THE 1984 METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL: NORA AUNOR TOPS FILMFEST

Cherubim Films' Bulaklak sa City Jail won the Best Picture Award in the 1984 Metro Manila Film Festival. It also received four other major awards--- Best Actress (Nora Aunor); Best Director (Mario O'Hara); Best Story and Best Screenplay (both for Lualhati Bautista). Other awardees include--- Best Actor (Herbert Bautista/ Shake, Rattle & Roll); Best Supporting Actor (Ed Villapol/ Alapaap); Best Supporting Actress (Celia Rodriguez/Bulaklak sa City Jail); Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction (Joe Tutanes/ Alapaap); Best Editing (Jess Navarro/ Shake, Rattle & Roll); Best Music (Jaime Fabregas/ Shake, Rattle & Roll) and Best Child Performer (Chuckie Dreyfuss/ Idol).

A total of nine entries participated in the filmfest and saw the debut of Shake, Rattle and Roll, probably the most successful film series in the history of Philippine cinema.

"Bulaklak sa City Jail" (1984)- Stars Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar, Celia Rodriguez, Perla Bautista, Maya Valdez, Zenaida Amador, Maritess Gutierrez, Shyr Valdez/ Directed by Mario O'Hara

Shake, Rattle & Roll (1984)/ Three Episodes

Episode 1: “Baso”- Directed by Emmanuel Borlaza/ Cast- Joel Torre, Rey’PJ’ Abellana, Arlene Muhlach
Episode 2: “Pridyider” – Directed by Ishmael Bernal/ Cast- Janice de Belen, Charito Solis, William Martinez, Mon Alvir, Lito Gruet
Episode 3: “Manananggal” – Directed by Peque Gallaga/ Cast- Herbert bautista, Irma Alegre, Mary Walter, Peewee Quiajano, Pen Medina

"Ang Panday IV: Ika- Apat Na Aklat" (1984)- Stars Fernando Poe, Jr., Marianne dela Riva, Lito Anzures, Bentot, Jr., Eddie Infante, Mario Escudero, Robert Rivera and Max Alvarado/ Special participation of Rowell Santiago/ Directed by Ronwaldo Reyes



"Alapaap" (1984)- Stars William Martinez, Mark Gil. Michael de Mesa and Tanya Gomez/ Introducing Eva Rose Palma, Isadora/ Directed by Tata Esteban




"Misteryo sa Tuwa" (1984)- Stars Tony Santos, Sr., Johnny Delgado, Ronie Lazaro, Alicia Alonzo, Lito Anzures, Amable Quiambao, Mario Montes/ Directed by Abbo Q. dela Cruz




"Idol" (1984)- Stars Rudy Fernandez, Connie Angeles, Chuckie Dreyfuss, Dencio Padilla, Ruben Rustia, Victor Bravo,Dick Israel, Robert Talabis, Philip Gamboa, Bomber Moran, Rommel Valdez/ Directed by Romy Suzara



"Bukas... May Pangarap" (1984)- Stars Gina Alajar, Tommy Abuel, Dante Balaois, Michael Baluyot, Richard Baluyot, Thea Cleofe Salvador, Bes Flores, Ruben Rustia, Bebong Osorio, Josie Galvez/ Directed by Gil Portes



"Atsay Killer: Buti Nga Sa 'Yo" (1984)- Stars Eddie Garcia, Panchito, Cachupoy, Fauzi Omar, Isabel Rivas, Barbara Luna, Julie Ann Fortich, Donna Villa, Rosemarie de Vera/ Directed by Angel Labra

"Muntinlupa 1958" (1984)- Stars Anthony Alonzo, Marianne dela Riva, Fred Montilla, Tita Munoz, Alicia Alonzo, Max Alvarado, Joonee Gamboa, Renato del Prado, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia/ Directed by Jose Antonio Alonzo

DECEMBER 24, 1963: THE DEATH OF ARTURO "BOY GOLDEN" PORCUNA

Arturo Porcuna, alias Boy Golden was a notorious gangster who figured prominently in gangland violence and Mafia-like vendetta during the early 60s. That time, the streets of Manila became the center of several fierce and violent confrontations among feuding gang groups. Porcuna was feared but his life was brief and his bloody end came in the early morning of December 24, 1963 when he was shot to death by members of his rival gang group.

From the front page of The Manila Chronicle, here's the full news account of that fateful day---

PORCUNA, 2 AIDES SHOT DEAD BY FOES
by Rufino Rogel, Jr.

Arturo Porcuna, alias "Boy Golden," notorious police character and two of his henchmen were gunned down by members of a rival gang in the room of an apartment in Mandaluyong, Rizal shortly after 2 o'clock this morning. Killed with Porcuna were two new members of his gang known as "Jojo" and Bert". Their real names were not immediately available as they reportedly joined Porcuna's gang only a few days ago.

click image to enlarge

Jaime San Miguel, a Porcuna henchman who rented the three-room apartment at No. 91-B Col. F. Vicencio street, told Patrolmen Domiciano Valenciano and Juan Perez who rushed to the scene to investigate that the gunwielders were Eddie Luz, Baby Soriano, Antonio Razon, Rene Sebastian and three others whom he was not able to identify. The gunmen arrived in two cars, a Fairlane and an Impala and motorcycles. As the front door of the apartment was open, they entered without being detected by the occupants. They proceed to the second floor and surprised Porcuna and three of his henchmen while they were opening their Christmas presents, in one of the rooms. They opened fire on the men inside the room and when Porcuna, Jojo and Bert fell, the gunwielders left. San Miguel who was also in the room at the time hid in one of the lockers and was not injured.

The wife of Porcuna known as Marla and Anita Dee, the wife of San Miguel, were in the other room when the shooting took place. With them in their room was their housemaid.

When the police arrived, they found the bodies of Porcua, Jojo and Bert all riddled with bullets. They found on the flo0r empty shells of an automatic carbine and a Thompson submachinegun. The police were inclined to believe that the victims were surprised in the room by the gunmen who were obviously on a mission to liquidate Porcuna and his henchmen.

Follow-up articles on the case--- to read, click images to enlarge---

click images to enlarge

Part of the turbulent life of Arturo Porcuna was recreated in a movie directed by Danny Zialcita, titled Hindi Sa Iyo ang Mundo, Baby Porcuna.

I never had a chance to see this movie when it made its theatrical run in 1978. It earned money and made a noise when it won the Gawad Urian's Best Actress for its lead star Beth Bautista. I think it never came out in video format and I am wondering if a copy still exists.

"Hindi Sa Iyo ang Mundo, Baby Porcuna" (1978)- Stars Beth Bautista, Joseph Sytangco, Dick Israel, Anthony Alonzo, Josephine Garcia, Suzanne Gonzales/ Directed by Danny Zialcita

Synopsis:

Halaw sa tunay na pangyayari, isinasaad ng Hindi sa Iyo ang Mundo, Baby Porcuna ang buhay ng kapatid na babae ni Boy Golden, isang kilalang maton noong 1960's. Si Baby Porcuna (Elizabeth Bautista) ay isang mananayaw ng burlesk sa tanghalang pinamamahalaan ni Cris (Dick Israel).. Nahahalayan sa hanapbuhay ng kanyang kapatid, kinuha ni Boy (Anthony Alonzo) si Baby habang nagsasayaw sa tanghalan, at iniuwi sa apartment na kanyang tinutuluyan upang ilayo kay Cris kahit may anak na si Baby rito. Nakilala ni Baby si Tommy (Joseph Sytangco), isang mang-aawit sa tanghalan ni Cris. Nanligaw si Tommy at nag-alok ng kasal. Matapos matuklasan ni Baby ang pakikipag-ulayaw ni Cris sa ibang babae, nabuo ang kanyang pasyang iwanan ito at magpakasal kay Tommy. Naging maunos ang kanilang pagsasama dahil sa kaugnayan ni Baby kay Boy Golden at sa magulong pamumuhay nito. Ang pakikipag-alitan ni Boy dahil sa dalawang babae, kina Emma (Josephine Garcia) at Susan (Suzanne Gonzales) ang naging sanhi ng kanyang kamatayan. Natanto naman ni Cris na tunay na may pagtingin siya kay Baby. Binayaran niya si Tommy upang layuan si Baby. Nasaktan si Baby at bilang ganti ay sinabuyan niya ng asido si Tommy. Nagsisi si Baby nang malamang si Cris ang may kagagawan ng lahat, ngunit tulad ng ugnayan nina Boy, Emma, at Susan, ang kina Baby, Cris, at Tommy ay humantong din sa isang malagim na wakas.

Source: Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino

JANUARY 18, 1961: COP KILLS DAUGHTER, SON-IN-LAW, HIMSELF

This bizarre and horrific incident, a front page headline news in 1961 became the subject of a 1981 Mike de Leon critically-acclaimed movie, Kisapmata. It happened on the late afternoon of January 18, 1961 when a Manila Police detective killed his daughter, son-in-law, critically wounding his wife and shot himself to death due to domestic and family dispute. Here's the full account of that fateful and unfortunate tragedy --- from the front page of The Manila Chronicle.

A Manila police detective, driven to a fit of madness during a family quarrel, killed his only daughter and son-in-law, shot and wounded his wife and then blew his brains out with the same gun at their plush residence in Makati, Rizal, shortly before 5:45 p.m. yesterday.

The amok was Pablo Cabading, 48, a plainclothesman assigned with the criminal investigation laboratory of the Manila Police Department. He herded the three into his room at the second floor of their lavishly-furnished house at 1074 Zapote, Makati to settle a domestic dispute. At the heat of the argument, he shot them one after, and then presses the muzzle of his .45 caliber pistol against his right temple and shot himself to death. The .45 caliber slug plowed through his skull. His victims were: 1. Mrs. Asuncion Cabading, 45, his wife, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Mrs. Cabading, up to press time last night, was in serious condition at the Philippine General Hospital. She sustained eight wounds --- five in both feet, two in the left shoulder and one in the body. She was taken to the operating room. 2. Mrs. Lydia Cabading-Quitangon, 24, his lone daughter, a doctor by profession. 3. Leonardo Quitangon, 36, professor at the University of Santo Tomas College of Medicine, Lydia’s husband.

Quintangon and Lydia died in each other’s embrace in a corner of the room. Their bodies were riddled with bullets. Cabading fell on his back on a bed. Mrs. Cabading was found writhing in pain on the floor near the feet of Quitangon and Lydia. Makati policemen rushed her to the PGH. The death gun, Cabading’s service pistol was found on the floor below the feet of Cabading. The four were found in the blood-soaked room on the second floor of their newly-constructed house. Police investigators had to break the lock of the door to get into the room. They said the room was locked from inside.

Four other persons were in the house during the shooting orgy. They were Nonilo Quitangon, 27, a lawyer of 3996 Dangal, Sta. Mesa, brother of Leonardo; Eduardo Cabading, 8, adopted son of the Cabadings; Normalinda Gapuz, 15, and Corazon Verzosa, 12, housemaids. A Makati policeman was passing by and the maids sought his aid, Gapuz said. Nonilo said he was in the house during the rampage but got frightened and rushed out tocall for policemen. He said he was summoned by Cabading to their house to discuss “something important.” When he arrived at the house, Cabading engaged him in a lively conversation, Nonilo said. Minutes later, Cabading told him to wait downstairs as the family was going to discuss something upstairs. Five minutes later, Nonilo said, he heard a succession of shots. Nonilo told policemen Cabading might have been angered by their children’s refusal to stay with them. He said the Quintangons wanted to live separately. Quintangon and Lydia were married only last October 1960. Lydia was an only child of the Cabadings.

Rodrigo Narvaez, 18, of 176 Arellano Avenue, cousin of Quintangon, rushed to the house after he got word of the shooting. He said that Cabading once told him that it was his wish that Lydia would not live separately with them. Narvaez said he learned Cabading treated Quintangon coldly because he married his daughter without their blessing. Nonilo told Makati police investigators that last Sunday, Lydia and Quintangon left for Marogondon, Cavite, without the permission of their father. He said that shortly before Sunday noon, Cabading went to his house in Sta. Mesa brandishing a Thompson submachine gun, looking for Quintangon and Lydia. Nonilo said he told Cabading that the couple was still in Cavite. Yesterday morning, Nonilo said, the couple who slept in his house received a phone call from Cabading telling them that Mrs. Cabading was “very ill.” Worried, Nonilo said, the couple left for their house in Makati but much to their surprise they found Mrs. Cabading well. Nonilo said Cabading then called him up telling him also to go to his house as they were going to discuss “something important.” When he arrived, Nonilo said, Cabading told him to wait downstairs as he wanted to talk to their children upstairs. A few minutes later, Nonilo said, he heard gunshots.

Policemen who rushed to the place, surmised that the couple stood pat on thei plan tp live separately. Police conjectured that when the father sense it the futility of having them live with them, he got his .45 caliber pistol, locked the room, and shot them one by one. Initial findings showed that Mrs. Cabading had prevented her husband from shooting the two or tried to shield the young couple from Cabading’s gun. Lydia was also covering her husband when they were hit by the first volley of shots, police surmised.

Mayor Maximo Estrella and several Makati homicide investigators dug deeper into the case. They wanted to know the real motive behind the killing. They were trying to find out why the gun was found far from Cabading. (by Roberto Cuevas)

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

This particular news item can also be read in full and in details in the article, "The House on Zapote Street" by Quijano de Manila (or Nick Joaquin) originally published in the Philippines Free Press magazine. It was later compiled with 12 other articles in a book, "Reportage on Crime."

"Reportage On Crime"
by Quijano de Manila
Cover artwork and Design: Danny Dalena

THE FUNNY WORLD OF REDFORD WHITE (REPOST)

Funnyman Redford White, Cipriano M. Cermeno II in real life, passed away Sunday morning, July 25 after a lingering battle with brain cancer. He was 54.

May you rest in Peace! Thank you for 30 years of fun, laughter and memories. You will be greatly missed!

Left- "Iskul Bukol" (1980)- Stars Tito, Vic and Joey, Ruby Ana, Carmi Martin, Maluh dela Fuente/ with Richie d' Horsie, Bing Angeles, Mely Tagasa, Redford White & Dely Atay-Atyan/ Directed by Mike Relon Makiling

Right- "Tartan" (1981)- Stars Tito, Vic and Joey, Deborah Sun, Ann Villegas, Louella/ with Max Alvarado, Joonee Gamboa, Dencio Padilla, Lucita Soriano, Rudy manlapaz, Balot, Richie d' Horsie, Redford White, Jimmy Santos & Mike Hanopol/ Directed by Mike Relon Makiling


The first time I saw him was in a TV sitcom, “Iskul Bukol,” sometime in 1979 as Mang Temi’s (Bing Angeles) househelp and cafeteria waiter. He has a very white complexion with white hair. I don’t know his real name, but he was known as Redford White, probably taken from a popular Hollywood actor, Robert Redford and White because of his extraordinary physical features. I would sense that time that he could succeed as a comedian because of his knack for comedy--- his great sense of humor and impeccable timing in delivering jokes. True enough, he was doing one roles after another, even starring in a lead roles, in such hit movies as Boni & Klayd (1981), Darakula (1982), Hee-man: Master of None (1983), Billy the Kid and the Sunshine Gid (1984), Swak (1985), Johnny Rambo Tan-go (1985) and Johnny Rocky Tan-go (1986). He continued his slew of successes with Buddy en Sol and a string of movies in the '90s, as well various shows this decade, including the hit TV series Kokey.

"Sinisinta Kita" (1981)- Stars Redford White and Pia Moran/with Pugak, Matimtiman Cruz, Cachupoy, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia, Bing Angeles, Mely Tagasa, Tatlong Itlog/ Directed by Angel Labra

"Boni & Klayd" (1981)- Stars Redford White and Pia Moran/with Panchito, Chichay, Cachupoy, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia, Renato del Prado, Bing Angeles/ Directed byAngel Labra

"Darakula" (1982)- Stars Redford White, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia, Lito Anzures, Pugak, Popoy, Ruel Vernal/ Introducing Claudia Zobel/ Directed byAngel Labra

Left- "Wrong Mistake" (1983)- Stars Chiquito and Redford White/ with Maria Teresa Carlson and Myrna Castillo/ Directed by Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao

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

"Billy The Kid & The Sunshine Kid" (1984)- Stars Jess Lapid, Jr. and Redford White/ with Pia Moran, Cachupoy, Tatlong Itlog/ Directed by Tony Reyes

"Wrong Ranger" (1984)- Stars Redford White, Pia Moran, Cachupoy, Marilou Bendigo,Tatlong Itlog/ Directed by Angel Labra

Left- "Sekreta Ini" (1984)- Stars Redford White and Yusuf Salim/ with Paquito Diaz, Pia Moran, Cachupoy, Tatlong Itlog/ Directed by Angel Labra

"Johnny Rambo Tan-Go" (1985)- Stars Redford White , Panchito, Roderick Paulate, Palito, Jograd, Liz Alindogan, Nanette Inventor/ Directed by Ricky Santiago

"I Won! I Won!: Ang S'werte Nga Naman" (1985)- Stars Redford White, Cachupoy, Panchito, Chichay, Richie d' Horsie, Ike Lozada, Pepe Pimentel, Dely Atay-Atayan, Tatlong Itlog and Melissa Mendez/ Directed by Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao

Left- "S.W.A.K." (1985)- Stars Redford White, Panchito, Cahupoy, Tatlong Itlog/ with Jean Saburit, Nova Villa, Teroy de Guzman/ Directed by Dik Trofeo and Carlo Caparas

Right- "Tu-Yay and His Magic Payong" (1986)- Stars Redford White/ with Luis Gonzales, Delia Razon, Marita Zobel, Robert Campos, Jaypee de Guzman, Katrin Gonzales, Harlene Bautista, Marco Polo Garcia, Hero Bautista/ Directed by Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao

"Johnny Rocky Tang-Go" (1986)- Stars Redford White, Roderick Paulate, Panchito, Max Laurel, Ruel Vernal, Janice Jurado, Jograd And Liz Alindogan/ Directed by Ricky Santiago

"Pipo's Power" (1986)- Stars Jess Lapid, Jr. and Redford White, Janice Jurado, Kristel Romero, Joy Sumilang, Lito Pimentel/ with Dick Israel, Pugak, Don Pepot, Balut/ Directed by Angel labra

Left- "Cobrador" (1986)- Stars Redford White and Richard Merck/ with Tina Alcala, Preciuos Hipolito, Julie Ann Juco, Bomber Moran Jimmy Santos, Mario Escudero, Don Pepot/ Directed by Mike Relon Makiling

Right- "No Return No Exchange" (1986)- Stars Lito Lapid and Redford White / with Janice Jurado, Debbie Miller, Panchito, Dick Israel, Ruel Vernal/ Directed byJose "Pepe' Wenceslao

"The Untouchable Family" (1988)- Stars Redford White, Edgar Mortiz, Caridad Sanchez and Ronel Victor/ Introducing Regine Velasquez/with Berting labra, LalaMontelibano, Sabatini Fernandez/ Directed by Tony Reyes

"Captain Yagit" (1989)- Stars Jess Lapid, Jr. and Redford White, Cachupoy, Bamba, Hazel Navasero and Luis Gonzales/ Directed by Angel labra & Leo Valdez


"Buddy En Sol" (1992)- Stars Eric Quizon, Redford White, Maritoni Fernandez and Aiko Melendez/with Rez Cortez, Meryl Soriano, Lou Veloso/ Directed by Boots Plata and Leo Martinez

Left- "Neber 2 Geder" (1996)- Stars Andrew E. and Redford White/ with Amanda Page and Micahel de Mesa/ Directed by Ben Feleo

Right- "Pablik Enemi 1 n 2" (1997)/ Stars Redford White and Dennis Padilla/ with Ruffa Mae Quinto and Efren Reyes, Jr./ Directed by Felix Dalisay

Left- "Ala Eh Con Bisoy" (1998)- Stars Redford White and Leo Martinez/ with Ramon Christopher, Eula Valdez and Cherrie Pie Picache/ Directed by Efren Jarlego

Right- "Tong Tatlong Tatay Kong Pakitong Kitong" (1998)/ Stars Babalu, Redford White, Lara Morena, Bonel Balingit and Serena Dalrymple/ Directed by Efren Jarlego

"Haba-Baba-Doo! Puti-Puti-Poo!" (1998)/ Stars Babalu, Redford White, Princess Punzalan, Mandy Ochoa, Toby Alejar, Melissa Mendez, Paolo Contis, Stefano Mori and Camille Pratts/ with Tanya Gomez, Baron Geisler, Serena Dalrymple, Kristine Hermosa/ Directed by Efren Jarlego