RIP, LILIA DIZON, 92/ SELECTED FILMOGRAPHY (1948- 58)

Movie ad  of "Kamagong (Bayani ng Mahirap) signed by Lilia Dizon

MANILA, Philippines — Veteran actress Lilia Dizon passed away at 8:20 a.m. this morning (June 15) in her home. She was 92.

Reports said that she died due to lung cancer complications.

Her remains will be cremated today in Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.

According to ABS-CBN News, Christopher’s sister Toni Abad made a eulogy for their late mother.

“To Pinky, Christopher, Melissa, Corrie, and I, she was simply 'Mom.' But above all she loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart and soul. She was always giving honor and praise to God even during the final days of her life. She often said that nothing can ever separate me from the love of God,” she said.

“When she couldn’t read the Bible anymore I made a vow that would read it to her every night. Those are the most precious nights that I will always treasure in my heart.”

Lilia, whose real name was Claire Strauss, was born in Pampanga in 1928. She was the only child of Filipina Regina Dizon to German-American Jew Abraham Strauss.

From a bombshell, Dizon rose to fame for her acting chops as seen in the 1950s movies under LVN Pictures, including "Bathaluman," "Sanda Wong" and "Kandelerong Pilak."

In 1955, she toured the US for playing the title role in Gerry de Leon’s “Sanda Wong,” giving her the chance to meet Hollywood stars Marlon Brando and Lucille Ball.

In 1956, she won as Asia’s Best Actress at the Cambodia Film Festival for “Kandelerong Pilak," which was directed by National Artist for Film Lamberto Avellana. The Prince of Cambodia, Narodom Sihanouk, who later became the country's king and prime minister, personally gave Lilia the trophy when he visited the Philippines that year.

In 1958, Dizon starred opposite Pancho Magalona in “Glory at Dawn,” and in 1961, she acted alongside Fernando Poe Jr. and Joseph Estrada in Armando Garces’ “Baril sa Baril.”

In 1945, when Lilia was only 17 years old, she married actor-director Gil de Leon and had three children with him, Pinky, Christopher and Melissa. Their marriage lasted for 18 years.

After their separation, Dizon left showbiz and lived in the United States, where she married businessman Antonio Abad and had two two daughters with him, Toni and Corrie.

In 1974, Lilia returned to Philippine showbiz to join her son Christopher in his silver screen debut, Lino Brocka’s “Tinimkang Ka Ngunit Kulang."

Among her last films were “Wrinkles" by director Eric Quizon in 2006, and “Paraiso: Tatlong Kwento ng Pag-asa” in 2007 directed by Ricky Davao, Jun Lana and Joel Ruiz.

Source: Philippine Star https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2020/06/15/2021087/asias-best-actress-lilia-dizon-christopher-de-leons-mom-dies-92

"Kaaway ng Babae" (1948)

LVN Pictures

Release Date November 20-29, 1948/ Dalisay

Story and Direction Nemesio E. Caravana

Cast Jose Padilla, Jr., Lilia Dizon, Armando Goyena, Alfonso carvajal, Bayani Casimiro, Luis San Juan, Armando Canseco

"Krus na Bituin" (1948)

LVN Pictures

Release Date November 7- 16, 1948/ Center

Direction Gregorio Fernandez

Cast Jaime de la Rosa, Lilia Dizon, Armando Goyena, Tessie Quintana/ Introducing Delia Razon

"Sohrab at Rustum"
LVN Pictures
Release Date: November 22- December 1, 1950/ Life
Direction Nemesio CaravanaCast Rogelio de la Rosa, Lilia Dizon, Armando Goyena, Rosa Rosal, Evelyn Villar

"Pulo ng Engkanto"
LVN Pictures
Release Date March 8- 17, 1951/ Dalisay
Direction Oscar del RosarioCast Lilia Dizon, Pugo and Togo, Alfonso Carvajal/ Also Starring Cecilio Joaquin, Ben Medina, Zony Quizzon, Jose Corazon de Jesus, H. C. Curry, Tony Dantes, Gallardo Acuna, Herminio Alvarez, Ely Ventus, Jerry Tecson

Haring Cobra" (1951)
LVN Pictures
Release Date November 17- 26, 1951/ Life
Story Jose L. Santos
Direction Richard Abelardo
Cast Rogelio dela Rosa, Lilia Dizon, Jose Vergara, Ven Medina, Jose Corazon de Jesus, Elena Acosta

"Bathaluman" (1952)

LVN Pictures

Release Date: July 29- August 7, 1952/ Dalisay

Music Quin Velasco

Direction Enrique Jarlego

Cast Lilia Dizon, Mario Montenegro, Evelyn Villar, Eusebio Gomez, Oscar Keese, Jose de Cordova, Victor Blanco, Nela Alvarez

"Tucydides" (1954)

LVN Pictures

Release Date January 30- February 8, 1954/ Dalisay

Story Dominador Ad Castillo

Music Juan Silos, Jr.

Direction Artemio Marquez

Cast Lilia Dizon, Armando Goyena, Milagros Naval, Cecilia Lopez, Eusebio Gomez, Jose Cris Soto, Florentino Ballecer, Victor Blanco, Pacita Corrales, Belen Velasco

Armando Goyena and Lilia Dizon in LVN Pictures' "Tucydides" (1954)

"Kandelerong Pilak" (1954)

LVN Pictures

Release Date October 12-21, 1954/ Life

Music Juan Silos, Jr.

Direction Lamberto V. Avellana

Cast Lilia Dizon, Teody Belarmino, Tony Santos, Alfonso Carvajal, Johnny Reyes, Jose de Cordova, Miguel Lopez, Dan Mesinas, Mario Roldan, M. Alvares

"Sanda Wong" (1955)

Vistan-Chapman/ Premiere Productions, Inc.

Release Date September 27- October 6, 1955/ Life

Story/ Screenplay Teodorico C. Scatos

Music Tito Arevalo

Direction Gerardo de Leon

Cast Jose Padilla, Jr., Lilia Dizon, Danilo Montes, Lola Young, Gil de Leon, Vicente Liwanag, Mario Barri, Bruno Punzalan

Lilia Dizon and Danilo Montes in "Sanda Wong" (1955)

(Photo courtesy of  Cesar Hernando)

"Simaron" (1955)

Everlasting Pictures

Release Date January 10-19, 1956/ Dalisay

Story and Screenplay Ding M. de Jesus

"Umaalong Ginto" (1956)

National Pictures

Released thru Center Film Exchange

Release Date September 19-25, 1956/ Center

Story Rachel E. Fidelino

Direction Narciso S. Asistio

Cast Jose Padilla, Jr., Lilia Dizon, Rosita Noble, Carlos Padilla, Jr., Gil de leon, Jose Villafranca

"Glory at Dawn (Lualhati sa Umaga)" (1958)

Pacific Movie Productions, Inc.

Release Date August 20- 26, 1958/ Center

Screenplay J.C. Pangilinan

Music Tito Arevalo

Direction Gil de Leon

Cast Pancho Magalona, Lilia Dizon, Martin Marfil, Max Alvarado, Flor Bien, Blackie Francisco, Rosauro Oracion, Domingo del Valle/ Featuring Aruray, Tembong, Tony Dungan, Boy Osin, A. Dagumboy, Loreta de Lara, Vicky Serrano, Linda Lopez, Leon Timog, Ric Perez, Shirley Rodriguez, Quiel Mendoza/ Introducing Lourdes Lozano, Ernesto Santos

THE EIGHTIES # 253: TITO, VIC & JOEY, WITH MARGIE BRAZA, JENNIE RAMIREZ, OPALYN FORSTER, DEBRALIZ IN "MAG-TONING MUNA TAYO" (1981)

"Mag-Toning Muna Tayo" (1981)

Golden Harvest Production

Release Date November 11, 1981

Direction Mike Relon Makiling

Cast  Tito, Vic & Joey (Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon) with Margie Braza, Jennie Ramirez, Opalyn Forster, Debraliz/ Co-starring Freddie Yance, Soxy Topacio, Lito Anzures, Joaquin Fajardo, Lily Miraflor, Nanding Fernandez, Norma Anzures

THE EIGHTIES # 252: WENG-WENG (AS AGENT 00), YEHLEN CATRAL, CARMI MARTIN, ANNA MARIE GUTIERREZ, BETH SANDOVAL IN "FOR Y'UR HEIGHT ONLY" (1981)

"For Y'ur Height Only" (1981)

Liliw Productions

Release Date November 6, 1981

Story and Screenplay Cora Ridon Caballes

Cinematography Bhal Dauz

Theme song produced by Light Star Prods, Inc.

Song title- Nilikha Ba Ako Upang Masaktan

Singer-Composer- Maraya

Music Pablo Vergara

Executive Producer Peter M. Caballes

Direction Eddie Nicart

Cast Weng-Weng (as Agent 00), Yehlen Catral, Carmi Martin, Anna Marie Gutierrez, Beth Sandoval/ In a special role- Tony Ferrer

THE EIGHTIES # 251: REDFORD WHITE, PIA MORAN, PUGAK, MATIMTIMAN CRUZ, CACHUPOY, RODOLFO 'BOY' GARCIA IN "SINISINTA KITA, DI KA KUMIKIBO!" (1981)

"Sinisinta Kita, Di Ka Kumikibo!" (1981)

Bukang Liwayway Films

Release Date November 5, 1981

Director of Photography Ramon Marcelino

Film Editor Pepe Marcos

Musical Director Dominic Salustiano

Executive Producer Jerry Paz Talavera

Direction Angel Labra

Cast Redford White, Pia Moran/ Also Starring Pugak, Matimtiman Cruz, Cachupoy, Rodolfo "Boy' Garcia, Mitos del Mundo, Chito Arceo, Bing Angeles, Mely Tagasa, Tatlong Itlog/ Special Participation- Ruel Vernal, Rudy Manlapaz

RIP, ANITA LINDA, 95/ SELECTED FILMOGRAPHY

The great Anita Linda in Gerardo de Leon's "Sisa" (1951)

MANILA, Philippines – Veteran actress Anita Linda passed away Wednesday morning. She was 95. 

The news came from director Adolf Alix Jr., who directed her films "Adela" and "Circa." In a Facebook message to Philstar.com, Alix said the actress died of breathing difficulty at home.In the director's Facebook account, Adolf said Anita was like a grandmother to him. 

"This is a very sad day for me. I am trembling as I am gathering my thoughts... She is like my Lola and part of my family," he said. 

"The great Anita Linda has passed away this morning at 6:15 AM at 95. Prayers for her soul."

He also sent his condolences to the family of the then "oldest active actress in the industry."

"My condolences to her family and her children, Francesca Legaspi and Fred Osburn," Adolf said. 

The sad news was confirmed by Anita's daughter Francesca Legaspi in a text message sent to The STAR.

"She passed away this morning at home. (She had) difficulty of breathing,” Francesca said.


Throughout her acting career, Anita won different awards locally and internationally, including Best Actress at the Asia Pacific Film Festival Award in Taiwan for the film "Lola." Anita, whose real name is Alice Lake, was born on November 23, 1924, a few years younger than the Philippine cinema, which recently celebrated its 100th year.  As such, in 2019, the Film Development Council of the Philippines recognized Anita at the “Sandaan: Dunong ng Isang Ina” event commemorating the 100 years of Philippine cinema.

Source: The Philippine Star

Autograph signing, during launching of the Commemorative Stamp celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of National Artist for Film, Gerardo de Leon,  September 12, 2013 at Leandro Locsin Auditorium, Intramuros, Manila.

"There is no doubt as to (Anita) Linda's artistry and generosity. She has gracefully aged with Philippine cinema, witnessing the film industry rise, fall, and rise again through the years, still eagerly inhabiting roles with an unwavering zest whenever called upon...

Adela (Linda's latest movie) works solely because of Linda's terrific performance. Linda is an actress who can tell stories with a mere movement of her lips, or a momentary flicker of her eyes...

Linda, with a subtle trembling of her eyebrows, the sudden flowing of helplessly restrained tears, and coupled with the vast experience of portraying a wide array of characters ranging from a mother gone insane with the loss of her kids (in de Leon's Sisa) to a forgotten movie actress (in O'Hara's Ang Babae sa Bubungang Lata), has done enough to turn mundane into magical. Adela might very well be Alix's best film to date. Alix has Anita Linda to thank for that..." (by Francis Cruz)
http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2008/07/adela-2008.html

Anita Linda (born Alice Lake; November 23, 1924) is a two-time FAMAS award-winning and Gawad Urian award-winning actress. A romantic lead in her youth, she later gained critical acclaim for her portrayals in maternal or elderly roles. At the age of 74, she became the oldest actress to ever win a FAMAS award, when she was named Best Supporting Actress for Ang Babae sa Bubungang Lata.

Linda was born in Pasay City, the daughter of a mining engineer. She was cast in her first film by director Lamberto Avellana in Tia Juana. The film was completed shortly before the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, but released only in 1943. With the film studios being shut down for the duration of the war, Linda spent the war years performing on bodabil at Avenue Theater in Manila. After the war, Linda was cast again by Avellana, this time in Sekretang Hong Kong (1947). She was cast in her first leading role in Alyas Sakim (1947).

Sekretang Hongkong (1947)- Stars Pugo and Togo, Anita Linda , Domingo Principe, Rolando Liwanag, Engracio Ibarra, Tony Camonte/ Directed by Atty. Ricardo S. Balatbat

Alias Sakim (1947)- Stars Leopoldo Salcedo, Anita Linda, Lilia Dizon, Quiel Segovia, Fernando Royo, Lopito/ Directed by Atty. Ricardo S. Balatbat

Hiram na Pangalan (1948)- Stars Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda, Fernando Royo, Efren Reyes, Virginia Montes/ Directed by Ramon A. Estella

Wala na Akong Luha (1948)- Stars Carlos Padilla, Anita Linda, Fernando Royo, Mary Walter, Amparo Aquino, Efren Reyes, Virginia Montes/ Directed by Eduardo De Castro

Suwail (1949)- Stars Anita Linda, Reynaldo Dante, Nora Madrid, Lopito, Rino Bermudez, Amelita Sol/ Introducing Ramon D' Salva/ Directed by Eduardo De Castro

Punglo at Pag-ibig (1950)- Stars Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda, Lopito, Fred Santos, Patria Plata/ Directed by Ramon A. Estella

In 1951, Linda portrayed the titular character in Gerardo de Leon’s Sisa, a film based on the tragic character in Jose Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere. The role garnered her Best Actress Maria Clara award (a pre-cursor of the FAMAS). De Leon then cast Linda in Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo (1952), a role for which Linda would be nominated for a FAMAS Best Actress Award.

3 Balaraw (1950)- Stars Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda, Fred Santos, Luz Kahanding, Ramon D'Salva/ Directed by Cesar Gallardo

Sisa (1951)- Stars Anita Linda, Reynaldo Dante, Eddie del Mar, Eddie Infante, Nati Rubi, Pancho Pelagio, Ruben Rustia/ Directed by Gerardo De Leon

Kapitan Bagwis (1951)- Stars Anita Linda, Efren Reyes, Lopito, Oscar Keese, Patria Plata/ Directed by Cesar Gallardo

Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo (1952)- Stars Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda/ Directed by Gerardo De Leon

Tatlong Kabanata sa Buhay Ko (1952)- Stars Anita Linda, Danilo Montes, Patria Plata, Amparo Karagdag/ Directed by Eddie Infante

Buhay Alamang (1952)- Stars Fred Montilla, Anita Linda, Mona Lisa, Tito Arevalo

Looban (1953)- Stars Leopoldo Salcedo, Anita Linda, Elvira Reyes, Ramon D'Salva, Joe Ramos/ Directed by Ben Calasanz

Guwapo (1954)- Stars Anita Linda, Reynaldo Dante, Lopito, Carol Varga, Ramon D'Salva, Vicente Liwanag/ Directed by Teodorico C. Santos

In the 1970s, Linda gained renewed critical acclaim in maternal roles she essayed for director Lino Brocka in Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974), Tatlo Dalawa Isa (1974) and Jaguar (1979). She would win the FAMAS Best Supporting Actress Award for Tatlo Dalawa Isa Linda would also be nominated for the Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actress Award for Jaguar, which was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival.

Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa (1974)- Stars Jay Ilagan, Perla Bautista, Hilda Koronel, Anita Linda, Lolita Rodriguez, Mario O'Hara, Mary Walter/ Directed by Lino Brocka

Takaw Tukso (1987)- Stars Anna-Marie Gutierrez, Gino Antonio, Julio Diaz and Jaclyn Jose/ with Anita Linda

Linda would appear in several leading films of the 1980s and 1990s, including Mike de Leon’s Sister Stella L (1984),Chito Rono’s Itanong Mo sa Buwan, Brocka's Gumapang ka sa Lusak (1990), and Mario O’Hara's Ang Babae sa Bubungnang Lata (1998). For her portrayal of an aging film actress in the latter film, Linda would receive her second FAMAS Best Supporting Actress Award. In 1987, Linda also won a Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actress award for Takaw Tukso.

In her eighties, Linda has remained active in the film industry, appearing in such films as Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita (2004) , Ouija (2007) and more recently Adela (2008).
Source: Wikipedia

THE EIGHTIES # 250: RUDY FERNANDEZ, ACE VERGEL AND VIVIAN VELEZ IN "KUMUSTA KA, HUDAS?" (1981)

"Kumusta Ka, Hudas?" (1981)

Amazaldy Film Productions

Release Date November 5, 1981

Written for the screen Augusto Buenaventura and Diego Cagastian

Theme song sung by Hajji Alejandro

Music George Canseco

Direction Augusto Buenaventura

Cast Rudy Fernandez, Ace Vergel and Vivian Velez/ Also Starring Paquito Diaz, Angelo Castro, Jr., Ike Feranndo, Ruben Rustia, Paquito Salcedo, Ernie Ortega, Freddie Yance, Rocco Montalban, Bello Borja, Robert Miller, Mel Arca, Baldo Marro, Ernie Forte, Ben Canlas/ Special Participation- Efren Reyes, Jr.

THE EIGHTIES # 249: ANTHONY ALONZO AS VICTOR MEDINA IN "HUK HUNTER 1946-50" (1981)

"Huk Hunter 1946-50" (1981)

A Lucky Star Presentation

Release Date October 30, 1981

Direction Roland S. Ledesma

Cast Anthony Alonzo (as Victor Medina)

THE EIGHTIES # 248: EDDIE RODRIGUEZ, DINDO FERNANDO AND VILMA SANTOS IN "HIWALAY" (1981)

"Hiwalay" (1981)

Cinex Films, Inc.

Distributed by F. Puzon Films Enterprises

Release Date October 30, 1981

Direction Romy Suzara

Cast Eddie Rodriguez, Dindo Fernando and Vilma Santos

THE EIGHTIES # 247: CHIQUITO (IN THE TITLE ROLE), CONEY REYES MUMAR, PHILIP GAMBOA, MITOS DEL MUNDO AND TINTOY IN "ADIONG BULUTONG" (1981)

"Adiong Bulutong" (1981)

Archer Productions, Inc.

Release Date October 30, 1981

Film Editor Pepe Marcos

Cinematography Edmund Cupcupin

Music Ding Araza

Direction A.V. P. (Augusto V. Pangan)

Cast Chiquito (in the title role), Coney Reyes Mumar, Philip Gamboa, Mitos del Mundo and Tintoy/ Also Starring Renato del Prado, Nieves Manuel, Joseph de Cordova, Dick Morados, Ding Araza and Bukol Pangan/ Special Participation of Rpdolfo 'Boy' Garcia

THE EIGHTIES # 246: PINKY DE LEON, ELIZABETH OROPESA, BETH BAUTISTA, CHERIE GIL, JEAN SABURIT, CHICHAY AND ALMA MORENO IN DANNY ZIALCITA'S "THE BETAMAX SCANDAL" (1981)

"The Betamax Story" (1981)

New Agrix Films

Released thru Octa Films

Release Date October 30, 1981

Direction Danny Zialcita

Cast Pinky de Leon, Elizabeth Oropesa, Beth Bautista, Cherie Gil, Jean Saburit, Chichay and Alma Moreno/ Also Starring George Estregan, Raul Aragon, Ronaldo Valdez, Johnny Vicar, Allan Valenzuela, Joe Garcia, Greg Lozano

THE EIGHTIES # 245: REY MALONZO (IN THE TITLE ROLE), GEORGE ESTREGAN, LIZ ALINDOGAN, ANNA MARIE GUTIERREZ IN "LIMBAS NG CAVITE" (1981)

"Limbas ng Cavite" (1981)

Twin Dragon Films

Release Date October 23, 1981

Cinematography Danny Bustos

Music Ernani Cuenco

Asst. Directors Nato Villanpando, Larry Esguerra

Direction Reginald King

Cast Rey Malonzo (in the title role), George Estregan, Liz Alindogan. Anna Marie Gutierrez/ Also Starring Charlie Davao, Johnny Wilson, Hero Bautista, Don Pepot and Mon Godiz/with Capt. Fred Param, Victor Bravo, Angel Confiado, Larry Esguerra, Leon Pajaron, Danny Zurbano, Steve Alcarado, Benjie Gabriel/ Featuring Heidi Melendez, Joan Lazaro, Robert del Rosario/ Guest- Gil Guerrero

THE EIGHTIES # 244: LITO LAPID, DANTE RIVERO, WITH DONNA VILLA, LIZ ALINDOGAN IN "LABANANG LALAKI" (1981)

"Labanang Lalaki" (1981)

Atlas Films International

Release Date October 23, 1981

Serialized in Liwayway Magazine

Story Pablo S. Gomez

Direction Dante Rivero

Cast Lito Lapid, Dante Rivero/ Also Starring Donna Villa, Liz Alindogan, Alex David, Max Laurel, Renato del Prado, Anita Linda, Jose Garcia

THE EIGHTIES # 243: RHENE IMPERIAL, CONRAD POE, WITH CARMEN RONDA, MARITESS DE JOYA, GEORGE ESTREGAN, CHARLIE DAVAO, NICK ROMANO, PHILIP GAMBOA IN "K-9 HUNTS TAKAS" (1981)

"K-9 Hunts Takas" (1981)

(Davao Penal Colony)

Transocean Films International

Release Date October 16, 1981

Story and Screenplay Eliseo Corcuera & Efren C. Pinon

Cinematography Nonong Rasca

Music Snafu Rigor

Direction Efren C. Pinon

Cast Rhene Imperial, Conrad Poe/ Also Starring Carmen Ronda, Maritess de Joya, George Estregan, Charlie Davao, Nick Romano, Philip Gamboa/ Special Participation- Paquito Diaz, Romy Diaz, Roland Dantes and Anthony Alonzo