SPORTS HEROES TURNED MOVIE STARS # 2: LYDIA DE VEGA

Track star Lydia de Vega-Mercado, was considered Asia's fastest woman in the 80s. As Asia's sprint queen, she ran away with the gold medal in the 100-meter dash in the 1982 New Delhi Asiad and duplicated the feat in the 1986 Seoul Asiad where she clocked 11.53 seconds. She also brought home a silver medal in the 200-meter race from the 1986 Seoul Asiad. Diay, as she is fondly called by her countrymen was a two-time Olympian, having carried the country's colors in the 1984 (Los Angeles) and 1988 (Seoul) Olympics.

De Vega now serves as a councilor of her native Meycauayan town in Bulacan province. Currently, she is the coach of the Singapore track and field team. (wikipedia)

De Vega early triumphs were her record-shattering gold medal victories in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash in the 1981 11th Southeast Asian Games.

Times Journal/ December 1981
(click images to enlarge)

Medalyang Ginto (1982)- Stars Lydia de Vega, Tony Santos, Sr., Perla Bautista, Joseph Sytangco, Dave Brodett/ Directed by Romy Suzara

PINOY SUPERHEROES OF THE 70s: NORA AUNOR AS SUPER GEE (1973)

In the early 70s, arch rival Vilma Santos did several movies where she appeared in sci-fi, fantasy movies. She donned the Darna costume for the first time in Mars Ravelo’s Lipad Darna Lipad. She also did other equally hit movies, Phantom Lady, Vivian Volta and Wonder Vi. Not to be outdone, Nora Aunor looking for a material to suit her image, bought the film right of Zoila’s Super Gee, which was serialized in Darna Komiks in 1972. The movie was released in 1973 under her own NV Productions. Nora was awesome in an almost all-black outfit and was even great doing those spectacular stunts.

Movie ad and photo, courtesy of James dela Rosa of Pelikulaatbp

Thanks to Steve Santos of Unang Labas for the komiks materials

SPORTS HEROES TURNED MOVIE STARS # 1: ANTHONY VILLANEUVA

Filipino boxer Anthony Villanueva competed in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics in the Featherweight (57 kg) division. He won the silver medal, bowing to eventual Gold Medal winner Soviet Union's Stanislav Stepashkin in a controversial decision.

The Manila Times/ October 24, 1964

Tokyo, Japan/ October 23, 1964/ Anthony Villaneuva lost his bid for an Olympic gold medal--- the ultimate in athletic greatness--- but 7,000 boxing fans who saw it all thought he was robbed. Boos and catcalls greeted the 3-2 decision for Russian Stanislav Stepashkin at the end of the bloody, fiercely fought featherweight final which the 19-year old Filipino gamecock carried in the last two rounds. There were no knockdowns, but Villaneuva staggered the veteran Russian fighter several times and was often blasting away at will in his grim all-out effort to improve on the silver medal--- the Philippines’ first--- he already clinched.

For more, click image above to enlarge

Left- Pamatay: Kaliwa at Kanan...! (1964)- Stars Nida Blanca, Willie Sotelo, Vilma Valera and Anthony Vilaneuva/ with Jose Padila, Jr./ Directed by Larry Santiago

Right- Salonga Brothers (1965)- Stars Joseph Estrada, Joe De Castro and Anthony Villaneuva/ with Annabelle Huggins, Olive Dela Pena and Paquito Diaz/ Directed by Pablo Santiago

WENG WENG and RAMON ZAMORA, 1982 MIFF BEST SELLERS

The year: 1982

Three action films starring local midget black-belter Weng Weng were sold to a German producer-distributor based in Frankfurt, Germany, Kurt Palm. The films--- Agent 00, For Your Height Only and Wild Wild Weng--- were sold at $20,000, $30,000 and $40,000 respectively, according to Peter Caballes, executive producer of Liliw Productions, owner-producer of the films. The third movie is still to be filmed.

The sale, one of the first, if not the very first, successful deals closed by a Filipino producer at the MIFF (Manila International Film Festival) film market, was confirmed by PMPPA officials.
(More on the article, click below)

see: Weng Weng: The Pinoy Midget James Bond

Return of the Dragon, a Ramon Zamora starrer produed in 1974 by FGO Productions, was among the hottest selling kungfu flicks at the MIFF film market. Four deals were closed with foreign buyers, while several more are still under negotiation, according to Felipe G. Ortega, FGO executive producer.
(More on the article, click below)

See Ramon Zamora: The Original Pinoy Bruce Lee

Starwatch/ January 25, 1982
(Click image to enlarge)

"SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE," WINS BIG AT THE OSCARS

Rules Oscars with 8 prizes including Best Picture
by Associated Press/ February 22, 2009

Los Angeles - "Slumdog Millionaire" took the best picture Academy Award and seven other Oscars on Sunday, including director for Danny Boyle, whose ghetto-to-glory story paralleled the film's unlikely rise to Hollywood's summit.

The other top winners: Kate Winslet, best actress for the Holocaust-themed drama "The Reader"; Sean Penn, best actor for the title role of "Milk"; Heath Ledger, supporting actor for "The Dark Knight"; and Penelope Cruz, supporting actress for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."

A story of hope amid squalor in Mumbai, India, "Slumdog Millionaire" came in with 10 nominations, its eight wins including adapted screenplay, cinematography, editing and both music Oscars (score and song).

"Just to say to Mumbai, all of you who helped us make the film and all of those of you who didn't, thank you very much. You dwarf even this guy," Boyle said, holding up his directing Oscar.

The filmmakers accepted the best-picture trophy surrounded by both the adult professional actors who appeared among the cast of relative unknowns and some of the children Boyle cast from the slums of Mumbai.

The film follows the travails and triumphs of Jamal, an orphan who artfully dodges a criminal gang that mutilates children to make them more pitiable beggars. Jamal witnesses his mother's violent death, endures police torture and struggles with betrayal by his brother, while single-mindedly hoping to reunite with the lost love of his childhood.Fate rewards Jamal, whose story unfolds through flashbacks as he recalls how he came to know the answers that made him a champion on India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."

Complete list of winners at the 81st annual Academy Awards, presented Sunday night at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles:

• Motion Picture: "Slumdog Millionaire."
• Actor: Sean Penn, "Milk."
• Actress: Kate Winslet, "The Reader."
• Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight."
• Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."
• Director: Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire."
• Foreign Film: "Departures," Japan.
• Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy, "Slumdog Millionaire."
• Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black, "Milk."
• Animated Feature Film: "WALL-E."
• Art Direction: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."
• Cinematography: "Slumdog Millionaire."
• Sound Mixing: "Slumdog Millionaire."
• Sound Editing: "The Dark Knight."
• Original Score: "Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman.
• Original Song: "Jai Ho" from "Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman and Gulzar.
• Costume: "The Duchess."
• Documentary Feature: "Man on Wire."
• Documentary (short subject): "Smile Pinki."
• Film Editing: "Slumdog Millionaire."
• Makeup: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."
• Animated Short Film: "La Maison en Petits Cubes."
• Live Action Short Film: "Spielzeugland (Toyland)."
• Visual Effects: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."

Academy Award winners previously announced this season:
• Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (Oscar statuette): Jerry Lewis
• Gordon E. Sawyer Award (Oscar statuette): Pixar Animation co-founder Ed Catmull

OSCAR'S BEST PICTURES: 1928 TO 2008 (updated)

2008 -- SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
2007 -- NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
2006 -- THE DEPARTED
2005 -- CRASH
2004 -- MILLION DOLLAR BABY
2003 -- THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
2002 -- CHICAGO
2001 -- A BEAUTIFUL MIND
2000 -- GLADIATOR
1999 -- AMERICAN BEAUTY
1998 -- SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE
1997 -- TITANIC
1996 -- THE ENGLISH PATIENT
1995 -- BRAVEHEART
1994 -- FORREST GUMP
1993 -- SCHINDLER’S LIST
1992 -- UNFORGIVEN
1991 -- THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
1990 -- DANCES WITH WOLVES
1989 -- DRIVING MISS DAISY
1988 -- RAIN MAN
1987 -- THE LAST EMPEROR
1986 -- PLATOON 1985 -- OUT OF AFRICA
1984 -- AMADEUS
1983 -- TERMS OF ENDEARMENT
1982 -- GANDHI
1981 -- CHARIOTS OF FIRE
1980 -- ORDINARY PEOPLE
1979 -- KRAMER VS. KRAMER
1978 -- DEER HUNTER
1977 -- ANNIE HALL
1976 -- ROCKY
1975 -- ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST
1974 -- THE GODFATHER II
1973 -- THE STING
1972 -- THE GODFATHER I
1971 -- THE FRENCH CONNECTION
1970 -- PATTON
1969 -- MIDNIGHT COWBOY
1968 -- OLIVER
1967 -- IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT
1966 -- A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
1965 -- THE SOUND OF MUSIC
1964 -- MY FAIR LADY
1963 -- TOM JONES
1962 -- LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
1961 -- WEST SIDE STORY
1960 -- THE APARTMENT
1959 -- BEN-HUR
1958 -- GIGI
1957 -- THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI
1956 -- AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
1955 -- MARTY
1954 -- ON THE WATERFRONT
1953 -- FROM HERE TO ETERNITY
1952 -- THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH
1951 -- AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
1950 -- ALL ABOUT EVE
1949 -- ALL THE KING’S MEN
1948 -- HAMLET
1947 -- GENTLEMAN’S AGREEMENT
1946 -- THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES
1945 -- THE LOST WEEKEND
1944 -- GOING MY WAY
1943 -- CASABLANCA
1942 -- MRS. MINIVER
1941 -- HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY
1940 -- REBECCA
1939 -- GONE WITH THE WIND
1938 -- YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU
1937 -- THE LIFE OF EMILE ZOLA
1936 -- THE GREAT ZIEGFELD
1935 -- MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY
1934 -- IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT
1933 -- CAVALCADE
1932 -- GRAND HOTEL
1931 -- CIMARRON
1930 -- ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT
1929 -- BROADWAY MELODY
1928 -- WINGS

OSCAR'S BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILMS (1948- 2008)- updated

2008-- DEPARTURES - Japan
2007--THE COUNTERFEITERS - Austria
2006-- THE LIVES OF OTHERS - Germany
2005-- TSOTSI - Palestine
2004-- THE SEA INSIDE - Spain

2003-- THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS - Canada
2002-- NOWHERE IN AFRICA - Germany
2001-- NO MAN’S LAND – Bosnia/Herzegovina
2000-- CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON – Taiwan
1999-- ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER – Spain
1998-- LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL – Italy
1997-- CHARACTER – The Netherlands
1996-- KOLYA – Czech Republic
1995-- ANTONIA’S LINE – The Netherlands
1994-- BURNT BY THE SUN – Russia
1993-- BELLE EPOQUE – Spain
1992-- INDOCHINE – France
1991-- MEDITERRANEO – Italy
1990-- JOURNEY OF HOPE – Switzerland
1989-- CINEMA PARADIS0 – Italy
1988-- PELLE THE CONQUEROR – Denmark
1987-- BABETTE’S FEAST – Denmark
1986-- THE ASSAULT – The Netherlands
1985-- THE OFFICIAL STORY – Argentina
1984-- DANGEROUS MOVES – Switzerland
1983-- FANNY & ALEXANDER – Sweden
1982-- VOLVER A EMPEZAR ( To Begin Again) – Spain
1981-- MEPHISTO – Hungary
1980-- MOSCOW DOES NOT BELIEVE IN TEARS - USSR
1979-- THE TIN DRUM – Federal Republic of Germany
1978-- GET OUT YOUR HANDKERCHIEFS – France
1977-- MADAME ROSA – France
1976-- BLACK AND WHITE IN COLOR – Ivory Coast
1975-- DERSU UZALA – Union Soviet Socialist Republic
1974-- AMARCORD – Italy
1973-- DAY FOR NIGHT – France
1972-- THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISE- France
1971-- THE GARDEN OF FINZI-CONTINIS – Italy
1970-- INVESTIGATION OF A CITIZEN ABOVE SUSPICION – Italy
1969-- Costa Gavras’ Z – Algeria
1968-- WAR AND PEACE – USSR
1967-- CLOSELY WATCHED TRAINS – Czechoslovakia
1966-- A MAN AND A WOMAN – France
1965-- THE SHOP ON MAIN STREET – Czechoslovakia
1964-- YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW – Italy
1963-- Federico Fellini’s 8 ½ - Italy
1962-- SUNDAYS AND CYBELE – France
1961-- THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY – Sweden
1960-- THE VIRGIN SPRING – Sweden
1959-- BLACK ORPHEUS – France
1958-- MY UNCLE (MON ONCLE) – France
1957-- THE NIGHTS OF CABIRIA – Italy
1956-- LA STRADA - -Italy
1955-- SAMURAI, THE LEGEND OF MUSASHI – Japan
1954-- GATE OF HELL – Japan
1953-- N/A
1952-- FORBIDBEN GAMES – France
1951-- RASHOMON – Japan
1950-- THE WALLS OF MALAPAGA – France/Italy
1949-- THE BICYCLE THIEF – Italy
1948-- MONSIEUR VINCENT - France

GOLDEN GLOBE'S BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILMS (1949- 2008)- updated

2008 - WALTZ WITH BASHIR (Israel)

2007 - THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY (France/USA)
2006 - THE LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA (Japan/ USA)
2005 - PARADISE NOW (Palestine)
2004 - THE SEA INSIDE (France/Italy/Spain)
2003 - OSAMA (Afghanistan)
2002 - TALK TO HER (Spain)
2001 - NO MAN’S LAND (Bosnia/Herzegovina)
2000 - CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON(Taiwan)
1999 - ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER (Spain)
1998 - CENTRAL STATION (Brazil)
1997 - MA VIE EN ROSE (Belgium)
1996 - KOLYA (Czech Republic)
1995 - LES MISERABLES (France)
1994 - FARINELLI (Belgium)
1993 - FAREWELL, MY CONCUBINE (Hong Kong)
1992 - INDOCHINE (France)
1991 - EUROPA, EUROPA (Germany)
1990 - CYRANO de BERGERAC (France)
1989 - CINEMA PARADISO (Italy)
1988 - PELLE THE CONQUEROR (Denmark)
1987 - MY LIFE AS A DOG (Sweden)
1986 - THE ASSAULT (Netherlands)
1985 - THE OFFICIAL STORY (Argentina)
1984 - A PASSAGE TO INDIA (U.K.)
1983 - FANNY AND ALEXANDER (Sweden)
1982 - GANDHI (U.K./India)
1981 - CHARIOTS OF FIRE (U.K.)
1980 - TESS (U.K.)
1979 - LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (France/Italy)
1978 - AUTUMN SONATA (Sweden)
1977 - A SPECIAL DAY (Italy)
1976 - FACE TO FACE (Sweden)
1975 - LIES MY FATHER TOLD ME (Canada)
1974 - SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE (Sweden)
1973 - THE PEDESTRIAN (Germany)
1972 - THE EMIGRANTS - Part 1/
THE NEW LAND - Part 2 (Sweden)
1971 - THE POLICEMAN (Israel)
1970 - RIDER IN THE RAIN (France)
1969 - Z (Algeria/France)
1968 - WAR AND PEACE (Russia)
1967 - LIVE FOR LIFE (France)
1966 - A MAN AND A WOMAN (France)
1965 - JULIET OF THE SPIRITS (Italy)
1964 - THE GIRL WITH THE GREEN EYES (England)
- MARRIAGE, ITALIAN STYLE (Italy)
- SALLAH (Israel)
1963 - ANY NUMBER CAN WIN (France)
1962 - BEST OF ENEMIES (Italy)
- DIVORCE, ITALIAN STYLE (Italy)
1961 - TWO WOMEN (Italy)
1960 - THE MAN WITH THE GREEN CARNATION
- LA VERITE (France) (English Language)
- THE VIRGIN SPRING (Sweden)
1959 - AREN’T WE WONDERFUL (Germany)
- BLACK ORPHEUS (France)
- THE BRIDGE (Germany)
- ODD OBESSION (Japan)
- WILD STRAWBERRIES (Sweden)
1958 - THE GIRL AND THE RIVER (France)
- THE GIRL ROSEMARIE (Germany)
- A NIGHT TO REMEMBER (English Language)
- THE ROAD A YEAR LONG (Yugoslavia)
1957 - THE CONFESSIONS OF FELIX KRULL (Germany)
- TIZOC (Mexico)
- WOMAN IN A DRESSING GOWN (English Language)
- YELLOW CROW (Japan)
1956 - BEFORE SUNDOWN (Germany)
- THE GIRLS IN BLACK (Greece)
- RICHARD III (English Language)
- ROSES ON THE ARM (Japan)
- WAR AND PEACE (Italy)
- THE WHITE REINDEER (Finland)
1955 - DANGEROUS CURVES (England)
- EYES OF CHILDREN (Japan)
- ORDET (Denmark)
- SONS, MOTHERS AND A GENERAL (Germany)
- STELLA (Greece)
1954 - GENEVIEVE (England)
- LA MUJER DE LAS CAMELIAS (Argentina)
- NO WAY BACK (Germany)
- TWENTY-FOUR EYES (Japan)
1953/ 1952/ 1951/ 1950 - N/A
1949 -THE BICYCLE THIEF

"SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE," MY BET AT THE OSCAR

“…the movie is connecting with audiences not because it’s foreign, but because it strikes universal chords about personal fulfillment, romantic obsession and the chance to rise from the bottom of the slag heap to the top of the Taj Mahal--- and because it whirls its rags-to-riches tale with speed and energy that would put a Hollywood action film to shame.”

Time Magazine

For more, read the article below

Slumdog Millionaire, an Anglo-Indian film, produced at the cost of $13 million, has so far earned more $60 million (and still counting) in North America. After winning the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards, it’s the front-runner choice to take the Oscar’s Best Picture scheduled on February 23 (Manila time). Hope it wins!

click images to enlarge

Time/ February 9, 2009

NORA AUNOR'S OTHER LEADING MEN Circa 1970-74

Left- The Singing Filipina- (1973)- Stars Nora Aunor and Sajid Khan/ with an all-star cast/ Directed by Artemio Marquez

Right- Impossible Dream- (1973)- Stars Nora Aunor and Victor Laurel/ with Zenaida Amador, Toto, Balut, Tange, Nick Lizaso, Leo Martinez/ Directed by Cirio Santiago

Nora Aunor's team-up with singer-actor Tirso Cruz III in the 70s is undoubtedly one of the most popular love team in Philippine cinema. She was also paired with another teenage idol, Manny de Leon and starred in numerous movies together.But it’s not always been a Nora-Tirso or Nora-Manny love teams during the Superstar’s early years in showbiz. Nora also appeared in movies with other popular leading men--- Edgar Mortiz, Jay Ilagan, Victor Laurel, Walter Navarro, Sajid Khan, Paolo Romero and of course, Joseph Estrada and unknown Rolly Villa. The other most popular tandems were the Nora-Cocoy and Nora-Sajid love teams, which also created quite a stir among fans during those times. Nora did three movies with Cocoy (Victor Laurel), Lollipops and Roses (1971), Impossible Dreams (1973) and Lollipops and Roses at Burong Talangka (1975) Likewise, she made another movie hit, The Singing Filipina, with Indian star, Sajid Khan.

see: Nora-Tirso Love Team
see: Nora-Manny Love Team

Tomboy Nora (1970)- Stars Nora Aunor/ Introducing Rolly Villa/with Bayani Casimiro, Boy Alano, Venchito Galvez and Menggay/ Directed by Artemio Marquez

My Beloved- (1970)- Stars Nora Aunor, Edgar Mortiz, Luis Gonzales and Miss Rita Gomez/ with Renato Del Prado/ Directed by Artemio Marquez

Left- Anna Victoria (1970)- Stars Nora Aunor, Leila Morena, Lauro Delgado and Maria Victoria/ with Rolly Villa, Tinna Lapuz/ Directed by Consuelo Osorio

Right- Si Waray at ang Talyada (1971)- Stars Nora Aunor, Ed Finlan, Bayani Casimiro, Lilian Laing, Angge/ Directed by Felicing Constantino

My Prayer (1971)- Stars Nora Aunor, Ricky Belmonte, Amalia Braza, Joseph Sytangco/ with Tita Aunor, Maribel Aunor/ Directed byArtemio Marquez

Lollipops and Roses (1971)- Stars Nora Aunor, Victor Laurel, Rebecca Del Rio, Oscar Moreno, Don Johnson and Davey Jones/ Directed by Artemio Marquez

Carmela (1973)- Stars Nora Aunor, Jay Ilagan and Rico Lopez/ with Norma Blancaflor, Lolita Lopez and Matimtiman Cruz/ Directed by Danny Holmsen

Erap Is My Guy (1973)- Stars Joseph Estrada and Nora Aunor/
with Cachupoy, Vic Silayan, Ruben Rustia, Romeo Rivera/
Directed byAugusto Buenaventura

Kondesang Basahan (1973)- Stars Nora Aunor, Jay Ilagan , Zandro Zamora, German Moreno, Rosa Mia, Matimtiman Cruz, Racquel Monteza/ Directed by Danny Holmsen

Somewhere Over The Rainbow (1974)- Stars Nora Aunor, Walter Navarro, Caridad Sanchez, Lorli Villanueva and German Moreno/and All-Star Cast/ Directed by Orlando Nadres



Dito Sa Aking Puso (1974)- Stars Nora Aunor and Walter Navarro/ Perla Bautista, Caridad Sanchez, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia, Angie Ferro, Eddie Mercado, Adul de Leon and Pinky de Leon/ Directed by Orlando Nadres

Aking Maria Clara (1974)- Stars Nora Aunor and Paolo Romero/with Alicia Alonzo, Robert Talabis, Ruben Rustia, Dencio Padilla, Jose Garcia, Patria Plata Directed by Fely Crisostomo

TWO 70s BASKETBALL SUPERSTARS TOGETHER

Did you know that two of our basketball superstars of the 70s appeared together in the big screen? Hardcourt greats Robert 'The Big J' Jaworski of Meralco and Freddie 'Fastbreak Freddie' Webb of YCO (MICAA days) starred in the movie titled Fastbreak (1971). Fernando Poe, Jr. was instrumental in bringing the two together which Da King himself produced and directed under the pen name of D'lanor. Prior to this movie, both also starred in another movie, Dimasupil Brothers, but together with another basketball star, Alberto 'Big Boy' Reynoso. Webb was introduced in this picture.

Fastbreak (1971)- Stars Robert Jaworski, Freddie Webb, Chichay, Kristina Reyes, Elvie Escaro, Lito Anzures, Victor Bravo, Nello Nayo/ Featuring Zernan Manahan/ Directed by D'lanor

Dimasupil Brothers (1971)- Stars Andy Poe, Paquito Diaz, Robert Jaworski, Romy Diaz, Jumbo Salvador/ Introducing Alberto 'Big Boy' Reynoso and Freddie Webb/ with Lou Salvador, Sr./ Directed by Manuel Cinco

"BOMBA" STARS# 7: ROSSANA MARQUEZ

Gut0m (1970)- Stars Rossana Marquez, Conrado Cordova, Vic Andaya, Mario Escudero, Renato Del Prado, Angel Confiado/ Directed by DLZ

When the movie, Gutom opened in 1970 to a SRO crowd, a new ‘bomba’ star was born. The movie title stirred controversy (it had problem with the Censor board, same with another movie "Uhaw") and soon the movie was the talk of the town. The lead star, Rossana Marquez became a big, big star.

She was one of the more prominent and controversial 'bomba' stars during the 70s. Along with Rosanna Ortiz, Merle Fernandez, Rizza and Yvonne, these sex sirens ruled and reigned during that time, their films were all sensational hits and the theaters and movie houses showing their movies were all jampacked with moviegoers, mostly male patrons, up to the rafters.

Left- Ina Ko Patawarin Mo Ako Ako'y Nagugutom (1970)- Stars Rossana Marquez/ Directed by DLZ

Right- Jacobina: The Artists' Model (1970)- Stars Rossana Marquez, Lauro Delgado, Jessette Prospero, Mitos Gallardo and Oscar Roncal, Lito Legaspi/ Directed by Romy T. Espiritu

Modelong Ginto (1970)- Stars Rossana Marquez, Oscar Roncal, Stella Suarez, Robert Talabis/ Directed by Romy T. Espiritu

Magna Lucasta (1970)- Stars Rossana Marquez, Rico Roman, Gina Laforteza, Bert Martinez and Jennifer/ Directed by Teofilo Gozon

The Strip Teaser (1970)- Stars Johnny Delgado, Mel Francisco, Rico Roman and Rossana Marquez in the title role/ Directed by Chito B. Tapawan

Querida Mia (1971)- Stars Rossana Marquez, Eddie Garcia, Marilou Ver/ Directed by Deo Villegas



Francisca at Isabel (1971)- Stars Eddie Gutierez, Rossana Marquez, Eddie Garcia, Karina/ Directed by Tony Camonte



Dayupay (1971)- Stars Rossana Marquez, Eddie Garcia, Rico Roman/ Directed by Aquarius



Erotica (1971)- Stars Rossana Marquez, Eddie Garcia, Bert Leroy, Jr./ Directed by Deo Villegas



Bar Girl (1971)- Stars Rossana Marquez, Randy Robledo, Bella Flores, Liza Vergara, Robert Rivera and Dick Israel/ Directed by Danny Ochoa



Sexy Atsay (1971)- Stars Rossana Marquez, Rico Roman, Max Alvarado, Lauro Delgado/ Directed by Franklin Chacon

CLINT EASTWOOD'S "CHANGELING" and "GRAN TORINO"

I’m a great fan and admirer of Clint Eastwood from the time he starred in Sergio Leone’s ‘Spaghetti’ trilogy western movies (A Fistful of Dollars, A Few Dollars More and The Good The Bad and The Ugly), as the rugged and mean cop in Dirty Harry and as a disc jockey in Play Misty For Me, also his directorial debut. This guy has tremendous talent and at 78, he still comes up with magnificent and outstanding works. Two of his recent film projects are simply incredible. I just watched these two movies and both are great and highly recommended!

Clint Eastwood directs Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich in a provocative drama based on actual events: Changeling. In the film, Christine Collins’ (Jolie) prayers are met when her kidnapped son is returned. But amidst the frenzy of the photo-op reunion, she realizes this child is not hers. Facing corrupt police and a skeptical public, she desperately hunts for answers, only to be confronted by a truth that will change her forever.

Los Angeles, 1928: On a Saturday morning in a working-class suburb, Christine said goodbye to her son, Walter, and left for work. When she came home, she discovered he had vanished. A fruitless search ensues, and months later, a boy claiming to be the nine-year-old is returned. Dazed by the swirl of cops, reporters and her conflicted emotions, Christine allows him to stay overnight. But in her heart, she knows he is not Walter. As she pushes authorities to keep looking, she learns that in Prohibition-era L.A., women don’t challenge the system and live to tell their story. Slandered as delusional and unfit, Christine finds an ally in activist Reverend Briegleb (Malkovich), who helps her fight the city to look for her missing boy. Based on the actual incident that rocked California’s legal system, Changeling tells the shocking tale of a mother’s quest to find her son, and those who won’t stop until they silence her.
http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/changeling/

(CNN) -- You may have noticed: Clint Eastwood has become respectable in his old age.

To judge by the release pattern and some of the more reverent reviews, you would think the 78-year-old director's second movie of the season (after "Changeling") was another prestige picture with Oscar firmly in its sights, along the lines of "Million Dollar Baby" or "Letters from Iwo Jima."

Nominations may be forthcoming, or they may not (we'll find out January 22), but trust me, "Gran Torino" is not that kind of animal. It's a crude but pungent stab at popular filmmaking, blue-collar and bare-knuckle.

Which is not to say it's disappointing. On the contrary, it's an entertaining star vehicle that does its job well. Other films around right now tackle "important" themes -- the Holocaust, justice, alienation -- but "Gran Torino" is all about Clint:: the suspicious squint, granite composure and bad-ass attitude. Is Eastwood important? If you have grown up with this enduring American icon, there's no question about it. Apparently Nick Schenk's screenplay wasn't written specifically for him, but after seeing the film it's impossible to imagine it with anyone else.

Eastwood's Walt Kowalski is a Korean War veteran and retired auto worker, a grumpy old man and the last white guy holding on to his property in an inner-city neighborhood that's been taken over by Asian-Americans.

The movie opens at his wife's funeral. (How many times have we seen Eastwood with a wife on screen? Not too often.) Walt's not happy, of course, but more than anything, he seems pissed off. His kids are a sore disappointment. The grandkids merit nothing more than a growl. At the wake, even the priest, Father Janovich (freckle-faced Christopher Carley), is quickly shown the door.

Walt is alone now, and he means to keep it that way. He sits on a deck chair out on his front porch, a cooler of beer beside him, the American flag hanging limp over his square patch of lawn.

It's a portrait of implacable American isolationism -- until the teenage son of his Hmong next-door neighbor encroaches on Walt's turf. Thao (Bee Vang) nearly gets his head blown off trying to steal Walt's prized 1972 Ford Gran Torino. To apologize, and to thank the white guy for stepping in to save him from the gangbangers who put him up to the stunt, Thao reluctantly reports for a week of whatever chores Walt might ask of him.

The grudging mutual respect that develops between them is entirely predictable, but in Eastwood's clean, unfussy but discreetly patient direction, even a banal task -- like wrestling an old fridge out of the basement -- assumes the bonding power Alan Ladd and Van Heflin found in digging out a stubborn tree stump in "Shane." Like other Eastwood heroes before him, Walt sacrifices his independence by accepting that others depend on him.

The relationship is also laced with plenty of gruff humor. If you're feeling indulgent, the film has almost as many laughs as a comedy. The older man introduces Thao to his barber (John Carroll Lynch) for a lesson in guy talk -- which turns out to be the art of barking invective with impunity. (PC, it's not.)

Meanwhile, Walt's own racist (Archie) Bunker mentality thaws when Thao's self-assured sister Sue (Ahney Her) introduces him to the pleasures of Thai food.

All the while, the neighborhood punks hover in the background, waiting for the right moment to test whether Dirty Old Harry is firing anything more than blanks these days.

Schenk's screenplay isn't subtle, and some of the young cast struggle to camouflage its crudeness, but Eastwood revels in the pragmatic design and roughneck humor of the piece. Walt may be a dinosaur, but he carries a big footprint. In a similar way, "Gran Torino" is no classic, but at least it's a star vehicle worthy of a true legend.

By Tom Charity
Special to CNN

At more than $110.5 million and counting, "Gran Torino" is now the top-grossing movie of Clint Eastwood's career.

"KARATE KING" ROBERTO GONZALEZ DIES, 66

Hari ng Karate (1966)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Josephine Estrada, Carlos Padilla, Jr., Merle Fernandez, Martin Marfil, Eddie Torente/ Directed by Solano Gaudite

Roberto Gonzalez, Karate King of Philippine Movies and one of the finest action stars of the 60s, passed away last February 5. He was 66. Gonzalez' body lies in state at his friend’s house in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

“Maliit kasi ang pasilyo papunta sa bahay namin kaya nagprisinta ‘yong kaibigan niya na dito na siya iburol,” partner Rose said. Gonzales had sired two children with his former househelp Rose- Rhoda, third year, and Bobby, first year high school. “Eighteen lang ako no’n nang pumunta sa kanilang bahay sa Project 6. Ako ang nagtatrabaho sa kanyang bahay. May pera pa siya no’n. Hanggang sa nawalan na siya ng girlfriend. Ako ang naiwan. Ako ang nag-alaga sa kanya hanggang ngayon,” confessed the now 40-year old common-law wife.

The former debonair karate expert, who introduced self-defense in the local movies in the tradition of Bruce Lee, had seven other kids with three women. He had three children with former leading lady Rina Imperial, who is now based in the United States, and two each with non-showbiz women.

“Nag-reunion nga ‘yong mga anak niya sa burol no’ng isang gabi,” chuckled Rose.

HE DIED POOR

He used to be Fernando Poe Jr. and Joseph Estrada’s rival at the tills during the late 60s and early 70s. There was even a time that Gonzalez had surpassed the combined box-office receipts of both Poe and Estrada’s movies.He was famous and rich but, somewhere along the way, he lost his popularity and his millions. Gonzalez died poor.

Years before he succumbed to second heart attack last week, friends said he was like a beggar asking for alms from his colleagues in the film community. “Nakakaawa talaga si Betong,” said comedian Amay Bisaya, referring to Gonzalez pet name. There were no more movie offers except for occasional screen appearances. But the talent fees were still not enough to feed his family.“Pero ang ipinanghihingi niya ng pera araw-araw sa kanyang mga kaibigan ay para sa kanyang dalawang anak na estudyante,” said dubber, actress and line producer Olive Madridejos.

Although interment has been scheduled on Sunday, Gonzalez family has yet to look for additional money for funeral expenses. Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Lito Lapid, who are also actors, have already sent flowers. His family said hopefully financial donations would follow. “Pag nagkakasakit noon si Betong, sina Bong at Lito ang nagbibigay sa akin,” said Rose.

By Boy Villasanta, ABS-CBN News

More on Roberto Gonzalez

Magnificent Brothers (1966)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Rolando Gonzalez, Carlos Padilla, Jr., Merle Fernandez, Martin Marfil, Marilou Ver, Eddie Torrente and Anna Ledesma/ Directed by Solano Gaudite

Digmaan sa karate (1967)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez and Liberty Ilagan/Cast of top foreign and local martial arts experts / Directed by Solano Gaudite

Bertong Karate (1967)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Liberty Ilagan, Rolando Gonzalez, Eddie Torrente/ Directed by Solano Gaudite

Berdugo ng mga Hari (1967)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Merle Fernandez, Eddie Torente/ Directed by Leo Sun

Bulag na Matador (1968)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Alicia Alonzo, Roderick Paulate and Verna Gaston/ Directed by Solano Gaudite

Hari ng Slums (1968)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Elvie Gonzales, Stella Suarez, Edie Torrente, Tony Villar and Rolando Gonzalez/ Directed by SolanoGaudite

SHARON-GABBY: FEBRUARY 14, 1984 to RICHARD- KC: FEBRUARY 14, 2009

In 1981, fifteen-year old teen Sharon Cuneta, fresh from successful recording stints, made her first movie appearance, Dear Heart, pairing her with another teenage sensation, Gabby Concepcion.

In 2008, twenty-three year old KC Concepcion, daughter of Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion made her movie debut via For the First Time with screen heartthrob Richard Gutierrez.

Dapat ka Bang Mahalin?, Viva Films’ Valentine offering in 1984 with screen partners Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion.

When I met U, GMA Films’ Valentine offering in 2009 with today's screen love birds Richard Gutierrez and KC Concepcion.

GERRY DE LEON'S "TATLONG KASAYSAYAN NG PAG-IBIG" (1966)

I don't remember the great Gerardo 'Gerry' De Leon directing Tatlong Kasaysayan ng Pag-ibig, a three-part movie starring one of the top love team of the 60s, Amalia Fuentes and Romeo Vasquez. It was not even listed in Andrew Leavold's blog ( He's back!!!). It could be great watching this movie this Valentine's Day.

See Amalia Fuentes- Romeo Vasquez starrers

Tatlong Kasaysayan ng Pag-ibig (1966)- Stars Amalia Fuentes and Romeo Vasquez/ Directed by Gerardo de Leon

And speaking of Amalia Fuentes, Dalawang Daigdig ni Carlota was shown recently at Cinema One. I was shocked, almost unbelievable to see this 1970 black-and-white movie. Ms. Fuentes did a wonderful job in portraying two personalities shrouded in mystery. The cinematography was short of astounding capturing the mood, especially the opening scene. It's like watching a 'film noir' film.



Dalawang Daigdig ni Carlota (1970)- Stars Amalia Fuentes , Fred Cortez, Jr., Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda, Johnny Monteiro/ with Tintoy/ Directed by Tony Cayado

Besides Dalawang Daigdig ni Carlota, Joy Productions also produced Blue Boy, the first directorial job of Elwood Perez. Both movies starred Fred Cortez, Jr., which happened to be Anita Linda's son (thanks to JM- see comment box).



Blue Boy (1970)- Stars Miss Rita Gomez, Liza Lorena, Sofia Moran and Fred Cortez, Jr./ Directed by Elwood Perez

BERTING LABRA , 75

Hugo, The Sidewalk Vendor (1962)

MANILA, Philippines—Veteran character actor Berting Labra died Tuesday in his house in Pateros after a lingering battle with emphysema. He was 75.

The news was confirmed by Labra’s colleagues in show business, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Film Academy of the Philippines head Leo Martinez. Revilla, who worked with Labra in the 1991 action film “Manong Gang,” described the seasoned actor as “a funny man who was well-respected by his peers.”

In one of his last interviews, he told the Philippine Inquirer in 2005: “I have no regrets. I don’t take life too seriously. As they say: ‘If you’re gonna go, you’re gonna go.” A former child star in post-war Philippine cinema, Labra acted as sidekick to both Fernando Poe Sr. and his son Fernando Poe Jr. Most notably, he was one of FPJ’s friends in the hit youth flick “Lo’ Waist Gang” in 1956.

Poe’s daughter Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares told the Inquirer that Labra had just attended a “Lo’ Waist Gang” reunion last month.

Not even fame and friendship with Poe, however, shielded Labra from a murder case that landed him and actor Eddie Fernandez in jail in 1969. Labra and Fernandez were eventually exonerated by the Supreme Court in 1982, after 13 years in prison. “I learned a lot in prison,” he told the Inquirer. “I met God there.”

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

See: Berting Labra Defies the Big 4/ 1963

See: Eddie Fernandez Murder Case/1969

MARS RAVELO'S "BITTERSWEET" (1969)

In 1969, VP Pictures released BitterSweet, adapted from a popular komiks serial novel by Mars Ravelo. The movie starred Rosemarie and Ricky Belmonte, then the hottest love team in Philippine cinema.

Here's one segment lifted from the pages of Pilipino Komiks.

see: Rosemarie-Ricky Belmonte Love Team

click images to enlarge

R.R. MARCELINO'S "CLEOPAKWAK" (1968)

"Cleopakwak" singing ala-Imelda (Marcos).

You may have probably heard of talking chickens (Ravelo’s Texas, Alanguilan’s Elmer); talking horses (Ravelo’s Silveria: Ang Kabayong Daldalera, Pomposa: Ang Kabayong Tsismosa and Pablo Gomez’ Petrang Kabayo). How about a talking duck? Curious? Komiks writer R.R. Marcelino created Cleopakwak, a duck that talks and even sings and most importantly lays golden eggs. It was serialized in Pilipino Komiks in 1968 and adapted into the silver screen in 1969.

Cleopakwak (1968)- Stars Loretta Marquez, Jimmy Morato, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia, Ricky Santiago and Chichay/ with Anita Linda, Ramon D'Salva/ Directed by Lauro Pacheco/ Serialized in Pilipino Komiks by R.R. Marcelino

click images to enlarge

Komiks materials from the collection of Steve Santos of Unang Labas

THE 60s PINOY KOMIKS SERIALS MADE INTO MOVIES # 4

Krus na Daan (1960)- Stars Zaldy Zshornack, Lou Salvador, Jr., Bentot, Chiquito, Carmencita Abad, Inday Jalandoni/ Directed by Leroy Salvador/ Serialized in Screen Komiks by Van Ludor

click images to enlarge

Octavia (1961)- Stars Carmen Rosales, Ric Rodrigo, Lolita Rodriguez, Eddie Gutierrez, Josephine Estrada/ Directed by Rosa Mia/ Serialized in Hiwaga Komiks by Pablo S. Gomez

Asyang ng La Loma (1962)- Stars Nida Blanca, Nestor de Villa, Marietta Sanz, Rod Navarro, Caridad Sanchez, Malony Antonio/ Directed by F.H. Constantino/ Serialized in Espesyal Komiks by Clodualdo del Mundo

Hampaslupang Anghel (1962)- Stars Juancho Gutierrez and Gloria Romero/ Introducing Juvy Cachola/ Directed by Mar S. Torres/ Serialized in Espesyal Komiks by Pablo S. Gomez

Kwatang (A Star is Born) [1966]- Stars Divina Valencia, Roger Calvin, Caridad Sanchez, Ray Marcos, Tony Cayado, Jose Villafranca, Anita Linda/ Directed by Tony Cayado/ Serialized in Pilipino Komiks by Mars Ravelo

Pomposa (Ang Kabayong Tsismosa) [1968]- Stars Loretta Marquez, Jerry Pons, Jimmy Morato, Diana Dean, Lilian laing, Ricky Santiago and Chichay/ with Rodolfo Cristobal, Bert 'Tawa' Marcelo, Romeo Rivera/ Directed by Lauro Pacheco/ Serialized in Espesyal Komiks by Mars Ravelo

Ngitngit ng Pitong Whistle Bomb (1968)- Stars Eddie Guitierrez, Helen Gamboa, Chichay, Caridad Sanchez, Etang Discher, Jose Villafranca and Lucita Soriano/ Directed by Consuelo P. Osorio/ Serialized in Pilipino Komiks by Mars Ravelo and Abe Ocampo

Petrang Paminta (1969)- Stars Pepito Rodriguez, Jeanne Young, Eddie Miller, Elizabeth Bankhead, Boy Alano, German Moreno, Roderick and Elizabeth Ramsey/ Directed by Mitos Villareal/ Serialized in United Komiks by Pablo S. Gomez

VIDEO 48 FEATURED IN 'MAXIM' MAGAZINE/ February 2009

Maxim Magazine/ February 2009 issue

VIDEO 48 http://video48.blogspot.com

One of the best local blogs we’ve come across recently is the Video 48 blog by film enthusiast Simon Santos. Props to the guy for keeping the flame of classic Filipino movies alive and reintroducing these classic films to both local and foreign cinema buffs. His collection of movie minutiae, from vintage posters (such as those of the Eddie Garcia starrer Batuta ni Drakula) to film historical anecdotes, is both wonderful and entertaining, a trip back in time to when local cinema was at its peak.

Many thanks to Karlo Samson
and to the staff of 'Maxim' magazine.

THEATERS IN METRO MANILA Circa LATE 60s and 70s

Progress shifted to Cubao and Makati in the late 60s. The first First-run theater in Quezon City was inaugurated in 1968 with the opening of New Frontier within the Cubao area. This was followed months later of Nation Cinerama, which introduced the so-called revolutionary ultra-cinerama single-lens process. The theater’s inaugural offering was the epic movie, “Custer of the West.” The 70s saw the opening of more theaters --- Quezon, Diamond, Remar, Coronet, Sampaguita, Ali, Grand, Maya, Cubao Cinema, Delta and Circle.

In Manila, several movie houses closed shops, some renovated and later reopened under new names--- Lider, Dynasty, Regency, Crown, Recto, Lord, Jennet, among others.

Another detailed map of the movie theaters, this time within the Cubao area and suburbs, courtesy of our good friend Rod Samonte

This was once a first-run theater. Being used as front for prostitution, it was raided recently./ Avenida Rizal 2008

MANILA'S SECOND-RUN THEATERS IN THE 50s and 60s

Malang/ 1965

In the 60s, if you're going on a date, ten pesos in your pocket will go a long, long way. For instance, it could buy you two first-run movie tickets at P 1.20 each; a full meal for two in a popular panciteria in Sta. Cruz at P 2.00 each; a merienda of sandwich (30 cents each) and softdrink (10 cents each). If you deduct your bus or jeepney fare of 10 cents each (2 way), you still have a change of P 2.40 which could buy you pants or shirts costing P 1.50 or P 2.00 or at 60 centavos or less, you can watched a double feature program of your favorite movies in a modest, air-conditioned second-run movie houses. Now you know why a lot of people like to live in the past--- it’s a lot cheaper.

MANILA'S FIRST-RUN THEATERS IN THE 50s and 60s

Avenida Rizal circa 1960/

See: Señor Enrique's Wish You Were Here

Photo courtesy of University of Wisconsin - Madison Libraries

Lining the stretches of Avenida, Escolta and Quiapo during the glorious days of Philippine cinema in the 50s and 60s were movie houses, theaters, opera houses, music studios, movie production outfits and entertainment centers.

“The owners of these establishments tried to outdo one another by hiring the country’s best architects (National artists Juan Nakpil, Leandro Locin, etal) to design their buildings, which were constructed when Art Moderne and the earlier Art Deco architectural styles reigned.”

Most of these movie houses were exclusive homes of Hollywood movie production outfits. Ideal theater, for example, carried only MGM movies. Likewise, Avenue showed movies made by Paramount and Lyric, only movies by Warner Bros. Other first-run theaters like Capitol, Ever, Galaxy, Universal, Odeon, State, Roman Super Cinerama, and later Maxim and Miramar in late 60s were only showing Hollywood movies.

Tagalog movies then were assigned to only four theaters--- Life, Dalisay, Center and Globe. Life was the home of Sampaguita Pictures; Dalisay for LVN Pictures; Globe and Center for Premiere and other movie studios. A total of 10 screening days were allotted to a movie shown. A movie was shown only in one theater at a time, unlike today where a movie could be shown simultaneously in over 60 theaters.

See: Inquirer's "Preservation, Modernity come together in Manila"
See: Manila's Movie Theaters by Senor Enrique

Updated detailed location map of Manila's theaters/cinemas:
courtesy of our good friend Rod Samonte

It’s always been a delight and wondrous sight to see the wonderful theater logos everytime we browsed the newspapers’ movies sections. Hopefully, seeing these logos again could bring back memories of the golden years past.