HELEN GAMBOA: THE "DANCING QUEEN" OF THE 60s

Helen Gamboa, one of the popular stars of the 60s, is best remembered for her singing and dancing prowess. Besides being a great singer , she is probably the “Dancing Queen” of the 60s where she starred in most of the musical movies featuring the latest dance crazes of that period. Movies like Boogaloo (1967), Mash K Pops (1967), Shing-a-Ling-a-Loo (1967), Bang Shang-a-Lang (1968), Grind-Grind (1969), among others, showed Helen’s versatility as a singer and dance performer.

Helen was first runner-up to 1961 Miss Press Photography Cynthia Ugalde. She was introduced in Gorio and his Jeepney with Chiquito in 1962. This was followed a month later with Hugo the Sidewalk Vendor with Berting Labra, Sakay and Moy and Walang Pagkalupig with FPJ and Joseph Estrada.

She starred opposite almost all of the top stars during her time: Fernando Poe Jr. --- Kumander Fidela (1964), Hanggang May Buhay (1966), Baril sa Aking Kamay (1966) and Dugo sa Buhangin (1967); Joseph Estrada - Bantay Salakay (1966); Tony Ferrer- Target:The A-Go-Go-Generation (1967); Zaldy Zshornack- Pamilyang Walang Sindak (1964); Romeo Vasquez- Doble Trece (1967); Jess Lapid- Guillermo Bravado (1965); Eddie Fernandez- Habang Ako’y Nabubuhay (1966); Romano Castellvi –Yesterday (1967).

Her movie career was cut short when she eloped with band member Tito Sotto. They have four children--- Romina, Diorella, Gian and Ciara and two grandsons, Romino and Victorio.

Let's Go (1964)- Stars Eddie Mesa, Jose Mari, Helen Gamboa, Vilma Valera, Reycard Duet, Elizabeth Ramsey, Chiqui Somes and Jerry Pons/ Directed by Pablo Santiago

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

Boogaloo (1967)- Stars Helen Gamboa, Chichay, Vivian Lorrain, Vilma Valera, Bobby Gonzales, Roger Calvin, Dante Rivero and Ike Lozada/ Directed by Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao

Shing-A-Ling-A-Loo, Pretty Girl (1967)- Stars Helen Gamboa, Chichay, Vivian Lorrain, Roger Calvin, Dante Rivero, Caridad Sanchez, Lito Legaspi and Ike Lozada/ Directed by Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao

Mash K' Pops (1967)- Stars Helen Gamboa, Chichay, Vivian Lorrain, Caridad Sanchez, Roger Calvin, Eddie Mercado, Georgie Quizon and Jerry Pons/ Directed by Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao

Operation Discotheque (1967)- Stars Eddie Mesa, Jose Mari,Helen Gamboa, Maggie de la Riva, Tita Munoz Jerry Pons/ Directed by Pablo Santiago

Hey Boy! Hey Girl! (1967)- Stars Eddie Gutierrez, Helen Gamboa, Ronaldo Valdez, Margie Tanquitic, Chichay, Patsy, Georgie Quizon, Teroy de Guzman, Babalu, Babalina and Dolphy Jr./ Directed by Romy Villaflor

Bang-Shang-A-Lang (1968)- Stars Helen Gamboa, Ronaldo Valdez, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia, Jerry Pons, Joe Garcia, Mary Walter, Bebong Osorio/ Directed by Consuelo P. Osorio

Otra Vez, Senorita (1968)- Stars Romeo Vasquez, Helen Gamboa, Chichay, Roger Calvin, Caridad Sanchez, Dante Rivero, Eddie Mercado and Ike Lozada/ Directed by Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao

Grind-Grind (1969)- Stars Helen Gamboa, Ricky Belmonte, Dulce LukbanJerry Pons, Chichay, Vic Pacia, Doro de los Ojos and Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia/ Directed by Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao

Wet & Wild (1969)- Stars Helen Gamboa, Romano Castellvi, Jerry Pons, Joe de Castro, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia/ Directed by Tommy C. David

I'm a Tiger (1969)- Stars Helen Gamboa, Rico Roman, Carina Afable, Jerry Pons, Vic Pacia, Ponga and Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia/ Directed by F.H. Constantino