MOVIE ICON "PARALUMAN", 85

Movie legend, Paraluman (1923- 2009), the Sampaguita star with the classic beauty died at home yesterday (27 April 2009) after having been bedridden for two years due to Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.“My mom died peacefully of cardiac arrest,” said Press Undersecretary Baby O’Brien, Paraluman’s only daughter. “She went to sleep and never woke up.”Asked how old her mom was, Baby laughed a bit.“Naku, ito na; malalaman na ang matagal na niyang sekreto. She was 85.”
(Philippine Star/ 28 April 09)

Sigrid Sophia Agatha von Giese (December 14, 1923), better known as Paraluman, was a legendary Filipina actress during the early cinema era in the Philippines. She was a contemporary of the likes of Fernando Poe, Sr., Carmen Rosales and Gloria Romero and was a major contract star of Sampaguita Pictures.

Paraluman was born from a German father and a Filipina. At her prime, she was considered as the Philippine's answer to Swedish-American actress Greta Garbo because of her perfect bone structure, svelte figure, long brown hair, hypnotic eyes, an impenetrable gaze, and a face capable of registering everything. The young Paraluman was a movie fan. She loved reading magazines about her favorite celebrities. Her interest in showbiz increased when she learned that their next-door neighbor was the big movie star, Corazón Noble. Oftentimes, she would climb over the fence to catch glimpse of the actress.Her curiosity yielded positive result because Noble’s younger sister, Lily, noticed her. Soon, Paraluman became friends with Lily.

Because of her extraordinary beauty, Paraluman was recommended by Norma, another sister of Corazón, to Luis Nolasco of Filippine Films. She was only 17 at that time. Her first movie was Flores de Mayo (1940). She first used the the screen name Mina de Gracia. It was later changed to Paraluman by Fernando Poe Sr., who signed her as a full-fledged star in X’otic Films’ Paraluman (1941). This was followed by Bayani ng Bayan and Puting Dambana.

Left- La Paloma (1947)- Stars Paraluman, Fred Montilla, Lilian Leonardo, Rico Romero, Vicente Liwanag, Rafael Jimenez, Jose Cris-Soto/ Directed by Tor Villano

Right- Sor Remedios (1948)- Stars Paraluman, Fred Montilla, Rosie Lorenzana, Maria Cristina/ Directed by Octavio Silos

Left- Awit ng Bulag (1948)- Stars Paraluman, Fred Montilla, Linda Estrella/ Directed by Octavio Silos

Right- Batong Buhay (1950)- Stars Leopoldo Salcedo and Paraluman, / Directed by Ricardo Brillantes

After World War II, she came back to cinema as a contract star of Sampaguita Pictures. She then became a famous leading lady in romantic movies, but when she made a comeback, her image was repackaged by Sampaguita Pictures owner Dr. José “Doc” Pérez. She was given character roles, playing nemesis to Gloria Romero in Hongkong Holiday, then as a lame woman in Tanikalang Apoy (1959). This, however, turned to her favor because it honed her acting skills more, earning her a FAMAS Best Actress Award for the movie Sino ang Maysala?.

Paraluman was also nominated four times in FAMAS: twice in 1959 for Best Actress for the movies Bobby and Anino ni Bathala, in 1972 as Best Supporting Actress for Lilet, and in 1976 as Best Supporting Actress for Mister Mo, Lover Boy Ko.

Her daughter, Baby O'Brien, was a TV-commercial-model-turned-actress (now Press Undersecretary). Her granddaughter, Rina Reyes (O'Brien's daughter) is also an actress.

Paraluman's legendary status in Philippine showbusiness even merited her an inclusion in the lyrics of Ang Huling El Bimbo, one of the most popular songs of Filipino rock band Eraserheads. (Source- wikipedia)

Left- Rodora (1956)- Stars Paraluman, Van de Leon, Amalia Fuentes, Juancho Gutierrez/ Directed by Mar S. Torres

Right- Babalu (1956)- Stars Paraluman, Oscar Moreno, Ramon Revilla, Van de Leon, Daisy Romualdez/ Directed by Octavio Silos

Lydia (1956)- Stars Carmen Rosales, Rogelio de la Rosa
and Paraluman/ Directed by Armando Garces

Sino ang Maysala? (1957)- Stars Rogelio de la Rosa, Gloria Romero, Paraluman, Ric Rodrigo, Lolita Rodriguez, Luis Gonzales, Rosa Mia, Susan Roces and Romeo Vasquez/ Directed by Armando Garces

Left- Taga sa Bato (1957)- Stars Paraluman, Lolita Rodriguez, Luis Gonzales, Van de Leon and Eddie Garcia / Directed by Conrado Conde

Right- Ulilang Anghel (1958)- Stars Paraluman, Amalia Fuentes, Susan Roces, Barbara Perez, Daisy Romualdez, Tony Marzan, Tito Galla, Greg Martin, Jose Mari, Tony Cayado/ IOntroducing Romsemarie in the title role/ Directed by Jose de Villa

Left- Anino ni Bathala (1958)- Stars Paraluman, Ric Rodrigo, Marlene Dauden and Eddie Garcia/ Directed by Conrado Conde

Right- Tanikalang Apoy (1959)- Stars Paraluman, Rita Gomez, Lolita Rodriguez, Van de Leon, Eddie Garcia, Etang Discher, Bella Flores, Matimtiman Cruz/ Directed by Jose de Villa

Left- Baby Face (1959)- Stars Carmen Rosales, Paraluman, Amalia Fuentes and Jose Mari/ with Ven Medina, Meldy Corrales, Nori Dalisay, Lito Legaspi, Boy Alano/ Directed by Carlos Vander Tolosa

Right- Kamandag (1959)- Stars Jose Padilla, Jr., Fred Montilla, Van de Leon, Tony Marzan and Eddie Garcia/ with Paraluman, Rita Gomez, Marlene Dauden and Rosa Mia / Directed by Jose de Villa

Left- Ipinagbili Ko ang Aking Anak (1959)- Stars Paraluman, Van de Leon, Amalia Fuentes , Juancho Gutierrez, Susan Roces, Romeo Vasquez/ Directed by Armando Garces

Right- Isinakdal Ko ang Aking Ama (1960)- Stars Paraluman, Fred Montilla, Amalia Fuentes, Romeo Vasquez, Tito Galla, Liberty Ilagan/ Directed by Armando Garces

Left- Lilet (1972)- Stars Ronaldo Valdez, Paraluman, Vic Silayan, Lou Salvador Jr., Tita Munoz and Celia Rodriguez/ Directed by Gerardo de Leon

Right- Huwag Pamarisan: Mister Mo...Lover Boy Ko (1975)- Stars George Estregan, Anna Gonzales, Eddie Garcia, Paraluman, Vic Suilayan and Elizabeth Oropesa/ Directed by Ishmael Bernal

JIM FERNANDEZ' "KAMBAL SA UMA," "ZUMA," AT IBA PA

A contemporary of Komiks greats, Mars Ravelo, Nestor Redondo, Alfredo Alcala, Fred Carillo, Pablo S. Gomez and others, Jim Fernandez is one of the most popular writers-illustrators in the Philippines. He started as an illustrator in the 50s and later writing serialized komiks novels in the 70s. Two of his greatest works were Kambal sa Uma and Anak ni Zuma.

The original story of Kambal Sa Uma was created by Jim Fernandez and Ernie Santiago and was serialized in the Aliwan Komiks. It was later adapted into the silver screen in 1979 by acclaimed director Joey Gosiengfiao. It starred Rio Locsin in the dual roles of Ella and Vira. However, in the television adaptation, Rio plays Milagros, the mother of the twins, Ella (played by Melissa Ricks) and Vira (Shaina Magdayao). Born with the physical features of a rodent, the two will be separated, when their mother tries to save them from the persecution of the townspeople.

Kambal sa Uma- TV version/ Teleserye (2009)

Trivia: "Uma" comes from the word "tumana" or field. So "Kambal sa Uma" literally means "twin from the field."

Kambal sa Uma (1979)- Stars Rio Locsin, Orestes Ojeda, Juie Ann Fortich and Al Tantay/ Introducing Dennis Roldan and Isabel Rivas/ Directed by Joey Gosiengfiao

Zuma made its first appearance in a komiks novel Aztec. The character reached its peak in the 1980s with the series Anak ni Zuma. Anak ni Zuma was serialized in Aliwan Komiks from 1976 to 1984, a long series, a feat unmatched and unsurpassed and was even voted by komiks readers as the most popular komiks serial novel of the 70s and 80s. It was made into movies twice, in 1985 (Zuma) and 1987 (Anak ni Zuma).

Zuma was a demigod, and the son of the Aztec serpent god Kukulkan ("Plumed Serpent" or "Feathered Serpent"). He had a two headed snakes (one head on both ends) that rests on his shoulders. He was buried and entombed in an Aztec pyramid until he was unearthed by an archaeological expedition team. Unleashed into the modern world, Zuma went on a murderous rampage. (wikipedia)

Left- Aliwan Komiks/ December 2, 1976
Right- "Zuma" movie poster/ 1985

Left- Zuma (1985)- Stars Max Laurel, Snooky Serna, Dang Cecilio, Mark Gil, Rey 'PJ' Abellana, Charlie Davao, Racquel Montessa/ Directed by Jun Raquiza

Right- Anak ni Zuma (1987)- Stars Max Laurel, Dang Cecilio, Mark Gil, Rey 'PJ' Abellana, Lorraine Schuck and Jennylyn as Galema/ Directed by Ben Yalung

"The Dormitory," serialized in 1971 in the Pilipino Komiks, was one of the early works of Jim Fernandez adapted to the big screen.

click images to enlarge

Pilipino Komiks/ 1971

RODERICK PAULATE: 80s GAY ROLES

Roderick Paulate’s first foray in gay roles was in 1979 when he appeared in Maryo J. De Los Reyes' High School Circa ’65. It earned him the Famas Best Supporting Actor nomination and more importantly it paved the way for more and bigger movie projects. He was described as filmdom's "screaming faggot," because of his unique, hilarious and funny style of carrying his role and delivering his lines.

At a very young age of four, Roderick Paulate began acting for the movies (he was introduced in Kaibigan Ko'ng Sto. Nino in 1967). But it was years later, with his gay roles, that he would click with the masses. To this, Roderick demurs: "Kasi 'yung gay naman nag-start 'yon late eighties. Mas marami 'yung hindi ako gay dahil ang mga gay roles ko ilan lang compared sa mga movies na ginawa ko."

As far as he can recall, his first gay outing was in the critically acclaimed High School Circa '65. "Doon naman, I was nominated for Best Supporting Actor considering na 15 or 16 pa lang ako noon. I was the comic relief of the movie." Bibeth Orteza, who played a teacher in High School Circa '65, created a gay character for him in the sitcom "Tepok Bunot." "Nag-hit 'yon," says Roderick.

Then a producer gave him the lead role in Charot, a movie inspired by Dustin Hoffman's gender-bending performance in Tootsie. Before Roderick knew it, other offers to do gay roles started coming his way, with one of them from a very persuasive line producer-actress. "After Charot, ayoko munang tanggapin ang mga gay-gay roles," he says. "But it was Charo Santos who convinced me to do a gay movie where I would be paired with Maricel (Soriano)." The project was Regal Films' Inday, Inday sa Balitaw which ended up being a huge success. "The rest is history!" Roderick exclaims. "Yun na! Sunud-sunud na sa box-office."

Roderick, the gay comic, became so hot that, in 1987, he made six gay movies: Ako si Kiko Ako si Kikay, Mga Anak ni Facifica Falyafay, Jack En Poy, Binibining Tsuperman, Kumander Gringa, and 1+1=12+1.
Source: PEP/ Philippine Entertainment Portal

Left- High School Circa '65 (1979)- Stars Eddie Rodriguez, Liza Lorena, Charo Santos, Azenith Briones and the Young Stars of Today- Arnold Gamboa, Roderick Paulate, Maribel Aunor, Angelito, Beth Malongat, Efren Montes, Jingle, Michael Sandico, Margie Braza, Ricky Sandico, Nancy delos Santos/ Directed by Maryo J. De Los Reyes

Right- Charot (1984)- Stars Roderick Paulate (title role), Panchito, Bomber Moran, Tatlong Itlog, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia, Rez Cortez and introducing Shyr Valdez/ Special participation of Vilma Santos/ Directed by Leonardo Pascual

Left-Hee Man, Master of None (1984)- Stars Roderick Paulate, Emily Loren, Don Pepot, Tatlong Itlog, Joaquin Fajardo, Maning Bato and Redford White/ Directed by Tony Y. Reyes

Right- Inday Bote (1985)- Stars Charito Solis, Gloria Romero, Mon Alvir, Albert Anido, Christopher Palomo, Nova Villa, Chichay, Dely Atay-Atayan, Roderick Paulate, Balot, Palito, Max Alvarado and William Martinez & Maricel Soriano/ Introducing Richard Gomez/ Directed by Luciano B. Carlos

Left- Praybet Depektib Akademi (1986)- Stars Chiquito, Pia Moran, Panchito, Bukol, Debbie Miller, Monique Castillo, Bella Flores, Bentot Tintoy, Tugak, Rudy Manlapaz, Don Pepot, Tatlong Itlog and Roderick Paulate/ Directed by Ben Feleo

Right- Inday Inday sa Balitaw (1986)- Stars Susan Roces, Eddie Gutierrez, Armida Siguon-Reyna, Roderick Paulate, Cynthia Patag and Maricel Soriano& William Martinez/ Introducing Matet/ Directed by Luciano B. Carlos

Left- 1+1=12 Plus 1 (1987)- Stars Susan Roces, Eddie Gutierrez, Lotlot de Leon, Dranreb Belleza, Matet, Sheryl Cruz, Jigo Garcia, Jaypee de Guzman, Chuckie Drreyfuss and Roderick Paulate/ Directed by Mike Relon Makiling

Right- Ako si Kiko, Ako si Kikay (1987)- Stars Nida Blanca, Dante Rivero, Nova Villa, Jestoni Alarcon, Rita Avila Ronel Victor, Michael Locsin, Ian Veneracion and Roderick Paulate (in dual role)/ Directed by Mike Relon Makiling

Left- Binibining Tsuper-Man (1987)- Stars Miguel Rodriguez, Panchito, Babalu, Jaime Fabregas, Rose Ann Gonzales, Lou Veloso, Zorayda Sanchez, Monica Herrera and Roderick Paulate/ Introducing Jackie Aquino/Directed by Ben Feleo

Right- Jack En Poy, Hale-Hale Hoy! (1987)- Stars Maricel Soriano, William Martinez and Roderick Paulate/ Manilyn Reynes, Janno Gibbs, Nova Villa, Tessie Tomas, Caridad Sanchez and Chichay/ Directed by Luciano B. Carlos

Mga Anak ni Facifica Falayfay (1987)- Stars Dolphy, Panchito, Zsa Zsa Padilla,Roderick Paulate, Rolly Quizon, Kristine Garcia, Rose Ann Gonzales, Lotlot de Leon and Eric Quizon / Directed by Romy Villaflor

Left- Kumander Gringa (1987)- Stars Richard Gomez, Joey Marquez and Roderick Paulate/ Dranreb Belleza, Jon Hernandez, Jigo Garcia, Ana Margarita Gonzales, Tina Alcala, Ana Abiera/Directed by Mike Relon Makiling

Right- Leroy Leroy Sinta (1988)- Stars Nova Villa, Tia Pusit, Jestoni Alarcon, Rita Avila, Romnick Sarmenta, Jennifer Sevilla, Mon Alvir, Michael Locsin, Jovit Moya and Roderick Paulate/ Manilyn Reynes, Janno Gibbs, Nova Villa, Tessie Tomas, Caridad Sanchez and Chichay/ Directed by Jett Espiritu

Left- Me & Ninja Liit (1988)- Stars Roderick Paulate, Manilyn Reynes & Janno Gibbs, Ruffa Gutierrez & Dennis De Silva and Aiza Seguerra/ with Nova Villa, Ramon Zamora, Jaime Fabregas /Directed by Jun Cabreira

Right- Petrang Kabayo at ang Pilyang Kuting (1988)- Stars Roderick Paulate, Kristina Paner & Cris Villanueva, Maniyn Reynes & Janno Gibbs and Aiza Seguerra/ Directed by Luciano B. Carlos

Penoy...Balut (1988)- Stars Nora Aunor, Tirso Cruz III and Roderick Paulate/ with Chuckie Dreyfuss, Isabel Granada, Robert Ortega, Lito Anzures, Subas Herrero, Palito, Balot, Don Pepot/ Directed by Mike Relon Makiling

Left- Gorio en Tekla (1989)- Stars Maricel Soriano, Roderick Paulate and Gabby Concepcion/ with Nova Villa, Caridad Sanchez, Cynthia Patag/ Directed by Luciano B. Carlos

Right- Bala at Lipistik (1994)- Stars Roderick Paulate, Zoren Legaspi, Dindi Gallardo, Nanette Inventor, Mitch Valdez and Tessie Tomas/ Directed by Maryo J. Delos Reyes