Friday, January 30, 2009

THE SEXY LITA "ALEMBONG" GUTIERREZ



Alembong (1958)- Stars Leroy Salvador, Lita Gutierrez (Launching Movie), Linda Roxas, Rey Ruiz/ Featuring Reycard 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.”



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.

Source: Doña Sisang Filipino Movies/ 1977



Easy Ka Lang, Padre! (1956)- Stars Nida Blanca, Nestor de Villa, Lita Gutierrez, Willie Sotelo/ Directed by F.H. Constantino


Left- Ganyan Ka Pala (1956)- Stars Nida Blanca, Nestor de Villa, Lita Gutierrez, Willie Sotelo
/ Directed by F.H. Constantino

Right- Kalyehera (1957)- Stars Nida Blanca, Nestor de Villa, Milagros Naval, Lita Gutierrez/ Introducing Rey Ruiz/ Directed by Fred Daluz



Left- Phone Pal (1957)- Stars Nenita Vidal, Manding Claro, Lita Gutierrez, Val Castelo/ Directed by F.H. Constantino

Right- Sebya, Mahal Kita (1957)- Stars Nida Blanca, Nestor de Villa, Lita Gutierrez, Val Castelo/ Introducing Rey Ruiz/ Directed by F.H. Constantino


Anak ni Waray (1958)- Stars Nida Blanca, Nestor de Villa, Lita Gutierrez, Bernard Bonnin/ Directed by F.H. Constantino



Left- Teen-age Crush (1960)- Stars Tessie Quintana, Eddie Rodriguez, Lita Gutierrez, Manding Claro, Luz Valdez/

Right- Asiong Meets Alembong (1962)- Stars Joseph Estrada, Lita Gutierrez, Melinda Molina, Oscar Roncal, Vic Diaz, Vicente Liwanag/ Directed by Herminio 'Butch' Bautista



Lagay Muna (1962)- Stars Eddie Mesa, Lita Gutierrez, Linda Montesa and Chiquito/ Directed by Natoy Catindig

Thursday, January 29, 2009

PANCHO MAGALONA IN TWO INTERNATIONAL MOVIES


"The Day of the Trumpet" (1958)- re-released as "Cavalry Command"(1963)/ Stars John Agar, Pancho Magalona, Alicia Vergel, Richard Arlen, Myron Healey, Cielito Legaspi, Eddie Infante, Boy Planas, Vic Diaz, Max Alvarado/ Directed by Eddie Romero

"Merrill's Marauders" (1962)- Stars Jeff Chandler, Pancho Magalona, Luz Valdez, Ty Hardin, Peter Brown, Will Hutchins, Andre Duggan, Claude Akins/ Directed by Samuel Fuller

In the 60s, Pancho Magalona, one of the country's finest actors, barged into the Hollywood scenes with back-to back movies, Merrill’s Marauders (1962) with Jeff Chandler and Cavalry Command (1963) with John Agar. The latter was released locally as The Day of the Trumpet. Magalona was best remembered for his award-winning roles in Hanggang sa Dulo ng Daigdig (1958) and El Filibusterismo (1962).


The two movies are available in DVD


Monday, January 26, 2009

GINA ALAJAR: FROM "ORENG" TO "SALOME" (MOVIE ADS Circa 1967-81)



Kaibigan Ko'ng Sto. Nino (1967)- Stars Gloria Romero, Luis Gonzales, Eddie Garcia, Renato Robles, Tony Cayado, Caridad Sanchez, Bessie Barredo and Bella Flores, Roger Calvin, Merci Molina/ Introducing Gina Alajar as Oreng and Roderick (Paulate) / Directed by Armando De Guzman


Gina Alajar (Regina Alatiit in real life) was only eight (b.1959) when she auditioned for Lea Productions' Kaibigan Ko’ng So.Nino (1967). She bested some 300 aspirants getting one of the four important roles (the role of Oreng) at stake.

Among her early films were Bandana (1968), a Susan Roces-Romeo Vasquez starrer; Donata (1968), where she played the titular role of the girl who grows up to be Gina Pareno; she would also play "Narda" to Gina Pareno’s “Darna” in the 1969 film Si Darna at ang Planetman (1969); she also portrayed the real-life character of Irene Marcos in Pinagbuklod ng Langit (1969); she was one of the children in Lino Brocka's Wanted: Perfect Mother (1970) and one of the street children in Mga Anghel na Walang Langit (1970).

At age 12, Gina was tapped for lead roles in
Robina (1971) and Mag-inang Ulila (1971). In 1973, she did Cofradia, a remake of Gloria Romero starrer.


In the late 70s and 80s, Gina went on to star in many of the
Philippines’ most acclaimed films.


Gina won as Best Child Actress at the
Film Academy of the Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) for Kaibigan kong Sto. Niño (1967) and received a similar trophy from the Citizens' Council for Mass Media (CCMM) for Wanted: Perfect Mother (1970).


Gina received her second FAMAS award for Best Supporting Actress for
Biktima (1990). She was also Best Supporting Actress at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for Brutal (1980). She has won the URIAN four times, as best actress for Brutal 1980), Salome (1981) and Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim (1985); and as best supporting actress for Biktima (1990). The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) gave her the best supporting actress award twice, fo Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit (1984) and for Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina? (1990). At the 1991 Catholic Mass Media Awardss (CMMA), she scored an unprecedented feat by winning Best Actress for Biktima (1990) and Best Supporting Actress for Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina? (1990).

From: wikipedia



Left- Bandana (1968)- Stars Susan Roces, Romeo Vasquez, Lourdes Medel, Dante Rivero, Caridad Sanchez, Mary Walter, Nello Nayo and Gina Alajar ad Roderick Paulate) / Directed by Armando De Guzman

Right- Donata (1968)- Stars Lolita Rodriguez, Bert Le Roy, Jr., Gina Pareno, Bella Flores, Naty Santiago,Rey Tomenes, Lillian Laing and Gina Alajar as the young Donata/ Directed by Tony Cayado



Left- Pinagbuklod ng Langit (1969)- Stars Luis Gonzales, Gloria Romero, Rosa Mia, Vilma Santos and Gina Alajar as Irene/ Directed by Eddie Garcia

Right- Si Darna at ang Planetman (1969)- Stars Vic Vargas, Gina Pareno, Boots Anson-Roa, Cesar Ramirez, Bella Flores, Boy Alajar and Gina Alajar as Narda/ Directed by Marcelino Navarro



Wanted: Perfect Mother (1970)- Stars Dante Rivero, Boots Anson-Roa and Liza Lorena/ with Caridad Sanchez, Mary Walter, Etang Discher/ Gina Alajar, Ariosto Reyes, Jr., Arnold Gamboa and Snooky/ Directed by Lino Brocka



Mga Anghel na Walang Langit (1970)- Stars Lorna Tolentino, Zernan Manahan, Gina Alajar, Roderick (Paulate), Salvador Jose, Beth Malongat/ Directed by Armando De Guzman



Robina (1971)- Stars Gloria Romero, Luis Gonzales, Aurora Salve, Zandro Zamora, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia, Lucita Soriano, Von Serna and Gina Alajar in the title role/ Directed by Mar S. Torres



Mag-inang Ulila (1971)- Stars Gloria Sevilla, Aurora Salve, Zando Zamora, Bella Flores and Gina ALajar/ Directed by Jose de Villa


Brutal- (1980)- Stars Amy Austria, Gina Alajar, Charo Santos, Jay Ilagan, Johnny Delgado, Perla Bautista, Jonee Gamboa, Nello Nayo/ Directed byMarilou Diaz-Abaya



Left- Diboryada (1980)- Stars Gina Alajar/ Directed by Elwood Perez


Right- High School Scandal (1981)- Stars Gina Alajar, Sandy Andolong, Ting Jocson, Greggy Liwag/ Directed by Gil Portes



Wild (1981)- Stars Lorna Tolentino, Gina Alajar, Ricky Belmonte, Manny Luna, Jaime Fabregas/ Directed by Danila Cabreira



Left- Caught in the Act (1981)- Stars Lorna Tolentino, Gina Alajar, Amy Austria and Phillip Salvador/ Directed by Lino Brocka

Right- City After Dark (1969)- Stars Charito Solis, Alma Moreno, Lorna Tolentino, Rio Locsin, Cherie Gil, Gina Alajar, Orestes Ojeda, Bernardo Bernardo and William Martinez / Directed by Ishmael Bernal



I Confess (1981)- Stars Christopher de Leon, Gina Alajar and Alma Moreno/ Directed byRomy Suzara


Left- Playgirl (1981)- Stars Charito Solis, Phillip Salvador, Al Tantay, Gabby Concepcion, Jimi Melendez and Gina Alajar in the title role/ Directed by Mel Chionglo

Right- Salome (1981)- Stars Johnny Delgado, Dennis Roldan and Gina Alajar as Salome/ Directed by Laurice Guillen


Friday, January 23, 2009

"MALANG DRAWINGS" EXHIBIT AT SM MEGAMALL, JANUARY 23- FEBRUARY 8, 2009



Noted artist Malang celebrates his 81th birthday with a major one-man show at the SM Megamall Art Center. The exhibit will run from January 23 to February 8, 2009. A book, titled "Malang Drawings," will also be launched, authored by Juan T. Gatbonton and published by West Gallery.




The artist at work









Thursday, January 22, 2009

THE ENDURING AND TALENTED GINA PAREÑO: Movie Ads 1963-69

Award-winning actress Gina Pareño (Best Actress in Kubrador/2006 and Serbis/2008 and MMFF Best Supporting actress in Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo/2007) was already a big star in the 60s. Introduced in 1963, in the Susan Roces starrer, Sabina, Gina was a member of the popular Sampaguita-VP All-stars where they starred in a number of “Mga Batang…”series (Batang Turista, Batang Milyonaryo, Bata ng Lagim…) in the mid-60s, which include among others, Rosemarie, Blanca Gomez, Dindo Fernando, Pepito Rodriguez. All these teen stars were also launched in 1966 as “The Stars of 66.” Gina, veering away from the usual 'the-girl-next-door' type and comedy roles, was able to hone his craft, doing drama roles when she was pitted with veteran actresses, Marlene Dauden in Elizabeth (1968); Lolita Rodriguez in Donata (1968); and Gloria Romero in Paula (1969). She even donned the Darna attire in Darna and the Planetman in 1969.

see: Sampaguita-VP All-Stars: Mga Batang Series



Sabina (1963)- Stars Susan Roces, Eddie Gutierrez, Lito Legaspi, Bella Flores, Etang Discher, Boy Alano/ Introducing Gina Pareno/ Directed by Jose De Villa




Tansan vs. Tarsan (1963)- Stars Dolphy, Vic Vargas, Josephine Estrada, Cyntia Ugalde, Panchito, Chichay and Zeny Zabala/with Sarah Calvin, Loretta Marquez, Gina Pareno, Shirley Moreno/ Directed by Carlos Vander Tolosa



Left- Ako'y Ibigin Mo, Dalagang Matapang (1963)- Stars Susan Roces, Jose Mari, Bert Le Roy, Jr./ All-Stars Cast/ Directed by Tony Cayado

Right- Fighting Waray sa Ilokos (1964)- Stars Gloria Romero, Eddie Gutierrez, Rosemarie, Bert Le Roy, Jr., Boy Alano, German Moreno/ with Liberty Ilagan, Pepito Rodriguez and Gina Pareno/ Directed by Carlos Vander Tolosa



Leron-Leron Sinta (1964)- Stars Susan Roces, Eddie Gutierrez, Liberty Ilagan/ Introducing Ramil Rodriguez/ with Meldy Corrales, Bella Flores, Gina Pareno, Vic Pacia/Directed by Rosa Mia



Left- Bathing Beauties (1964)- Stars Liberty Ilagan, Josephine Estrada, Cynthia Ugalde and Gina Pareno/ with Tito Galla, Lito Legaspi, Johnny Misa, Boy Alano, German Moreno/ Directed by Mar S. Torres

Right- Bye-Bye sa Daddy (1965)- Stars Eddie Gutierrez, Jean Lopez and Gina Pareno/ Special Participation- Ramil Rodriguez and Ric Rodrigo/with Boy Alano, German Moreno, Shirley Moreno, Nori Dalisay, Elizabeth Bankhead/ Directed by Mar S. Torres



Left- Apat na Kagandahan (1965)- Stars Josephine Estrada, Blanca Gomez, Gina Pareno and Loretta Marquez/ with Ramil Rodriguez, Dindo Fernando, Bert Le Roy, Jr., Edgar Salcedo and Miss Carmen Rosales/ Directed by Conrado Conde

Right- Gintong Recuerdo (1965)- Stars Josephine Estrada, Dindo Fernando, Blanca Gomez, Bert Le Roy, Jr., Gina Pareno, Loretta Marquez, Edgar Salcedo and Miss Carmen Rosales/ Directed by Conrado Conde




Left- Eskuwelahang Munti (1965)- Stars Gloria Romero, Ric Rodrigo, Bert Le Roy, Jr., Gina Pareno, German Moreno / Directed by Carlos Vander Tolosa

Right- Isinulat sa Dugo (1965)- Stars Romeo Vasquez, Eddie Gutierrez, Josephine Estrada, Gina Pareno and Paraluman/ Directed by Jose De Villa



Paano Kita Lilimutin (1965)- Stars Gloria Romero, Lolita Rodriguez, Luis Gonzales, Blanca Gomez, Gina Pareno, Ramil Rodriguez, Edgar Salcedo/ with Etang Discher, Ven Medina and Venchito Galvez / Directed by Jose De Villa



Left- Papa Um Mamaw (1965)- Stars Rosemarie, Blanca Gomez, Gina Pareno, Bert Le Roy, Jr., Pepito Rodriguez, Edgar Salcedo and Ric Rodrigo/ with Boy ALano, German Moreno and Lilian Laing / Directed by Jose de Villa

Right- Magnificent Bakya (1965)- Stars Gina Pareno, Ramil Rodriguez, Edgar Salcedo/ with Sarah Calvin, Maria Victoria, Ven Medina, Jose Villafranca, Rey Tomenes, Jose Morelos, Renato Del Prado/ Directed by Octavio Silos



Left- Walastik sa Downtown (1966)- Stars Eddie Gutierrez, Gina Pareno, Loretta Marquez, Ramil Rodriguez/ with Bella Flores, Sarah Calvin / Directed by Mar S. Torres

Right- O!...Kay Laking Eskandalo! (1966)- Stars Rosemarie, Pepito Rodriguez, Gina Pareno, Edgar Salcedo, Chichay, German Moreno / Directed by Mar S. Torres



Left- Maraming Kulay ang Pag-ibig (1966)- Stars Rosemarie, Dindo Fernando, Blanca Gomez, Bert Le Roy, Jr., Gina Pareno, Pepito Rodriguez, Loretta Marquez, Ramil Rodriguez, Edgar Salcedo Shirley Moreno / Directed by Octavio Silos, Jose de Villa, Conrado Conde, Luciano B. Carlos, Emmanuel Borlaza

Right- Mama! (1966)- Stars Blanca Gomez, Gina Pareno, Bert Le Roy, Jr., Ramil Rodriguez, Edhar Santiago and Rosa Mia/ with Norma Blancaflor, Ven Medina, Etang Discher, Maria Victoria and Sarah Calvin/ Directed by Mar S. Torres



Way Out in the Country (1967)- Stars Vilma Valera, Bert Le Roy, Jr., Blanca Gomez, Gina Pareno, Edgar Salcedo, Ricky Belmonte, Elissa, Manding Claro, Norma Ledesma, Nora Aunor, Jose Yap, Boy Alano, German Moreno, Bella Flores, Ike Lozada and Chichay/ Directed by Mars S. Torres





Left- Let's Dance The Soul! (1967)- Stars Dindo Fernando, Loretta Marquez, Edgar Salcedo, Blanca Gomez, Ricky Belmonte and Gina Pareno/ with Boy Alano, Romeo Rivera, Ven Medina, Lilian Laing / Directed by Jose de Villa

Right- Deborrah (1968)- Stars Dindo Fernando, Bert Le Roy, Jr., Loretta Marquez and Gina Pareno in the title role/ Directed by Marcelino Navarro




May Tampuhan Paminsan Minsan
(1968)- Stars Gina Pareno, Ricky Belmonte and Loretta Marquez/ with Victor Wood, Boy Alano, German Moreno, Nora Aunor and Chichay / Directed by Mars S. Torres



Left- Elizabeth (1968)- Stars Marlene Dauden, Gina Pareno, Edgar Salcedo, Rico Roman and Luis Gonzales/ Introducing Tessie Agana, Jr./with Romeo Rivera, Matimtiman Cruz and Verna Gaston/ Directed by Tony Cayado

Right- Donata (1968)- Stars Lolita Rodriguez, Bert Le Roy, Jr. and Gina Pareno/ with Bella Flores, Naty Santiago, Rey Tomenes, Lilian laing, Ven Medina, Ely Roque, Victor Wood and Gina Alajar/ Directed by Tony Cayado



Dobol Wedding (1968)- Stars Juvy Cachola, Gina Pareno, Bert Le Roy, Jr., Edgar Salcedo/with Rosa Mia, Tony Cayado, Nora Aunor, German Moreno, Maria Victoria, Jose Morelos/ Directed by Jose de Villa



Left- Darna at ang Planetman (1969)- Stars Vic Vargas, Gina Pareno, Boots Anson-Roa, Cesar Ramirez/ with Gina Alajar, Boy Alajar and Bella Flores/ Directed by Marcelino Navarro

Right- Paula (1969)- Stars Gloria Romero, Gina Pareno, Ramil Rodriguez, Lauro Delgado, Rico Roman, Alicia Alonzo, Victor Wood, Bella Flores/ Directed by Mar S. Torres



Dugo ng Vampira
(1969)- Stars Gina Pareno, Edgar Salcedo, Myrna Delgado, Tito Galla and Charlie Davao/ with Bella Flores, Venchito Galvez, Ven Medina/ Directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza