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

THE CONTROVERSY BEHIND "KAIBIGAN KO'NG STO. NIÑO" (1967): KOMIKS SERIAL AND MOVIE ADAPTATION

When the movie Kaibigan Ko’ng Sto. Niño was first advertised and promoted in 1967, the name Mars Ravelo was being peddled to the moviegoers as the author of this popular komiks serial. Ravelo’s name was prominently placed above the title and I was duped to believing that it was really Ravelo’s masterpiece and was based from his story, till my blog-friend Jose Mari Lee took note of this in one of my blog posts---

“Kaibigan Ko’ng Sto. Niño was actually written by A.S. Tenorio, but Mrs. Miling Blas, producer of Lea Poductions, struck a deal with Tenorio and Ravelo. Mrs. Blas had smash hit films after smash hit films – especially the ones based on Mars Ravelo's komiks serials. She wanted to use Ravelo's name as the author of the series and that was what happened. Tenorio agreed to receive the payment because he was supporting his family. What was so ridiculous was: the komiks readers who were also the moviegoers, knew who exactly wrote the story, and the film became a hit anyway, because it was already presold to the reading public.

Not a very good PR move for Lea Productions and the public felt cheated.

Lea had produced some of the best Filipino films, yet they had sort of tarnished their reputation because of this kafuffle.”

Pilipino Komiks/ 1967-68

(Click images to enlarge)

From the Private Property of Steve Santos

"SINO ANG MAYSALA?" (1957): A STAR-STUDDED MOVIE

Teenage sensation Romeo Vasquez starred as a troubled youngster and a juvenile delinquent in this 1957 star-studded classic drama, Sino ang Maysala? It proved to be his biggest break as he overshadowed his co-stars, all big names, with his superb and sterling performance that paved the way for a full stardom in his next picture, Pretty Boy.

Sino ang Maysala? (1957)- Stars Rogelio de la Rosa, Gloria Romero, Paraluman, Ric Rodrigo, Lolita Rodriguez, Luis Gonzales, Rosa Mia, Susan Roces and Romeo Vasquez/ Directed by Armando Garces

The Story--- Bankruptcy drove Don Ramon to commit suicide leaving nothing to the family--- his wife, Rosa (Rosa Mia) and four children, Carmen (Paraluman), Gloria (Gloria Romero), Lolita (Lolita Rodriguez) and Bobby (Romeo Vasquez). Carmen, the eldest, filled the gap left by her father and swore to send her siblings to school (see clip below).

Courtesy of Vera-Perez Productions

Carmen sold her jewelries one at a time until all’s gone except for a pendant bearing the photo of her old flame, Rod (Rogelio de la Rosa). One night, she unexpectedly bumped into Rod in a nightclub. Now married, Rod was still in love with Carmen. Rod’s marriage however to his wife (Bella Flores) was in disarray and his chance meeting with Carmen somehow rekindled his failed relationship with her. Things went smooth between the two lovers until their forbidden relationship came to the attention of Carmen’s family. Irritated, frustrated and ashamed of what happened, Gloria and Lolita kept their distance from Carmen, however the two sisters too had their respective problems. The young and fragile Bobby was in the middle of all these scandals and he soon became very violent and rebellious. From the petty thefts and small fights, he soon resorted into the world of crime. He was caught and put into trial. He blamed his family for all his misfortunes and miseries. The finale can be viewed on the second clip below---

Courtesy of Vera-Perez Productions

MARS RAVELO"S "DARNA AT ANG BABAENG TUOD" (1965): KOMIKS SERIAL AND MOVIE ADAPTATION

"Darna at ang Babaeng Tuod" (1965)- Stars Eva Montes, Gina Alonzo, Nancy Roman, Tito Galla, Ruben Rustia, Aruray, Georgie Quizon and Anita Linda/ Directed by Cirio H. Santiago

Based from the popular komiks serial novel by Mars Ravelo, Darna at ang Babaeng Tuod, tells of a childless couple, Gaspar (Ruben Rustia) and Marta (Anita Linda), whose endless wish of having a child is finally granted. However, Marta bears a lifeless baby resembling a doll. Marta, in desperation, asks for Satan’s help to give life to her dead child. Her wish is granted on a condition that when the child reaches the age of 18, he will take her, body and soul (see clip below). The child is named Lucy (Gina Alonzo). Soon afterward, the couple is blessed with another baby girl named Angela (Nancy Roman).

Courtesy of People's Pictures

Lucy and Angela grow up to be extremely different in their personalities and traits--- Lucy, a disobedient and uncaring person as opposed to Angela, a very religious, loving and caring. Lucy, being a creation of the devil, violates practically all the laws of decency. Men and women are her toys, breaking their hearts, hurting their feelings. She even tries to steal and seduce Angela’s boyfriend, Rodrigo (Tito Galla). Her evil doings reach its height when Satan appears and turns Lucy into a wicked tree stump preying and killing innocent human lives.

It is at this point that Darna (Eva Montes) steps in and battles Lucy to the end. (see clip below)---

Courtesy of People's Pictures

"Darna at ang Babaeng Tuod" also appeared on the pages of Hiligaynon Magazine, a leading Ilonggo weekly magazine.

click images to enlarge

Hiligaynon Magazine/ 1965
(From the collection of Steve Santos)

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

ROGELIO DE LA ROSA AS "HARING COBRA" (1951): A FILM BY RICHARD ABELARDO # 2

Screen legend Rogelio dela Rosa played dual role in this exciting costume movie, as Felipe, a shipyard stevedore and as Haring Cobra, the deposed king. The scheming Haring Cobra hired the services of Felipe, his look-a-like, to double for him and devised a plan to reclaim his throne. Director Richard Abelardo, known for his terrific and superb camera works and visual effects, was able to put the two characters in a single frame perfectly. One wonders how he did it given the crude movie equipments he had during that time.

"Haring Cobra" (1951)- Stars Rogelio dela Rosa, Lilia Dizon, Jose Vergara, Ven Medina, Jose Corazon de Jesus, Elena Acosta/ Directed by Richard Abelardo

The Story--- While working in a shipyard in Jolo, Felipe (Rogelio dela Rosa) is coerced by two henchmen of a deposed monarch, Haring Cobra, to accept a twofold mission - to impersonate him and kill the present usurper to the throne, his cousin, Rahmed (Jose Vergara) and thus stop the forthcoming marriage of Rahmed and the lovely Amahda (Lilia Dizon). In a short flashback, Haring Cobra relates the events that led to his overthrow - how he was betrayed by Rahmed and together with his loyal aides, set upon a raft and left to drift aimlessly at sea; how he lost his right arm and instead of a hand, now has grotesque sharp steel claws (see clip below).

Courtesy of LVN Pictures

The adventurer Felipe is intrigued by the prospects of a huge reward, and the chance of meeting Amahda. He receives a thorough training in impersonating Haring Cobra, including the trademark smirk that the deposed King is famous for. Arriving at this Balinese-type island not far from Jolo, Felipe, now as Haring Cobra, is smitten by the beautiful Amahda, who also feels an attraction to a man she knows to be an impostor.

Rahmed is also in love with Amahda, and wishes to make her his queen, but Felipe (as Haring Cobra), upon meeting Rahmed, is told another version of events that led to Haring Cobra's overthrow. Haring Cobra was the usurper, who grabbed power from his own father, Razul, and killed him. But only Haring Cobra knows that Razul is not dead, but locked up in the ruins of an ancient temple. Felipe is confused by the turn of events, but nevertheless engages Rahmed in a swordfight.

In the meanwhile, the real Haring Cobra arrives in the kingdom, and orders the murder of his own father. His men seize the palace, and Rahmed is killed. Haring Cobra's success is complete, save for one thing. One of his henchmen, Asaad (Ven Medina), reveals to the ruthless King that Felipe and Amahda are in love and plan to run away. The enraged Haring Cobra pursues them and is about to kill them when he himself is gunned down - by his own father, Razul, who managed to escape from his temple-prison. Felipe and Amahda finally leave the island, and Razul regains his throne.(Sypnosis: From Kabayan Central- LVN)

Courtesy of LVN Pictures

(Stills: LVN Pictures)