig sa Kapirasong Lupa, Mga Mata ni Angelita

Film Review: “…Recently, we spent an entire afternoon watching replays of three shows from Palibhasa Lalake and one from FPJ. Titled Batya’t Palo-palo, the FPJ film stars Fernando Poe Jr. with Vilma Santos as his leading lady. It presents a love story between Ronnie (Poe’s nickname) who plays a tubero working in the hacienda of the rich Saavedra family whose daughter (Vilma) he meets while she is cleaning her clothes by the river. The twist in the story comes when Ronnie mistakes Vilma for a laundry woman and she plays along, asking the women in the hacienda not to reveal her secret. Ronnie and Vilma begin to take a liking to each other while Vilma’s friends as well as Ronnie’s man Friday cooperate in keeping her secret. The parents of Vilma get wind of the situation, and are outraged that their daughter could fall for a man not in their class. Ronnie, who is unaware of all this secrecy, leaves the farm to board a bus for Manila. Vilma follows him to the station and while the bus is leaving, they get on board to their happy ending. We enjoyed this simple love story with only minimal fight scenes expected of a Ronnie Poe picture. Without question, there was definite magic in the Ronnie-Vilma team-up which kept us glued to the screen…Since these stories are re-runs of those produced many years ago, we can expect negative reactions from today’s young audience. We can already hear the words “unlikely storyline,” “ridiculous costuming” and “outdated locations.” We agree with all these accusations. However, to us such stories represent a period gone by, a part of our history that we should appreciate and be happy that some people took the pains to preserve…” – Bibsy M. Carballo, The Philippine Star, 11 March 2015 (READ MORE)

Two newly-proclaimed box office champions of Philippine movies star in FPJ Productions’ upcoming 13th anniversary presentations, “Batya’t Palu Palo,” a situation comedy about a rich heiress who disguises as a lowly washerwoman in order to find out for herself the true meaning of love. Dilineating the lead roles are Fernando Poe Jr. and Vilma Santos who star for the first time together. Now being filmed among the lush greens of Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac, “Batya’t Palu Palo” hopes to make people forget the humdrum activities of this world. A wholesome family entertainment, the flick will have Ronnie step down from his throne as the country’s number one action star to the down-to-earth role of Berting, a haceinda hand who nevertheless, catches the attention of the young rich and quiete spolied Estella. Directed by ace meg man Pablo Santiago, “Batya’t Palu Palo” is scripted by Fred Navarro, base on a story by Ronwaldo Reyes. – FPJ-Da King Blogspot (READ MORE)

“…Memories! I started reminiscing instantly. I want to ask Ate Susan (Roces, FPJ’s wife) nga for DVD copies of our three movies. I was only 21 when we made “Batya.” Ninety percent of the movie was shot in Hacienda Luisita (Tarlac) where we stayed for two months. He taught me how to swim in the hacienda’s swimming pool. We were with (co-star) Lorna Tolentino then. I admit that I didn’t know how to swim when I did “Dyesebel.” But the most memorable scene [from “Batya”] was the ending, where I ran after him, while he was aboard a train….” – RV (READ MORE)

“…Nang magkita sina Ronnie at Vilma sa first shooting day sa Montalban, Rizal, halos hindi mapatid ang batian, katiyawan at biruan. Pareho silang masayang-masaya. Sapagka’t at long last daw, natuloy din ang kanilang pagtatambal pagkalipas ng halos kulang sa isang taong paghihintay na ma-vacant si Vilma sa dami ng pelikulang ginawa. As sa simula ng siyuting, akala mo hindi sila magkakilala. Dibdiban ang acting at dialogue. Sunod-sunod ang take ng iba’t ibang angulo. Kalahating araw silang walang biruan at nang matapos ang maraming eksena ay saka lamang sila muling nagtawanan. “Mahirap na,” sabi ni Vi, “Kailangang makarami ng scenes para naman makabawi sa akin ang FPJ. Biruin naman ninyong ang tagal din ang ipinaghintay nila sa akin. Nagpapasalamat ako sa napakahabang patience nila. Kung tulad ng iba, baka pinalitan na lamang ako ng ibang leading lady. Masyado silang professional sa pakikipag-deal, lalo na si Ronnie kaya nahihiya man ako sa atraso, hindi naman makapag-back out doon sa mga naka-schedule ko na. Dapat na tapusain ko rin para walang magalit na producer sa akin…” Letty G. Celi (READ MORE)

Related Reading:

#BatyatPaloPalo, #FPJ, #FernandoPoeJr, #VilmaSantos

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Filmography: Twin Fists for Justice (1974)

Posted on December 2, 2009 by @ffv Standard

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Basic Information: Directed: Yang Shih Chin, Danny Ochoa; Screenplay: Yang Shih Chin; Cast: Meng Fei, Vilma Santos, Philip Gamboa; Cinematography: Ho Huk Wai, Remigio Young

Plot Description: “Directed by Danny Ochoa and Ching-Yang Chen (stars – Phillip Gamboa, Vilma Santos and Meng Fei). When a poor wretch to his heir apparent of a large fortune, he finds himself in a web of intrigue. Nothing is what it seems when he receives the key to bring him to his wealth. Criminals sit on his heels and when he seeks help from justice appears to be corrupt. He will do everything possible and literally have to fight for his inheritance.” – Movie Meter (READ MORE)

Film Achievement: For international release (released as “Wild Whirlwind”).

Film Review: “…Balikan naman natin ang taong 1974. Labingdalawa ang pelikulang nagawa ni ate Vi sa taong ito. Lahat ay tumabo sa takilya at nagpatatag ng kanyang Box Office Queen Title. Sa labingdalawang pelikulang ginawa ni ate Vi, ang balikan natin ay ang Twin Fists for Justice. Dito ay nakatambal niya ang Hong Kong Martial Arts Superstar na si Meng Fei. March 1974, ng dumating si Ate Vi mula sa 9 na araw na pananatili sa Hong Kong kaugnay ng dubbing para sa pelikula. At mula roon, 3 malalaking alok ang tinanggap niya mula sa iba’t ibang HK producers. Narito ang mga offer kay ate Vi: Isang Vilma-Meng Fei-Shoji Karada (Isang Japanese superstar) starrer na kukunan nang buong buo sa Okinawa. Ito ay coproduction venture ng Bell Films at ni Shoji Karada. Isang action film na kukunan sa Vietnam mula naman kay Mr. Francis Lee ng HK at isang Vietnamese producer. Isang pelikulang kukunan sa Taiwan na ipo-produce naman nina Mr. Chen Yeng at Mr. Robert Jeffrey. Alam na natin ang nagging kapalaran ng mga movie offers na ito. Dahil sa pagiging biggest actress ng bansa ay hindi na siya nagkaroon pa ng panahon para lumabas ng bansa at gawin ang mga ito. Pero kung sakali at nagawa ni Ate Vi ang mga movie na ito, marahil ay matagal na siyang tinitingala bilang isang international actress. Balikan natin ang Twin Fist for Justice. Bago isinagawa ang actual dubbing, sinubok muna ang boses ni Ate Vi. Nang makapasa, saka itinuro sa kanya ang diction at enunciation ng British English. Habang sinasanay siya, ipinakikita sa kanya ang kabuuan ng pelikula na nakadub na sa Mandarin. Magkakaroon kasi ito ng 2 versions, isang English at isang Mandarin. Ang Mandarin version ang itatanghal sa Hong Kong at ang English version naman ang siyang magiging panginternational release. Ang Mandarin version ay binago ang pamagat, ginawa itong Wild Whirlwind. Bukod sa pagbabago ng pamagat, ang pelikula ay mayroon ding ibat ibang lay-out. Para sa Pilipinas, sa layout ay mas malaki ang larawan ni Meng Fei at una ang pangalan ni Ate Vi, pero sa Hong Kong at international version, mas malaki ang larawan ni Ate Vi at una naman ang pangalan ni Meng Fei. Ayon sa producer nito na si Mr. Dy, una itong ipinalabas sa Bangkok, Malaysia at Indonesia at naging isang malaking hit dahil kilalang-kilala na raw si Ate Vi sa mga nasabing bansa because of her “Darna” films. Isa pang trivia: alam nyo ba na sa pelikulang ito unang nagsuot si Ate Vi ng bathing suit? Tama. Nagsuot nga si Ate Vi ng bathing suit sa pelikulang ito sa isang eksena sa swimming pool, ng sumunod na taon 1975, isang bikini naman ang kanyang isinuot sa pelikulang Nakakahiya?” – Eric Nadurata, V Magazine Nos. 12 (READ MORE)

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Filmography: Vivian Volta (1974)

Posted on December 2, 2009 by @ffv Standard

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Basic Information: Direction Bobby Santiago; Story and Screenplay Antonio Pascua; Cast: Vilma Santos (in the title role), Edgar Mortiz, Eddie Garcia, Paquito Diaz, Romy Diaz, Leopoldo Salcedo, Leonor Vergara, Darius Razon and Cristina Reyes; Cinematography: Alfonso Alvarez; Music: D’Amarillo; Production Company: GPS Productions; Release Date: 12 October 1974 – Andrew Leavold (READ MORE)

Plot Description: Martial arts Vilma fights bad guys as Vivian Volta.

Film Achievement: Box office hit of 1974

Mad Scientist vs Volta – “…Eddie Garcia is a mad scientist who plans to destroy the world, and comebacking star Leonor Vergara is his wife in GPS Production’s Quezon City Film Fest entry “Volta” in full color. It stars Vilma Santos and Edgar Mortiz under the direction of Bobby Santiago…”

Fight Scene – “…In 1974, our house became a setting of GPS Productions’ “Vivian Volta.” Vilma Santos shot one scene, a fight scene…Edgar Mortiz , who was also in the movie, accompanied Vi to the set. I read in some gossip column that Vilma and Edgar that time had already problem with their relationship. Basketball star Dave Brodett, who was rumored to be courting Vilma, paid the young actress a visit at the set. Several scenes were also shot the following day, with veteran actor Eddie Garcia, playing a mad scientist and comebacking actress Leonor Vergara, who played his wife…” – Posted by Simon Santos, Video 48, 21 September 2017 (READ MORE)

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Filmography: Vilma Viente Nueve (1975)

Posted on December 1, 2009 by @ffv Standard

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Basic Information: Directed: Pablo Santiago; Screenplay: Tommy David; Cast: Jun Aristorenas, Max Alvarado, Lito Legaspi, Vilma Santos, Anita Linda, German Moreno, Charmie Benavides, Jun Santos, Ruben Ramos, Johnny Rio, Angel Confiado, Tony Beso, Martin Marfil; Executive producer: Jun Aristorenas; Cinematography: Joe Batac Jr.

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: Adapted from comics, Vilma Veinte-Nueve (1974-1975) was written by Cris R. Marcelino and illustrated by Vir G. Flores for Aliwan Komiks (Aliwan Komiks ).

Film Review: (No available film review)

The Balisong-wielding Batangueña Fighter – “…Vilma Santos, the Batanguena: However, the most telling evidence of how well a person can suit language and lifestyle lies in Vilma Santos-Recto, who now peppers her conversations with traditional Batangueño lines spoken with the right attitude. Vilma has taken to calling friends as Ka Nitoy or Ka Celia, Ka being a term of endearment among Batangas old-timers. Ka is also used as a term of respect to another person, usually older. In the late ’70s, Vilma acted in a film called “Vilma Veinte Nueve (29)” where she played a balisong-wielding fighter of a character. She was Batangueña, but of course…” – Nestor Cuartero, Manila Bulletin, 27 January 2017 (READ MORE)

The Blade That Defines Batangueño – “…The balisong is our identity, Ona said. It defines us as Batanguenos. We can’t just let the industry die because of politics and cell phones. Through his business which is known all over the world, Ona is doing his best to help revive the industry by producing collectors’ type balisong and constantly improving on the the quality of the knife which has become his passion. Balisong is not only my passion, it is also a fascination,” he said. “In 1970, this fan knife saved my life from an attacker who retreated after he saw how fast I was with my balisong, and realized that his small weapon was no match for my bigger fan knife…” – Mei Magsino (READ MORE)

Juanito “Jun” Aristorenas (May 7, 1933–2000) was a Filipino actor, director, dancer, producer and writer. Aristorenas was known for his western roles, and has topbilled cowboy’ movies such as Sagupaan ng mga Patapon, Dugong Tigre, Apat na Bagwis. As an actor, Aristorenas has performed in movies such as Danilo Ronquillo: Cavite Boy, released in 1965, in which he portrayed Danilo Ronquillo, Rico Solitaryo (1966), and Bale-bale Kung Lumaban (1964). As a movie director, he has worked on movies such as Matalino man ang matsing na-iisahan din!, released in 2000, Cara y Cruz: Walang Sinasanto! (1996), and Marami Ka Pang Kakaining Bigas (1994). Aristorenas has also written the story of “Matalino man ang matsing na-iisahan din!”, released in 2000 (Wikipedia).

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Filmography: Basta’t Isipin Mong Mahal Kita (1975)

Posted on December 1, 2009 by @ffv Standard

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Basic Information: Directed: Armando De Guzman; Cast: Vilma Santos, Eugene Torre, Panchito, Coney Reyes, Roldan Aquino, Teroy De Guzman, Teddy Blarmino, Ellen Esguerra, Ponga, Greg Lozano, Rhonna Mercado, Golay, Menggay, Marlyn Pastera, Ursula carlos; Theme Songs: “Isipin mong Mahal Kita” performed by Vilma Santos

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Review: “…Eugene Torre: “…Medyo mahirap kasi (It was quite difficult because) I played a poor man and a rich man at the same time…I had to wear a tuxedo in some scenes then plain clothes the next. It was hard to make the switch…” – Manolo Pedralvez, Rappler, 28 June 2014 (READ MORE)

“…Coney made her movie debut in “Return of the Dragon” in 1975. She has been hosted for Student Canteen since its first airing on GMA Network in 1975. In 1982, Coney Reyes left Studio Canteen for Eat Bulaga on RPN. In exchange, Chiqui Holmann-Yulo filled the slot vacated by Reyes. Coney’s hosting stint with Eat Bulaga opened more opportunities for her and has been co-starred with Dolphy, Fernando Poe Jr., Vilma Santos, Lorna Tolentino, Maricel Soriano, Helen Vela, Aiza Seguerra and Vic Sotto among others in several movies and TV programs…” – Wikipilipinas (READ MORE)

“Eugenio Torre (born November 4, 1951) is a chess Grandmaster (GM). He is considered the strongest chess player the Philippines has ever produced during the 1980s and 1990s period, following the heels of Fischer-era Filipino chess champions National Master (NM) Ramon Lontoc, International Master (IM) Renato Naranja, IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso and GM Rosendo Balinas, Jr. Super GM Wesley So is currently the top Philippine chess player. GM Torre shot to prominence in 1976 as a possible future title challenger after winning a strong four-man tournament in Manila ahead of world champion Anatoly Karpov – thus becoming the first player to finish ahead of Karpov in a tournament since the latter became world champion. The high-point of his career came in the early 1980s when he was ranked world No.17; successfully going on to qualify to be a candidate for the world championship after tying for first with Lajos Portisch during the 1982 Toluca Interzonal. Torre has the distinction of being the first Asian player to earn the title of International Grandmaster. He qualified for the Candidates Matches for the 1984 World Championship. In that preliminary stage, the contenders play matches against each other to determine who will challenge the world champion. Torre was eliminated when he lost his match against Zoltán Ribli by a score of 6-4. After losing his quarter-final candidates match to Zoltán Ribli in 1983, Torre became disillusioned with chess and more or less went into semi-retirement. He went on to become a minor celebrity due to his daily one hour TV programme Chess Today…” – Wikipedia (READ MORE)