NORA AUNOR- FAMAS HALL OF FAME

In 1991, Superstar Nora Aunor received the coveted FAMAS Hall of Fame, after winning five Best Actress Awards: 1. Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976); 2. Ina Ka ng Anak Mo (1979); Bulaklak sa City Jail (1984); Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit (1989) and 5. Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina? (1990). Here's a rare TV clip of Nora receiving the award. Watch it!!!

"Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos" (1976)- Stars Nora Aunor, Christopher de Leon and Rafael 'Bembol' Roco, Jr./ Directed by Mario O'Hara

Film Critic Noel Vera introducing Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos at a screening during the 2010 New York Filipino Film Festival.
(video clip courtesy of Jojo de Vera of Sari-Saring Sineng Pinoy)


You Tube uploaded by Jojo de Vera

"Ina Ka ng Anak Mo" (1979)- Stars Lolita Rodriguez, Nora AUnor and Raul Aragon/ Directed by Lino Brocka

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

"Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit" (1989)- Stars Nora Aunor, Tirso Cruz III, Gloria Romero, Miguel Rodriguez, Ana Margarita, Perla Bautista/ Directed by Elwood Perez

"Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?" (1990)- Stars Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar, Lloyd Samartino, Dan Alvaro/ Directed by Gil M. Portes

THE 1974 9th MANILA FILM FESTIVAL: "JOHN & MARSHA" TOP GROSSER

RVQ Productions' John & Marsha topped the 1974 Manila Film Festival as it emerged the top grossing film of the 10-day festival. The filmfest, on its ninth year, turned out to be the last as it folded up to give way for the Metropolitan Manila Film Festival in 1975. Today, it is known simply as Metro Manila Film Festival.

Dolphy and Gina Pareno romped off with top individual honors. For his portrayal of a poor but proud father in John and Marsha, Dolphy was awarded Best Actor while Gina Pareno was selected as Best Actress for her role as a slum girl in Ilocandia Productions' Krimen...Kayo ang Humatol. The Best Director Award went to Jun Raquiza for Krimen... For the first time in the festival, the Rajah Soliman Award was not given to any of the films entered.

All in all, Alaala Mo...Daigdig Ko! won five awards: Best Supporting Actress (Mary Walter), Best Child Actress (Maricel Soriano), Best Editing (Albert Joseph), Best Sound Recording (Fely Suarez) and Best Dramatic Award. Krimen won four awards: Best Actress, Best Director, Best Screenplay (Jose Sibal), Best Photography (Higino Pallorina); Ang Pangalan: Mediavillo won 3 awards: Best Supporting Actor (Dencio Padilla), Best Story (Ronwaldo Reyes) and Best Action Award.

Other awardees were: Aldo Cruz, Jr. (Best Child Actor in Kung Fu Master); Lita Vasquez (Kung Fu Master) for outstanding performance in any role other than the lead and supporting role; John and Marsha (Best Comedy Award).

"John & Marsha" (1974)- Stars Dolphy, Nida Blanca, Rolly Quizon, Maricel Soriano, Dely Atay-Atayan, Matutina/ with Rod Navarro, Panchito, babalu, Teroy de Guzman/ Directed by Ading Fernando

"Krimen: Kayo ang Humatol" (1974)- Stars Gina Pareno, Marianne and Leo Angelo/ with Leila Hermosa, Nick Romano, Arnold Mendoza, Maribel Aunor, Omar Camar, Eddie Villamayor/ Directed by Jun Raquiza

"Ala-ala Mo... Daigdig Ko!" 91974)- Stars Eddie Rodriguez, Boots Anson-Roa, Renato Robles, Maricel Soriano, Mary Walter, Patricia Mijares/ Directed by Luis Enriquez

"Ang Pangalan: Mediavillo" (1974)- Stars Fernando Poe, Jr., Evangeline Pascual, Dencio padilla, Vic varrion, Philip Coo, Lorna Tolentino, Nello Nayo, Ely Roque/ Directed by Armando A. Herrera

"Tama Na Erap" (1974)- Stars Joseph Estrada, Boots Anson-Roa, Rod Navarro, Cristina Reyes, Baby O'Brien, Romeo Rivera, Jun Mariano, Laurice Guillen/ Directed by Cesar Gallardo


"7 Crazy Dragons" (1974)- Stars Tirso Cruz III, Edgar Mortiz, Walter Navarro, Nick Romano, Romeo Miranda, Rudy Fernandez and Jay Ilagan/ with Coney Reyes, Josephine Grcia, Romy Mallari, Joe Sison, Ben David, Lito Calzado/ Directed by Tony Santos, Sr.

"Biktima" (1974)- Stars Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Divina Valencia, Helen Gamboa, Celia Rodriguez, Perla Bautista, Cristina Reyes, Bert LeRoy, Jr., Leopoldo Salcedo, Joe Sison, Tony Santos, Jr., Yoyoy Villame & Tommy Abuel/ Directed by Nilo Saez

Left- "Kung Fu Master" (1974)- Stars Tony Ferrer, Lotis Key, Cesar Ramirez, Romy Diaz, Omar camar, Rey Sagum, Protacio Dee, Val Iglesia/ Directed by Leody Diaz

Right- "Red Belt Master" 91974)- Stars Trovador Ramos, Rommell Valdez, Gina Pareno, Paquito Diaz, Charlie Davao, Perry Baltazar & Max Alvarado / Directed by Carlos Manalstas & Angel Labra

THE 1973 8th MANILA FILM FESTIVAL: "NUEVA VIZCAYA" BEST PICTURE

Roda Film Productions' Nueva Viscaya reaped seven awards including the Rajah Soliman grand prize for Best Picture during the 1973 8th Manila Film Festival. It also won 6 other major awards: Best Actor (Vic Vargas); Best Supporting Actor (Eddie Garcia); Best Director (Pablo Santiago); Best Story and Best Screenplay (Armando de Guzman) and Best Editing (Ben Barcelon).

Liwayway Magazine/ September 10, 1973
(Image courtesy of Eric Nadurata)

Other awardees: Best Actress (Amalia Fuentes in Pag-ibig Mo...Buhay Ko); Best Supporting Actress (Lorli Villanueva in Lupang Hinirang); Best Musical Score (Ernani Cuenco in Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig ni Pedro Penduko); Best Sound Recording (Angel Avellana in Dyesebel at ang Mahiwagang kabibe); Best Cinematography (Sergio Lobo in Ang Agila at ang Araw); Best Child Actor (Robin Aristorenas in Johnny Joker)

"Nueva Vizcaya" (1973)- Stars Zaldy Zshornack, Vic Vargas, Eva Reyes, Eddie Garcia, Paquito Diaz, Ben Perez, Lito Anzures, Rocco Montalban, Angel Confiado, Joaquin Fajardo/ Directed by Pablo Santiago


"Ang Agila at ang Araw" (1973)- Stars Fernando Poe, Jr., Joseph Estrada, Boots Anson-Roa, Marissa Delgado, Paquito Diaz, Romy Diaz and Max Alvarado/ with Lito Anzures, Dencio Padilla, Ruel Vernal, Nello Nayo, Vic Varrion, Resty Sandel, Paquito Salcedo/ Directed by Ronwaldo Reyes

FPJ Productions' Ang Agila at ang Araw with a total gross receipt of P561,128 was adjudged the top grosser of the festival. Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions' Dyesebel at ang Mahiwagang Kabibe, the first day top grosser came in close second with P499,463. Roda Productions' Nueva Vizcaya was third with P461,405.

Courtesy of FPJ Productions


"Dyesebel at ang Mahiwagang Kabibe" (1973)- Stars Vilma Santos, Divina Valencia, Mina Aragon, Rossana Marquez, Eva Linda, Mildred Ortega, Desiree Destreza, Cristina Reyes, Geena Zablan, Janet Clemnte/ with Ike Lozada, German Moreno & Romeo Miranda/ Directed by Emmanuel Borlaza

Left- "Drakula Goes to R.P." (1973)- Stars Dolphy, Pugo, Maritess Revilla, Panchito, Marissa Delgado, Babalu & Rod Navarro / Directed by Tony Cayado

Right- "Pag-ibig Mo...Buhay Ko!" (1973)- Stars Eddie Rodriguez, Amalia Fuentes, Liza Lorena, Renato Robles, Patricia Mijares, Paria Plata, Subas Herrero, Jinky/ Featuring Lorna Tolentino/ Directed by Luis Enriquez

"Lupang Hinirang" (1973)- Stars Dante Rivero, Hilda Koronel, Walter Navarro, Pinky de Leon, Eddie Garcia, Caridad Sanchez, Alicia Alonzo, Raul Aragon/ Directed by Orlando Nadres

"Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig ni Pedro Penduko" (1973)- Stars Ramon Zamora, Jeanne Young, Lotis Key, Eddie Garcia, Panchito, Jingle, Roberto Talabis, Vic Varrion, Mario Escudero, Belo Borja, Subas Herrero/ Directed by Celso Ad. Castillo

"Inday ng Buhay Ko" (1973)- Stars Chiquito, Pilar Pilapil, Nova Villa, Joe Alvarez, Joe Garcia, Bodie San Jose/ Directed by F.H. Constantino

"Johnny Joker" (1973)- Stars Jun Aristorenas, Robin Aristorenas, Virginia, Merle Fernandez and Freddie Webb/ with Cesar Ramirez, Johnny Monteiro, Larry Silva, Rey Big Boy & Palito/ Directed by Junar

THE 1972 7th MANILA FILM FESTIVAL: "ELIAS, BASILIO AT SISA" BEST PICTURE

Juver Productions' Elias, Basilio at Sisa received the coveted Grand Rajah Soliman Award for Best Picture in the 1972 7th Manila Film Festival. FPJ's Santo Domingo was adjudged the top grosser of the festival, edging Winter Holiday.

Vic Vargas (in El Vibora) and Marlene Dauden (in Babae... Ikaw ang Dahilan!) were declared Best Actor and Best Actress. The Best Supporting Actor and Best Supoorting Actress went to Lou Salvador, Jr and Alicia Alonzo respectively for their roles as brother and sister in Villa Miranda. Luis Enriquez (or Eddie Rodriguez) won the Best Director award in Babae...Ikaw and Dahilan! The other awardees were: Frankie Navaja Jr.(Best Child Actor in Santo Domingo); Jingle (Best Child Actress in Babae...Ikaw ang Dahilan!); Marty Gee Aragon (Best Story in Villa Miranda); Emmanuel Borlaza (Best Screenplay in Remenbrance): Ernani Cuenco (Best Musical Score in El Vibora).

"Elias, Basilio at Sisa" (1972)- Stars Jun Aristorenas, Robin Aristorenas and Virginia/with Romy Diaz, Johnny Monteiro, Venchito Galvez, Aldo Cruz, Romy Nario, Omar Camar/ Directed by Junar

"Santo Domingo" (1972)- Stars Fernando Poe, Jr., Boots Anson-Roa, Alona Alegre, Paquito Diaz, Max Alvarado, Lito Anzures, Bruno Punzalan, Vic Varrion, Johnny Long, Robert Talby/ with Frankie Navaja Jr. and Jun Mariano/ Directed by Celso Ad. Castillo





"Winter Holiday" (1972)- Stars Nora Aunor, Tirso Cruz III, Luis Gonzales, German Moreno, Romy Lapus, Matimtiman Cruz, Jose de Villa/ Directed by Jose de Villa



"Pinokyo En Little Snow White" (1972)- Stars Dolphy, Anna Lissa, Panchito, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia, Love Admana, Matimtiman Cruz, Babalu, Georgie Quizon & Beth Manlongat/ Directed by Luciano B. Carlos



"Babae...Ikaw ang Dahilan!" (1972)- Stars Amalia Fuentes, Eddie Rodriguez and Marlene Dauden/ with Renato Robles, Mary Walter, Jingle, Adonna, Maricris, Jinky, Germie/ Directed by Luis Enriquez



"Villa Miranda" (1972)- Stars Dante Rivero, Boots ANson-Roa, Hilda Koronel, Walter Navarro, Lou Salvador, Jr., Alicia ALonzo, Jose Padilla, Jr., Pedro Faustino, Estrella Kuenzler, Angie Ferro, Joonee Gamboa, Joe Gruta/ Directed by Lino Brocka



"David and Goliath" (1972)- Stars Chiquito, Max Alvarado, Eddie Garcia, Maya Valdes, Roderick/ Directed by Roger Vivero



Left- "Remembrance" (1972)- Stars Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Jay Ilagan, Rosa Mia, Virginia Montes, Tommy Abuel, Ven Medina, Ernie Garcia/ Directed by Emmanuel Borlaza




"El Vibora" (1972)- Stars Vic Vargas, Boots Anson-Roa, Eddie Garcia, Max Alvarado, Leopoldo Salcedo, Cristina Reyes, Roderick/ Directed by Ishmael Bernal



"Young Cowboys" (1972)- Stars Manny de Leon, Eddie Peregrina, Ricky Santiago, Woody Cruz and Ike Lozada/ with Connie Angeles, Eva Vivar, Janine Frias & Perla Adea/ Directed by Lauro Pacheco

"Palibhasa'y Lupa" (1972)- Stars Vic Vargas, Johnny Madrid, Christie Aragon, Bella Flores, Anita Linda, Ely Roque and Vicky Sandoval/Directed by Tommy David

LOOKING BACK

While rummaging through my old files, I came across these video rental membership and business cards. Looking back, it brought back wonderful memories of days gone by, the so-called the "betamax" era. I remember the days I used to go and visit video rental shops like Allied, Trigon, Trifari, Shop & Lift, Beta Tape Center, Cardinal Audio (all in the old Virra Mall in Greenhills), Video Take-Out (in Makati), Digital Concepts, Lasertech, ACA, W & S, W & T, Hi-Density, Sound and Vision (all in Quezon City), among others. Good parts of my life were spent searching and scouring for classic and unforgettable movie titles. I used to rent beta and VHS tapes or Laser discs from these establishments and later collected most of these titles. One of the best shops to go to was Video Take-Out, located at the lower ground floor of Makati Cinema Square. Considered as haven among film lovers, the store had a wide collection of inventory; most of the titles, in LD format were rare and hard-to-find, not commonly found in other video stores.

Soon, I set my own shop and quite successful. For my video purchases and needs, the shops to go were Magnavision, Warner Bros., Video Lane, Video City, OMI Video Enterprises and Astrovision. Many things have changed since then--- Most of these video shops, except for Astrovision (now Astroplus) and Video City are all gone.