NESTOR DE VILLA AND CHARITO SOLIS IN "UNOS SA LAOT" (1960)

"Unos sa Laot" (1960)- Stars Nestor de Villa, Charito Solis, Bernard Bonnin, Lourdes Medel, Rey Ruiz, Lina Prieto, Sonia Velez/ Directed by Susana C. de Guzman

Synopsis: Ramon (Nestor de Villa), a youthful shipping executive, goes to Japan for some business deals, returns and makes preparations for his forthcoming marriage to Dolores (Lourdes Medel), discovers that she is in love with his younger brother, Fred (Bernard Bonnin).

Although very much upset by the duplicity of the two, he paves a way to their marriage by marrying Julie (Charito Solis) himself--- she, the orphan who grew up with them under the protection of Ramon’s father. In one of the many spats between Dolores and her husband, she meets an accident and dies.

Ramon blames her death on his brother’s irresponsibility, decides to kill him, but in the attempt, Julie almost gets killed. The near-accident sobers him up, makes him realize he loves Julie, forgives his younger brother. (Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ 1960)

THE 2011 METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL: "MANILA KINGPIN: THE ASIONG SALONGA STORY" TOPS AWARDS

MANILA, Philippines—The gangster movie “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story” reaped the most number of awards, including Best Film, at the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal on Wednesday night.

The film, about notorious gang leader Nicasio “Asiong” Salonga, also won the Best Director award for Tikoy Aguiluz, who was not around to receive his trophy.

Aguiluz had protested the inclusion of his name in the film’s credits and promotional materials. He said “Asiong” had been reshot, reedited and rescored without his knowledge, therefore, it could not be attributed to him.

On Dec. 20, Aguiluz filed a complaint in the Intellectual Property Rights Office against producer Maylyn Villalon of Scenema Concept International for infringement of Republic Act No. 8293, the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. Aguiluz further accused the producers of “violating” his rights as the film’s director.

At the award ceremony held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World in Pasay City, it was “Asiong” associate director Gary de la Cruz’s name that was called out as Best Director. But onstage, lead actor Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito, on accepting the trophy, said he was doing so on behalf of Aguiluz.

“They (MMFF executive committee) just had to put in a name for director, but for all intents and purposes it was Tikoy who directed the film,” said Mark Meily, a director and committee member.

“Direk Tikoy worked hard for this film. He labored for nine months, for 40 shooting days …,” said Ejercito in his acceptance speech. “You’re one of the best and brightest directors in the country. “Pasensya ka na. (Forgive us). There were decisions the producers had to make to improve the film,” he addressed the absent Aguiluz.

Aguiluz won over Tony Y. Reyes, who megged the comedy-adventure “Enteng ng Ina Mo,” and Chris Martinez, director of the “Lunod” episode of the horror trilogy “Shake, Rattle and Roll 13.”

“Asiong” is a remake of the 1961 film that starred former President Joseph Estrada. It is based on the life of a Tondo gangster in the 1950s who was responsible for much crime but eluded capture using his wits and charm. The movie also won the Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award, which is given to a film that “embodies the values of Filipinos and the country’s heritage, history and culture.” “This film has gone through a lot,” Ejercito said. “We didn’t even think we’d be included in the festival lineup.” John Regala won Best Supporting Actor for his work on the film.

Roi Iglesias and Rey Ventura won Best Screenplay for “Asiong,” while Best Cinematography was awarded to Carlo Mendoza. Best Original Theme Song went to Ely Buendia for the theme song “La Paloma.”

Mike Idioma copped Best Sound Recording for his work on the gangster movie, while Fritz Silorio, Mona Soriano and Ronaldo Cadapan won the Best Production Design award.
The Best Musical Score honor went to Jessie Lasaten and Best Editing, to Jason Cahapay and Ryan Orduna.

“Enteng ng Ina Mo,” featuring comedians Vic Sotto and Ai-ai de las Alas, won the 2nd Best Picture award. “Shake Rattle and Roll 13,” directed by Martinez, Jerrold Tarog and Richard Somes, bagged 3rd Best Picture.

Dingdong Dantes was named Best Actor for his compelling performance in the Joyce Bernal suspense-thriller “Segunda Mano,” which Dantes also coproduced. Dantes did not attend the awards show, so with Maricel Soriano, who was heralded as Best Actress for her work in the Jun Lana family drama “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.”

“Yesterday…,” a Regal Entertainment production, was disqualified from four categories—Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay and the Gatpuno award—for “deviating from the pre-approved story line,” MMFF executive committee chair Francis Tolentino had earlier said.
Tolentino is also chair of the Metro Manila Development Authority, which hosts the annual ceremony.

On the morning of Dec. 28, Regal matriarch Lily Monteverde and director Lana met with some execom members to try and convince them to reconsider their decision. The committee denied Regal’s appeal.

“Shake, Rattle and Roll 13” won for Best Story for its “Lunod” episode written by Marlon Rivera and Chris Martinez. The film won for Bugoy Cariño the Best Child Performer award.

Eugene Domingo was adjudged Best Supporting Actress for the comedy “My House Husband: Ikaw Na” directed by Jose Javier Reyes. She dedicated her trophy to the film’s lead actors, real-life couple Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo. The film, about a man forced to take care of the household and two kids after he lost his bank manager job, also won the Gender Sensitivity award, which is given to a film that “respects the many aspects of an individual without bias, especially on the topic of sex.”

“Ang Panday 2,” a co-production of GMA Films and Imus Productions, won the Best Visual Effects award for the group Riot Inc. It also won for Best Float in the Parade of Stars that was held on Christmas Eve.

“Enteng ng Ina Mo,” this year’s festival top-grosser, brought home only one award—Best Make-up for Florencia Penero, Nicolo Medina and Nilo Cruz.

In 2010, the MMFF began showcasing independent films under the New Wave category to give viewers wider choices. This year, the animated film “Pintakasi” won for Best Full-Length Film under this section. Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, who produced “Pintakasi,” said it took her team, Creative Media Society of the Philippines or CreaM, four years to make it. “I salute those who support original Filipino animation, music and content,” she said.

JM de Guzman won the Best New Wave Actor award for his performance in Marcos and Nelson Caliguia’s “Pintakasi,” while Iza Calzado won as Best New Wave Actress for the Neil Tan film “HIV.”

The Gender Sensitivity Award (full-length category) was given to “HIV” and “Speechless,” a project of Miriam College, under the student category.

“Payaso,” megged by Kris Anne de Luna of De La Salle Lipa, and “Mate,” by John C. Nicolas of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, shared the Best Student Film award.

The Special Jury Prize was handed to “Biyahe ni Barbie” by Kookai Labayan of College of St. Benilde.

(Marinel R. Cruz/ Philippine Daily Inquirer)

"Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" (2011)

"Enteng ng Ina Mo" (2011)

"Ang Panday 2" (2011)


"My House Husband (Ikaw Na!)" (2011)

"Shake, Rattle & Roll 13" (2011)

"Segunda Mano" (2011)

"Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" (2011)

---INDEPENDENT FILMS---


"Pintakasi" (2011)


"HIV" (2011)

ARMANDO GOYENA AND NIDA BLANCA IN "KASTILALOY" (1958)

"Kastilaloy" (1958)- Stars Armando Goyena, Nida Blanca, Val Castelo, Luisa Montesa, Pugo, Elena Balmori, Vic Diaz, Jose Troni, Mary Walter, Loida Morales/ Directed by F. H. Constantino

Synopsis: Felipito (Armando Goyena) is the son of Don Benito (Pugo), an impoverished Spaniard who has settled down in the Philippines. Although they are already bankrupt, Don Benito still insists in keeping up a wealthy front, retaining a mortgaged mansion, a retinue of servants and a limousine.

Carding (Val Castelo), Felipito's chauffeur, asks his master to be the best man at his wedding to Norma (Luisa Montessa), a dressmaker. At the ceremony, Felipito meet and falls in love with the maid of honor, Patring (Nida Blanca), who pretends that she is rich although actually, she is only a salesgirl. She is able to convince Felipito of her wealth by representing herself as the owner of the mansion she is living in although in reality, the real owners are out of the country and she is only living in the garage with their permission.

A time comes when Felipito decides to ask Patring to marry him, hoping to revitalize his family's bankrupt finances with her money, not suspecting that Patring is also thinking along these very same lines. Felipito proposes and he is immediately accepted by Patring who sets the date for their wedding. After the wedding, the real owner of the mansion where Patring lives arrives to expose the fraud. At the same time, Felipito is also exposed and the two are suddenly aware that their plans to marry somebody rich have gone away.

However, because they love each other, they decide that it is all for the best. They laugh off their misfortune and pledge to stick together come what may.

(Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ 1958)

LEROY SALVADOR AND LITA GUTIERREZ IN THE TITLE ROLE OF "ALEMBONG" (1958)

"Alembong" (1958)- Stars Leroy Salvador, Lita Gutierrez (in the title role), Linda Roxas, Rey Ruiz, Oscar Obligacion, Ben Cosca, Nieves Manuel, Mario Roldan, Menggay/ Featuring The Reycards Duet/ Directed by Fred Daluz

For Maria Dolores Gutierrez of Laoag, Ilocos Norte, stardom came by way of a visit to the LVN publicity office in 1955. She was sixteen, just out of high school. She had come to Manila to find a job and had been hired as a receptionist in the office of a movie magazine. She and another girl from the magazine went to LVN one day to get publicity stills for the latest film of Nida Blanca.

Doña Sisang was puttering in the garden when she saw them and expressed interest in the Ilocana mestiza. “I had kinky hair then and was very chubby,” Ms. Gutierrez remembers. Language proved to be her undoing, however, for when the Old Lady asked her how good her Tagalog was, she couldn’t tell a lie. She was told to brush up on her Tagalog, and come back when she felt she knew enough.

“I was afraid, I had no confidence,” says Ms Gutierrez of that first meeting with Doña Sisang. Meanwhile, she quit her magazine job and went to work at the Bureau of Public Libraries for a year, all the while dreaming of a movie career. Sometime then she went to the Tropicana Studios in Malabon, which the stars patronized, and had her best angles taken. She sent a copy to Doña Sisang.

In a few days a talent scout was at her doorstep with the message that the LVN boss wanted to see her. She was given a three-year contract which promised her more than she could ever hope to earn from an office job. Two and half years after she signed the contract, Lita Gutierrez became a full-fledged star. The movie--- “Alembong.”

Source: Doña Sisang Filipino Movies/ 1977

Alembong/ 1958- Lita Gutierrez in a sexy and tempting pose that gave her the nickname "Alembong" (meaning flirt). Also in photo were Leroy Salvador, Lucita Soriano and comedian Bentot.

Synopsis: Helen (Lita Gutierrez), a wealthy and aristocratic girl, is afflicted by a strange malady that comes to her only when there is a full moon. During nights of the full moon, she undergoes a complete change of character and becomes amorous. One night, while the moon is at its fullest and Helen's affliction again hits her, she meets and falls in love with David (Leroy Salvador), an itinerant soft drink peddler, who also falls in love with her.

David's life becomes a series of puzzlement when he experiences the results of Helen's changes of character. When the moon is full, she is also full of love and affection for him. But when there is no full moon, she avoids and hates him like a plague. The mystery is cleared up by Linda, Helen's cousin, who is the sweetheart of David’s friend, Lito.

So what David does is to see Helen only during the nights of the full moon. He cannot help thinking, however, that he is just deceiving himself inasmuch as Helen’s affection for him could only come from her malady. Through the help of the Reycard Duet, David becomes a successful radio singer. He and Helen elope and get married. lnspite of their marriage, David still hesitates to approach Helen except on nights when the moon is full.

How Helen is cured of her lunar sickness and how she finally convinces David of her love made for a riotously funny motion picture.

(Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ 1958)

ZALDY ZSHORNACK AND SHIRLEY GOROSPE IN "HONGKONG HONEYMOON" (1960)

"Hongkong Honeymoon" (1960)- Stars Zaldy Zshornack, Shirley Gorospe, Chiquito, Carol Varga, Celia Rodriguez, Teroy de Guzman, Ruben Rustia, Jose Garcia, Paquito Salcedo, Lita Cristobal, Dencio Padilla/ Directed by Ramon A. Estella

Synopsis: Warned that he has only a couple of months to live, Leon (Zaldy Zshornack) gets accumulated savings for ten years, goes to Hongkong for a desperate fling. He meet a flight stewardess, Betty (Shirley Gorospe) aboard the plane, they get friendly, bum around together in Hongkong, and after some drinks, tells her of his predicament.

Realizing she is in love with him, they decide to get married after her flight from Tokyo. Meanwhile, driven by loneliness, he goes to Macao, gambles, gets mixed up with spies and a roll of microfilm that gets into his pocket by accident.

Betty, on a full month vacation, makes plan to enjoy their honeymoon, but secret agents trail them. They are cleared just after Leon receive news that diagnosis of his impending death was a mistake due to exchange of x-ray plates.

(Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ 1960)

THE 2011 METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL ENTRIES/ A PREVIEW

Here's the seven entries to the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival slated to open on Christmas Day. Take your pick...

"Enteng ng Ina Mo" (2011)

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"Ang Panday 2" (2011)


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"Shake, Rattle & Roll 13" (2011)

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"Segunda Mano" (2011)

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"Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" (2011)

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"Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" (2011)


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"My House Husband (Ikaw Na!)" (2011)


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Sources: articles- Yes Magazine/ December 2011 issue; Movie ads- Various internet sites; trailers- You Tube

NESTOR DE VILLA AND CHARITO SOLIS IN "VILLA MILAGROSA" (1958)

"Villa Milagrosa" (1958)- Stars Nestor de Villa, Charito Solis, Nita Javier, Eddie Rodriguez/ Directed by Susana C. de Guzman

Synopsis: Romy Penaflor (Nestor de Villa), a young physician in a Manila hospital, goes home to his paralytic old uncle who lives alone in Villa Milagrosa. The old man bequeaths the huge hacienda and the antiquated mansion to his nephew. Romy is stricken by the mysterious atmosphere of the Spanish mansion and is particularly intrigued by a room with its massive door locked against all inquisitive intruders.

The young doctor meets a beautiful young woman in the garden of his uncle’s mansion one moonlight night. He falls in love with her but she disappears. When he meets her again he manages to win her heart. But there is something mysterious about this girl who calls herself Virginia (Charito Solis). Romy can only see her in the garden, on Wednesday nights when she would pick flowers for the Lady of Perpetual Help.

Finally, he convinces her to attend a birthday party he was throwing. Virginia consents on condition that she could only be present up to twelve o'clock. At the appointed time she arrives. But before she could be introduced to the crowd, the clock strikes twelve and she disappears into the night. It was at this time that the old uncle learns of the true identity of Virginia. He tells Romy that she had died twenty years ago. She had been his sweetheart and had haunted him for years.

(Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ 1958)

GLORIA ROMERO AND RIC RODRIGO IN "BELOVED" (1958)

"Beloved" (1958)- Stars Gloria Romero, Ric Rodrigo, Tito Galla/ Directed by Tony Cayado

Synopsis: A promising composer (Ric Rodrigo) survives a plane crash but is badly disfigured. He decides not to go back because of that disfigurement. He finds a job as a choir and there meets a blind woman (Gloria Romero) whom he develops into a singer with a great promise. Meanwhile, they get enmeshed with each other and vow to stick it out for life.

The woman is discovered by a rich woman who takes interest in her. She is finally prevailed upon to accompany this woman to the United States for medical treatment. She goes but promises her man the undying devotion she is sworn to. While in States she gets medical attention, too, and she finally recovers her sight.

She comes home only to discover that her love is horribly ugly. The man leaves her, goes to Manila and work for a cheap joint. He manages nevertheless to compose music and is known around for his works. He scrapes enough dough and submits himself to a face-lifting. Operation is successful and he is the same man he was before. He is himself again.

He makes friends through his music, gets many invitations to play the piano in garden parties. And in one of those parties she meets her former sweetheart who does not recognize him. But somehow the story comes to a fitting close when the girl sings the song “Beloved” which the man purposely composed for the both of them. They clinch and everything is forgotten.

(Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ March 1, 1958)

POST-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES # 71: "MATIMTIMAN (BABAENG SILANGAN)" (1948)

"Matimtiman (Babaeng Silangan)"
Pangilinan Productions
Release Date: April 8- 13, 1948/ Dalisay
Story Fred Santos
Direction Fil M. Paculan
Cast Mona Lisa, Fred Santos, Gil de Leon, Aurora Dizon, Tolindoy, Amelia Saginsin, Ric Carlos, Sonia de Gracia

TESSIE QUINTANA AND NESTOR DE VILLA IN "SINGSING NA TANSO" (1954)

In 1954, LVN Pictures popular love teams, Armando Goyena & Tessie Quintana and Nida Blanca & Nestor de Villa switched partners--- Tessie Quintana teamed up with Nestor de Villa in "Singsing na Tanso," and Armando Goyena with Nida Blanca in "Dalaginding." The so-called 'sawa factor' would have probably drove Dona Sisang to try another 'recipe' to attract moviegoers. I don't know how it turned and fared out in the box-office but I am pretty sure that the ploy was a success.

"Singsing na Tanso" (1954)- Stars Tessie Quintana, Nestor de Villa, Tony Santos, Alfonso Carvajal, Leroy Salvador/ Directed by Gregorio Fernandez


"Dalaginding" (1954)- Stars Armando Goyena, Nida Blanca, Florentino Ballecer, Patring Carvajal, Maring Paralejas, Tony Dantes, Emma Alegre/ Directed by Manuel Silos

MARIO MONTENEGRO AND CHARITO SOLIS IN "ULILANG BITUIN" (1956)

Ulilang Bituin, another early Charito Solis starrer as she portrayed the role of a Korean war bride opposite debonaire Mario Montenegro.

"Ulilang Bituin" (1956)- Stars Mario Montenegro and Charito Solis/ Directed by Susana C. de Guzman

JAIME DE LA ROSA AND CHARITO SOLIS IN "DINAYANG PAGMAMAHAL" (1955)

As they say "strike while the iron is hot"--- With the box-office success of "Nina Bonita," LVN Pictures loses no time and released "Dinayang Pagmamahal." This was Charito Solis second movie. She was the titular lead star in her first movie, "Nina Bonita."

"Dinayang Pagmamahal" (1955)- Stars Jaime de la Rosa, Charito Solis, Rebecca del Rio, Vic Silayan, Fely Acuna, F. Ballecer, Priscilla Ramirez, Ched Bermudez, Rudy Farol, Baby Zeny, Lita Gutierrez/ Directed by Rino Bermudez



"Nina Bonita" (1955)- Stars Jaime de la Rosa and Introducing Charito Solis/ with Milagros Naval, Gil de Leon, Eusebio Gomez, Arturo Moran, John Legarda/ Directed by F.H. Constantino

JOSEPH ESTRADA IN GERRY DE LEON'S "BARILAN SA PUGAD LAWIN" (1963)

The movie "Barilan sa Pugad Lawin" was probably the second and last time the great Gerardo 'Gerry' de Leon ever directed Joseph Estrada. The first one was in 1961 in the movie "The Moises Padilla Story," where Erap played villain to lead actor, Leopoldo Salcedo.

"Barilan sa Pugad Lawin" (1963)- Stars Joseph Estrada, Liza Moreno, Lauro Delgado, Vic Diaz, Vicente Liwanag, Avel Morado, Jay Ilagan, Johnny Long/ Directed by Gerardo de Leon

THE ARMANDO GOYENA- TESSIE QUINTANA SCREEN TANDEM: LOVE TEAM OF THE 50s

The Armando Goyena- Tessie Quintana screen tandem was one of the most successful love teams launched by LVN Pictures. The two stars were first introduced in 1948 via Puting Bantayog . At that time, the studio was already keen on building the pair as the next love team to watch--- “Ipinakikilala ang bagong magkatambal sa pag-iibigan,” says the movie ad. However, their next movie, Sa Tokyo Ikinasal, paired them with different stars, Tessie Quintana with Rogelio de la Rosa and Armando Goyena with Celia Flor.

In 1949, LVN finally decided to cast the two in Princesa Basahan, a gamble that paid off. The movie, their first lead roles as a love team, surprisingly made a killing at the box-office. The rest, as they say, is history, as the pair starred in one hits after another, in movies like Virginia (1949); Misteryoso (1950); Pagtutuos (1950); David at Goliath (1951); Talisman (1951) and Tia Loleng (1953), Goyena’s favorite movie. All in all, the two made 17 movies.

1. Puting Bantayog (1948)- June 23- July 2, 1948

2. Sa Tokyo Ikinasal (1948)- December 20- 29, 1948
3. Princesa Basahan (1949)- July 15- 24, 1949
4. Virginia (1949)- October 7- 17, 1949
5. Misteryoso (1950)- August 16- 25, 1950
6. Pagtutuos (1950)- September 30- October 10, 1950
7. David at Goliath (1951)- April 10- 20, 1951
8. Talisman (1951)- June 16- 25, 1951
9. Tia Loleng (1952)- February 20- 29, 1952
10. Isabelita (1952)- June 4- 13, 1952
11. Tenyente Carlos Blanco (1952)- June 19- 28, 1952
12. Philippine Navy (1953)- January 14- 24, 1953
13. Hawayana (1953)- June 11/ 14- 23, 1953
14. Ligaw Tingin (1953)- July 24- August 2, 1953
15. Damong Ligaw (1954)- September 2- 11, 1954
16. Palasyong Pawid (1955)- February 19- 28, 1955
17. Abandonado (1956)- June 13- 22, 1956

"Puting Bantayog" (1948)


"Sa Tokyo Ikinasal" (1948)

"Princesa Basahan" (1949)

"Virginia" (1949)

"Misteryoso" (1950)

"Pagtutuos" (1950)




"David at Goliath" (1951)

"Talisman" (1951)

"Tia Loleng" (1952)


"Tenyente Carlos Blanco" (1952)

"Hawayana" (1953)

"Abandonado" (1956)