MANUEL CONDE AS THE DEVIL IN FRANCISCO V. COCHING'S "SATUR" (1951): KOMIKS SERIAL AND MOVIE ADAPTATION

Satur, created by Francisco V. Coching, appeared on the pages of Pilipino Komiks in 1950. It was adapted for the screen by LVN Pictures in 1951 under Lamberto V. Avellana direction. Manuel Conde played the title role of Satur, the devil incarnate and masquerading as a handsome, dapper young man in cape.

Satur/ Katha't Guhit ni Francisco V. Coching/
Pilipino Komiks/ 1950
(click images to enlarge)

click images to enlarge

(Source: Steve Santos' Unang Labas Blog)

Satur (1951)- Stars Jaime de la Rosa, Delia Razon and Manuel Conde/ with Alfonso Carvajal, Rosa Aguirre, Jose de Cordova/ Directed by Lamberto Avellana

Satur (played by Manuel Conde) was a handsome, wealthy, mysterious, young man who will give anything to the woman he loved. It was Cristina (Delia Razon), a pretty barrio lass, whom Satur wanted for his wife, but the young woman was already committed to Sendong (Jaime dela Rosa), a farmer. When Cristina’s mother fell ill and no cure can be found, Cristina went to Satur for help. A written contract or pact was signed and consummated between Satur and the family, wherein Cristina will be forever indebted to Satur. The mother got well. Later, Satur left town and entrusted all his wealth--- the mansion and everything to Cristina and her family. When the family learned that Satur died, they thought that the deal they entered to was already void with his death. Cristina went to Sendong to tell the good news. But Satur was not any ordinary human being; he was the devil incarnate disguising as a man. A deal is a deal--- and Satur insisted that Cristina was his forever. When the contract was not met, a curse was hurled on Cristina turning her into an old woman. Sendong will try anything to save Cristina, even at the expense of his life. The duel to the end with Satur was his only chance. An incredible and impossible task to do! Can he make it?

Here's the duel--- a rare film footage of the movie's final scene---

Courtesy of LVN Pictures

"JUAN DE LA CRUZ" (1976): GERRY DE LEON'S UNFINISHED MOVIE

A special screening of "Juan de la Cruz" was held in 1990 at CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) and hope FPJ Productions would again screen this unfinished masterpiece.

Toward the end of his life, filmmaking became an excruciating job for Gerardo ‘Gerry’ de Leon (or Manong to his friends and co-workers). He was suffering from emphysema and was often bringing an oxygen tank to his set. He was not able to complete Juan de la Cruz, which he intended as a summation of all his knowledge about filmmaking.

Ever since childhood, Manong dreamt of adapting Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, the two novels of Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, whose execution in 1896 signaled the end of the Spanish rule. The two novels span two generations and employ a cast of contrasting characters whose raw emotions are fused with the writer’s political aims. The works written in a Dickensian mold make for an incisive study of the oppressiveness of the Spanish colonial times.

According to Eddie Romero, Manong’s longtime collaborator, he imbibed this nationalist spirit from his father, who had written zarzuelas with anti-imperialist themes. Manong’s plan was to come out with a series of movies based on the novel’s important characters. He was able to realize only three: Sisa, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo with a fourth, Juan de la Cruz, left unfinished. He had a fifth, Elias, on the planning stage at the time of his death. Manong meticulously read the two novels, looking for clues that would lead to an understanding of the popular characters’ ancestry. For Juan de la Cruz, he enlarged a few passages on the parentage of Crisostomo Ibarra and Elias into a fully developed saga spanning three generations that was to serve as the prelude to Noli and Fili. Manong never invented wildly but kept the plot with dramatic incidents and baroque passions within the confines of Rizal’s objectives. (Source: The Life and Art of Gerardo de Leon by Agustin Sotto)

FPJ could have hired and tapped another director to finish the project or he could have continued directing it, but he opted not to touch it to preserve the original work of the great master. The movie starred Gloria Romero, Susan Roces, Van de Leon, Johnny Delgado, Dranreb, Tony Carreon.

"GERON BUSABOS: ANG BATANG QUIAPO" (1964)

"Geron Busabos: Ang Batang Quiapo" (1964)- Stars Joseph Estrada, Imelda Ilanan, Oscar Roncal, Vic Andaya,Angel Buenaventura, Avel Morado, Bebong Osorio, Angel Confiado and Boy Alvarez/ Directed by Cesar Gallardo

Joseph Estrada earned his second Famas Best Actor award in 1964 playing the title role of Geron Busabos (Ang Batang Quiapo), protector and defender of the poor and the oppressed. As champion of Quiapo street folks, Geron is well-loved as he helps and protects them from all sorts of harassments from gang and tong syndicates. The movie also won three more awards: Best Picture, Best Child Actor (Boy Alvarez) and Best Story (Augusto Buenaventura).

Here’s a short clip of one of the movie’s highlights with Joseph Estrada and child star Boy Alvarez (where is he now?) in a touching and moving scene ---

Courtesy of Emar Pictures

Actors Fernando Poe, Jr. and Bob Soler made a brief surprise appearances in the movie ---

Courtesy of Emar Pictures

CHIQUITO IN A BRIEF HILARIOUS ROLE IN "PEPENG AGIMAT" (1973)

Top comedian and comic icon Chiquito had a brief but unforgettable appearance, as an unwilling victim of a 'mangkukulam' or witch, in Ramon Revilla's "Pepeng Agimat." I still remember that scene when I first saw the movie in 1973 and I still had a big laugh when I saw it again at local cableTV some months back. I terribly miss this guy! Here's that scene---

Courtesy of Imus Productions

YOUNG RENE REQUIESTAS IN ISHMAEL BERNAL'S "SALAWAHAN" (1981)

"Salawahan" (1981)- Stars Miss Rita Gomez, Jay Ilagan, Mat Ranillo III, Andrea Andolong, Mark Gil and Rio Locsin/ Directed by Ishmael Bernal

Funnyman Rene Requiestas first started his movie career as an extra in some of Ishmael Bernal flicks, before making it big in the 90s as Chee-ta-eh and in Pido Dida series. One of the early movies he did was the 1981 movie, Salawahan, where he played the role of a gay helper in a fashion store. You’ll find him here very funny and such incredible talent was only realized after 8 long years when he teamed up with Joey de Leon in Starzan in 1989.

MANUEL SILOS' "BIYAYA NG LUPA" (1959): MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE TAGALOG MOVIE

BIYAYA NG LUPA (1959, Manuel Silos) – Winner of Famas Best Picture, the movie captures the authentic values, the hopes, the joys, the dreams and the sorrows of a Filipino family rooted in the land. It’s an uplifting movie of how a family overcomes the hardships and cruelties in life and how they survive and succeed in the end. This LVN Pictures' prized gem is my all-time favorite Tagalog movie.

It tells of a young couple, Jose and wife, Maria (Tony Santos and Rosa Rosal) who begin their married life by tending a lanzones orchard. They live the good life, taking care of their fruit orchard and raising their four children. All is well until Jose becomes the target of Bruno’s (Joseph de Cordova) envy and acrimony. Bruno is rumored to have killed his wife and his questionable reputation and mean streak terrify the village women so much that it is almost impossible for Bruno to find another wife.

Bruno decides to court Choleng, Jose’s goddaughter. In an attempt to evade Bruno’s advances, Choleng falls off a cliff and dies. Bruno flees to the mountains where he forms a group of bandits. Believing the villagers to be the cause of his misfortune, he plans to exact revenge on them, especially on Jose. Bruno rapes Jose’s daughter (Marita Zobel). Jose comes after him, only to meet his death at the hands of Bruno and his men. The infuriated townsfolk organize themselves to hunt Bruno down.

Besides Bruno to contend with, there's also rift within the family, especially the feud between the two sons, the deaf-mute Miguel and Arturo (Leroy Salvador and Carlos Padilla, Jr.). The ambitious Arturo decides to try his luck in the city against the wishes of the family.

On the other hand, Bruno and his gang flee to another town where they are hired by a greedy landowner to sabotage Jose’s lanzones blooms. But the people readily repulse their evil plans. With Bruno gone and Arturo back, peace once again reigns and once more, people reap the blessings of their land.

Movie Review: Thoughtless Thoughts On Manuel Silos' Biyaya ng Lupa (1959) by Richard Bolisay

Rich in Filipino values and traditions, the movie starts with a beautiful opening scene of a simple barrio wedding of newlywed couple, Jose and Maria, riding in a very attractive carriage accompanied by a big band and folks singing and dancing. This celebration is just the beginning of what could be the start of the many sacrifices and nightmares the family will be encountering. Here's that scene---

Courtesy of LVN Pictures

LINO BROCKA'S "STARDOOM" (1971)

In 1971, Director Lino Brocka directs “Stardoom” for Lea Productions, his “indictment of the corruption of values in the local movie industry.” It tells of a frustrated and ambitious stage mother, Toyang (played by Lolita Rodriguez), who forces her son, Joey, into a showbiz career and ultimately ends up in a tragedy. 70s teenage heartthrob, handsome, clean-cut and the boy-next-door type, Walter Navarro starred as the son, Joey Galvez, who at the peak of his stardom was gunned down by his erstwhile girlfriend Nina (Lotis Key), in a fit of jealousy and anger.

Whatever happened to Walter Navarro? They say “life imitating art.” The young actor was on the height of his illustrious movie career when something tragic happened to his personal life. There are rumors of drugs that eventually ruined his life.
Movie Review: "Mag-ingat sa iyong Pagsikat...Stardoom!" by Jojo Devera

Here's a short film clip of the movie showing the young and handsome Walter Navarro doing a rehearsal for a musical number. A very young and beautiful Hilda Koronel was also in the scene and so with Lotis Key, her first movie appearance. Enjoy the song and the dance!

Courtesy of Lea Productions

CHARITO SOLIS' CONTROVERSIAL SCENES IN "IGOROTA" (1968)

"Igorota" (1968)- Stars Charito Solis, Ric Rodrigo, Fred Galang, Cachupoy, Eddie Garcia and Mario Montenegro/ Directed by Luis Nepomuceno

Set on the mountains in Banaue Rice Terraces, award-winning actress Charito Solis essayed the role of a mountain princess who fell in love with a man (Ric Rodrigo) from the city. They eventually got married and lived in the city. It’s not all heaven for Solis as she was ridiculed, mocked and humiliated by the city folks. Things got worse when the daughter accidentally slipped down the stairs and died while trying to pacify her mother who was having a fight.

Rich in cultural heritage, breathtaking views, the big budgeted melodrama won 8 Famas Awards and was best remembered not only of Miss Solis superb and award-winning performance but her decision to bare in front of the screen. She had two scenes where she had a breast exposure.

Courtesy of Nepomuceno Productions

JOSEPH 'ERAP' ESTRADA DOES A "DIRTY HARRY"

"Kill the Pushers" (1972)- Stars Joseph Estrada, Pilar Pilapil, Rosemarie Gil, Vic Silayan, Ruben Rustia, Romeo Rivera, Ruel Vernal, Zenaida Amador/ Directed by Augusto Buenaventura

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.

"Dragnet" (1973)- Stars Joseph Estrada, Eva Reyes, Tsing Tong Tsai, Grace Chua, Vic Silayan, Ruben Rustia, Romy Diaz, Subas Herrero/ Directed by Armando Garces

"Panic!" (1973)- Stars Joseph Estrada, Rosanna Ortiz, Liza Lorena, Dindo Fernando, Sonny Cortez, Ruben Rustia, Cristina Reyes, Romeo Rivera, Zenaida Amador, Subas Herrero and Jun Mariano/ Directed by Augusto Buenaventura

"Ransom!!" (1974)- Stars Joseph Estrada, Helen Gamboa, Eddie Garcia, Dindo Fernando and Rosanna Ortiz/ with Vic Silayan, Anita Linda/ Directed by Cesar Gallardo

Left- "The Manila Connection" (1974)- Stars Joseph Estrada, Rosemarie, George Estregan, Anna Gonzales, Paquito Diaz and Leopoldo Salcedo/ with Vic Silayan, Anita Linda, Carlos Padilla, jr., Ruben Rustia/ Directed by Cesar Gallardo

Right- "Counter Kill" (1975)- Stars Joseph Estrada, Tara Fonseca/ Directed by Augusto Buenaventura

Left- "Dateline Chicago: Arrest the Nurse Killer!" (1976)- Stars Joseph Estrada, Pilar Pilapil, Marilyn Herrs, Garret Blake, J.C. Marshall, Debbie Brinson/ Directed by Cesar Gallardo

Right- "Yakuza Contract" (1978)- Stars Joseph Estrada, Trixia Gomez, Charlie Davao, Martha Sevilla, Maricel Soriano/ Directed byCesar Gallardo

Left- "Warrant of Arrest" (1980)- Stars Joseph Estrada, Boots Anson-Roa, Paquito Diaz, Ernie Zarate, Ruel Vernal, Ruben Rustia, Nello Nayo/ Directed by Augusto Buenaventura

Right- "Order to Kill" (1985)- Stars Joseph Estrada, Vivian Velez and Eddie Garcia/ with Bomber Moran, Fred Montilla, Suzanne Gonzales, Nona Herrera, Angelo Castro, Jr./ Directed by Augusto Buenaventura

"KARUGTONG NG KAHAPON" (1961)

The 1961 movie, “Karugtong ng Kahapon” is almost forgotten. Even Eddie Garcia, in most of his interviews never mention or cite this movie which played a big part in his illustrious career. This is Eddie's first directorial assignment, and not "Historia de un Amor" (1963) as previously reported in other articles. Eddie is a Famas Hall of Fame awardee for Best Director, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. What a feat!

"Karugtong ng Kahapon" (1961)- Stars Mario Montenegro, Rita Gomez, Ric Rodrigo, Marlene Dauden, Carlos Salazar, Rosa Mia/ Directed by Eddie Garcia (his first directorial assignment)

ANSWERS TO GUESS WHO?: STARS OF THE 70s

Esperanza Fabon

Manny De Leon

Millie Mercado

Mildred Ortega

GUESS WHO? THE YOUNG STARS OF THE 70s

Those who grew up in the 70s will probably remember them. Most of you, I guess, know the two young stars above, how about the two below?

---Answers Tomorrow---

"CRISOSTOMO IBARRA AND ELIAS" IN "NOLI ME TANGERE"

Elias (Leopoldo Salcedo) and Crisostomo Ibarra (Eddie del Mar)

Crisostomo Ibarra and Elias are the two enigmatic and contrasting heroes of Rizal’s novel, “Noli Me Tangere.” Ibarra is rich and highly educated while Elias is poor and hunted by the authorities. They are both victims of injustices. Both love their native land and wish for her betterment. Elias sees hope in Ibarra and thinks that he will be able to uplift the country from its suffering. The two of them met on several ocassions and once have an animated conversation in which Elias tells Ibarra the following:

"Without struggle there is no freedom. Without freedom there is no light. You say that you know very little of your country; I believe you. You do not see the forthcoming struggle, you do not see the cloud on the horizon; the struggle begins in the sphere of ideas to come down to the arena which will be dyed in blood. I hear God's voice. Woe unto those who want to resist Him. History has not been written for them!"

Here’s the two exciting and pulsating film clips from Gerry de Leon’s award-winning masterpiece, “Noli Me Tangere,” showing the two protagonists, Ibarra (played by Eddie del Mar) and Elias (Leopoldo Salcedo), in a very vibrant, meaningful and spirited exchanges of ideas and dialogues.

Courtesy of Bayanihan-Arriva Productions

LINO BROCKA'S "TUBOG SA GINTO" (1971)

Tubog sa Ginto is a serialized komiks novel written by Mars Ravelo and was adapted into film by Lea Productions in 1971. Director Lino Brocka’s third movie and Eddie Garcia’s award-winning and favorite film, “Tubog sa Ginto,” tackles a very sensitive and controversial theme on homosexuality.

It tells of Don Benito (Eddie Garcia), a millionaire, who is married to Doña Emma (Lolita Rodriguez) and has a son named Santi (Jay Ilagan). Unknown to his family, Don Benito is a closet homosexual and was having a secret affair with his driver, Diego (Mario O’Hara). Don Benito tries very hard to conceal his true identity until Diego decides to blackmail him. He gives in to all of Diego’s demands until he gets fed up and eventually kills him. Before the horrifying eyes of his family, Don Benito turns the gun on himself.

Here's one of the movie's highlights when Santi discovers the shocking truth---

Courtesy of Lea Productions