THE TWIST: THE DANCE CRAZE OF THE 60s

"COME ON, BABY,

LET'S DO THE TWIST"

Jam Session (1962)- Stars Nida Blanca, Nestor De Villa, Bernard Bonnin and Lourdes Medel

The Twist is a twelve bar blues song that gave birth to the Twist Dance craze. The song was written and originally released in 1959 by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters as a B-side but was a minor hit. The song and the dance the Twist, were popularized in 1960 when the song was covered by Chubby Checker. His single became a smash hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on September 19 in 1960 (one week), and then setting a record by being the only single to reach number one in two different chart runs when it resurfaced and topped the chart again on January 13, 1962 (two weeks).

see Pinoy classic rock 1960s
see Dance Crazes of the Sixties

THE TWIST
by Chubby Checker

Come on baby let's do the twist
Come on baby let's do the twist
Take me by my little hand and go like this
Ee-oh twist baby baby twist
Oooh-yeah just like this
Come on little miss and do the twist

My daddy is sleepin' and mama ain't around
Yeah daddy is sleepin' and mama ain't around
We're gonna twisty twisty twisty
'Til we turn the house down
Come on and twist yeah baby twist
Oooh-yeah just like this
Come on little miss and do the twist

Yeah you should see my little Sis
You should see my my little Sis
She really knows how to rock
She knows how to twist
Come on and twist yeah baby twist
Oooh-yeah just like this
Come on little miss and do the twist
Yeah rock on now
Yeah twist on now
Twist.

It's 1960 and the new dance craze is The Twist...

Remember the popular live show Dance-O-Rama televised Monday to Friday, 6 to 7pm at DZTM-TV-Channel 5 and hosted by Pete Roa and Baby O’Brien.

How about DJ Dance Time aired at DZRH-TV-Channel 11 and The Nite Owl Dance Party also aired over Channel 11 and hosted by Lito Gorospe.

I used to watch these TV shows with my parents, titos and titas. Those were the good old days!

Dance-O-Rama (1963) - Stars Susan Roces, Jose Mari, Rosemarie,
Juvy Cachola, Dindo Fernando and Bert Leroy, Jr.


Yeba (1963) - Stars Nida Blanca, Nestor De Villa,
Lita Guitierrez and Diomedes Maturan

DJ Dance Time (1964) - Stars Daisy Romualdez, Cynthia Ugalde,
Alona Alegre and Helen Gamboa


The Nite Owl Dance Party (1964) - Stars Eddie Mesa, Jose Mari,
Helen Gamboa and Maggie De La Riva



Everybody Dance (1964) - Stars Nida Blanca, Nestor De Villa
and The Reycards Duet

MOVIE TRIVIA #2: TO BE A MAN (1963)

I always admired actor Van Heflin. Though not as handsome as Gregory Peck, Cary Grant, Clark Gable, or Rock Hudson, Heflin nevertheless played intelligent, determined, often complex heroes and turned in many fine performances as the star of both dramas and action films. In Shane (1953), Heflin played a homesteader being intimidated by a mob of cattlemen. A mysterious stranger and gunslinger (Alan Ladd) came to his aid; 3:10 to Yuma (1957) was one of the best gripping and suspenseful 1950s western, where farmer (Heflin) needing the money agreed to hold captured outlaw (Glenn Ford) until the train arrives, but Ford started to psych him out: In Act of Violence (1949), a film noir, Heflin was pitted against equally talented actor Robert Ryan. A young soldier (Ryan) tried to track down an informer (Heflin) who wronged them during their capivity in a Nazi prison camp.

Did you know that...
Van Heflin starred in a 1963 film, To Be a Man, which he co-starred with Filipino stars Leopoldo Salcedo, Liza Moreno, Oscar Roncal, Oscar Keesee, Ruben Rustia and Vic Silayan. The movie, which was co-produced by Eddie Romero, was released in the United States as Cry of Battle.

For details of the movie, see Andrew Leavold blog:
Eddie Romero Filmography

More on Movie Trivia

To Be a Man (1963)- Stars Van Heflin, Leopoldo Salcedo, James MacArthur, Liza Moreno, Vic Silayan, Mike Parsons and Rita Moreno/ Directed by Irving Lerner

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

WISHING YOU ALL
A MERRY CHRISTMAS
AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

Little Christmas Tree - FPJ's Christmas gift to his fans in 1977 with superstar Nora Aunor

JAIME DE LA ROSA AND NIDA BLANCA IN BENIGNO S. AQUINO'S "KOREA" (1952)

Did you know that…
Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino [ Philippine opposition leader during the Marcos era, senator and national hero] was only 17 when he joined the country’s biggest newspaper, The Manila Times. When The Times was casting about for someone to cover what was happening to the Philippine contingent in the Korean War, Ninoy jumped at the chance. He cajoled the newspaper’s Brooklyn-born editor, Dave Boguslav, and its publisher, Joaquin ‘Chino’ Roces to send him to Korea. But he was only 17! What could a ‘boy correspondent’ do? “What will your mother say?”, Chino exclaimed. When the two hesitated, Ninoy simply hitched a ride on a military plane and was in Korea sending dispatches before his two bosses realized that he had jumped the gun on them. The Times’ editors, Boguslav and Joe Bautista, soon came to appreciate that gung ho quality which was to rocket Aquino to fame.

Excerpt from: Ninoy: In the Eye of Memory
By Maximo V. Soliven
People Magazine/ August 2003

Did you also know that…
Ninoy Aquino wrote the story and screenplay of the movie, Korea (1952), which starred Jaime de la Rosa and directed by Lamberto V. Avellana. It was nominated for that year’s FAMAS Best Picture and Best Screenplay (for Ninoy). It won two FAMAS major awards: Best supporting actor for Gil de Leon and Best supporting actress for Nida Blanca who was only 16 years old then and just barely one year in LVN. She portrayed the role of a young Korean war waif.

A scene from the movie Korea with lead star Jaime De la Rosa and young Nida Blanca.

THE MAVERICK DIRECTOR CELSO AD CASTILLO

HIGHLIGHTS IN CELSO AD CASTILLO'S CAREER:

• Celso Ad Castillo is ranked along with Directors Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Marilou Diaz-Abaya and Mike de Leon for bringing about the Philippine cinema’s so-called Second Golden Age in the 70s.

• Celso was only 21 when he did his first film, Misyong Mapanganib (1965), which signaled his independent filmmaking years. The movie gave Tito Galla, brother of Gloria Romero, his first starring role opposite Helen Gamboa.

• At 27, he directed Fernando Poe Jr. in Asedillo (1971), a biographical sketch of one of the more charismatic local dissident leaders in Southern Tagalog which gave the action star a Famas best actor award. Celso went on to direct FPJ in other films: Ang Alamat (1971), Sto. Domingo (1972) and Esteban (1973).

• Castillo was also known for such classic as Nympha, an erotic film ahead of its time; Celso Ad Castillo made his mark in local movies by creating a stir in the early '70s, with his sex flicks which were once even condemned as "pornography." His original Nympha was hailed as one of the best movies of the decade, along with his Asedillo. Nympha became the second Filipino movie that qualified for competition category in the 1971 Venice Film Festival, after Manuel Conde's Genghis Khan. Nympha was shot in black and white and starred a relative newcomer whom Celso simply christened as Rizza (Estrella Fabian in real life). The film earned for Celso his first Famas nomination as best director, up against Gerry de Leon's "Lilet," which starred Celia Rodriguez.

• Celso further reinforced his reputation as director of sex flicks with "The Virgin" which again starred Rizza, "Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa" with Gloria Diaz in the original version and Ruffa Gutierrez in the remake, "Ang Madugong Daigdig ni Salvacion with Pilar Pilapil, "Virgin People" with Pepsi Paloma, Janet Bordon and Myrna Castillo, "Isla" with Maria Isabel Lopez, "Brown Emmanuelle" with Myrna Castillo and "Paradise Inn" with Lolita Rodriguez and Vivian Velez.

• Celso, however, tried in hand in other film genres. He wrote and directed even horror flicks like the Susan Roces-Rosanna Ortiz classic, Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara in 1974 and Susan Roces award-winning movie, Maligno in 1977.

• Pagputi ng Uwak Pagitim ng Tagak (1976), a love story interwoven with the Hukbalahap Movement in the country, established Celso's identity as a filmmaker.

• Burlesk Queen (1997), which starred Vilma Santos, gave Celso his first best director award, besting other film greats such as Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Mike de Leon, Eddie Romero and Augusto Buenaventura

• Celso also directed Christopher de Leon in Ang Alamat ni Julian Makabayan, Dante Rivero and Hilda Koronel in Ang Gangster at ang Birhen, Jay Ilagan in Ato Ti Bondying, Elizabeth Oropesa in Uhaw na Dagat, Lito Lapid in Pedro Tunasan (1983), Dina Bonnevie and Gary Estrada in Tag-araw, Tag-ulan, German Moreno in Payaso, Gloria Diaz in Ang Daigdig ay Isang Butil na Luha, Sunshine Cruz in Lihim ni Madonna and Ramon Zamora in Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig ni Pedro Penduko (1973) and Return of the Dragon (1974).

Excerpts from the article, "Celso Remains a 'Kid' at Heart"
by Leah Salterio /Philippine Daily Inquirer

Misyong Mapanganib (1965) - Celso's first film / Stars Tito Galla and Helen Gamboa

Zebra (1965) - Stars Tito Galla, Stella Suarez and Ruby Regala in the title role

Mansanas sa Paraiso (1965)- Stars Stella Suarez in her first starring role

Nympha (1971) - released during the 'Bomba" era/ Stars Rizza

Asedillo (1971)- Stars Fernando Poe, Jr. and Barbara Perez

Ang Alamat (1971) - Stars Fernando Poe, Jr. and Pilar Pilapil

Sto. Domingo (1972) - Stars Fernando Poe, Jr. and Boots Anson-Roa

Esteban (1973) - Stars Fernando Poe, Jr., Alona Alegre and Boots Anson-Roa

Return of the Dragon (1974)- Stars Ramon Zamora and Lotis Key

Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa (1974)- stars Gloria Diaz, Elizabeth Oropesa and Vic Vargas in a very special role. It started the so-called 'wet look' in local cinema.

Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara (1974) - Stars Susan Roces, Dante Rivero and Rosanna Ortiz

Ang Madugong Daigdig ni Salvacion (1975)- Stars Ricky Belmonte, Pilar Pilapil and Leila Hermosa

Daluyong at Habagat (1976) - Stars Vic Vargas, Ricky Belmonte, Alma Moreno and Pinky de Leon

Burlesk Queen (1977) - Stars Vilma Santos

Maligno (1977) - Stars Susan Roces, Dante Rivero, Celia Rodriguez and Eddie Garcia

Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak (1978) - Stars Vilma Santos and Bembol Roco


Aliw-iw (1979)- Stars Rio Locsin

Totoy Boogie (1980) - Stars Lloyd Samartino

Pedro Tunasan (1983_ - Stars Lito Lapid and Tina Revilla

Paradise Inn (1984) - Stars Lolita Rodriguez and Vivian Velez

DIVINA VALENCIA AND STELLA SUAREZ: THE SEX SIRENS OF THE 60s

Labanang Babae! (1965)- Stars Divina Valencia and Stella Suarez

Naalaala ko pa ang isang kanta na sumikat noong dekada 60 na “Divina Valencia, Stella Suarez nagbuburles,” sung to the tune of A Hard Day’s Night ng The Beatles.

Divina and Stella were the moviedom’s sex sirens of the 60s. Divina was introduced in 1964 in the Jess Lapid launching movie “Kardong Kidlat,” while Stella was already acting in movies a year earlier but was doing contravida and supporting roles, before she was given a big break in 1965 in the movie, Mansanas sa Paraiso, directed by newcomer Celso Ad Castillo. Considered as sex sirens, Divina and Stella sexy roles were rather tamed extending only to exposing their backs, wearing skimpy clothes, nighties or bikinis and doing some light kissing scenes. Divina in particular became the favorite screen partner of most leading actors that time in the likes of FPJ, Joseph Estrada, Romeo Vasquez, Zaldy Zshornack, Dolphy, Chiquito, among others. She temporarily gave up her acting when she got married to action star Bernard Belleza. They had a son (Dranreb). Stella, on the other hand, went on her showbiz career doing some films during the Bomba era in the early 70s. Stella is mom to 80-90s movie idol Richard Gomez.

Kung Gabi sa Maynila (1964) - Stars Miriam Jurado, Pilita Corrales, Stella Suarez and Perla Bautista with Tony Ferrer in a supporting role

Kardong Kidlat (1964) - Stars Jess Lapid in his first starring role and introducing Divina Valencia

Labanang Lalake! (1965) - Stars Joseph Estrada, Jess Lapid, Perla Bautista and Divina Valencia

Mansanas sa Paraiso (1965)- Stars Stella Suarez in her first starring role/ Story and direction by Celso Ad Castillo

Ang Babaing Ito ay Akin (1966)- Stars Jun Aristorenas and Divina Valencia

Not For Hire (1966) - Stars Jun Aristorenas and Divina Valencia

Ang Nasasakdal (1966)- Stars Romeo Vasquez and Divina Valencia


Target: Sexy Rose (1966)- Stars Chiquito and Divina Valencia

Espiya Kontra Espiya (1966) - Stars Nestor de Villa and Divina Valencia

Jala Jala Jerk (1966)- Stars Eddie Mesa and Divina Valencia

Mga Alabok sa Lupa (1967)- Fernando Poe, Jr. and Divina Valencia


Dakilang Tanga (1968)- Stars Dolphy, Panchito and Divina Valancia

Psycho Maniac (1968)- Stars Divina Valencia, Ray Marcos, Stella Suarez and Dindo Fernando

Apoy ng Kaligayahan (1971)- Stars Stella Suarez, Rosanna Ortiz, Eva Marie, Gina Stuart and Vic Vargas

"GLORIA" AND "ERAP" TOYS

I bought these two cute Gloria and Erap toy figures during the Christmas midnight sale at Greenhills shopping center last year. The figures, in their funny and amusing poses, measuring between 2 1/2" to 2 3/4" in sizes, in resin, are perfect gifts for Gloria and Erap supporters.