THE FILMS OF DANNY ZIALCITA (1965-1975)/ FIRST OF TWO PARTS

Left- "Lady Killer" (1965)- Stars Romano Castellvi, Maggie dela Riva, Stella Suarez and Lourdes Medel/ with Jose Romulo, Ben Perez, Jose Vergara/ Directed by Danny Zialcita

Right- "Target Domino" (1966)- Stars Romano Castellvi, Liberty Ilagan, Stella Suarez, Bessie Barredo, Tito Arevalo, Leni Trinidad, Val magno, Rolando Aquino/ with Roberto Gonzales, Marissa Delgado/ Directed by DLZ

He directs his movies with no scripts on hand. According to one of his actors, Noel Colet in a comment he made in a blog post, "He taught me how to come to the set with no script, learned my lines by dictation on the set for the first rehearsal and changed a few paragraphs on the second rehearsal and then on final take to mentally delete some lines and add a few more lines here and there. No other director can make a masterpiece using this process... on the set, impromptu. Ang galing!" That's how Director Danny Zialcita works!

Danny L. Zialcita or DLZ is one of the most underrated filmmakers in Philippine cinema. He started his career in the mid 60s directing action movies, mostly spin-offs of James Bond movies. That was the trend that time--- remember Tony Ferrer portraying the role of Tony Falcon, Agent X-44, Eddie Fernandez as Lagalag, Anthony Alonzo as Agent 69, Eddie Rodriguez as Paolo Stacatto or Cobra and many more. Zialcita's early works like Lady Killer (1965), Cabonegro (1966), Target Domino (1966) and Tiger Lady (1966) propelled a young Romano Castellvi to stardom. He sometimes used the acronym DLZ in the title credits in his early movies. In 1970, he did some sex-oriented movies, Gutom, Ina Ko Patawarin Mo Ako Ako'y Nagugutom, Hidhid and Polyanna (Bertigo) and by the middle of the 70s, Zialcita shifted to a more serious themes touching on sensitive and controversial topics like adultery and infidelity.

"Cabonegro" (1966)- Stars Romano Castellvi, Divina Valencia, Ben Perez, Flor Bien, Roberto Gonzales, Chito Reyes, Ben Manalo/ Directed by DLZ


"Tiger Lady" (1966)- Stars Romano Castellvi, Josephine Estrada, Rolly Aquino, Val Magno and Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia/ Directed by DLZ


"Hammerhead" (1967)- Stars Bernard Bonnin, Liberty Ilagan, Elsa Bouffard, Leni Trinidad, Vivian Larrain, Eva Marie, Ben Perez and Eddie Arenas/ Directed by DLZ

"Incognito" (1967)- Stars Bernard Bonnin, Perla Bautista, Ronald Remy and Timi Yuro/ Directed by DLZ

"Palos Strikes Again!" (1968)- Stars Bernard Bonnin, Sofia Moran, Alfonso Carvajal, Ely Ramos, Liza Belmonte, Vic Andaya and Joe Sison/ Directed by DLZ

"Palos Fights Back!" (1969)- Stars Bernard Bonnin, Sofia Moran, Marion Douglas, Ben Perez, Alfonso Carvajal, Rolly Aquino/ Directed by Danny Zialcita


"Tres Pistoleros" (1970)- Stars Johnny Vicar, Conrado Cordova, Paolo Baron, Rhodora, Merle Fernandez and Rossana Marquez/ Directed by DLZ

"Gutom" (1970)- Stars Rossana Marquez, Conrado Cordova, Alicia Montemayor, Vic Andaya, Mario Escudero, Renato del Prado, Mar Quijano, Angel Confiado/ Directed by DLZ


"Ina Ko Patawarin Mo Ako Ako'y Nagugutom" (1970)- Stars Rossana Marquez, Roldan Aquino/ Story and Directed by DLZ


"Hidhid" (1971)- Stars Rosanna Ortiz, Annabelle and Jessica/ with Johnny Madrid, Frank Zarate and Rod Navarro/ Directed by Danny L. Zialcita


Polyanna (Bertigo)/ 1972- Stars Rosemarie Gil, Jessica and Johnny Madrid/ with Johnny Vicar, Frank Zarate/ Directed by DLZ


"Ugat" (1974)- Stars George Estregan, Rosanna Ortiz and Pinky de Leon/ with Elizabeth Oropesa, Rod Navarro, Rusty Salzar, Roderick Paulate, Dondon Nakar, Alfonso Carvajal, Teody Belarmino/ Directed by Danny Zialcita


"Ang Biyuda ay Misteryosa" (1975)- Stars George Estregan, Imelda Ilanan, Lito Legaspi and Chanda Romero/ with Mario Escudero, Bella Flores, Ruben Rustia, Alfonso Carvajal/ Directed by Danny Zialcita


"Ito'y Isang Baliw na Baliw na Diagdig" (1975)- Stars Gina Pareno, Pinky de Leon, Elizabeth Oropesa, Rosanna Ortiz and George Estregan/ Directed by Danny Zialcita


"Laging Umaga" (1975)- Stars Gina Pareno, Anna Gonzales, Rebecca, Eddie Garcia and George Estregan/ with Mario Escudro, Pancho Pelagio, Ernie Ortega/ Directed by Danny Zialcita

Filmography (1965-1975)
Ang Biyuda ay Misteryosa (1975)/ Crown Seven Film Productions
Ito ang Baliw na Baliw na Daigdig (1975/ Alaminos Films, Inc.
Laging Umaga (1975)/ Alaminos Films, Inc.
Gumapang Ka sa Lupa (1974)/ Alaminos Films, Inc.
Ugat (1974)/ Alaminos Films, Inc.
Polyanna (1972)/ Tuit-Tuit Productions
Hidhid (1971)/ MOD Films Organization
Gutom (1970) /Layson Productions
Ina Ko Patawarin Mo Ako Ako’y Nagugutom (1970)/ Layson Productions
Tres Pistoleros (1970)/ Essex Films, Inc.
Palos Fights Back (1969)/ SS Films Co.
Palos Strikes Again (1968)/ Adroit Productions
Bart Salamanca (1968)/ Adroit Productions
Masquerade (1967)/ Emar Productions
Incognito (1967)/ Zeta Productions
Hammerhead (1967)/ Bonanza Productions
Cabonegro (1966)/ Magna East Productions
Tiger Lady (1966)/ GM Film Organization
Target Domino (1966)/ Magna East Productions
Lady Killer (1965)/ Magna East Productions

THE 1983 METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL: "KARNAL" BEST PICTURE

Cine Suerte's Karnal won the Best Picture in the 1983 Metro Manila Film Festival. The movie, directed by Marilou Diaz- Abaya, also won four other awards---Manolo Abaya (best Cinematography), Rudy Baldovino (best Sound Engineering), Fred Concepcion (Best Musical Scoring) and Fiel Zabat (Best Production Design). However, it was Lea Productions' Bago Kumalat ang Kamandag that romped away major individual honors--- Anthony Alonzo (Best Actor), Coney Reyes (Best Actress), Alicia Alonzo (Best Supporting Actress), Willie Milan (Best Director and Best Screenplay) and Augusto Salvador (Best Editing). Other awardees include Dennis Roldan (Best Supporting Actor/ Hot Property) and Jaypee de Guzman (Best Child Performer/ Tengteng de Sarapen)

RVQ Productions' Tengteng de Sarapen was the top grosser of the festival. Only eight movies participated.

"Karnal" (1983)- Stars Charito Solis, Phillip Salvador, Vic Silayan, Joel Torre and Cecille Castillo/ Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya

"Tengteng De Sarapen" (1983)- Stars Dolphy, Alma Moreno, Panchito, Jaypee de Guzman, Raoul Aragonn, Bayani Casimiro, Teroy de Guzman, Palito, Ben David, Rocco Montalban, Larry Silva, Allan Bautista, Max Vera/ Directed by Frank Gray, Jr.


"Bago Kumalat ang Kamandag" (1983)- Stars Anthony Alonzo, Coney Reyes, Eddie Garcia, Perla Bautista, Alicia Alonzo/ Directed by Willie Milan


"Hot Property" (1983)- Stars Carmi Martin, Phillip Salvador, Dennis Roldan, Vic Diaz, Tony Santos, Sr./ Directed by Lino Brocka

"Bad Bananas sa Puting Tabing" (1983)- Stars Christopher de Leon, Edgar Mortiz, Jay Ilagan, Johnny Delgado and Nora Aunor/ Jaime Fabregas, Larry Lawrence/ Directed by Peque Gallaga

"D' Godson" (1983)- Stars Nino Muhlach, William Martinez, Susan Bautista, Panchito, Pepe Pimentel, Nanette Inventor, Manny Luna, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia, Bayani Casimiro, Jimmy Santos, Palito, Joaquin Fajardo, Fred Panopio/ Directed by J. Erastheo Navoa


"Gunfighter" (1983)- Stars Lito Lapid, Connie Angeles, Chuck Biller, Cole Mackay, Paul Jones, marlene Chavez, Brad Fletcher/ Directed by Romy Suzara


"Over My Dead Body" (1983)- Stars Tony Ferrer, Efren Reyes, Jr. and Bembol Roco/ with Raoul Aragon, Anna Marie Gutierrez, Lolita Marquez/ Directed by Arsenio 'Boots' Bautista

THE 1982 METRO MANILA FILMFEST: "HIMALA", NORA AUNOR TOP FILMFEST

ECP's Himala captured nine awards in the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival--- Best Picture, Best Actress (Nora Aunor), Best Supporting Actor (Spanky Manikan), Best Supporting Actress (Gigi Duenas), Best Director (Ishmael Bernal), Best Cinematography (Sergio Lobo), Best Art Direction (Racquel Villavicencio), Best Sound Engineering (Rolly Ruta) and Best Editing (Ike Jarlego, Jr.). The movie emerged the top grosser of the festival edging FPJ Productions' Ang Panday...Ikatlong Yugto.

Other awardees--- Christopher de Leon (Best Actor/Haplos); Ricky Lee (Best Screenplay/Moral); Ernani Cuenco (Best Music/Ang Panday, Ikatlong Yugto).

Courtesy of Experimental Cinema of the Philippines

"Himala" (1982)- Stars Nora Aunor, Spanky Manikan, Gigi Duenas and a cast of thousands/ Directed by Ishmael Bernal

"Ang Panday...Ikatlong Yugto" (1982)- Stars Fernando Poe, Jr., Criselda 'Dang' Cecilio, Lito Anzures, Bentot, Jr./ Directed by Ronwaldo Reyes


"Moral" (1982)- Stars Lorna Tolentino, Gina ALjar, Sandy Andolong, Anna Marin/ Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya

"Tulisan ng Pasong Musang" (1982)- Stars Ramon Revilla, Susan Valdez, George Estregan, Paquito Diaz, Alicia Alonzo, Johnny Wilson, Janice Jurado/ Directed by Efren Pinon


"The Cute, The Sexy n' The Tiny (1982)- Stars Bering Labra, Pia Moran and Weng Weng/ with Dencio Padilla, Beth Sandoval and Bonnie De Jesus/ Music and Directed by Pablo Vergara and Eddie Nicart


"Tatlo Silang Tatay Ko" (1982)- Stars Tito, Vic and Joey, Susan Bautista, Panchito, Dely Atay-Atayan, Ike Lozada, German Moreno and Nino Muhlachj/ Directed by J. Erastheo Navoa


"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" (1982)- Stars Snooky, Maricel Soriano, Gabby Concepcion, William Marrinez, Albert Martinez/ with Robert Arevalo, Liza Lorena, Marissa Delgado, Raul Aragon, Alicia Alonzo, Mila Ocampo, Johnny Wilson, Joel Alano, Aiko Melendez, Kristine Garcia/ Directed by Elwood Perez


"Magindanao" (1982)- Stars Mohamad Faizal, Rhoy Flores, Rex Lapid, Charlie Davao, Philip Gamboa and Laarni Enriquez/ with Paquito Diaz, Romy Diaz, Dick Israel, Tony Carrion, Joaquin Fajardo, Willy Dado, Amay Bisaya & Max Alvarado/ Directed by Diego Cagahastian


"Haplos" (1982)- Stars Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, Rio Locsin, Delia Razon, J. Eddie Infante, Rez Cortez & Juan Rodrigo/ Directed by Antonio Jose Perez


"Desire" (1982)- Stars Charito Solis, John Saxon and Techie Agbayani/ with Judith Chapman, Mark Gil/ Directed by Eddie Romero

THE 1981 METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL: "KISAPAMATA" TOP AWARDEE

Bancom Audiovision's Kisapmata, a movie about a deranged retired policeman, won ten of the 13 awards in the 1981 Metro Manila Film Festival--- Best Picture; Vic Silayan (Best Actor); Jay Ilagan (Best Supporting Actor); Charito Solis (Best Supporting Actress); Mike de Leon (Best Director); Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr., Racquel Villavicencio and Mike de Leon (Best Screenplay and Story); Jess Navarro (Best Editing); Best Production Design and Best Sound Engineering.

Vilma Santos was named Best Actress for her role in Sining Silangan's Karma. Other awards went to Ver Reyes (Best Cinematography/ Pagbabalik ng Panday); Bentot, Jr. and Dranreb Belleza in a tie for Best Child Performer in Pagbabalik ng Panday and Kapitan Kidlat respectively.

FPJ Productions' Pagbabalik ng Panday was the top grosser of the festival.

Movie Review: Kisapmata by Francis Cruz

"Kisapmata" (1981)- Stars Charito Solis, Jay Ilagan, Vic Silayan and Charo Santos/ with Ruben Rustia, Juan Rodrigo/ Directed by Mike de Leon

"Pagbabalik ng Panday" (1981)- Stars Fernando Poe, Jr., Tina Revilla, Bentot, Jr., Rosemarie Gil, Lito Anzures, Jose Romulo, Lilian Laing and Max Alvarado/ Directed by Ronwaldo Reyes

"Rock n' Roll" (1981)- Stars Nora Aunor, Lloyd Samartino, Mark Gil and Ricky Davao/ Directed by Maryo J. delos Reyes



"Karma" (1981)- Stars Vilma Santos, Ronaldo Valdez, Chanda Romero, Tommy Abuel/ Directed by Danny Zialcita

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

"Kamlon" (1981)- Stars Ramon Revilla, Anthony Alonzo, Isabel Rivas, Rosemarie de Vera, Eddie Garcia, George Estregan, Nick Romano, Arnold Mendoza, Laarni Enriquez/ Directed by Jose Yandoc

"Init O' Lamig" (1981)- Stars Charito Solis, Dindo Fernando, Elizabeth Oropesa, Chanda Romero and Gina Alajar/ Directed by Eddie Rodriguez

"Indio" (1981)- Stars Dante Varona, Chiqui Hollmann, Lirio Vital, Romy Diaz, Subas Herrero, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia, Odette Khan, Dave Brodett/ Directed by Carlo J. Caparas

"Ang Babae sa Ulog" (1981)- Stars Ricky Belmonte, Jean Saburit, Maria Victoria, Yasmin Ayesa, Alan Bautista, Karen Lopez/ Directed by Ed Palmos

"Tropang Bulilit" (1981)- Stars Nino Muhlach, Sheryl Cruz, Andrea Bautista, Janice dec Belen and Lea Salonga/ with Donna Villa, Lloyd Samartino, Manny Luna/ Directed by J. Erastheo Navoa

THE 1980 METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL: "ANG PANDAY" FILMFEST TOP GROSSER

Pretty good entries in the 1980 Metro Manila Film Festival. Fernando Poe, Jr. had his first Panday,the undisputed top grosser of the festival; Nora Aunor had two entries---Lino Brocka's Bona and Laurice Guillen's Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo; Vilma Santos came up with Danny Zialcita's Langis at Tubig; Amy Austria gave an excellent performance in Marilou Diaz-Abaya's Brutal. Other entries were Basag with Alma Moreno, Taga Sa Panahon with Christopher De Leon and Bembol Roco and three comedy films Tembong with Nino Muhlach, Kape't Gatas with Chiquito and Julie Vega and Dang-Dong with Andrea Bautista (daughter of Ramon Revilla, Sr.).

The Festival's Best Picture was awarded to Premiere Productions' Taga sa Panahon. Individual honors went to Dindo Fernando (Best Actor/ Langis at Tubig) and Amy Austria (Best Actress/ Brutal). Other awardees--- Marilou Diaz-Abaya (Best Director/ Brutal); Jose Carreon (Best Screenplay/ Taga sa Panahon); Rody Lacap (Best Cinematography/ Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo); Rudy Baldovino and Ben Pelayo (Best Sound Engineering/ Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo); Ernani Cuenco (Best Music/ Ang Panday); Danny Zialcita (Best Story/ Langis at Tubig) and Julie Vega (Best Child Performer/ Kape't Gatas).

Taga sa Panahon (1980)- Stars Christopher De Leon, Bembol Roco, Chanda Romero, Cherie Gil, Suzette Ranillo, Michael De Mesa/ Directed by Augusto Buenaventura

Ang Panday (1980)- Stars Fernando Poe, Jr., Liz Alindogan,
Paquito Diaz, Max Alvarado, Lito Anzures and Bentot, Jr. /
Directed by Ronwaldo Reyes


Courtesy of Jojo Devera
(Sari-Saring Sineng Pinoy)


Brutal (1980) - Stars Amy Austria, Gina Alajar and Jay Ilagan /
Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya

Bona (1980) - Stars Nora Aunor and Phillip Salvador /
Directed by Lino Brocka

Basag (1980) - Stars Mat Ranillo III, Vivian Velez and Alma Moreno/
Directed by Van Ludor


Dang-Dong (1980) - Stars Susan Valdez, Eddie Garcia, George Estregan and Andrea Bautista / Directed by Efren Pinon


Tembong (1980) - Stars Nino Muhlach, Ricky Belmonte, Boots Anson-Roa,
Azenth Briones and Eddie Garcia/ Directed by J. Erastheo Navoa


Langis at Tubig (1980) - Stars Vilma Santios, Dindo Fernando and Amy Austria / Directed by Danny L. Zialcita


Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo (1980) - Stars Nora Aunor, Christopher De Leon
and Rollie Quizon/ Directed by Laurice Guillen


Kape't Gatas (1980) - Stars Chiquito and Julie Vega
Directed by Ric Santiago