MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ESTRELLA DEL RIO, BERT LeROY, WITH ROLANDO LIWANANG, BAYANI CASIMIRO AND JOSE CRIS SOTO IN "BAYAN AT PAG-IBIG" (1938)

Introducing the year's new screen discoveries, Estrella del Rio and Bert LeRoy in a 1938 romantic drama of love and patriotism, "Bayan at Pag-ibig," a tribute to the saga of the Philippine Army!

"Bayan at Pag-ibig" (1938)

Excelsior Pictures

Release Date May 30, 1938

Cast Estrella Del Rio, Bert LeRoy, with Rolando Liwanag, Bayani Casimiro and Jose Cris Soto (the 'Laurel and Hardy' of Filipino Filmdom), Leonor Castro, Pedro Faustino, Arcadia Flores, Jovita Bueno, Pacita de la Rosa, Victoria Jordan, Gonzalo del Mar, Bernardo Baltazar, Avelino Ardales

(Image, courtesy of Pinoy Kollektor)

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: MARIA CLARA RUIZ, ROSITA RIVERA, ROGELIO DE LA ROSA, WITH ARMANDO CRIS, GREGORIO TICMAN, BEN RUBIO IN "ANG MAGMAMANI" (1938)

"The story of a woman who sacrificed her all to give the man she loved complete happiness..." says the ad in this 1938 movie, "Ang Magmamani." It starred Maria Clara Ruiz, Rosita Rivera, Rogelio de la Rosa, Armando Cris, Gregorio Ticman and Ben Rubio, under Carlos Padilla direction.

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The film “Ang Magmamani” begins at dusk, as the sun sets and shadows cover the streets. Faces blur in the dim light. A woman, her face partly hidden by a kerchief, hurriedly hands a small bundle to a startled old man. “Take good care of her, for God’s sake!” she cries, before disappearing into the darkness.

The old man, Inkong Pinong, raises the child, Ninay, as his own. He earns a living by selling peanuts and growing a little rice on a small plot beside his nipa hut. From an early age, Ninay helps him sell peanuts, charming the townsfolk and earning the fond nickname “the pretty peanut vendor” of the barrio.

Meanwhile, the woman who left the child, Tentay, wanders in search of work. She becomes a servant and a dressmaker, struggling to survive. Eventually, she moves to Manila, taking any job she can find. Misfortune follows her--- employers dismiss her or businesses close down. Desperate, she turns to working in a dance hall, where she meets Luis, a man who takes her into his home. Luis grows increasingly fond of Tentay for her sweetness and affection. Tentay, deeply grateful for his kindness, loves him in return and never asks for more than what he freely gives.

(The Tribune, May 25, 1938)

"Ang Magmamani" (1938)

Parlatone Hispano-Filipino, Inc.

Release Date May 25, 1938/ Grand Theater

Story Teofilo Sauco

Direction Carlos Padilla

Cast Maria Clara Ruiz, Rosita Rivera, Rogelio de la Rosa, with Armando Cris, Gregorio Ticman, Ben Rubio

 

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: DARMO DON FRAZER ACOSTA, LUCITA GOYENA IN " PUGAD NG AGILA" (1938)

Shot amid the rugged beauty of Mt. Ipo and the Sierra Madre ranges, "Pugad ng Aguila", opening today at the Grand Theatre, is expected to be one of the year’s most visually striking films. The movie features Darmo Von Frazer Acosta, Hollywood’s leading Filipino actor, specially brought in by Parlatone to portray Alberto Santos. Starring opposite him is Lucita Goyena, better known as Teniente Rosario, personally chosen by Acosta to play Carmen.

 The story centers on Alberto Santos (Don Frazer Acosta), who is wrongfully accused of a crime he did not commit. To escape punishment, he must either flee to the mountains as an outlaw or expose the true culprit—his own uncle, his mother’s brother. The victim of the crime was the uncle of Carmen (Lucita Goyena), who, believing Alberto guilty, forbids him from ever seeing her again. Heartbroken by her mistrust, Alberto captures the only witness who can clear his name. He then seizes Carmen and, in front of her family, forces her to hear the truth.

 Carmen later discovers that Alberto, known to many as “Aguila,” is far from a mere bandit. He is a champion of the poor, taking from the wealthy who exploit their workers to aid the oppressed. Eventually, the Philippine Constabulary discovers Aguila’s hideout. At Carmen’s urging, Alberto surrenders, and true to her word, she persuades her father to secure his pardon. The film concludes with their wedding celebration, held amidst the rugged cliffs and wild beauty of Aguila’s mountain refuge. (The Tribune, April 29, 1938)

"Pugad ng Agila" (1938)

Parlatone Hispano-Filipino, Inc.

Release Date April 29, 1939/ Grand Theater

Story Antonio G. Sempio

Direction Vicente Salumbides

Cast Darmo Von Frazer Acosta, Lucita Goyena

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ROSA DEL ROSARIO, LEOPOLDO SALCEDO, ANGELITA (RHUMBA) REY, CECILIO R. JOAQUIN IN "LIGAW NA BITUIN" (1938)

"The story ripped from the lives of your screen stars," says the ad in this 1938 movie, "Ligaw na Bituin." It starred Rosa del Rosario, Leopoldo Salcedo, Angeltia (Rhumba) Rey and Cecilio R. Joaquin, under Tor Villano direction.

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How are movies created? How are film stars discovered? These and many other questions that have long intrigued moviegoers will be answered in “Ligaw na Bituin,” the latest production from Filippine Films, opening Thursday at the Fox Theatre. 

Set within the world of movie-making itself, the film reveals the challenges faced by directors, actors, and technicians during production. It also delves deeper into the joys and sorrows, fleeting laughter, petty rivalries, and unforgettable tragedies that shape the lives of those who bring stories to the screen.

Filippine Films, the country’s pioneering talking-picture company and the only local studio to have produced a world release, “Zamboanga," embarked on a bold new project by commissioning twelve renowned vernacular writers to craft a story about the movie world, a theme never before explored in local cinema. 

The film features an impressive cast led by the charming Rosa del Rosario, the tall and striking Leopoldo Salcedo, the formidable Angelita “Rhumba” Rey, and seasoned character actor Cecilio R. Joaquin. Del Rosario portrays a glamorous and beloved film star, a role that mirrors her own real-life status as the “first lady” of Philippine cinema and one of its most admired personalities. (The Tribune, April 26, 1938)

"Ligaw na Bituin" (1938)

Filippine Films

Release Date April 28, 1938/ Fox Theater

Direction Tor Villano

Cast Rosa del Rosario, Leopoldo Salcedo, Angelita (Rhumba) Rey, Cecilio R. Joaquin

(Image- Courtesy of Pinoy Kollektor)

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ANGEL ESMERALDA, ROGELIO DE LA ROSA, YOLANDA MARQUEZ, PURITA STA. MARIA, FLEUR DE LIS IN "SANGGUMAY" (1938)

Four great stars together for the first time in "Sanggumay," a romantic drama, produced by Parlatone Hispano- Filipino, Inc. The movie, directed by Mar I. Esmeralda, starred Angel Esmeralda, Rogelio de la Rosa, Yolanda Marquez and Purita Sta. Maria. Fleur de Lis co-starred.

It was released and shown at Grand Theater, April 14, 1938.

"Sanggumay" (1938)

Parlatone Hispano-Filipino, Inc.

Release Date April 14, 1938/ Grand Theater

Story Gregorio C. Coching

Direction Mar I. EsmeraldaCast Angel Esmeralda, Rogelio de la Rosa, Yolanda Marquez, Purita Sta. Maria, Fleur de Lis

 

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ANGELITO NEPOMUCENO, TITA DURAN, GREGORIO FERNANDEZ, FERNANDO POE, NORA DEL MAR, ALICIA GOMEZ, PRIMA VERA, ANTONIO SANTOS IN "HATOL NG MATAAS NA LANGIT" (1938)

Two prized child stars Angelito Nepomuceno and Tita Duran who first appeared together in "Sa Paanan ng Kruz" in 1936  teamed up anew in 1938 dramatic vehicle,"Hatol ng Mataas na Langit." 

The movie, written by Dr. Fausto J. Galauran, also starred Gregorio Fernandez, Fernando Poe, Nora del Mar, Alicia Gomez, Prima Vera, Antonio Santos and others.

Produced by X'otic Films and released and shown at Cine Oro, April 13, 1938.

"Hatol ng Mataas na Langit" (1938)

X'Otic Films

Release Date April 13, 1938/ Cine Oro

Story Dr. Fausto J. Galauran

Direction MariLu

Cast Angelito Nepomuceno, Tita Duran, Gregorio Fernandez, Fernando Poe, Nora del Mar, Alicia Gomez, Prima Vera, Antonio Santos and others

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: FELY VALLEJO, JOSE R. INIGO, AMANDING MONTES, ATANG DE LA RAMA, BONITA, JERRY AND HIS ROMANCERS, FILIPPINE FILMS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN "AY! KALISUD" (1938)

"Ay! Kalisud," hailed as the grandest musical film ever produced in the Philippines and long the subject of public excitement for its lavish scale, premieres tomorrow at both the Fox and Savoy theatres.

The picture stars beloved songstress Fely Vallejo, whose voice has captivated millions of radio listeners, and celebrated Filipino violinist Jose R. Inigo, who has performed for audiences in Vienna and Paris. Together they portray lovers in a touching story inspired by the popular Visayan song of the same name.

Renowned for its opulence, the film features the largest sets ever built in the country, including the striking “Ladder of Freedom,” a symbolic representation of the nation’s struggle for liberty—from the Katipunan revolt of 1896 to the promised independence of 1946 under the Tydings-McDuffie Act.

Adding sparkle are performances from leading nightclub, stage, and radio personalities such as Atang de la Rama, Amanding Montes, Bonita, and Jerry and His Romancers. Musical highlights include the theme song rendered in blues style, comic numbers like “SSB Blues” and “Torotot Waltz”, and a massive revue where a 700-voice chorus dances regional numbers symbolizing the traditions of the Philippines.

The cast also features Pacita del Rio of Via Crucis fame and noted screen villain Miguel Anzures. Music is provided by a 100-piece symphony orchestra under maestro Juan Silos, Sr., blending Filipino folk tunes with classical arias.

Brilliantly staged, rich with music, humor, and romance, Ay! Kalisud stands as a landmark achievement—rightly acclaimed as the finest musical film ever created in the East.

(The Tribune, April 6, 1938)

"Ay! Kalisud" (1938)

Filippine Films

Release Date April 7, 1938/ Fox and Savoy Theaters

Direction Manuel Silos

Cast Fely Vallejo, Jose R. Inigo, Amanding Montes, Atang de la Rama, Bonita, Jerry and his Romancers, Filippine Films Symphony Orchestra/ with Miguel Anzures, Pacita del Rio

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: EXEQUIEL SEGOVIA, TEDDY BENAVIDES, MIGUEL ANZURES, NITA LINDA, JOSE DEL PRADO, PRECIOSA PALMA, NENA OLGA, TERRIBLE MAX, YOUNG PANCHO VILLA, JOSE PAYUMO IN "TIGRE" (1938)

"His own people branded him a murderer and a murderer of his own people he became! This is the gripping story of an innocent convict whose thirst for vengeance forced him to take justice in his own way!," says the ad in this 1938 action thriller, "Tigre."

The movie, directed by Carlos Vanver Tolosa, starred Exequiel Segovia, Teddy Benavides, Miguel Anzures, Nita Linda, Jose del Prado, Preciosa Palma, Nena Olga, Terrible Max, Young Pancho Villa, Jose Payumo.

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Synopsis--- 

Don Teofilo (Miguel Anzures), a powerful politician, secretly leads a counterfeiting ring. Suspicious of his associate Amado (Exequiel Segovia), whom he believes to be cheating in their dealings, Teofilo frames him for murder after a gang clash, planting evidence with the help of his cohorts. Even Emilia (Nita Linda), Teofilo’s sister and the beloved of young reporter Luis (Teddy Benavides), supports the false accusation. Amado is convicted and vows revenge.

Years later, freed on parole, Amado begins eliminating those who betrayed him—Teofilo, Gregorio, Irineo, and Rafael—leaving only Emilia’s name uncrossed in his chilling memorandum, which spells out “TIGRE” from their initials. When Amado finally confronts Emilia, Luis defends her in a deadly struggle, killing Amado. The police uncover the truth: Amado committed the recent murders, while Don Teofilo was the counterfeiters’ ringleader. With justice restored, Luis and Emilia find happiness together.

"Tigre" (1938)

Sampaguita Pictures

Release Date April 7, 1938/ Grand Theater

Story Teodoro Virrey

Screenplay Luis F. Nolasco

Music Jose Estella

Direction Carlos Vander Tolosa

Cast Exequiel Segovia, Teddy Benavides, Miguel Anzures, Nita Linda, Jose del Prado, Preciosa Palma, Nena Olga, Terrible Max, Young Pancho Villa, Jose Payumo

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: NELA ALVAREZ, NICANOR SANTIAGO, GREGORIO TICMAN, MIGUEL ANZURES, SAVADOR ZARAGOZA, ALIPIO SILVERIO, MARIQUITA REYES IN "BULAKLAK NG LUHA" (1938)

Enthusiastic audiences have acclaimed "Bulaklak ng Luha'' since it opened at the Fox Theatre. Maiden effort of Philippine National Pictures, "Bulaklak ng Luha" initiates into local moving pictures handsome, rich-voiced Nicanor Santiago, who teams with alluring, bright-eyed Nela Alvarez.

Talented players are in the supporting cast of "Bulaklak ng Luha." Story was written by prolific Teodoro Virrey, associate editor of the vernacular story magazine, Liwayway. Fermin Barva directed. (The Tribune, March 29, 1938)

"Bulaklak ng Luha" (1938)

Philippine National Pictures

Release Date March 26, 1938

Story Teodoro Virrey

Direction Fermin Barva

Cast Nela Alvarez, Nicanor Santiago, Gregorio Ticman, Miguel Anzures, Salvador Zaragoza, Alipio Silverio, Mariquita Reyes

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ROSITA RIVERA, ROGELIO DE LA ROSA, WITH ARMANDO CRIS, GREGORIO TICMAN, FLEUR DE LIZ, MONENG ILAGAN, GERARDO DE LEON, DIGNA MERCEDES, TITO AREVALO, PURITA DE LA ROSA, ANTONIA SANTOS, ANA SERRANO IN "MAKILING" (1938)

Picturesque Mt. Makiling, long celebrated in song and legend, provides the vibrant backdrop for Remigio Mat. Castro’s "Makiling," presented for the first time by Parlatone Hispano-Filipino, Inc. 

The movie introduces a new screen duo—Rogelio de la Rosa and Rosita Rivera—recently signed by the film outfit. Their moving performances, supported by a strong cast and a compelling storyline, position "Makiling" as a milestone in Philippine cinema.

Castro’s narrative draws from the timeless tale of Mariang Makiling, unfolding with quiet poignancy the struggle of a woman against a world where she does not belong—a theme yet to be explored in local films.

(The Tribune, March 26, 1938)

The movie was released and shown at Grand Theater, March 26, 1938.

"Makiling" (1938)

Parlatone Hispano-Filipino, Inc.

Release Date  March 26, 1938/ Grand Theater

Story Remigio Mat Castro

Direction Carlos Padilla

Cast Rosita Rivera, Rogelio de le Rosa, with Armando Cris, Gregorio Ticman, Fleur de Lis, Moneng Ilagan, Gerardo de Leon, Digna Mercedes, Tito Arevalo, Purita de la Rosa, Antonia Santos, Ana Serrano

 

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: CONSUELO SALAZAR, FERNANDO POE, WITH JOSE LUKBAN, FELIX MARKASIAR IN "ANG MAYA" (1938)

 "Great in songs and dances... acting of a higher order... spectacular in settings... truly an epochal Tagalog picture!," says the ad in this 1938 musical fantasy, "Ang Maya." The movie, directed by Jose Nepomuceno, starred Consuelo Salazar and Fernando Poe.

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"Ang Maya," a musical hit of Excelsior Pictures, Inc. strikes a new note in entertainment and may be said to mark a turning point in the history of Philippine films. The picture has been showing before capacity crowds at the Grand Theatre.

For its music alone, music composed by Professor Jose Estella whose compositions have received recognition, the film, the first produced by Excelsior, is outstanding. Miss Consuelo Salazar, a coloratura soprano of unusual abilities, who is the star, rises to unheard of heights interpreting this music written for her... she is a new find in musical cinema. For its pageantry of native scenes and native dances, so beloved by the people, in which picturization Jose Nepomuceno, director of long experience, excels. "Ang Maya" is an achievement which will stand for some time.

 

A tender romance, between a poor girl and a rich boy, weaves together all the pieces that make up this entertainment vehicle. A jealous girl and relatives who are not so understanding nearly break this romance but at the end love rings in triumphant note only the mayas can sing. Above all, "Ang Maya" can make a claim to distinction for its high level of acting. All the leading players have interesting background and sufficient experience— all of them have university degrees, the first time such university graduates have been lured to the screen.

Miss Salazar is a graduate of the Conservatory of Music of the University of the Philippines. By her own right, she has given many concerts throughout the Philippines and has sung before the unseen radio audiences. Fernando Poe, the leading man, is another university graduate. He entered films via "Zamboanga" where be appeared with Rosa del Rosario. Jose Lukban, the boy in love, and Felix Markasiar are products of the U. P. Dramatic club which reached unprecedented heights during their time. To top it all, Alberto Cacnio, assistant director, besides being possessed of a degree, was once the president of the UP Dramatic club. He is well-grounded in dramatics. Mrs. Francisca Reyes Tolentino, who appears in the film, is the physical director of the University of the Philippines, while Mrs. Emilia Recio-Cruz is a professor of voice in the Conservatory of Music of the same university. 

(The Tribune, March 19, 1938)

"Ang Maya" (1938)

Excelsior Films

Release Date March 16, 1938/ Grand Theater

Music Prof. Jose Estela

Assistant Director Alberto Cacnio

Direction Jose Nepomuceno

Cast Consuelo Salazar, Fernando Poe, with Jose Lukban, Felix Makasiar

 

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: LUCITA GOYENA, ARMANDO CRIS, FLEUR DE LIS, GREGORIO TICMAN, BEN RUBIO, RUDY CONCEPCION, CONSUELO RUIZ, LALING ILAGAN, ANA SERRANO IN "WALANG PANGALAN" (1939)

Produced by Parlatone Hispano- Filipino, Inc., the movie, "Walang Pangalan," directed by Carlos Padilla, starred Lucita Goyena, Armando Cris, Fleur de Lis, Gregorio Ticman, Ben Rubio, Rudy Concepcion, Consuelo Ruiz, Laling Ilagan, Ana Serrano.

It was released and shown at Cine Oro, March 11, 1938.

Synopsis: Armando Cris plays a wealthy man who courts Lucita Goyena, though her heart secretly belongs to Ben Rubio. Despite her feelings, Lucita is forced into marriage with Armando. Years later, Armando departs for Europe to expand his business, but before leaving he secretly fathers a child with another woman, unknown to Lucita.

Fate intervenes when Lucita and Ben cross paths again after her marriage, meeting through a car accident in which Ben’s life depends on a blood transfusion. To save the man she truly loves, Lucita offers her own blood, rekindling their romance.

The two dream of escaping to the United States to annul her marriage while Armando is away in Europe. But just before their departure, Lucita receives an urgent telegram from her mother. Ben sails alone, heartbroken, and takes his own life during the voyage.

Months later, Lucita gives birth to Ben’s child. Afraid of Armando and seeking to protect her name, she abandons the baby at a church, where a poor couple adopts it. Years pass, and the children of Lucita and Armando grow up—unaware of their past—and eventually fall in love.

 On her deathbed, the woman who raised Lucita’s child finally reveals the long-guarded secret, leading to the dramatic conclusion of Walang Pangalan, a story filled with passion, fate, and heartbreaking twists.

"Walang Pangalan" (1938)

Parlatone Hispano-Filipino, Inc.

Release Date March 11, 1938/ Cine Oro (formerly Radio)

Story B.G. Medina

Direction Carlos Padilla

Cast Lucita Goyena, Armando Cris, Fleur de Lis, Gregorio Ticman, Ben Rubio, Rudy Concepcion, Consuelo Ruiz, Laling Ilagan, Ana Serrano

 

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ANGEL ESMERALDA, YOLANDA MARQUEZ, ARMANDO CRIS, MARY WALTER, GREGORIO TICMAN, EXEQUIEL SEGOVIA, GERARDO DE LEON IN "ANG PAGBABALIK" (1938)

"He sink to the bottomless pit of despair only to rise again to a glory and happiness greater than any he had ever known," says the ad in this 1938 movie, "Ang Pagbabalik."

The movie starred Angel Esmeralda, Yolanda Marquez, Armando Cris, Mary Walter, Gregorio Ticman, Exequiel Segovia, Gerardo de Leon, under the direction of Carlos Padilla.

It was released and shown at Grand Theater, March 1, 1938.

Synopsis: Carmelo Pena, featherweight champion of the Orient, during his fight with "Kid Rainbow, “sees his wife winking at his opponent, during one of the intermission.

Flared by jealousy, Carmelo loses the fight, and eventually, his title. Conchita, his wife, a woman who is attracted by the new champion, decides to leave Carmelo and live with the new featherweight champion, "Kid Rainbow.''

Distraught and betrayed, Carmelo abandons the sport, his glory soon forgotten, and wanders aimlessly with a broken spirit.

One day, a devoted fan named Donaldo encounters him and, believing Carmelo still has greatness within him, brings him to his hacienda for strict training. There, Carmelo meets Rosita, Donaldo’s sister, and quietly falls in love with her. Bound by his supposed marriage to Conchita, he suppresses his feelings, though Donaldo, sensing his affection, investigates. Donaldo discovers that Conchita had previously married another man, making her union with Carmelo invalid. Keeping this to himself, he continues preparing Carmelo for a comeback.

Driven by gratitude to Donaldo and admiration for Rosita, Carmelo returns to the ring, regains his title, and learns that Conchita has died. Overjoyed, he declares his love to Rosita, who admits she has loved him since their first meeting. Their wedding is quickly arranged—but during the ceremony, Conchita suddenly appears alive. Just as the marriage is about to be stopped, Donaldo presents documents proving Carmelo’s marriage to Conchita was never legal. With the truth revealed, Conchita is escorted away, and Carmelo finally claims both his championship and the woman he loves.

"Ang Pagbabalik" (1938)

Parlatone Hispano-Filipino, Inc.

Release Date March 1, 1938/ Grand Theater

Story and Direction Carlos Padilla

Cast Angel Esmeralda, Yolanda Marquez, Armando Cris, Mary Walter, Gregorio Ticman, Exequiel Segovia, Gerardo de Leon

(Image- courtesy of Pinoy Kollektor)