THE MOVIES OF MARILOU DIAZ-ABAYA

Left-1980: Tanikala written by Pablo Gomez, produced by Cine Filipinas Productions, starring Susan Roces, Bobby Vasquez, Eddie Garcia and Rita Gomez.

Right-1980: Brutal, written by Ricky Lee, produced by Bancom Audiovision, starring Amy Austria, Jay Ilagan, Johnny Delgado, Charo Santos

Did you know that Director Marilou Diaz-Abaya was only 24 years old when she did Tanikala in 1980, a much delayed movie project and initial venture of Cine Filipinas? Abaya was a graduate (with honors) of St. Theresa’s College and Assumption Convent, Outstanding Coed of the Year (1973-74), Teenage Ambassador of Goodwill, Karilagan Cultural Arts International awardee for Best Artistic Stage Performance of the Year and 1976 National Press Club awardee as Most Promising Stage Actress of the year. A promising credentials indeed for the young greenhorn in the local movie industry. Abaya soon established herself as one of the country’s best and finest directors, directing among others, Brutal (1980), Moral (1983), Karnal (1984), Baby Tsina (1984), Jose Rizal (1998) and Bagong Buwan (1999).

Left- 1983 : Moral, written by Ricky Lee, produced by Seven Star Productions, starring Lorna Tolentino, Gina Alajar, Sandy Andolong, Ana Marin, Laurice Guillen

Right- 1985: Baby Tsina, written by Ricky Lee, produced by Viva Films; starring Vilma Santos, Phillip Salvador, Caridad Sanchez

1984 : Karnal, rated A by the Film Ratings Board, written by Ricky Lee, produced by Cine Suerte productions; starring Charito Solis,Vic Silayan, Phillip Salvador, Joel Torre, Cecile Castillo

Left- 1991: Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo, written by Amado Lacuesta, produced by Regal Films’ starring Lorna Tolentino, Gabby Concepcion.

Right- 1992 : Ikalabing-Isang Utos, produced by Regal Films; starring Aiko Melendez, Gabby Concepcion, Edu Manzano, Maricel Laxa.

Left- 1996 : Sa Pusod Ng Dagat, written by Jun Luna, produced by GMA Films; starring Jomari Yllana, Elizabeth Oropesa, Chin Chin Gutierrez, Rolando Tinio, Jhong Hilario

Right- 1998 : Jose Rizal, written by Ricky Lee, Jun Lana, produced by GMA Films; starring Cesar Montano, Jaime Fabregas, Gina Alajar, Jhong Hilario, Gloria Diaz, Pen Medina

Left- 1999: Muro Ami, written by Ricky Lee, Jun Lana, produced by GMA Films; starring Cesar Montano, Amy Austria, Pen Medina, Jhong Hilario

Right- 1999: Bagong Buwan, written by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Ricky Lee, Jun Lana, produced by Bahag-Hari Productions and Star Cinema; starring Cesar Montano, Amy Austria, Caridad Sanhchez, Jhong Hilario, Noni Buencamino, Ronnie Lazaro, Jericho Rosales

Diaz has directed at least twenty-one (21) full length feature films which include internationally exhibited films with English titles and subtitles. The partial list includes the following:

1980: Tanikala (Chains), written by Pablo Gomez, produced by Cine Filipinas Productions, starring Susan Roces, Bobby Vasquez, Eddie Garcia and Rita Gomez.

1980: Brutal (Brutal), written by Ricky Lee, produced by Bancom Audiovision, starring Amy Austria, Jay Ilagan, Johnny Delgado, Charo Santos; multi-awards from the 1980 Metro Manila Film Festival, Film Academy of the Philippines, FAMAS; exhibited at the PIA Film Festival, Tokyo.

1983 : Moral (Moral) , written by Ricky Lee, produced by Seven Star Productions, starring Lorna Tolentino, Gina Alajar, Sandy Andolong, Ana Marin, Laurice Guillen; rated A by the Film Ratings Board; 1984 British Film Institute Outstanding Film of the Year.

1984 : Karnal (Of the Flesh), rated A by the Film Ratings Board, written by Ricky Lee, produced by Cine Suerte productions; starring Charito Solis,Vic Silayan, Phillip Salvador, Joel Torre, Cecile Castillo; Multi-awards from 1984 Metro Manila Film Festival, FAMAS, Film Academy of the Philippines, Catholic Mass Media; Gawad URIAN pelikula ng dekada 80; exhibited in Sceaux,Paris Women’s Film Festival (1985); in retrospective in Munich and Dusseldorf (1999).

1985: Baby Tsina, written by Ricky Lee, produced by Viva Films; starring Vilma Santos, Phillip Salvador, Caridad Sanchez; exhibited in ASEAN Festival, Tokyo (1988).

1991: Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo, written by Amado Lacuesta, produced by Regal Films’ starring Lorna Tolentino, Gabby Concepcion.

1992 : Ikalabing-Isang Utos, produced by Regal Films; starring Aiko Melendez, Gabby Concepcion, Edu Manzano, Maricel Laxa.

1994 : Ipaglaban Mo, The Movie (Redeem her Honor), written by Ricky Lee, produced by Star Cinema; starring nida Blanca, Ronaldo Valdez, Elizabeth Oropesa, Chin Chin Gutierrez, Sharmaine Arnaiz, Joel Torre, Ricky Davao; exhibited at the Fukuoka International Film Festival (1995), Tokyo (1995) New Delhi (1996).

1995 : Milagros (Milagros), written by Rolando Tinio, produced by Crown Seven, starring Elizabeth Oropesa, Sharmaine Arnaiz, Dante Rivero, Joel Torre, Raymond Bagatsing, Noni Buencamino; exhibited at the Film Festivals of Fukuoka, Tokyo, Pusan Munich, Dusseldorf; Gawad Urian Pelikula ng Dekada 90.

1996 : Sa Pusod Ng Dagat (In the Navel of the Sea), written by Jun Luna, produced by GMA Films; starring Jomari Yllana, Elizabeth Oropesa, Chin Chin Gutierrez, Rolando Tinio, Jhong Hilario; exhibited at the film festivals in Berlin, Munich, Dusselfdorf, Singapore, Brussels, Fukuoka, Tokyo, Pusan, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Hawaii, and others; NETPAC Award; FIPRESCI award.

1998 : Jose Rizal, written by Ricky Lee, Jun Lana, produced by GMA Films; starring Cesar Montano, Jaime Fabregas, Gina Alajar, Jhong Hilario, Gloria Diaz, Pen Medina; multi-awarded by the Metro Manila Film Festival (1998), Gawad Urian, Star Awards, FAMAS; commercially released at the Iwanami Hall, Tokyo (2000); exhibited at the film festivals of Berlin, Munich, Dusseldorf, Madrid, Paris, Singapore, Fukuoka, Tokyo, Pusan, Monteal, Vancouver, Guggenheim Museum of New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Hawaii, and others.

1999: Muro Ami (Reef Hunters), written by Ricky Lee, Jun Lana, produced by GMA Films; starring Cesar Montano, Amy Austria, Pen Medina, Jhong Hilario; multi-awarded by the Metro Manila Film Festival (1999), FAMAS, Star Awards; exhibited in the film festivals in Fukuoka, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Hawaii, and others.

1999: Bagong Buwan (New Moon), written by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Ricky Lee, Jun Lana, produced by Bahag-Hari Productions and Star Cinema; starring Cesar Montano, Amy Austria, Caridad Sanhchez, Jhong Hilario, Noni Buencamino, Ronnie Lazaro, Jericho Rosales; rated A by the Film Ratings Board; multi-awarded by the Metro Manila Film Festival (2001); exhibited at the film festivals of Asia Society of New York, Fukuoka, Tokyo, Pusan, Hawaii, and others.

2003 : Noon at Ngayon (Then and Now),written by Ricky Lee, produced by Star Cinema; starring Dina Bonnevie, Laurice Guillen, Jericho Rosales, Cherrie Pie Picache, Eula Valdez, Jean Garcia ; rate A by the Cinema Evaluation Board; exhibited at the film festivals of Hawaii, Fukuoka,Tokyo, San Francisco, and others.
Film Institute & Arts Center

2003 : Noon at Ngayon,written by Ricky Lee, produced by Star Cinema; starring Dina Bonnevie, Laurice Guillen, Jericho Rosales, Cherrie Pie Picache, Eula Valdez, Jean Garcia

BABALU'S FIRST CRACK AT STARDOM

Babalu is Pablito Sarmiento, another Dolphy sidekick best remembered for his longer than normal chin that was part of his comedic charm. He first worked as the driver for Panchito, where the comedy king discovered his natural knack for telling jokes, and then gave him a featured role on the television show Buhay Artista. He was introduced in 1965 in the movie Genghis Bond.

Genghis Bond (1965)- Stars Dolphy, Alona Alegre, Lucita Soriano, Val magno, Chona Delgado, Aruray/ Introducing Babalu/ Directed by Luis San Juan

From then on, he appeared mostly in Dolphy movies until in the 70s where he was given some important and meaty roles, in such movies as Boyoyoy, Love Pinoy Style, Drakula Goes to RP and Ang Hiwaga ng Ibong Adarna.

In 1975, Babalu was given his biggest break and first starring role in Doctor, Doctor I am Sick, his first crack at stardom. After two or three starring roles movies however, his career turned sour. Like most stars that gained instant popularity, success somehow got to his head. But you can’t put a good and talented comedian down forever, and in the 80s made a comeback in several Dolphy movies. Since then, Babalu appeared in several lead roles in countless movies and television shows, and established himself as one of the Philippines' most respected comedians.

Boyoyoy (1970)- Stars Dolphy, Pilar Pilapil, Panchito, Katy dela Cruz, Wing Duo, Gina Laforteza, Martin Marfil, Bino Garcia, Teroy de Guzman, Georgie Quizon and Bayani Casimiro/Featuring Ben David, Babalu, Babalina/ Directed by Armando Garces

Love, Pinoy Style (1972)- Stars Dolphy, Panchito, Connie Marie Hoffman, Bayani Casimiro, Dely Atay-Atayan, Teroy de Guzman, Babalu,Balot, Aruray, Metring David, Pepot and Golay

Ako'y Paru-Paro, Bulaklak Naman Ako (1973)- Stars Dolphy, Rosanna Ortiz, Panchito and Babalu/ Directed by Pablo Santiago

Ang Hiwaga ng Ibong Adarna (1973)- Stars Dolphy, Rosanna Ortiz, Panchito and Babalu/ Directed by Pablo Santiago

Doctor, Doctor I Am Sick (1975)- Stars Babalu (in his first lead role), Rosanna Ortiz, Eddie Garcia, Edna Diaz/ Directed by Ading Fernando

O...Anong Sarap (1975)- Stars Babalu, Lotis Key, Pugo, Paquito Diaz, Roldan Aquino, Amanda Suarez/ Directed by Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao

Left- Kung May Tiyaga May Nilaga (1975)- Stars Babalu, Pinky de Leon, Romy Diaz, Roldan Aquino and Bentot/ Directed by Ading Fernando

Right- Romeo at Julio (1975)- StarsRamon Zamora and Babalu, Alona Alegre, Rolda Aquino/ Directed by Jun Gallardo

PINOY MOVIE SPOOFS # 23: "TITONG ROBIN HOOD" (1965)

"Titong Robin Hood" (1965)- Stars Chiquito, Imelda Ilanan, Vicente Liwanag and Ruby Regala/ Directed by Herminio 'Butch' Bautista

PINOY MOVIE SPOOFS # 22: "SINBAD THE TAILOR" (1973)

"Sinbad The Tailor" (1973)- Stars Chiquito, Maritess Revilla, Romy Diaz, Johnny Monteiro, Yoyoy Villame/ Directed by F.H. Constantino

PINOY MOVIE SPOOFS # 21: CHIQUITO IN TWO BIBLICAL MOVIES

"Si Samson at si Delilah" (1972)- Stars Chiquito and Pilar Pilapil/ with Romy Diaz, Desiree Destreza and Bentot/ Directed by F.H. Constantino

"David at Goliath" (1972)- Stars Chiquito and Max Alvarado/ with Eddie Garcia, Roderick and Maya Valdez/ Directed by Roger Vivero

DIOMEDES MATURAN, THE "PERRY COMO" OF THE PHILIPPINES

Diomedes Maturan was introduced in this movie as
"the guy with the velvet voice."

Rose Tatoo ng Buhay Ko (1958)- Diomedes Maturan's First Movie/ Stars Charito Solis, Eddie Rodriguez, Diomedes Maturan/ Directed by Natoy Katindig

Dubbed as the “Perry Como” of the Philippines, Diomedes Maturan rose to fame by winning the popular singing competition "Tawag Ng Tanghalan" for his song "Rose Tatoo".

Maturan’s ascent to stardom in the late ’50s was quite phenomenal, especially in this industry where good looks count a lot. Tall, dark, but not quite handsome, he became a sensation on the sheer strength of his remarkable singing voice.

Representing Central Luzon, Maturan became a grand champion in the 1958 Tawag ng Tanghalan. Since his winning created such a huge impact on the public, LVN Pictures decided to make him a movie star and cast him in the film Rose Tattoo ng Buhay Ko, which actually praises the pains and triumphs he went through before he became a Tawag ng Tanghalan champion. The film, which also starred Charito Solis and Eddie Rodriguez (now both deceased), was a box office hit. LVN obviously had in its hands a goldmine in the golden voice of this golden boy and the studio set out to strike more gold by casting him in more pictures.

Ginintuang Tinig, still with Solis and Rodriguez – cast him as an aspiring singer who later achieves stardom. Then, there was Maturan at Lagman, which dramatized his rivalry with another product of the amateur singing contest circuit, Cenon Lagman. The late Pugo and Bentot provide comic support in this film.

Aside from his great musical ability, Diomedes Maturan also displayed a knack for comedy. In the 1959 film, Private Maturan, he comically reports to the army dressed to the nines – in a shimmering suit with matching sunglasses. He is supported in this comedy film by Pugo, Patsy, Bentot, Lopito and Hector Reyes (all deceased). In Detective Maturan (also filmed in 1959), he goes undercover in one scene by dressing up like a woman – wig, dress and all. Nineteen fifty nine was clearly his year – with all his films making money at the box office.

Maturan continued making movies for LVN in 1960: Lovingly Yours with Mila Ocampo (now better known as Snooky Serna’s mother, she was actually a Miss Philippine Press Photography winner, introduced by LVN to film via Biyaya ng Lupa), Botika sa Baryo (with Marita Zobel) and Doon Po sa Amin (with Ocampo and Zobel).

Before LVN Pictures folded up in 1961, he managed to do one more film with the studio: Prinsipe Diomedes at ang Mahiwagang Gitara – still with Marita Zobel as leading lady.

Diomedes Maturan’s rise to stardom may actually be likened to that of Nora Aunor. Both were Tawag ng Tanghalan grand champions. Both were dark-skinned, but were able to penetrate an industry kinder and more hospitable to those with fair complexion.

Maturan died on April 7, 2002 of heart attack at age 61.

Manila, April 10, 2002 (STAR) by Butch Francisco

Private Maturan (1959)- Stars Diomedes Maturan, Pugo, Lopito, Patsy, Bentot, Hector Reyes, Luz Valdez/ Directed by Natoy Katindig

Maturan at Lagman (1959)- Stars Diomedes Maturan, Pugo, Lopito, Patsy, Bentot, Marita Zobel, Mila Ocampo and introducing Cenon Lagman/ Directed by Natoy Katindig

Lovingly Yours (1960)- Stars Pugo, Lopito, Patsy, Bentot, Mila Ocampo and Diomedes Maturan/ Directed by Natoy Katindig

Prinsipe Diomedes at ang Mahiwagang Gitara (1961)- Stars Diomedes Maturan, Pugo, Lopito, Patsy, Bentot, Marita Zobel and LVN's 7 Dwarfs/ Directed by Natoy Katindig

Top Tunes (1964)- Stars Eddie Mesa, Jose Mari and Diomedes Maturan/ with Yolanda Guevarra, Jerry Pons and Helen Gamboa/ Directed byLarry Santiago

FAMAS 1972: "KILL THE PUSHERS" (BEST PICTURE)

"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
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Best Picture - Kill The Pushers (JE Productions)
Best Actor - George Estregan (Sukdulan/ Emar Pictures)
Best Actress - Boots Anson-Roa (Tatay Na Si Erap/ JE Productions)
Best Actress - Vilma Santos (Dama De Noche/ Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions)
Best Supporting Actress - Marissa Delgado (Till Death Do Us Part/ Lea Productions)
Best Supporting Actor - Nick Romano (Tatlong Mukha Ni Rosa Vilma/ Roma Productions)
Best Director - Augusto Buenaventura (Kill The Pushers)
Best Child Actress - Snooky (Mahalin Mo Sana Ako/ Virgo Film Productions)
Best Child Actor - Robin Aristorenas (Elias, Basilio at Sisa/ Juver Productions)
Best Story - Louise de Mesa (Babae, Ikaw Ang Dahilan) (Virgo Film Productions)
Best Screenplay - Augusto Buenaventura (Kill The Pushers) (JE Productions)
Best Screenplay - Luis Enriquez (Mahalin Mo Sana Ako/ Virgo Film Productions)
Best Cinematography (Color) - Nonong Rasca (Nardong Putik)
Best Cinematography (Black & White) - Ricardo Remias (Babae, Ikaw Ang Dahilan)
Best Editing - Marcelino Navarro (Nardong Putik)
Best Musical Score - Restie Umali (Ang Alamat/ FPJ Productions)
Best Sound - Angel Avellana (Kill The Pushers)

Special Awardees:
Dr. Ciriaco Santiago Memorial Award - Dr. Jose R. Perez

see FAMAS List of Winners
see FAMAS Unofficial website
More on FAMAS

Sukdulan (1972)- Stars George Estregan, Rosemarie Gil, Eddie Garcia, Cristina Reyes and Perla Bautista/ Directed by Armando Garces

Left- Tatay na si Erap! (1972)- Stars Joseph Estrada and Boots Anson-Roa/ Directed by Augusto Buenaventura

Right- Dama De Noche (1972)- Stars Vilma Santos and Edgar Mortiz/ Directed by Emmanuel Borlaza

3 Mukha ni Rosa Vilma- (1972)- Stars Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Jay Ilagan, Nick Romano/ with Carlos Salazar, Beth Manlongat/ Directed by Romy Suzara

Till Death Do Us Part (1972)- Stars Hilda Koronel, Victor Laurel, Eddie Garcia, Marissa Delgado, Raul Aragon/ Introducing Pinky De Leon/ Directed by Ishmael Bernal

Mahalin Mo Sana Ako (1972)- Stars Eddie Rodriguez, Boots Anson-Roa, Snooky, Connie Angeles, Renato Robles, Diana Dean/ Directed by Luis Enriquez

Elias, Basilio at Sisa (1972)- Stars Juna Aristorenas, Robin Aristorenas, Virginia, Romy Diaz, Johnny Monteiro, Venchito Galvez, Aldo Cruz/ Directed by Junar

"THE LUCKY SEVEN"

When Hollywood’s “Magnificent 7” was shown in 1962, it turned out to be a big hit and a star was born in the person of Steve McQueen. Apart from McQueen and lead star Yul Brynner, it boosted some other soon-to-be big names in Hollywood like Charles Bronson, Robert Vaughn, James Coburn and Horst Buchholz. With the success of M7, local producers eventually churned in movies with number “7” in their movie titles. Movies with titles like 7 Puso, Asiong 7, Pitong Makasalanan, Samahang Siyete and Siete Bandidos were produced and released at the same time Magnificent 7 was shown. More and more titles with 7 were released later in the sixties.

7 Puso (1962)- Stars Amalia Fuentes, Eddie Gitierrez, Tito Galla, Greg Martin, Lito Legaspi/ Guest- Paraluman/ Directed by Jose de Villa

Asiong Seven (1962)- Stars Ronald Remy, Danilo Jurado, Romeo San Jose, Boy Alvarez, Toots`Goyenechea, Boy Pangilinan, Jun Ragragio, Roger Thompson/ with Leonor Vergara, Lily Marquez, Oscar Keesee and Max Alvarado

Pitong Makasalanan (1962)- Stars Paraluman, Rita Gomez, Lolita Rodriguez, Lani Oteyza, Perla Bautista, Lilia Dizon, Cecilia Lopez and Romeo Vasquez/ Directed by Armando Garces

Samahang Siyete (1962)- Stars Bob Soler, Eddie Mesa, Lopito, Carlos Padilla, Jr., Robert Arevalo, Oscar Roncal, Eddie Fernandez/ with Aura Aurea, Miriam Jurado and Mina Aragon/ Directed by Abraham Cruz

Siete Bandidos (1962)- Stars Amado Cortez, Carlos Padilla, Jr., Renato Robles, Pablo Virtuoso, Tony Blade, Bert Martinez and Greg Martin/ with Max`Alvarado, Bert Olivar/ Directed by Sol Gaudite