THREE EXHIBITS, ONE GALLERY

Three exhibits opened last April 27 at the West Gallery at the Mary Santos Artcade, 48 West Ave., Quezon City. These are Recent Works by Steve Santos at Gallery 1, Pictures at the Exhibition by Pandy Aviado at Gallery 2, and Radiance by Cid Reyes at Gallery 3. The exhibits are on view until May 22.

At Gallery 1, Steve Santos, in his latest exhibit, veers away from focusing on a singular subject or concept, opting to concentrate his creative energy on urban landscapes in acrylic. “It allows me to show patterns and the composition of a city or a location’s specific geographic area, its environment and its social patterns,” says Santos, making sure that his works come out the same way as he envisioned them the first time. The result is a collection that reflects Santos’s confidence in his skills and unique quality in letting colors and lines seamlessly form their own rhythm in the composition. As most people hurriedly go about their daily routines, Santos pauses as his brushes breathe life into the surroundings that often go unnoticed.

At Gallery 2, Artist Pandy Aviado considers his pieces as “works in progress” until they are sold. For his latest exhibit, titled Pictures @ the Exhibition (Homage to Mussorgsky), he is presenting artworks that were refined over time with layers and layers of paint. The title of the exhibit is based on the musical piece Aviado was listening to while working on the said pieces. “Most of the images are from my works in the 80s and 90s. The initial image is a print from an etching. Through the years, I paint over them until they end up as a painting,” explains Aviado. The result is a collection that is meant to be seen primarily in an assemblage or in an intimate space of a collector.

And at Gallery 3, Cid Reyes showcases his recent abstract paintings with the collective title “Radiance.” An avowed abstractionist, Reyes, who is also one of the country’s respected art critics, explores the interaction between light and a highly activated surface. This is Reyes 16th solo exhibition.

Bencab and Steve Santos


Bencab, Steve Santos, Pandy Aviado and Soler Santos


Rod Samonte, Steve Santos, Joey Ibay, Cid Reyes,
Bencab, Dom Briones and guests


Rod Samonte, Bencab, Steve Santos and Soler Santos


Steve Santos, Heber Bartolone and me


Rod Samonte, Me, Steve Santos with son Michael


Tence Ruiz and Bencab

More Pictures at my Facebook Account

CARLO J. CAPARAS' "HARIMANOK"

In 1952, Mars Ravelo and Clodualdo del Mundo came up with a komiks novel titled Texas, probably the first one dealing on “talking chickens.” The novel, illustrated by Elpidio Torres and serialized in Pilipino Komiks, was adapted into the big screen with Pancho Magalona, Linda Estrella and Texas, the chicken (would you believe it?) in the title role.

In 2008, writer-illustrator Gerry Alanguilan created and published Elmer, a four-part comic series about the whole chicken race intermingling and interacting with the human race.

The controversial National Artist (?) Carlo J. Caparas also came up with one in 1981. The komiks novel, Harimanok, appeared on the pages of Superstar Komiks. It was drawn by Mar Santana.

(click images to enlarge)

"Harimanok"
Nobela ni Carlo J. Caparas
Guhit ni Mar Santana

RAPPER-ACTOR ANDREW E. (MOVIE ADS 1991-98)

Humanap Ka ng Panget! (1991)- Stars Jimmy Santos, Carmi Martin, Nanette Medved, Gelli De Belen, Keempee de Leon/ Introducing Andrew E.

Andrew E. also known as the the King of dirty Rap in the Philippines (the 'E' stands for his last name, Espiritu). Andrew E saw his first glimpse of showbiz as a DJ in a popular club Euphoria. He began his career in December 1990 when he released his first monster hit single "Humanap Ka Ng Panget" ("Look for Someone Ugly"). The combination of his catchy story-telling rap style, irresistible beats, naughty and often hilarious lyrics made him popular & unique in Philippine pop culture.

Andrew’s career branched out as he began to star in comedy films based on his songs. He has more than 28 hit films under his belt. In the mid 1990s, Andrew E founded Dongalo Wreckords for the purpose of discovering and producing new Philippine Rap talents. One popular rap group that got its start with Dongalo is Salbakuta. Their song Stupid Luv became a big hit and was made into a popular movie which also starred Andrew.

Andrew E spent some time in Japan in the late 1990s, performing in clubs and eventually releasing a song in Japanese about the misadventures of a tourist in Tokyo. He is now married and lives in Dongalo, Paranaque City (where his record label was named from) with his wife and son. Andrew is also a certified platinum artist given that he has acquired over 13 albums, each at least 3 times platinum.
In the Filipino rap scene, Andrew has largely contributed to the growth and popularity of tagalog rap, furthermore by introducing a freestyle battle competition which gave aspiring rappers a shot at record deals. He is married to Mylene Yap from Boracay Island and has a son name Fordy and daughter Jassley. (Wikipedia)

Left- Pitong Gamol (1991)- Stars Jimmy Santos, Carmi Martin, Sheila Ysrael, Herbert Bautista, Gelli De Belen, Dennis Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, Anjo Yllana, Ruby Rodriguez and Andrew E./ Directed by Ben Feleo

Right- Alabang Girls (1992)- Stars Herbert Bautista, Janno Gibbs, Dennis Padilla, Anjo Yllana and Andrew E./ with Donita Rose, Lea Orosa, Pinky Amador, Ana Roces & Ruby Rodriguez/ Directed by Ben Feleo

Left- Manchichiritchit (1993)- Stars Maricel Soriano and Andrew E./with Smokey Manaloto, Anjanette Abayari, Donna Cruz, Ruby Rodriguez, Giselle Sanchez/ Directed by Ben Feleo

Right- Pretty Boy (1993)- Stars Andrew E.,Janno Gibbs, Anjo Yllana, Chuckie Dreyfuss, Patrick Guzman, I.C. Mendoza/ with Gelli De Belen, Lea Orosa, Ana Roces/ Directed by Ben Feleo

Left- Row 4: Ang Baliktorians (1993)- Stars Sheryl Cruz, Dennis Padilla and Andrew E./ Directed by Ben Feleo

Right- Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko (1994)- Stars Andrew E., Charlene Gonzales, Nino Muhlach, Patrick Guzman, Dale Villar, Raffy Rodriguez, Dindi Gallardo, Michelle Aldana, Janine Barredo / Directed by Ben Feleo

Left- Magamol (1994)- Stars Sharon Cuneta and Andrew E./with Charito Solis, Gloria Sevilla, Andy Poe, Efren Reyes, Jr., Smokey Manaloto, Bong Alvarez, Marjorie Barretto/ Directed by Eddie Rodriguez

Right- Pinagbiyak na Bunga (1994)- Stars Chiquito, Andrew E., Nida Blanca, Vina Morales/ with Leo Martinez, Dona Cruz, Dale Villar, Ruby Rodriguez, Raffy Rodriguez and Dindi Gallardo / Directed by Ben Feleo

Left- P're Hanggang sa Huli! (1994)- Stars Robin Padilla and Andrew E./with Mat Ranillo III, Daniel Fernando, Donita Rose, Angelu de Leon and Charlene Gonzales/ Directed by Ricardo 'Bebong' Osorio

Right- Bangers (1995)- Stars Chiquito, Andrew E. and Joey de Leon / with Ana Roces, Dindi Gallardo, Arnel Ignacio, Michael de Mesa, Dale Villar, Melissa Gibbs/Directed by Ben Feleo

Left- Bikini Watch (1995)- Stars Andrew E., Ina Raymundo, Carolyn Sapp/ with Smokey Manaloto, Shirley Fuentes/ Directed by Ben Feleo

Right- Neber 2 Geder (1996)- Stars Andrew E. and Redford White / with Amanda Page, Cara Marsan & Michael de Mesa/Directed by Ben Feleo

Left- Si Mokong, Si AStig at Si Gamol (1997)- Stars Janno Gibbs, Dennis Padilla and Andrew E./ Directed by Jun Aristorenas

Right- Matinik na Bading, Mga Syokeng Buking (1997) Stars Andrew E. and Leo Martinez / with Bob Soler, Richard Bonnin, Malene Montes/Directed by Tony Cruz

Left- Where 'D' Girls 'R' (1997)- Stars Andrew E. and Ian de Leon/ with Angelu de Leon, Rica Paralejo, Bobby Andrews, Onemig Bondoc/ Directed by Ben Feleo

Right- Extranghero (1998)- Stars Andrew E. , Michelle Aldana and Jorge Estregan/Directed by Ben Feleo

PEDRITO REYES' "KAMAY NI SATANAS" (1950): KOMIKS SERIAL AND MOVIE ADAPTATION

"Kamay ni Satanas" (1950)- Stars Leila Morena, Reynaldo Dante, Nena Cardenas, Fred Santos, Patria Plata, Oscar Keese, Conrado Conde, Arturo Lerma, Rino Bermudez/ Directed by Gerardo de Leon

Based on the serialized komiks novel by Pedrito Reyes published in Ilang-Ilang magazine in 1951, Kamay ni Satanas tells of Ka Berto (Reynaldo Dante), an aged 'albularyo' or folk healer, who has a great love for Senyang (Leila Morena), a young pretty lass, the daughter of his good friend. Fearing that he has no chance at all, he sells his right hand to the devil in exchange of youth, good looks and wealth.

---Ika-4-na Labas---

(click images to enlarge)

---Katapusang Labas---

Ilang-Ilang Magazine/ 1950

COMEDIAN "PALITO" PASSED AWAY, 76

Veteran comedian Palito passed away Monday morning (April 12). He was 76. Palito, Reynaldo Hipolito in real life, died at 7:05 a.m. at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila due to lung complications.

His son, Jhune, said his father was scheduled to undergo a CT scan in a nearby clinic along Taft Avenue in Manila. A few minutes before they were to leave PGH, however, Jhune said Palito complained of severe pain. A few hours later, Palito was declared dead, the son said.

Palito was rushed to the Imus Family Hospital in Cavite last Tuesday after complaining of severe stomach pain. He was transferred to the ward section of PGH on the same night."Galing siya sa trabaho… Pagdating sa bahay halos hindi na makalakad at nanghihina na...kaya dinala na namin siya sa ospital," recalled Jhune. Prior to this, he had been confined at the hospital for a month due to a lung complication. “Kasi po si Daddy, nagii-smoke po siya. Nung tinigil po niya, dun siya nanghina po,” Among the last to see the comedian was former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, who visited Palito the night before.

Reynaldo Hipolito was only 21 when he first discovered the world of stage acting. So enamored was the skinny student of Arellano University in Manila that he decided to choose acting over his studies; but of course, much against his parents' protests. That was around 1959.

Hipolito's distinct emaciated frame would serve as his ticket away from doing bit roles. He revealed to PEP the origin of his famous screen name. "Ang nickname ko talaga is Rene. Eh, kung tawagin nila ko, ‘Hipolito, Hipolito' kaya ginawa ko na lang na Palito." Palito, which in Spanish means matchstick, perfectly suited Hipolito's thin physique. But more importantly, the moniker gave the former film extra a catchy name and an identity that perfectly played on Filipino sensibilities, especially in comedy.

“He would also been known as a star in a lot of kitsch Pinoy horror films as a zombie/corpse. His sunken hollow eyes and reed-thin body, while not aesthetically-pleasing in the popular sense, fit the corpse-like demeanor that local filmmakers love to utilize.” (wikipedia)--- Here's a sample in the clip below---

Courtesy of RVQ Productions and Star Cinema

Soon, major film outfits began casting him in their movies—most of which were considered slapstick. Palito lost count of the of films he did, nor does he recall when they were shown, although he reached his peak during the ‘70s all the way to the ‘80s. Palito moved up from supporting roles to lead star prominence via the movie Rambuto—a parody of Sylvester Stallone's blockbuster film Rambo. It was Palito who thought of the title, Rambuto, which was a tribute to his slight figure. He was also credited for spoofing another Stallone film, First Blood. "Ginawa ko naman, No Blood," he said proudly. "Ako ‘yong nagbigay ng pangalan sa mga iba kong pelikula. Blockbuster lahat ‘yan." Here's a clip with Palito doing a "Rambo"---

Goodbye, Palito! You will be missed! Thank you for the memories!

Sources:
http://www.pep.ph/articles/14766/Rediscovering-Palito

http://nicknicholson.blogspot.com/2010/04/palito-passes-away-at-age-76.html
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/252210/comedian-palito-passes-away
http://dennisvillegas.blogspot.com/2009/01/palito-philippine-comedian.html
http://andrewleavold.blogspot.com/2008/02/palitos-family-photo-album.html

"IGINUHIT NG TADHANA" (1965): DID MARCOS KILL NALUNDASAN?

"Iginuhit ng Tadhana" (1965)- Stars Luis Gonzales, Gloria Romero, Rosa Mia, Tony Cayado, Ven Medina, Venchito Galvez, Jose Morelos/ with Vilma Santos, Chona and Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos, Jr./ Directed by Mar S. Torres, Jose de Villa & Conrado Conde

Iginuhit ng Tadhana, a political propaganda movie, tells of the life and exploits of then Philippine Presidential candidate, Senator Ferdinand E. Marcos (played by Luis Gonzales). One of the highlights of the two-and-half movie was the celebrated Nalundasan case, where the young Marcos was accused of murder. Was he guilty of the crime or not?

On the evening of September 20, 1935, newly elected Ilocos Sur Rep. Julio Nalundasan was murdered in his home, after dinner, while brushing his teeth. The alleged assassin was the 18-year-old Ferdinand Marcos, then a University of the Philippines student, whose father Mariano had just lost to Nalundasan in the election for the Commonwealth-era National Assembly. Mariano's devastating defeat was made even more humiliating by Nalundasan's decision to hold a victory parade that featured a coffin bearing his rival's name. (see clip below)

Courtesy of 777 Film Productions

Ferdinand Marcos, along with his father and two uncles were arrested and charged with the murder of Nalundasan in 1938.

In April 1939, Marcos received Bachelors of Laws and studied for the bar examinations while in prison. He posted bail in August the same year to attend the bar exams. In September 1939, Marcos, his father and two uncles stood trial before Laoag Provincial Court of First Instance. In November 1939, Ferdinand Marcos was summoned by the university dean on suspicion of cheating in the bar exams. Marcos managed to justify his extremely high marks but was not allowed to take oath as his own trial was still pending. Some months later Marcos was found guilty by the Laoag Provincial Court and sentenced to imprisonment.

Marcos appealed to the Supreme Court and defended himself (see clip below). The Supreme Court under Justice Jose P. Laurel granted Marcos acquittal after finding the prosecution's case contradictory. In effect, Marcos has won his first case before he had even started to practice law. The Philippine Free Press called him lawyer of the year in the November 12, 1940 issue. Marcos became a trial lawyer in Manila.

Courtesy of 777 Film Productions

Sources:
http://www.philippines-archipelago.com/people/presidents/ferdinand_e_marcos.html
http://www.pcij.org/i-report/2007/dynasty-building3.html

JAIME DE LA ROSA & NORMA BLANCAFLOR IN "PAROLA" (1949): A FILM BY JOSE CLIMACO

"Parola" (1949)- Stars Jaime dela Rosa, Norma Blancaflor, Gil de Leon, Oscar Obligacion, Priscilla Cellona, Naty Bernardo, Jaime Castellvi/ Directed by Jose Climaco

Set against the backdrop of an isolated and solitary lighthouse in a remote island, Parola tells of a man named Juan Moreno (Jaime dela Rosa) falsely accused of murder and sentenced to a jail term. Believed to have been drowned along with the other prisoners in a shipwreck on their way to a penal colony, Juan was swept away on an island where Mang Pekto (Gil de Leon) and his family had isolated themselves.

Pekto abandoned city life when he discovered his wife’s infidelity. He took refuge in this island with his daughters Lilian (Norma Blancaflor) and Estrella (Priscilla Cellona) and sister Lalia (Naty Bernardo).

After recuperating, Juan disguised himself as Juaning Marcelino. He soon fell in love with Lilian. However, Rolando (Jaime Castellvi), the captain of the ship that delivers supplies to the family, was also in love with Lilian. He found out Juan’s true identity and informed the authorities about it. Juan was arrested.

For a time, Juan’s case was reopened and with new evidence recovered, he was acquitted. Pekto and his family, on the other hand, went back to the city hoping to live a normal life. Juan and Lilian are eventually reconciled.

Stills: LVN PicturesHere's a short clip of this wonderful movie. Enjoy!---

Courtesy of LVN Pictures

"BANAL O MAKASALANAN" (1955): A FILM BY SUSANA C. DE GUZMAN # 3

"Banal O Makasalanan" (1955)- Stars Mario Montenegro, Delia Razon, Jose de Cordova, Jose Vergara, Arturo Moran, Vicenta Advincula, Candida Balderrama, Lita Gutierrez/ Directed by Susana C. De Guzman

Based on a radio serial by Susana C. de Guzman, Banal O Makasalanan (1955) tells of Salome (Delia Razon), a seductive and alluring daughter of Herodias and stepdaughter to King Herod (Joseph de Cordova), who discovers faith and Christianity through her love for a Roman centurion named Cornelius (Mario Montenegro).

A prophet named Juan Bautista (or John the Baptist) denounced Herodias marriage to Herod, her former husband’s brother, as a sin. Herodias bitterly resented Juan’s denunciation and promptly ordered Juan’s arrest and wanted him killed. Herod, fearing that John may be the messiah foretold by prophecy, would not do it. However, Herodias devised a plot and used Herod’s birthday celebration as an opportunity to carry the plan. She let Salome performed a dance that pleased Herod no end. He offered her anything she desired. Encouraged by Herodias, Salome asked Herod for the head of Juan on a platter. Reluctantly, Herod was compelled to obey her desires and ordered Juan to be beheaded (see clip below).

Courtesy of LVN Pictures

Salome had nightmares and sleepless nights because of that incident and Cornelius was there to comfort her. When news of a new prophet named Jesus gaining ground in the countryside, Cornelius was asked by Salome to investigate. Disguised as an ordinary man, he seek out the Man they called Jesus. Through his own eyes, he witnessed how Jesus performed miracles like using only a few loaves of bread and several fish to feed thousands of men, women and children. Cornelius told Salome about this and asked her to go with him and lead a new life. Salome declined the offer.

Salome asked Pontius Pilate’s help, Cornelius being one of Pilate’s men. With the help of Salome, Cornelius was arrested and because of the gravity of his crime he was sentenced to die. This was not what Salome wanted to happen and beg Pilate for mercy and to spare his loved one. Instead, Cornelius was given 20 whip lashes on the face that caused him to get blind. Disabled and incapacitated due to severe punishment, Salome asked Pilate for Cornelius’ freedom which Pilate acceded. She asked for Cornelius forgiveness and promised to take good care of him.

The movie ends at Golgota, where Salome with Cornelius, seek Jesus for repentance and atonement. A miracle happened as Cornelius' eyesight was restored (see clip below).

Courtesy of LVN Pictures