THE 2000s #138: RODEL VELAYO, ALLONA AMOR, WINSTON ELIZALDE, CELSO AD CASTILLO AND INTRODUCING DIANA ZUBIRI IN "ITLOG" (2002)

A woman's fidelity to her much older husband is challenged after he opens their home to an ex-convict who saved his life. More unexpected things happen in the household as her husband's prodigal son returns home to claim his inheritance.

"Itlog" (2002)

Seiko Films

Release Date April 3, 2002

Story and Screenplay Jerry Gracio

Film Editor Ferren Salumbides

Cinematography Romeo Vitug

Production Design Edgar Martin Littaua

Musical Director Bienvenido Medina

Executive Producer Robbie Tan

Direction Francis Posadas

Cast Rodel Velayo, Allona Amor, Winston Elizalde, Celso Ad Castillo/ Introducing Diana Zubiri/ Also starring Rusty Santos, Nonong de Andres, Robert Talby

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THE 2000s # 21: PIEL MORENA, GARY ESTRADA, ELIZABETH OROPESA, TOMMY ABUEL, MIKE MAGAT, BRANDO LEGASPI IN "SENSWAL, BAKIT MASARAP ANG BAWAL?" (2000)

All hell breaks loose when the virginal sister learns that the elder sister she looks up to and who finances her studies is a professional sex worker.

"Senswal, Bakit Masarap ang Bawal?" (2000)

FLT Films International

Release Date May 15, 2000

Story and Screenplay Jose Carreon

Cinematography Romeo Vitug

Production Design Donnie Gonzales

Musical Director Jaime Fabregas

Direction Edgardo Vinarao

Cast Piel Morena, Gary Estrada, Elizabeth Oropesa, Tommy Abuel, Mike Magat, Brando Legaspi/ Introducing Patricia Dans/ Also starring Alma Soriano, Venus Varga, Cloyd Robinson, Kristina Kasten, Rosanna Magdalena

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THE SEVENTIES # 1281: VIC VARGAS, ELIZABETH OROPESA AND CHRISTOPHER DE LEON IN TOPO-TOPO BAREGA (DUMILA KA SA BAGA)" (1978)

"Topo-Topo Barega (Dumila Ka sa Baga)" (1978)

Movie Masters Film Patterns International, Inc.

Release Date June 23, 1978

Story and Screenplay Daniel & Medy

Cinematography Romeo Vitug

Musical Director George Canseco

Direction Luciano B. Carlos

Cast Vic Vargas, Elizabeth Oropesa and Christopher de Leon

(Movie Ad- Courtesy of  Ferdie Montero/ Lagarista Files)

THE NINETIES # 461: SHARON CUNETA, RICHARD GOMEZ, TONTON GUTIERREZ, BING LOYZAGA, CHARINA, HAZEL HUELVES IN "KAPANTAY AY LANGIT" (1994)

"Kapantay ay Langit" (1994)

Viva Films

Release Date February 9, 1994

Story and Screenplay Emmanuel H. Borlaza, Joel Lamangan

Cinematography Romeo Vitug

Film Editor Ike Jarlego, Jr.

Production Design Tatus Aldana

Musical Director Jaime Fabregas

Executive Producer Vic del Rosario, Jr.

Direction Joel Lamangan

Cast Sharon Cuneta, Richard Gomez, Tonton Gutierrez, Bing Loyzaga, Charina, Hazel Huelves/ Also starring Liza Lorena, Subas Herrero, Romeo Rivera, Tyrone Sasson, Ramon Recto/ Special Participation- Rosemarie Gil, Mandy Ochoa, Alexander Vera-Perez

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THE NINETIES # 384: GARDO VERSOZA, GRETCHEN BARRETTO, JULIO DIAZ, ISABEL RIVAS, CHANDA ROMERO, SYLVIA SANCHEZ, RICHARD REYNOSO IN "ISANG LINGGONG PAG-IBIG" (1993)

"Isang Linggong Pag-ibig" (1993)

Seiko Films

Release Date May 20, 1993

Inspired by the hit song of Imelda Papin

Screenplay Ricardo "Ricky' Lee and Emmanuel Borlaza

Cinematography Romeo Vitug and Ramon Marcelino

Film Editor Jesus 'Jess' Navarro

Musical Director Dionisio 'Nonong' Buencamino

Executive Producer Robbie Tan

Direction Emmanuel H. Borlaza and Romeo Vitug

Cast Gardo Versoza, Gretchen Barretto, Julio Diaz, Isabel Rivas, Chanda Romero, Sylvia Sanchez, Richard Reynoso/ Also starring Fe delos Reyes, Beverly Salviejo, Tony Mabesa, Archie Adamos, Malou de Guzman, Isadora, Edel Templonuevo, Nuel Naval

Theatrical Trailer

Full Movie

Beta Cover

THE NINETIES # 254: EDDIE GARCIA (IN THE TITLE ROLE), RONALDO VALDEZ, DENNIS ROLDAN, MARITONI FERNANDEZ, LARA MELISSA DE LEON, ROLDAN AQUINO IN "PADRE AMANTE GUERRERO (SA PAGITA NG LANGIT AT IMPYERNO)" (1992)

"Padre Amante Guerrero (Sa Pagitan ng Langit at Impyerno)" (1992)

FLT Film International

Release Date February 6, 1992

Screenplay Humilde 'Meek' Roxas

Cinematography Romeo Vitug

Film Editor Edgardo 'Boy' Vinarao

Production Designer Ronnie Cruz

Musical Director Jaime Fabregas

Direction Ruben de Guzman, Edgardo 'Boy' Vinarao

Cast Eddie Garcia (in the title role), Ronaldo Valdez, Dennis Roldan, Maritoni Fernandez, Lara Melissa de Leon, Roldan Aquino/ Also Starring Dencio Padlla, King Gutierrez, Lucita Soriano, Manjo del Mundo, Edwin Reyes, Romy Romulo, Jess Olmedo, Tony Tacorda

 (Movie Ads- courtesy of James dela Rosa/ Pelikula ATBP)

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THE EIGHTIES # 1163: GABBY CONCEPCION, RICHARD GOMEZ, CHERIE GIL AND JANICE DE BELEN AS "ROSENDA" (1989)

"Rosenda" (1989)

Mina Films

Release Date October 12, 1989

Serialized in Superstar Komiks

Story Carlo J. Caparas

Screenplay Raquel Villavicencio

Photographed by Romeo Vitug

Editor Ike Jarlego, Jr.

Production Design Noel Naval

Musical Director Mon del Rosario

Produced by Ramon Salvador

Executive Producer Fermina R. Salvador

Direction Laurice Guillen

Cast Gabby Concepcion, Richard Gomez, Cherie Gil and Janice de Belen (in the title role)/ Also Starring R.R. Herrera, Dexter Doria/ Introducing Kin delos Santos/ Special participation- Nida Blanca, Leroy Salvador, Eula Valdez, Anjo Yllana

THE EIGHTIES # 947: VILMA SANTOS, GLORIA ROMERO, ALICIA VERGEL, ALICIA ALONZO, TONTON GUTIERREZ, CHERIE GIL, RICKY DAVAO IN "SAAN NAGTATAGO ANG PAG-IBIG?" (1987)

"Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig?" (1987)

Viva Films

Release Date September 2, 1987

Serialized in Pogi Komiks

Story Gilda Olvidado

Screenplay Armando Lao

Cinematography Romeo Vitug

Edited by Ike Jarlego, Jr.

Production Design Manny Morfe

Music George Canseco

Executive Producer Vic del Rosario, Jr.

Supervising Producer Tony Gloria

Produced by Ramon Salvador

Direction Eddie Garcia

Cast Vilma Santos, Gloria Romero, Alicia Vergel, Alicia Alonzo, Tonton Gutierrez, Cherie Gil, Ricky Davao

THE EIGHTIES # 887: GERMAN MORENO (THE STAR) IN CELSO AD. CASTILLO'S "PAYASO" (1986)/ SUPPORTED BY BIG NAMES IN PHILIPPINE CINEMA

"Payaso" (1986)

Sialina Enterprises

1986 Metro Manila Film Festival Entry

Release Date December 25, 1986

Cinematography Romeo Vitug

Film Editor Abelardo Huleza

Executive Producer Angelina C. Dy

Direction Celso Ad Castillo

Cast German Moreno (The Star)/ Supported by big names in Philippine Cinema- In alphabetical Order- Nora Aunor, Raoul Aragonn, Janice de Belen, Jackie Lou Blanco, Inday badiday, Gretchen Barretto, Gabby Concepcion, Rez Cortez, Rudy Fernandez, Eddie Garcia, Richard Gomez, Eddie Gutierrez, Nap Gutierrez, Lotlot de Leon, Ike Lozada, William Martinez, Aga Muhlach, Nino Muhlach, Nadia Montenegro, Maureeen Mauricio, Jam Morales, Martin Nievera, Gene Palomo, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Cristina Paner, Bong Revilla, Efren Reyes, Jr., Manilyn Reynes, Ronnie Ricketts, Susan Roces, Gloria Romero, Miguel Rodriguez, Vilma Santos, Maricel Soriano, Snooky Serna, Gary Valenciano, Divina Valencia, Ace Vergel, Helen Vela, Ramon Zamora 

THE EIGHTIES # 633: SHARON CUNETA, GABBY CONCEPCION, WITH NIDA BLANCA, LEROY SALVADOR, VIC SILAYAN, MARITA ZOBEL, CHERIE GIL, SANDY ANDOLONG, RONNIE RICKETTS IN "SA HIRAP AT GINHAWA" (1984)

"Sa Hirap at Ginhawa" (1984)

Viva Films

Release Date November 29, 1984

Story Connie Angeles

Screenplay Jose Javier Reyes

Edited by Ike Jarlego, Jr.

Director of Photography Romeo Vitug

Production Design Manny Morfe

Music George Canseco

Executive Producer Vic del Rosario, Jr.

Supervising Producer Tony Gloria

Produced by Ramon Salvador

Direction Leroy Salvador

Cast Sharon Cuneta, Gabby Concepcion, with Nida Blanca, Leroy Salvador, Vic Silayan, Marita Zobel, Cherie Gil, Sandy Andolong, Ronnie Ricketts

THE EIGHTIES # 403: VILMA SANTOS, CHRISTOPHER DE LEON, RIO LOCSIN, WITH DELIA RZON, J. EDDIE INFANTE, REZ CORTEZ & JUAN RODRIGO IN "HAPLOS" (1982)

"Haplos" (1982)

Mirick Films

1982 Metro Manila Film Festival Entry

Release Date December 25, 1982

Screenplay Ricardo Lee

Production Design Laida Lim-Perez

Cinematography Romeo Vitug

Editing Ike Jarlego

Music Jun Latonio

Direction Antonio Jose Perez

Cast Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, Rio Locsin/ Also Starring Delia Razon, J. Eddie Infante, Rez Cortez & Juan Rodrigo

THE EIGHTIES # 356: VILMA SANTOS, CHRISTOPHER DE LEON, PHILLIP SALVADOR, LORNA TOLENTINO IN "SINASAMBA KITA" (1982)

"Sinasamba Kita" 

Viva Films 

Release Date August 19, 2020

Serialized in Tagalog Klasiks

Story Gilda Olvidado   

Screenplay Orlando Nadres 

Cinematography Romeo Vitug 

Music George Canseco 

Direction Eddie Garcia 

Cast Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, Phillip Salvador, Lorna Tolentino/ Also Starring Ramil Rodriguez, Norma Blancafor, Irene Celebre, Kristina Paner and Eddie Garcia

GAWAD URIAN 1977: "HUBAD NA BAYANI" (BEST PICTURE)

"Hubad na Bayani" (1977)


Daria Ramirez and Robert Arevalo in "Hubad na Bayani"


Daria Ramirez and Vic Vargas in "Sino'ng Kapiling, Sino'ng Kasiping"


(L-R)- Romeo Vitug, Rafael 'Bembol' Roco, Jr., Daria Ramirez, Armida Siguon-Reyna, Lito Legaspi, Robert Arevalo, Dez Bautista

Left- Daria Ramirez and Rafael 'Bembol' Roco, Jr./ Right- Ishmael Bernal

1977: Content or ‘Form?

The first anniversary celebration of the group on May 1, 1977, saw the election of Bien Lumbera as chairman, and Manny Pichel as Secretary, and the entrance into the group of a new batch of reviewers: U.P. English teacher Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo, fictionist Jun Cruz Reyes, film critic-researcher Agustin Sotto and fictionist-film reviewer Ricardo Lee — all personal friends of most of the Manunuris. The same year also saw the departure of the Manunuri’s first Chairman, Nestor Torre, and founding member Behn Cervantes.

It was in 1977 that the Manunuris began assigning movies for viewing to each member, to make sure‘that the group would not miss any of the 150 or so films being produced every year. The critics watched on their own time and budget, and recommended for group viewing any film which had any merit at all. To systematize the listing of films the group felt had achievements in any artistic or technical aspect, the MPP began to come out with their quarterly list of citations.

The 1977 Urian Awards further established the reputation of the Manunuris as discoverers of new or ignored talents. Word spread around that “you don’t have to spend a cent for PR to win in the Urian” after Daria Ramirez (Sino’ng Kapiling, Sino’ng Kasiping) bested formidable co-nominee Vilma Santos (Burlesk Queen) for the best actress plum. The choice of Ramirez was not a popular one either, for her portrayal of a middle-class wife was devoid of the “pang-FAMAS” hysterics usually equated with good acting in Philippine movies.

The most significant event of 1977, however, was the debate on which criterion should take precedence in choosing the best film: cinematic style or filmic content? It had been decided before that if two films were equally well-made, the film with the more significant content would be chosen. But the application of the criterion became very difficult with the two films being deliberated on: Robert Arevalo’s Hubad na Bayani and Ishmael Bernal’s Dalawang Pugad, Isang Ibon.

Hubad is a truthful portrayal of the peasant uprisings of the 30’s, but it was marred by technical flaws. Dalawang Pugad, centering on the problem of infidelity, was narrower in scope but was just as truthful in its portrayal. Hubad had its good moments but was uneven as a whole, while Dalawang Pugad had a tighter orchestration of cinematic elements.

Which film should be given more weight? To an observer, the answer would have been obvious, but, taken in context, at the time when so many tired formula films on “the other woman” were being made, the achievement of Bernal’s film could not be underestimated.

The upshot was that Hubad won as best picture and Bernal was awarded best director for Dalawang Pugad. On this issue, the house was divided, so to speak, into the socially-oriented group which was for the advancement of socio-political relevance in film, and the “art-for-art’s sake” group.

(Source: The Urian Anthology 1970-79)

List of Winners:

Best Picture- Hubad na Bayani
Best Director- Ishmael Bernal/ Dalawang Pugad, Isang Ibon
Best Actor- Rafael ‘Bembol’ Roco, Jr./ Sa Piling ng mga Sugapa
Best Actress- Daria Ramirez/ Sino’ng Kapiling, Sino'ng Kasiping
Best Supporting Actor- Lito Legaspi/ Sino’ng Kapiling
Best Supporting Actress- Armida Siguon Reyna/ Tahan na Empoy, Tahan
Best Screenplay- Teloy Cosme, Robert Ylagan/ Hubad na Bayani
Best Cinematography- Romeo Vitug/ Mga Bilanggong Birhen
Best Production Design- Dez bautista/ Hubad na Bayani
Best Editing- Ike Jarlego, Jr./ Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising
Best Sound- Luis Reyes, Ramon Reyes/ Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising
Best Music- Jun Latonio/ Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising

Outstanding Achievement- Gerardo de Leon

"Dalawang Pugad Isang Ibon" (1977)

"Sa Piling ng Mga Sugapa" (1977)

"Tahan na Empoy, Tahan" (1977)

"Kung Manarap Ka't Magising" (1977)

"Mga Bilanggong Birhen" (1977)

VITUG 'SHOOTS' LEE

I like taking candid shots.

He writes, he shoots. Ricky Lee and Romy Vitug in a series of amusing photos. Here, multi-awarded cinematographer Romeo ‘Romy’ Vitug taking snapshots of Ricardo 'Ricky' Lee during the latter’s book launch last May 31. Both subjects are icons and "hall-of-famers" in their respective fields.

photos by Simon Santos

Ricardo ‘Ricky’ Lee, one of the Philippines’ premier scriptwriters, has written more than 130 produced film scripts since 1979, earning for him more than 50 trophies from award-giving bodies. He also won several awards in fiction (Phil. Free Press, Palanca, National Book Award, etc); a Gawad-Balagtas Awardee 2000 from UMPIL and 100 Centennial Awardees of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Romeo ‘Romy’ Vitug is one of the country’s prized and multi-awarded cinematographers. He has won numerous awards from various award-giving bodies--- Gawad URIAN (6 times); FAMAS (4 times); FAP (8 times); Metro Manila Film Festival (5 times); Stars Awards (3 times) and a recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award from Cinemanila International Film Festival.