THE SIXTIES # 66: CELIA FUENTES (IN THE TITLE ROLE), JESS MEDINA, DORIS ESTRELLA, ERNESTO SANTOS, LYDIA RESMA, REBECCA TORRES IN "MINERVA" (1960)

"Minerva" (1960)

Everlasting Pictures, Inc.

Release Date October 5, 1960/ Center

Screenplay Bert Tablan

Music and Lyric Levi Celerio

Direction B.F. Ongpauco

Cast Celia Fuentes (in the title role), Jess Medina, Doris Estrella, Ernesto Santos, Lydia Resma, Rebecca Torres, Ben Perez, Martin Marfil, Joe Sison, Ely Nakpil, Blackie Francisco, Nora Nunez,Flor Bien, Johnny Long, Luciano Lasam/ Featuring Honesto Los Banos/ Guest artis: Von Serna, Linda Madrid, Bill Francisco, Saints, Helen Nazario/ Introducing Hototay
(movie ad- courtesy of James dela Rosa/ Baul ni Juan)

THE FIFTIES # 163: ARMANDO GOYENA AND EVELYN VILLAR IN "KAPITAN KIDLAT" (1953)

"Kapitan Kidlat Ngayon!" (1953)

LVN Pictures

Release Date April 20-29, 1953/ Life

Story Leonardo Abutin

Music Carlos Aguilar

Direction Oscar del Rosario

Cast Armando Goyena, Evelyn Villar, Milagros Naval, Eusebio Gomez, Jose Vergara, Oscar del Rosario, Miguel Lopez, Moario Roldan and Menandro Ramos as Ramon

Pinoy version of America's Captain Marvel, Kapitan Kidlat was introduced to Pinoy viewers in the 1950s with screen idol, Armando Goyena playing the title role. Kapitan Kidlat, created by Leonardo Abutin, was based on a popular DZRH radio program.

"Inocencio Santos was a shy and humble man who worked at a police station, until he was granted incredible powers by Zeus, "the Supreme God", to aid the innocent and helpless against criminals. By uttering the phrase "Kidlat Ngayon" or "Kapitan Kidlat Ngayon", he would transform into the heroic Kapitan Kidlat !"

"THE AMAZING EXPLOITS OF PINOY BATMEN" / THE PHILIPPINE STAR

Just featured in today's issue of The Philippine Star (July 21, 2012). The article, "The Amazing Exploits of Pinoy Batmen," written by Don Jaucian, traces the history of Pinoy Batman in Philippine movies---

to read, click image to enlarge

or see link
--- thanks to Don Jaucian for the wonderful article---

"WANDER WOMAN SI AKO!"

Remember Maria Teresa Carlson? She was a big star in the 8os and a mainstay in the popular TV sitcom "Chicks to Chicks." She was best remembered for her witty dialogues of "si ikaw, si ako..." which eventually earned her starring roles in some Tagalog movie spoofs--- "Wander Woman si Ako" and "Si Ako at ang Tres Moskiteros."

In 2001, Ms Carlson, jumped to her death from the 23rd floor of the Platinum 2000 condo in Greenhills. She was a victim of domestic violence.

"Wander Woman si Ako" (1980)- Stars Maria Teresa Carlson/
Directed by Pablo Santiago

"Si Ako at ang Tres Moskiteros" (1982)- Stars Tito, Vic & Joey and Maria Teresa Carlson/ with Nova Villa & Romy Diaz/ Directed by Bobby Santiago

PINOY SUPERHEROES OF THE 80s: "SUPER INDAY"..."SUPER ISLAW"...ETAL

Left- Kapitan Kidlat (1981)- Stars Elizabeth Oropesa, Chanda Romero, Celia Rodriguez, Dranreb Belleza, Michael de Mesa and Rio Locsin/ Introducing Carlo Gabriel in the title role/ Directed by Emmanuel Borlaza

Right- Captain Barbell (1986)- Stars Edu Manzano, Herbert Bautista, Lea Salonga, Dennis Da Silva, Bing Loyzaga, Nova Villa, Rez Cortez, Ruel Vernal and Beth Bautista/ Directed by Leroy Salvador

Kapitan Kidlat and Captain Barbell, two of our greatest Pinoy superheroes made their comeback appearances in the 80s. This time, newcomer Carlo Gabriel was assigned to portray Kapitan Kidlat in 1981 taking over the character previously starred by popular 50s matinee idol Armando Goyena. Actor Edu Manzano did a remake of Mars Ravelo’s Captain Barbell in 1986 with Herbert Bautista as his alter-ego. The 80s also saw the birth of other new Pinoy superheroes--- Diamond star Maricel Soriano soars high in 1987 as Super Inday in Super Inday and the Golden Bibe; new Regal talent Richard Gomez (introduced in 1985 in Inday Bote) was given his biggest movie break in 1986 in Super Islaw and the Flying Kids where he shows his extraordinary super strength and powers; the wacky trio of Tito, Vic and Joey are the laughable superheroes known as Super Wan-Tu-Tri (1986); comic Roderick Paulate hilariously exhibits his super powers as Binibining Tsuper-Man (1987).

Super Wan-Tu-Tri (1986)- Stars Tito, Vic & Joey, Janice de Belen, Aga Muhlach and introducing Ian Kristoffer de Leon/ Directed by Luciano B. Carlos

Super Inday & The Golden Bibe (1987)- Stars Maricel Soriano (as Super Inday), Eric Quizon, Manilyn Reynes, Janno Gibbs and Aiza Seguerra/ Directed by Luciano B. Carlos

Left- Super Islaw and the Flying Kids (1986)- Stars Richard Gomez (in the title role), Janice de Belen, Nadia Montenegro, Dranreb Belleza, Kristina Paner, Anjo Yllana/ Directed by J. Erastheo Navoa

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

PINOY SUPERHEROES OF THE 70s: NORA AUNOR AS SUPER GEE (1973)

In the early 70s, arch rival Vilma Santos did several movies where she appeared in sci-fi, fantasy movies. She donned the Darna costume for the first time in Mars Ravelo’s Lipad Darna Lipad. She also did other equally hit movies, Phantom Lady, Vivian Volta and Wonder Vi. Not to be outdone, Nora Aunor looking for a material to suit her image, bought the film right of Zoila’s Super Gee, which was serialized in Darna Komiks in 1972. The movie was released in 1973 under her own NV Productions. Nora was awesome in an almost all-black outfit and was even great doing those spectacular stunts.

Movie ad and photo, courtesy of James dela Rosa of Pelikulaatbp

Thanks to Steve Santos of Unang Labas for the komiks materials

GAGAMBA AT SI SCORPIO (1969)

The last of the Gagamba series, the 1969 movie, Gagamba at si Scorpio with two action superstars of the 60s, Bernard 'Palos' Bonnin as Gagamba and Eddie ' Lagalag' Fernandez as Scorpio.

see The First Gagamba

Gagamba at si Scorpio (1969)- Stars Bernard Bonnin, Eddie Fernandez, Loretta Marquez, Vic Silayan, Bert Olivar, Rolly Aquino, Nora Nunez and Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia/ Directed by George Rowe

First issue of Gagamba Komiks Magasin

PINOY SUPERHEROES OF THE 60s #5: THE FIRST LASTIKMAN

Lastik Man, a Mars Ravelo creation, was first serialized in Aliwan Komiks in 1964. Based and patterned from the original DC comics superhero, Plastic Man, Lastik Man can also stretch, transform and reshape whatever or any imaginable forms and shapes he desires.

It was adapted into the big screen for the first time in 1965 with Von Serna in the title role.

See The First Darna
See The First Dyesebel
See The First Captain Barbell
More on Pinoy Superheroes

Aliwan Komiks/ December 7, 1964 issue

Lastik Man (1965)- Stars Von Serna, Lyn D'Amour,
Bella Flores, Martin Marfil, Matimtiman Cruz,
Malony Antonio, Rod Evans and Nancy Weber/
Directed by Richard Abelardo

PINOY SUPERHEROES OF THE 60s #4: ALYAS BATMAN AT ROBIN (1965)

Did you know that there was another Pinoy Batman made before Dolphy's James Batman in 1966 and Jing Abalos' Batman Fights Dracula in 1967? Inspired by the popular DC comics superhero and based from the Horror Komiks serial by Romy Espiritu and Marcelo Isidro, D'lanor Productions produced Alyas Batman at Robin in 1965, probably the first Pinoy Batman and Robin in the history of Philippine movies. The popular crime buster duo were portrayed by Bob Soler as Batman and Lou Salvador, Jr, as Robin. Soler was best remembered as the first Captain Barbell (1964) and later as Captain Philippines (1965) and Alyas Phantom (1966), all superheroes.

More on Pinoy Superheroes

Alyas Batman at Robin (1965)- Stars Bob Soler, Lou Salvador, Jr.,Nova Villa, Marion Douglas, Oscar Keesee, Nello Nayo, Pablo Virtuoso, Joe Garcia, Mary Walter/ Directed by Paquito Toledo

1950s PINOY SUPERHERO: ARMANDO GOYENA AS "KAPITAN KIDLAT" (1953)

The Original Captain Marvel

Pinoy version of America's Captain Marvel, Kapitan Kidlat was introduced to Pinoy viewers in the 1950s with screen idol, Armando Goyena playing the title role. Kapitan Kidlat, created by Leonardo Abutin, was based on a popular DZRH radio program.

"Inocencio Santos was a shy and humble man who worked at a police station, until he was granted incredible powers by Zeus, "the Supreme God", to aid the innocent and helpless against criminals. By uttering the phrase "Kidlat Ngayon" or "Kapitan Kidlat Ngayon", he would transform into the heroic Kapitan Kidlat !" More on Kapitan Kidlat

More on Pinoy Superheroes

"Kidlat... Ngayon" (1954)- Sequel to Kapitan Kidlat- Stars Armando Goyena, Evelyn Villar, Alfonso Carvajal/Directed by Oscar Del Rosario

PINOY SUPERHEROES OF THE 70s: BATWOMAN AND ROBIN (1972)

Batwoman and Robin (1972)- Stars Robin Aristorenas, Virginia, Sofia Moran, Johnny Monteiro, Prospero Luna/ Directed by Junar

70s Queen of action movies, Virginia and son, Robin Aristorenas teamed up for this spectacular adventure in the 1972 movie, Batwoman and Robin. The movie, directed by Junar, short for Jun Aristorenas, was a hit when it was shown that year. A sequel, Batwoman and Robin meet the Queen of the Vampires was released two months later.

More on Pinoy Superheroes

Batwoman and Robin meet the Queen of the Vampires (1972)- Stars Robin Aristorenas, Virginia, Angelita Ortiz, Aldo Cruz/ Directed by Tony Cayado

PINOY SUPERHEROES OF THE 60s#3: THE FORGOTTEN ONES

What really is a Superhero?

From Wikipedia--- A superhero (also known as a super hero) is a fictional character "of unprecedented physical prowess dedicated to acts of derring-do in the public interest." Since the debut of the prototypal superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas — have dominated American comic books and crossed over into other media. A female superhero is sometimes called a superheroine or super heroine. By most definitions, characters need not have actual superhuman powers to be deemed superheroes, although sometimes terms such as costumed crimefighters are used to refer to those without such powers who have many other common traits of superheroes.

Popular and well-loved Pinoy Superheroes--- Darna with Liza Moreno reappeared in 1963 with Darna vs. Isputnik; Captain Barbell, with Bob Soler in the starring role made its debut appearance in 1964 and Lastikman, starring Von Serna, also debuted in 1964 or 1965. Some of us still remember Dolphy’s James Batman (1966) and Pinoy’s version of Captain America and Bucky--- in Captain Philippines at Boy Pinoy (1965) with Bob Soler and Lou Salvador, Jr. in the title roles. Bernard Bonnin came up with his first Alyas Palos in 1962 and Pinoy’s counterpart of Hollywood’s Spiderman’s Alyas Gagamba in Bakas ng Gagamba (1962). Of course, no one will forget Chiquito as the lovable and hilarious Mr. Wong which first appeared in 1964.

Did you know that other Pinoy superheroes were also seen in the silver screen during the 60s but were never heard of since then? Remember Jing Abalos’ Batman Fights Dracula? How about Babaing Kidlat, Babaeng Isputnik, Ang mga Lawin, Alyas Phantom, Mighty Rock, Blackbelt Avengers, Bertong Ipu-ipo, Acrobat Masters, Pussy Cat? You may also consider the following--- FPJ’s Mga Tigreng Taga-Bukid (1962), Limang Kidlat (1963) and Maskarados (1965). The list goes on how you define and interpret what a superhero is.

More on Pinoy Superheroes

Ang Babaeng Isputnik (1963)- Stars Nida Blanca, Tony Ferrer, Max Alvarado, Pepe Pimentel and Jess Lapid/ Directed by Efren Reyes

Ang Mga Lawin (1963)- Stars Bernard Bonnin, Robert Campos, Von Serna, Al Quinn, Malony Antonio/ Directed by Artemio Marquez

Babaing Kidlat (1964)- Stars Dolphy, Apeng Daldal, Gloria Montiel, Tony Cayado, Ric Bustamante, Jay Ilagan and Liza Moreno/ Directed by Tony Cayado


Alyas Phantom (1966)- Stars Bob Soler, Rebecca, Nova Villa and Lou Salvador, Jr./ Directed by Paquito Toledo


Blackbelt Avengers (1969)- Stars Tony Ferrer, Daisy Romualdez, Johnny Wilson and Perla Bautista/ Directed by Armando Garces


Mighty Rock (1969)- Stars Jing Abalos, Lourdes Medel, Lucita Soriano, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia/ Directed by Nilo Saez


Bertong Ipu-Ip0 (1969)- Stars Roberto Gonzales, Jessica, EvaMarie, Marilou Ver and Angelito Marquez/ Directed by Artemio Marquez


Acrobat Masters (1969)- Stars Eddie Fernandez, Dante Varona, Eddie Torrente/ Directed by Artemio Marquez


Pussy Cat (1969)- Stars Divina Valencia, Bernard Belleza, Johnny Delgado and Max Alvarado/ Directed by Jose Miranda Cruz

Pussy Cat Strikes Again (1969)- Stars Divina Valencia, Bernard Belleza, Vince Lopez and Max Alvarado/ Directed by Jose Miranda Cruz

THE PINOY SUPERHEROES OF THE 70s #3: FANTASTIKA VS. WONDERWOMAN

Another Pinoy superheroes of the 70s--- Fantastika and Wonderwoman
More on Pinoy Superheroes

Fantastika vs. Wonderwoman (1976)- Stars Pinky (Montilla) and Alma Moreno/ with Celia Rodriguez, Marissa Delgado, Gina Alajar/ Directed by Johnny Pangilinan

A UNIQUE PINOY BATMAN: "BATMAN FIGHTS DRACULA" (1965)

Something unique, something different, strange, very funny, the Pinoy version of Batman.

"Batman Fights Dracula" (1965)- Stars Jing Abalos, Dante Rivero, Vivia Lorraine and Ramon D'Salva/ Directed by Leody M. Diaz

DARNA IN THE 60s

After 11 years, Darna was reintroduced to the moviegoing public with Liza Moreno playing the title role in Si Darna at ang Impakta. It was immediately followed by Isputnik vs. Darna one and half month later. In 1965, the first Darna movie in color, Si Darna at and Babaing Tuod was shown to the public--- this time Eva Montes was tapped for the role. Gina Pareno reprised the role in 1969 with Darna at ang Planetman.

More on Darna

See Pinoy Superheroes

Si Darna at ang Impakta (1963)- Stars Liza Moreno as Darna,
Jose Padilla, Jr., Carlos Salazar, Daisy Romualdez
and Gina Alonzo as Impakta, with Danilo Jurado as Ding /
Directed by Danilo H. Santiago

A new Pinoy superhero was introduced in 1963,
Ang Babaeng Isputnik, portrayed by Nida Blanca.
The movie also starred Tony Ferrer, Max Alvarado
and Jess Lapid / Directed by Efren Reyes
A sequel was later made --- Isputnik vs. Darna

Isputnik vs. Darna (1963)- Stars Nida Blanca as Isputnik,
Liza Moreno as Darna, Tony Ferrer and Arnold Mendoza/
Directed by Natoy Catindig

Darna at ang Babaing Tuod (1965)- Stars Eva Montes as Darna,
Gina Alonzo as Babaing Tuod,Nancy Roman, Tito Galla /
Directed by Cirio H. Santiago


Si Darna at ang Planetman (1969) -
Stars Gina Pareno as Darna, Vic Vargas as the Planetman,
Boots Anson-Roa and Cesar Ramirez,
with Gina Alajar as Narda and Boy Alajar as Ding

Darna at ang Babaing Tuod, a novel by Mars Ravelo,
was serialized at Liwayway Komiks/ 1965