32nd GAWAD URIAN WINNERS (2009)

The best films of 2008 were honored last night at the 32nd Gawad Urian Awards held at the CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) Little Theater. Once again, independent (indie) films dominated this year's awards.

see: List of Gawad Urian Best Pictures (1976-2008)

"Serbis" (2008) -Stars Gina Pareno, Jacklyn Jose, Julio Diaz, Coco Martin, Kristoffer King, Dan Alvaro/ Directed by Brillante Mendoza

LIST OF WINNERS:

BEST PICTURE:

Serbis (Centerstage Productions)

BEST DIRECTOR:

Brillante Mendoza, Serbis

BEST ACTOR:

Ronnie Lazaro, Yanggaw

BEST ACTRESS:

Mylene Dizon, 100

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:

Coco Martin, Jay

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:

Aleera Montalla, Yanggaw

BEST SCREENPLAY:

Francis Xavier Pasion, Jay

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY:

Odyssey Flores, Serbis

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN:

Benjamin Padero, Carlo Tabije , Serbis

BEST EDITING:

Francis Pasion, Kats Serraon, Chuck Gutierrez, Jay

BEST MUSIC:

Popong Landero, Hunghong Sa Yuta

BEST SOUND:

Joey Santos, Von De Guzman, Yanggaw

BEST SHORT FILM:

Andong, directed by Milo Tolentino

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, NATATANGING GAWAD:

Peque Gallaga, Director

Left- "Yanggaw" (2008) -Stars Ronnie Lazaro, Techie Agbayani, Joel Torre, Aleera Montalla, Monet Gaston, Gio Respall/ Directed by Richard Somes

Right- "100" (2008)- Stars Mylene Dizon, Eugene Domingo and Tessie Tomas/ with Tess Antonio, Lance Diaz, Ryan Eigenmann Directed by Chris Martinez

Left- "Jay" (2008) -Stars Baron Geisler, Coco Martin, Flor Salanga, Angelica Rivera, Jericho Espiritu/ Directed by Francis Xavier Pasion

Right- "Hunghong sa Yuta" (2008)- Stars Lucia Cijas, Nelson Dino, Jaymar Generana, Popong Landero, Christine Lim/ Directed by Arnel Mardoquio

FRANCISCO .V. COCHING'S "BARBARO" (1952): KOMIKS SERIAL

Old and new generations of comic fans will be glad to hear that the graphic book novel of Francisco V. Coching's "El Indio" will be coming out soon. Pre-selling of the book is now ongoing at the Book Fair/SMX, Mall of Asia, from September 16 to 20. The novel is a sequel to "Ang Barbaro," another prized work of the great writer/illustrator. Here's a segment of that novel which he also both authored and drawn. It was serialized on the pages of Pilipino Komiks in 1952.

See: F.V. Coching's Barbaro (1952): Movie Adaptation

click images to enlarge

Thanks to Steve Santos
of Unang Labas for the materials

THE LAPIDS AS "ZIGOMAR"

"Zigomar," the masked fictional character in the mold of legendary "Zorro" popularized by 60s action star Jess Lapid in 1964, was also remade 20 years later in 1984 by another Lapid, Lito, Jess's nephew.

see: The Lapids as "Leon Guerrero"

Zigomar (1964)-Stars Jess Lapid, Divina Valencia, Eddie Garcia, Max ALvarado, Rod Navarro, Gina Laforteza/ Directed by Armando Garces

Zigomar (1984)- Stars Lito Lapid, Marianne dela Riva, Paquito Diaz, Romy Diaz, Victor Bravo, Bomber Moran, VicVarrion/ Directed by Eddie Nicart

ROBIN AND FRANKIE: CHILD STARS OF THE 70s

Robin Aristorenas and Frankie Navaja, Jr., both award-winning child performers, were two of the top and talented child stars of the 70s. Robin was exceptional and outstanding in action movies while Frankie was best in drama. Robin starred as "Bimbo" (1970) and Frankie in "Dodong Ko!" (1970) and both appeared together in "Si Bimbo at si Dodong" (1972).

Left- Bimbo (1970)-Stars Robin Aristorenas, Eddie Garcia, Anita Linda, Myrna Delgado, Joe Sison and Leopoldo Salcedo/ Directed by Junar

Right-Dodong Ko! (1970)-Stars Gloria Sevilla, Vic Vargas and Frankie Navaja, Jr./ with Perla Bautista, Anita Linda, Martin Marfil/ Introducing Isabel Salas/ Directed by Raul T. Silos

Si Bimbo at si Dodong (1972)-Stars Robin Aristorenas, Frankie Navaja, Jr., Max Alvarado, Vemchito Galvez, Andres Centenera, Angel Confiado and Palito/ Directed by Junar

ANOTHER LOOK AT AVENIDA Circa 30s & 40s or 50s

Part of the 'haul' I got from a second-hand shop are these two rare old shots of Avenida, probably in the 30s (first photo) and in the 40s or 50s (second photo). Look at those cars and buses, now sought-after collector's and vintage models.

"Avenida" Circa 1930s

"Avenida" Circa 1940s or 50s

"AVENIDA Circa 1960"

Rummaging some items in second-hand stalls recently, I stumble this old photo that brings back golden memories of my youth and want to share it with you. It’s a shot taken at Avenida (now Rizal Avenue, Manila) in 1960. The place was so calm and peaceful… no pollution, no MRT. Ideal theater was then showing “All the Fine Young Cannibals” starring Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner.

VIDEO 48 FEATURED IN "SIDETRIP TRAVEL MAGAZINE"/ JULY- OCT. 2009

Sidetrip Travel Magazine/ July to October 2009
visit the website

(click images to enlarge)

STILL ROLLING: VIDEO 48
By Kristy Ann Texon

Video 48 is discreet--- and by that, it doesn’t mean that there are nearby strange vendors muttering “Boss, dibidi?” under their breath.

Inside the Mary Santos Arcade in Quezon City is a movie Mecca that has been operational for two decades now. Video 48, brainchild of owner Simon Santos, opened in 1988. “Watching movies was one of my favorite past times since childhood, and it brought me joy,” shares Mr. Santos. He loved collecting movies; eventually, opportunity knocked on the door. “My inventories grew gradually, and friends started calling and renting from me.” In a move to bank on his immense passion, Mr. Santos launched the shop, which lent--- among others--- masterpieces by Alfred Hitchcock and Akira Kurosawa.

The shop is almost a well-guarded secret, but cineastes have long been aware of its existence. Among the impressive roster of customers are late national Artists--- director Lino Brocka and writer Nick Joaquin; late diretor Luciano “Chaning” Carlos; directors Celso Ad Castillo, Laurice Guillen, Jeffrey Jeturian, Adolfo Alix, Jr., Quark Henares; writers Conrado de Quiros, Pete Lacaba, Lualhati Bautista; screenwriters Ricky Lee, Armando Lao, Senedy Que; and actors Bembol Roco and Joel Torre.

Almost 21 years after its debut, Video 48 has proven its mettle. While local rental shops have come and gone, the shop has witnessed the dawn of various formats: Betamax, VHS, laser disc, VCD, and DVD. Some have thrust into oblivion, but surprisingly, these formats share a roof in Video 48.

Though the influx of cable television and piracy somehow challenged Video 48’s success, Mr. Santos has managed to keep things exciting. “Sometimes I have to add some interesting titles to my existing inventory, like art films, operas, documentaries. I now sell movie posters, magazines, movie memorabilia, movie related toys and action figures to complement my existing business,” he says.

Notwithstanding, the minor changes in the shop, it still looks like an old school video shack--- the kind that people flock to for weekend movie marathons. There is recognizable delight in combing the familiar-looking aisles for remarkable titles. Perhaps that’s what kept Video 48 rolling all these years--- nostalgia.

Thanks to Kristy and to the staff of Sidetrip Tarvel magazine!

LVN PICTURES: THE MANY FIRSTS IN PHILIPPINE MOVIES

#1. IBONG ADARNA (1941)---The First Filipino movie with color sequence (hand-painted, frame by frame)

#2. ORASANG GINTO (1946)--- The First Filipino post-war movie

#3. BATALYON XIII (1949) --- The First Filipino full-color movie

#4. RODRIGO DE VILLA (1952)--- The First Filipino co-production with a foreign film company co-produced with Indonesia's Persari Productions, Inc.)

#5. BAHALA NA (1956)--- The First Filipino movie filmed in widescreen

JAIME DE LA ROSA FILM RETROSPECTIVE

Left- Signed autograph of the actor courtesy of "Purico."

Right- "Aladin"(1946)- Stars Norma Blancaflor and Jaime de la Rosa, Naty Bernardo, Salvador Zaragosa, Leroy Salvador, Vicente Salumbides, Gil de Leon, Juan Urbano, Canuplin, Menggay/ Directed by Vicente Salumbides


Jaime de la Rosa Film Retrospective is now ongoing at SkycableTV-Cinema One this week (with replays the following week). De la Rosa, a LVN’s prized contract star, was one of the country’s popular and bankable actors in the 40s and 50s and was best remembered in movies like Garrison 13 (1946), Waling-Waling (1948), Batalyon XII (1949), Satur (1951), Korea (1952), Dyesebel (1953), Batanguena (1953) and many other memorable films.
Five of his movies are included in the retro: 1. Aladin (1946) with Norma Blancaflor; 2. Biglang Yaman (1949) with Rosa Rosal and the tandem of Togo and Pugo; 3. Parola (1949) with Norma Blancaflor; 4. Galawgaw (1954) with Nida Blanca and 5. No Money No Honey (1955) with Carmencita Abad. Some months back, a romantic comedy, Nina Bonita (1956), one of my favorites and co-starred Charito Solis in her debut movie, was also shown.
It’s great to see these outstanding Tagalog classics once again and fans and movie enthusiasts like us are overwhelmed of such rare development.

Left- "Biglang Yaman" (1949)- Stars Jaime de la Rosa, Rosa Rosal, Pugo & Togo/ Directed by Joe Climaco

Right- "Parola" (1949)- Stars Norma Blancaflor and Jaime de la Rosa

"Galawgaw" (1954)- Stars Jaime de la Rosa, Nida Blanca, Eddie San Jose, Priscilla Ramirez, Metring David, Pamboy/ Introducing Nita Javier/ Directed by F.H. Constantino

Left- "No Money No Honey" (1955)- Stars Jaime de la Rosa, Carmencita Abad/ with Jose de Cordova, Oscar Obligacion/ Directed by Bert Avellana

Right- "Nina Bonita" (1955)- Stars Jaime de la Rosa and Introducing Charito Solis/ with Milagros Naval, Gil de Leon, Eusebio Gomez

ROBERT AREVALO, A TOP-NOTCH ACTOR, Movie Circa 1960-65

Left- "Huwag Mo Akong Limutin" (1960)- Stars Cesar Ramirez, Cyntia Zamora, Aura Aurea and Arsenia Francisca/ with Ramon D' Salva, Oscar Keesee, Nello Nayo, Danilo Jurado/ Introducing Robert Arevalo / Directed by Gerry de Leon

Right- "NBI" (1961)- Stars Jose Padilla, Jr., Efren Reyes, Alicia Vergel, Van de Leon, Johnny Monteiro, Cecilia Lopez, Miriam Jurado, Oscar Roncal and Robert Arevalo/ Directed by Eddie Romero

Acting runs in his blood. Robert Arevalo, an A+ and multi-talented actor, comes from the Ylagan clan. Award-winning director and National Artist Gerry de Leon is his uncle. The famous Tito Arevalo, a movie actor in the 1940’s and a musical scorer, is his father. Angel Esmeralda, also a movie actor and the father of Jay Ilagan, was his uncle. Liberty Ilagan and Jay Ilagan, both famous movie stars, are his cousins.

Arevalo made his movie debut in 1960 in Gerry de Leon’s “Huwag Mo Akong Limutin.” He was tapped to star in a major role in two relatively unknown movies early in his movie career--- "NBI" (1961) and "Panginoon" (1962). His biggest break was in 1965 for the movie “Ang Daigdig ng Mga Api,” for which he won the FAMAS Best Actor Award, together with his wife, Barbara Perez, who won the Best Actress trophy. In all, "Daigdig" got a total of 8 awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for De Leon. He was also best remembered in other two De Leon’s award-winning epic masterpieces, “Noli Me Tangere” (1961) and “El Filibusterismo” (1962).

"Bangkay Kaming Hahakbangan" (1961)- Stars Efren Reyes, Jose Romulo, Bob Soler, Eddie Mesa, Robert Arevalo/ with Oscar Keesee, Teroy de Guzman, Lito Anzures and Aura Aurea & Miriam JuradoDirected by Efren Reyes

Left- "Noli Me Tangere" (1961)- Stars Eduardo Del Mar, Edita Vital, Teody Belarmino, Johnny Monteiro, Oscar Keesee and Leopoldo Salcedo/ with Ruben Rustia, Robert Arevalo and all-star cast/ Introducing Lina Carino / Directed by Gerry de Leon

Right- "El Filibusterismo" (1962)- Stars Pancho Magalona, Charito Solis, Teody Belarmino, Edita Vital, Ben Perez, Carlos Padilla, Jr., Lourdes Medel, Robert Arevalo, Oscar Keesee/ Directed by Gerry de Leon

"Panginoon" (1962)- Stars Bob Soler, Aura Aurea, Mina Aragon, Johnny Monteiro, Oscar Keesee, Carol Varga, Lito Anzures, Jose Garcia and Robert Arevalo/ Directed by Efren Reyes



""Magtago Ka Na, Binata!" (1963)- Six Episodes: Stars Efren Reyes & Lolita Rodriguez; Cesar Ramirez, Fred Galang & Arabella Harmon; Robert Arevalo & Daisy Romualdez; Dolphy, Bob Soler & Luz Valdez; Mike Parsons & Aura Aurea; Nestor de Villa & Lita Gutierrez/ Directed by Eddie Romero



"Tagumpay ng Mahirap" (1965)- Stars Fred Montilla, Cynthia Ugalde, Greg Martin/ Robert Arevalo, Barbara Perez, Leonor Vergara/ Directed by Lamberto Avellana, Eddie Romero and Gerardo de Leon



"Ang Daigdig ng mga Api" (1965)- Stars Barbara Perez and Robert Arevalo/ with Ben Perez, Oscar Keesee, Dely Villanueva, Manny Ojeda, Mona Del Cielo, Ruben Rustia, Francisco Cruz/ Directed by Gerardo de Leon

"PATTI PAGE" LIVE IN MANILA

Patti Page (b.1927), dubbed “The Singing Rage,” just held a show at the Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City, September 4, and at the Araneta Coliseum, September 6. Now in her 80s, she still looked as glamorous and sounded almost like the way she did during her prime. Patti Page popularized the hits "Tennessee Waltz ", "How Much Is That Doggie In The Window" and "Cape Cod."

Did you know that Patti Page had a series of shows here in Manila in 1961 (see above poster) with Jimmie 'Honeycomb' Rodgers? It was held at the Araneta Coliseum with ticket prices then ranging from 80 cents to 5 pesos.

Page's signature song, "Tennessee Waltz," recorded in 1950, was one of the biggest-selling singles of the twentieth century, and is also one of the two official state songs of Tennessee. "Tennessee Waltz" spent 13 weeks atop the Billboard magazine's Best-Sellers List in 1950. Page had three additional #1 hit singles between 1950 and 1953, with "All My Love (Bolero)", "I Went to Your Wedding," and "(How Much Is That) Doggie in the Window."