Thursday, May 31, 2012

FILM REVIEW: KARMA

Plot Description: Sarah (Vilma Santos) is forced to defer her wedding when she scheduled to flight was delayed. At a hotel where she is staying, Sarah encounters Eric (Ronaldo Valdez), a regular guest who forces himself on her. The incident leaves a stigma not just on Sarah but more so on her fiancé, Alfredo (Tommy Abuel) whose dream of marrying a “virgin” is dashed. Strangely, Sarah and Eric’s paths cross again at a time when their respective marriages are in disarray. Their meeting strikes both as “déjà vu.” Could it be that they have met each other in the past? Their suspicious are confirmed after Eric consults a psychic. As it turns out, Sarah and Eric are the reincarnation of Guada and Enrico, two lovers who had an illicit affair sixty years ago. When Guada’s husband, Limbo (Ruel Vernal), learned of her affair, he went on a murderous rampage. Now Sarah and Eric seem destined to follow the same path. But in whose spouse does the spirit of Limbo rest? Is it the disabled Alfredo? Or Eric’s estranged wife Cristy (Chanda Romero)? - Viva Films

Film Review: The technical preview of “Karma” the other night was delayed for about an hour but I did not mind waiting because I was quite certain that I’d be seeing a fine film. To while away the time, “Firecracker,” co-starring American actors with local talents like Chanda Romero, Vic Diaz, and Rey Malonzo was shown. Chanda and Vic delivered their lines themselves but surprisingly Rey didn’t. Before one whole reel could roll, the prints of “Karma” arrived. “Don’t stop it yet, a bed scene is coming,” Mario Bautista protested. Happily, “Karma” turned out to be as good as I expected. It’s performers are first-rate - Vilma Santos, Ronaldo Valdez, Tommy Abuel, Chanda Romero - so their award-winning acting didn’t surprise me at all. The script was outstanding but even that was expected, coming from director Danny Zialcita. What impressed me was that minor parts were played by name actors. The housekeeper who appeared in one short sequence could have been played by any elderly woman but those who made the movie wanted nothing less than Etang Discher. The psychiatrist could have been played by any decent-looking man but they didn’t settle for anybody less than Vic Silayan. The male lover at the start of the story had to be acted out by Dante Rivero, that at the end by Christopher de Leon. The movie boasted of several bold scenes. Those involving Vilma weren’t much as we know for a fact that Vilma could show only so much. One scene showing Chanda was a different story. It showed her with absolutely nothing on, yet it didn’t offend anybody as it was executed in style, shot with great care. There was just one thing, which looked unnatural to me - the way in which one of the main characters killed himself. “That’s all right,” Danny assured me. “Before we shot it, we double-checked its possibility.” Reincarnation and transference are undoubtedly mind-boggling subjects but, to his utmost credit, Danny managed to present them simply, bringing them down for everybody to understand. “Bala lang yan. Katawan lang ito. Babalik at babalik kami sa mundong ito,” Dante vowed. Come back they did as they promised building the foundation of the story. - Bob Castillo, People’s Journal Dec. 12, 1981 (READ MORE)

Sa pagbabago ng estado ni Vilma Santos, tila nagbabago na rin ang kanyang approach sa kanyang career. Dahil hindi na career ang unang priority niya sa buhay, lalong nagiging professional ang kanyang tingin sa trabaho. Dahil hindi na twenty-four hours a day ang kanyang buhay artista, alam na niyang I-apportion ang bawat minuto na walang aksaya. Sa set ng Relasyon ni Ishmael Bernal, hangang-hanga ang director sa bagong pang-unawa ni Vilma sa trabaho. Dumarating sa oras, kabisado ang linya (memorizing lines for Vilma, of course, was never a problem even the days she was shooting five pictures simultaneously), full attention sa sinasabi ng direktor, walang problema. Kung pagbabasehan sa naging resulta ng Karma, lalong maganda ngayon si Vilma, mas mariin ang kanyang pagganap, mas mature ang kanyang approach at understanding sa kaniyang papel. Swerteng-swerte ang pagkapanalo niya ng best actress sa nakaraang Film fest. Sayang at wala siya upang tanggapin mismo ang tropeo. Pero lalong naging makabuluhan para sa kanya ang sinabi ng kapwa niya artista sa Karma nang sabihin ni Chanda Romero na “napakaganda naman ng karma ni Vilma. Mayroon na siyang Edu, mayroon siyang Lucky, ngayon ay mayroon pa siya nito (ang ibig sabihin ay ang best actress trophy),” sabay tilian ng mga fans sa loob ng Cultural Center, walang makapigil, walang makasaway. Pero, gaya ng dati, hindi naging madali kay Vilma ang pananalo. Nagpatas ang botohan ng dalawang beses - triple tie sila ni Gina Alajar at Charo Santos, hanggang ma-break ang deadlock at nakaungos ng isang boto si Vilma sa dalawa pa niyang kalaban. Tinawagan si Vilma ni Cirio Santiago, pinasundo sa isang limousine, pero nagdahilan ang Vilma. Ayaw niya sigurong umasa dahil minsan, sa isang awards night din, sinigurong siya ang mananalo pero hindi ganun ang nangyari. (I understand that Vilma really won but the verdict was changed afterwards through the representations and machinations of some influential press sectors.) Kunsabagay, wala rin si Charito Solis noong awards dahil sabi sa akin ni Chato, talagang hindi niya inaasahang manalo ang maliit na papel na iyon sa Kisapmata. Noon pa mang preview pa lamang, maugong na ang balitang baka si Charito ang manalo bilang supporting actress pero hindi niya yun pinansin dahil tiyak na tiyak siya na si Vic Silayan ang mananalo. Sinabi pa niya sa interview niya kay Armida Siguion-Reyna sa Let’s Talk Movies na napakagaling ni Vic. Sa set pa lamang daw, natitiyak na niya halos na si Vic ay mananalo sa Kisapmata. Sa naturan ding programa, sinabi ni Armida sa pagre-review niya ng Karma na talagang magaling ang pagkakaganap ni Vilma sa Karma na parang nakuha nitong punuan ang ilang mahalagang kakulangan ng pelikula. - Oscar Miranda (READ MORE)

"26 years after we first seen "Karma," the film remained Vilmanians' favorites and one of Dany Zialcita's best film. Glossy with crisp dialouge, the film was a big hit at the 1981 Metro Manila Film Festival and earned Vilma the festival's best actress. Here was what movie reporter Mario Bautista said about her acting: "Ibang-iba" rin ang Vilma Santos sa "Karma." Subdued na subdued ang performance ni Vi rito unlike in other films na all out ang emoting niya. Dito'y restrained siay at napaka-effective. Halimbawa sa eksena after the rape sa kanya ni Ronaldo Valdez. Nang sabihin niyang siya'y patungo sa kasal niya'y halos hindi na marinig ang kanyang tinig pero talaga namang damang-dama mo ang kirot sa kanyang dibdib. O kaya'y sa mga tagpong sinusumbatan siya ni Tommy Abuel na nanatili siyang kalmado at soft-spoken. We never thought Vilma can be that versatile!" - RV (READ MORE)

Zialcita’s first movie with Vilma was the 1980 festival entry, a drama about bigamy, Langis at Tubig. The following year, Zialcita and Santos joined forces again in antoher festival entry, Karma. The film earned Vilma her second Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress. The following year, Ziacita’s Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan broke box office record, Earned P7.3 million during its first day of showing in Metro Manila and assured Vilma Santos the box office queen of 1982. The total number of Vilma Santos and Danny Zialcita colloborations were four (Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan? 1982, Karma 1981, Langis at Tubig 1980, T-Bird at Ako). - RV (READ MORE)

"One of the most misunderstood occult concepts. The nearest equivalent in European thought is contained in the idea of fate, though the oriental term indicates the fate is not a haphazard sequence of events of experiences, but is dependent on actions of previous lives or spiritual conditions. The idea is that a spirit undertakes to live in an earthy body for a given period of time, usually in order to learn something which cannot be learned in a disembodied state, and has to accept rewards and punishments for good and bad deeds committed in previous incarnations. In order that understanding may grow, any evil committed against another person will have to be experienced by the perpetrator. The working out of Karma is not done consciously by ordinary people. The real reasons for the majority of people's actions and relationships may be understood only when nature of their Karma is grasped - which is tantamount to saying that it is virtually impossible to understand or judge another person when seen in the context of one material lifetime only. Vilma Santos fits the role to a T. For the past years that she has suffered a string of major misfortunes and setbacks in real and reel life, she has hone herself as promise, a common objective: to give the viewing public what it wants - entertainment with a capital E. For Danny Zialcita, aside from having a good screenplay, good direction and brilliant actors and actresses, the movie should have artistic values. Karma promises to be a very good vehicle not only for Zialcita but also for Vilma Santos and the rest of the cast. Will this movie be a good KARMA for director Danny Zialcita, Vilma Santos and the rest of the cast? Watch the movie! It'll be a different kind of feeling you'll get after viewing it." - Bond De Leon (READ MORE)

"...First, Karma is a quality picture. According to Mr. Ernie Rojas ng Sining Silangan, it was produiced not only to make it good in the box-office kungdi maging sa mga awards. Kungsabagay, may laman ang sinabi ni Mr. Rojas simply because Langis at Tubig, which was also producede by Sining Silangan last year, placed second in the tops earners and bagged the Best Actor Award for Dindo Fernando. Second, matagal na ring naipalabas ang latest film ni Vi na Hiwalay. Samakatuwid, maganda ang spacing ng mga pelikula niya, 'Ika nga, hindi over-exposed ang beauty ni Vi. Dahil dito, nandiyan pa rin ang pananabik ng manonood kaya't siguradong dudumugin ang Karma. ..." - Manny A. Valera (READ MORE)

"...In my limited understanding it takes lifetimes to work off one’s karma. Movies, however, only run for two hours so filmmakers have to take liberties. In Danny Zialcita’s 1981 film Karma the protagonists have the added advantage of knowing exactly who they were in their past lives, thanks to a psychiatrist (Vic Silayan) who practices regression hypnosis. Eric (Ronaldo Valdez, who is smoking, and not just in the library where he researches his former incarnation) and Sarah (Vilma Santos) have already met under awful circumstances, but it turns out they’ve known each other much longer than that. In the past they were Enrico and Guada, illicit lovers murdered by Guada’s husband, Limbo. Limbo vows to follow them to the next life, but which form does he take? Is he now Enrico’s mentally unbalanced, pathologically jealous wife Cristy (Chanda Romero), or Sarah’s cruel, sadistic husband Alfredo (Tommy Abuel). It’s not a whodunnit, it’s a who-will-do-it? Vilma Santos turns in another fine portrayal of emotional turmoil. Nora Aunor had the advantage of expressing volumes with her eyes; Vilma expresses with her face, hands, and entire body. Nora was inward, Vilma outward. Ronaldo Valdez gives an understated performance, coolly delivering lines like, “In love there’s no measure of time”. Tommy Abuel overacts ridiculously, even for a guy so suspicious that he has his wife examined by a gynecologist to see if she’s had sex. Chanda Romero is fabulous. Her Cristy is a psychotic who never raises her voice; you can tell she has tranquilizers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The first time Cristy and Sarah meet is at the antique store Sarah manages at the old Virra Mall. Cristy breezes in, picks out a bunch of stuff, and announces that she doesn’t carry cash or credit cards, just send the bill to her husband. She points to another piece she buys, and Sarah says, helpfully, “That’s P9,500.” “Ok lang,” Cristy says, “Nagtanong ba ako? (Did I ask?)” One thing about Danny Zialcita movies: his rich people looked and sounded like rich people. He made movies for sophisticated grown-ups. If they don’t make movies like Zialcita’s anymore, it’s because people are no longer that articulate. Nobody casually tosses off bon mots anymore, everything has to be overstated for the dim. So we Zialcita fans are reduced to reciting favorite lines from his movies: “Puede bang makausap ang asawa ko na asawa mo na asawa ng buong bayan?” (May I speak to my husband who’s your husband who’s everybody’s husband?)..." - Jessica Rules The Universe (READ MORE)


Wednesday, May 30, 2012

The Ultimate Vilma Santos Scrapbook


There was a time when a fan’s devotion to his or her idol wasn’t measured by how much they’ve spent on all the advertised merchandise made available to the public. Not every fan was able to afford the style of clothes sported by the stars, let alone be able to purchase the latest glossy magazine with their idol’s perfect smile on the cover. It was a time when making a scrapbook was enough to call one a devotee. Chosen photos collected from all sorts of publications were recycled, and carefully pasted on a simple spiral ring notebook. This would be one of many treasured volumes of personalized scrapbooks that would be shared, traded, and admired by other adoring fans. Here’s a look at an original late 60′s scrapbook made by a Vilma Santos fan. Many thanks to our good friend Edward De Los Santos for sharing scans of this amazing Vilma Santos scrapbook. For the best source of classic records, vintage magazines, and other amazing vintage collectibles, visit his Ebay stores: philippine.music (Ebay Philippines), and oldbestseller (Ebay USA). – Nostalgia Manila






Tuesday, May 29, 2012

SIXTEEN (1970) The Film


Basic Information Directed: Jose de Villa; Cast: Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Boy Alano, Elizabeth Bankhead, Raul Aragon, Perla Adea, Sonny Cortez, Norma Blancaflor, Gina Alajar, Jonathan Potenciano; Original Music: Danny Subido; Theme Song: “Sweet Sixteen” performed by Vilma Santos; Release Date: April 26 1970; Produced: Sampaguita Pictures

Plot Description: Sixteen is the hit single from the golden album of Vilma Santos turned into a film cattered to the Vilma-Edgar Love Team of the early 1970s.

Film Achievement: Golden Record - Vilma Santos

Film Reviews: "...The success of Sixteen can be attributed to the playfulness and simplicity of the song selections. It suited the sweetness and purity of Vilma’s almost child like voice. The album earned Vilma her first golden record award and a remarkable signature song, “Sixteen.” The album established her as a successful recording artist. If I will compare her to today’s list of contemporary artists, I will compare Vilma to the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, and Madonna. Jennifer, Britney, and Madonna has thin but sweet voices just like Vilma. Like Vilma, these pop superstars have to work hard to achieve almost perfect products that their fans loved. Like Vilma, the three pop stars are great dancers which they all used to the max in their choreograph production numbers. The reluctant singer came out on top. Vilma Santos’s debut album made history. Sixteen made Vilma Santos a remarkable singer...She continued her singing stints with an album most Vilmanians seems to forget, All I See Is You carried the folk song, Ati Cu Pung Sing-sing and Wonderful world of Music. The later song became a title of a musical film that paired Vilma with Edgar and co-starred with Snooky, Tony Ferrer, and Boots Anson Roa. The demand for Vi & Bot's recordings increased and Willears produced Sweetheart, perhaps a confirmation album of the real score between the two young teen stars. Out of 25 films Vilma and Edgar made in 1970, both Sweethearts and Sixteen stands out as two of their certified hits both as films and recorded albums..." - RV (READ MORE)



Monday, May 28, 2012

SIXTEEN (1970) The Album

Listening to Sixteen: "...Vilma’s first album was pure fun and still very relevant today. Consist of twelve songs six on each side. The vinyl record on side A starts with its carrying single, Sixteen. Composed by Dannie Subido, Sixteen talks about "making out" in the park. This might alarm some of the religious zealots in the 70s but Ate Vi’s wholesome sweet voice makes the song wholesome and child like. The hidden sex - "making out" - kissing and hugging in public place - message of the song would probably the reason why "Sixteen" became the favorites of teenagers. The song catapulted Vilma’s signature song. A feat that even her closest rival, Nora Aunor can’t replicated (Nora Aunor despite successful singing career lacked a signature song). Remember this is the hippie era and the start of the feminist movement. A clear reason why "Sixteen" was a major hit with the free love care free young generation of this era. The next songs, Dry your Eyes and Bring Back Your Love both arranged by Dannie Subido are love songs that boils down to frustration of a girl in love. Followed by a turned around in terms of mood with Vi’s version of a Bacharach composition, Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head, a funny but out of place song. One of the two final songs on side A, came as a surprise. "When The Clock Strikes One" was an original composition of Robert Medina and like “Sixteen” was about “making out” – kissing and hugging but this time its more fun because of its unusual up-tempo mood that’s actually more like a hip-hop song.

Side B of Sixteen was pure fun too. Three songs that stands out were the original compositions of Dannie Subido, "Sometimes," "It is Wonderful to be In Love" and "Then Along Came You Edgar." The lyrics of these songs are simple and obviously catered to the massive followers of the Edgar – Vilma love team. Before Britney Spears came up with her hit song, “Sometimes,” Vilma has her own song titled “Sometimes.” Both Britney and Vilma’s songs are about teenage love confusion. It’s a Wonderful To Be in Love is self-explanatory, yes Ate Vi is in love and she expressed it nicely in this song. The up-tempo and simple lyrics of this song makes it more like a children rhyme song except that it’s about almost "adult-kind" of love. The puppy love theme of the album continued with an uplifting song, well at least for the Vi and Bot fans with "Then Along Came You, Edgar." This song confirmed Vi's puppy love to the dark and handsome but not so tall cutie-pie, Edgar Mortiz. Once again, Dannie Subido’s arrangement and lyrics are simple but playful, a perfect fit to Ate Vi’s sweet range.

The success of Sixteen can be attributed to the playfulness and simplicity of the song selections. It suited the sweetness and purity of Vilma’s almost child like voice. The album earned Vilma her first golden record award and a remarkable signature song, “Sixteen.” The album established her as a successful recording artist. If I will compare her to today’s list of contemporary artists, I will compare Vilma to the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, and Madonna. Jennifer, Britney, and Madonna has thin but sweet voices just like Vilma. Like Vilma, these pop superstars have to work hard to achieve almost perfect products that their fans loved. Like Vilma, the three pop stars are great dancers which they all used to the max in their choreograph production numbers. The reluctant singer came out on top. Vilma Santos’s debut album made history. Sixteen made Vilma Santos a remarkable singer..." - RV (READ MORE)

SIXTEEN (1970)

Arranged and directed by Danny Subido with the Barons
Side A
  1. Sixteen (Danny Subido)
  2. Dry your Eyes (Danny Subido)
  3. Bring Back Your Love (Danny Subido)
  4. Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
  5. When The Clock Strikes One (Robert Medina)
  6. So With me (Freddie Stalton)

Side B
  1. Sometimes (Danny Subido)
  2. It's Wonderful To be In Love (Danny Subido)
  3. Baby Baby Baby (Danny Subido)
  4. Sealed With a kiss (Udell Gold)
  5. Then Along Came You Edgar (Freddie Stalton)
  6. Love Love (Danny Subido)


BACK COVER TEXT

ONE: Filipinos are particularly and inherently keen in music. We have that very sharp ear for music. We know if one is a singer or not. Vilma Santos is a singer.

TWO: That's why when her debut single "SIXTEEN" (this album's title song), "IT"s wonderful to be in Love" on the flipside hit the record barsm, she became an instant discolandia celebrity, a national discolandia star, because Vilma Santos is a singer.

THREE: Stop comparing now. Her voice is not similar to the voice of this and that singer. Furthermore, she has her own style. Her very own. Inimitatable. Incomparable.

FOUR: Her voice is angelic, her voice is silky, her voice is versatile, her voice is beyond description.

FIVE: But let me describe it. Let me try. Her voice is fragile.

SIX: Fragile. But in this her first album, in all her songs, not a note is broken. Fragile, yet strong, vigorous, forceful.

SEVEN: But most of all, her voice has soul. A young soul. Very young.

EIGHT: Her "Sixteen" is lifting. Bithe. Sparkling. So are "It's Wonderful to be in love," “Bring back your love" and "Raindrops keepfalling on my head."

NINE: Listen to "Dry your eyes" Dreamy. Almost like a lullaby. Gliding. Listen to "Baby baby baby" and "Sealed with a kiss." Floating. Breezy. Very cool. Tender. Caressing.

TEN: Suddenly her voice become frisky, bouncy in "Love love," "Sometimes," "When the clock strike one," "Then along came you Edgar, " et al. Full of verve. Enough to turn you on.

ELEVEN: Consider the talents pooled together in the album. Consider Bacharach, David, Udell, Geld, Stelton, Medina, The Barons and Danny Subido. Consider Vilma Santos. This is the album for the young. For the young at heart.

TWELVE: This is your album, This is our album. This is my album.

THIRTEEN: This collection is more than half-hour of listening delight.

FOURTEEN: But I bet, the youthful artist will entice you to listen to this album for hour and hours and hours. I bet. I win.

FIFTEEN: Because the songs are irresistble, as irresistible as the voice and its owner itself.

SIXTEEN: Vilma Santos. Yes. Vilma Santos. Singer.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

MY PLEDGE OF LOVE (1970)


Basic Information: Directed: A. Gregorio; Story: Oskee Salazar; Screenplay: Henry Cuino; Cast: Edgar Mortiz, Vilma Santos, Esperanza Fabon, Romy Mallari, Victor Wood, Pauline Sevilla, Fred Panopio, Ven Medina, Inday Jalandoni, The Blinkers; Original Music: Danny Subido; Theme Song “My pledge of love” performed by Edgar Mortiz; Film poster: Video48

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Reviews: "...By late 1969, movie producers had been tapping a Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz love team. Edgar was a Tawag ng Tanghalan winner. They started to be together in the movies, My Darling Eddie (1969) and The Jukebox King (1969)...In 1970, the love team of Vilma Santos and Edgar "Bobot" Mortiz was officially launched in the movie Young Love, together with the another popular love team during that time, Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III. The Vi and Bot love team went on to do 14 more movies in 1970—The Young Idols, Songs and Lovers, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Love Letters, Love is for the Two of Us, Mga Batang Bangketa, My Pledge of Love, Renee Rose, Baby Vi, Because You Are Mine, Edgar Loves Vilma, From the Bottom of My Heart, and I Love You Honey. All did well at the box-office..." - Rommel R. Llanes (READ MORE)

"...Noong Dekada ’70, ang mga young stars ay kailangang marunong kumanta dahil yun ang uso kaya naman nagtayo ng sariling recording company ang nasirang manager ni Vi na si William Leary dahil ayaw niyang pahuhuli sa uso ang kanyang alaga. Ilan sa mga naging recording artists ng WILEARS RECORDS bukod kay Vi ay sina Edgar Mortiz, Ed Finlan, Sahlee Quizon, Hilda Koronel at Esperanza Fabon. According to Vi, kapag nagrerecord siya ng kanta ay nakatalikod siya sa dingding ng recording company at si Bobot ang umaalalay sa kanya. Ang SIXTEEN, na sinulat ni Danny Subido ang unang recording na ginawa ni Vi at ito ay flipsided by It’s So Wonderful To Be In Love. Ang SIXTEEN ay agad naging gold record at dahil dito ay gumawa ng pelikula ang Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions, ang home studio ni Vi at ito ay ginawa nilang pamagat katambal si Edgar Mortiz. Hindi nyo naitatanong, muntik nang manalo si Vi bilang most promising singer sa AWIT AWARDS noong early ’70s..." - Alfons. Valencia (READ MORE)

"...The loveteam of Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos endured a stiff competition from teeny bopper love team of Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III and came up with equal success with string of hit films during the musical era of the 70s. Together they did forgettable but commercial hits and also some hints of the years to come to Vilma Santos’ long career. The most notable one: Dama De Noche. Total Number of films with Vilma Santos – 25 (Young Love, Teenage Jamboree, Songs and Lovers, Renee Rose, My Pledge of Love, Mga Batang Bangketa, Love Is for the Two of Us, I Love You Honey, From the Bottom of My Heart, Baby Vi, Love Letters, The Wonderful World of Music, The Sensations, The Young Idols, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Leron-Leron Sinta, Edgar Love Vilma, Don’t Ever Say Goodbye, Dama de Noche, Anak ng Aswang, Because You Are Mine, Kampanerang Kuba, Kasalanan Kaya, Karugtong ang Kahapon..." - RV (READ MORE)

"...Si Edgar Mortiz ang unang nakapareha ni Vilma Santos as a teen star. Nakilala sila as the "Subok na Matibay, Subok na Matatag" loveteam called Vi and Bot at naging magka-steady sila sa tunay na buhay. Marami silang ginawang pelikula as teen stars in the early 70s..." - Showbiz Portal (READ MORE)


Thursday, May 24, 2012

RENE ROSE (1970)


Basic Information: Directed: Emmanuel H. Borlaza; Story: Mars Ravelo; Screenplay: Emmanuel H. Borlaza; Cast: Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Jose Padilla Jr., Lilia Dizon, Romy Mallari, Jose Villafranca, Nela Alvarez, Yasmin Romero, Beth Manlongat, Dino Festin; Original Music: Restie Umali; Cinematography: Justo Paulino; Film poster: Video48

Plot Description: Mars Ravelos serialized comics directed by Emmanuel H Borlaza. Film with Edgar Mortiz.

Film Achievement: "...Borlaza gave Vilma Santos her very first best actress, winning the 1972 FAMAS for via Dama De Noche. He is also credited in narrowing the popularity gap between her and the musical era’s darling of the 70s, Nora Aunor. Total Number of Films in our list of VSR’s Top 50 films = 4 (#10 Lipad Darna Lipad 1973, #32 Dyesebel at ang Mahiwagang Kabibe 1973, #48 Darna and the Giants 1973, #49 Dama De Noche 1972)..." - RV (READ MORE)

"...By late 1969, movie producers had been tapping a Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz love team. Edgar was a Tawag ng Tanghalan winner. They started to be together in the movies, My Darling Eddie (1969) and The Jukebox King (1969)...In 1970, the love team of Vilma Santos and Edgar "Bobot" Mortiz was officially launched in the movie Young Love, together with the another popular love team during that time, Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III. The Vi and Bot love team went on to do 14 more movies in 1970—The Young Idols, Songs and Lovers, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Love Letters, Love is for the Two of Us, Mga Batang Bangketa, My Pledge of Love, Renee Rose, Baby Vi, Because You Are Mine, Edgar Loves Vilma, From the Bottom of My Heart, and I Love You Honey. All did well at the box-office..." - Rommel R. Llanes (READ MORE)

Film Reviews: "...Lilia was born Claire Strauss in Pampanga in 1928, the only child of Filipina Regina Dizon and German-American Abraham Strauss. We will remember Lilia Dizon for her memorable performances as a girl trapped inside a balloon in the fantasy flick “Tucydides”, as the rival of the late Anita Linda (who also just passed on June 10) over Jose Padilla Jr. in the drama flick “Perfidia: Kataksilan”, as the feisty gerilyera in “Kandelerong Pilak”, as the dying wife of Rogelio de la Rosa who adopts Nora Dy in “Ikaw ang Buhay Ko”, as the wronged wife of the philandering Eddie Garcia in “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang”, as the sacrificing mother of Lourdes Medel and Mila Ocampo in “Awit ng mga Dukha” and as the domineering stage mom of Vilma Santos in “Renee Rose”. Let’s all pray for the repose of her soul..." - Mario Bautista, People's Journal, 16 June2020 (READ MORE)

"...Noong Dekada ’70, ang mga young stars ay kailangang marunong kumanta dahil yun ang uso kaya naman nagtayo ng sariling recording company ang nasirang manager ni Vi na si William Leary dahil ayaw niyang pahuhuli sa uso ang kanyang alaga. Ilan sa mga naging recording artists ng WILEARS RECORDS bukod kay Vi ay sina Edgar Mortiz, Ed Finlan, Sahlee Quizon, Hilda Koronel at Esperanza Fabon. According to Vi, kapag nagrerecord siya ng kanta ay nakatalikod siya sa dingding ng recording company at si Bobot ang umaalalay sa kanya. Ang SIXTEEN, na sinulat ni Danny Subido ang unang recording na ginawa ni Vi at ito ay flipsided by It’s So Wonderful To Be In Love. Ang SIXTEEN ay agad naging gold record at dahil dito ay gumawa ng pelikula ang Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions, ang home studio ni Vi at ito ay ginawa nilang pamagat katambal si Edgar Mortiz. Hindi nyo naitatanong, muntik nang manalo si Vi bilang most promising singer sa AWIT AWARDS noong early ’70s..." - Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)

"Lilia Dizon is one of the brightest stars of LVN Pictures in the 50s paired with the top leading men that time like Rogelio de la Rosa, Armando Goyena, Mario Montenegro and Jose Padilla Jr. Her real name is Claire Strauss (her dad is of German ancestry) and she started her acting career right after WWII in 1946...She would later play mother roles and one of the best dramas she did is “Awit ng mga Dukha”, where she played the mom of LVN actresses Lourdes Medel and Mila Ocampo. She also played the domineering stage mother of a teenage Vilma Santos in the Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions drama, "Renee Rose." When her son Christopher was discovered by Lino Brocka in 1974, she played his mom in the award-winning “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang.” She retired in the U.S. in the 80s (where her daughter Pinky still resides) but she later returned to Manila and stayed with her son Bro. Boyet..." - Mario E. Bautista, People's Journal, 25 April 2020 (READ MORE)

"...The loveteam of Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos endured a stiff competition from teeny bopper love team of Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III and came up with equal success with string of hit films during the musical era of the 70s. Together they did forgettable but commercial hits and also some hints of the years to come to Vilma Santos’ long career. The most notable one: Dama De Noche. Total Number of films with Vilma Santos – 25 (Young Love, Teenage Jamboree, Songs and Lovers, Renee Rose, My Pledge of Love, Mga Batang Bangketa, Love Is for the Two of Us, I Love You Honey, From the Bottom of My Heart, Baby Vi, Love Letters, The Wonderful World of Music, The Sensations, The Young Idols, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Leron-Leron Sinta, Edgar Love Vilma, Don’t Ever Say Goodbye, Dama de Noche, Anak ng Aswang, Because You Are Mine, Kampanerang Kuba, Kasalanan Kaya, Karugtong ang Kahapon..." - RV (READ MORE)

"...Si Edgar Mortiz ang unang nakapareha ni Vilma Santos as a teen star. Nakilala sila as the "Subok na Matibay, Subok na Matatag" loveteam called Vi and Bot at naging magka-steady sila sa tunay na buhay. Marami silang ginawang pelikula as teen stars in the early 70s..." - Showbiz Portal (READ MORE)

"...His films lack the arthouse style and social relevance that critics loves most in a Brocka or Bernal films but who cares about the critics when the paying public loves them. And the producers demand his service, from Doc Perez of Sampaguita Pictures, Atty. Esperidion Laxa of Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions and later on, Vic Del Rosario of Viva Films and Lily Monteverde of Regal Films. Clearly, his films exists with one purpose, to entertain the masses not to depress or remind them with the country’s sad fate of economy or the below poverty line lives of many. The success of the Vilma-Borlaza films gave Vilma Santos versatility and preparation to a more serious acting career. It also narrowed the popularity gap between her and the musical era’s darling of the 70s, Nora Aunor. These are perhaps, the most significant contributions of Emmanuel Borlaza to Vilma’s career. Vilma who was considered only second to Nora couldn’t matched her singing talent and so, Borlaza countered this lack of singing with films that showcased Vilma’s acting versatility..." - RV (READ MORE)

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

LOVE LETTERS (1970)


Basic Information: Directed: Abraham Cruz; Story: Felipe Baron; Screenplay: Felipe Baron; Cast: Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Esperanza Fabon, Romy Mallari, Baby De Jesus, Bobby Roldan, Alona Alegre, Victor Wood, Baby Alcaraz, Cloyd Robinson, Ernie Vega, Dell Martin, Wilma Landicho, Azucena Guevarra, Imelda Alonzo, Norma Blancaflor; Original Music: Danny Subido; Cinematography: Avelino Peralta; Film Editing: Teofilo de Leon; Art Design: Greg Alcid Jr.; Sound: Flaviano Villareal; Film poster courtesy of Video48

Plot Description: Love Letter is the love story of Vilma and Edgar. They had a quarell that involves returning of their gift to each other including love letters. The arguments ended in Edgar stealing the love letters and eventually ended in their respective families arguring in court. The film ended in usual reconciliations and more singing as this is a musical film!

An early Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz romantic musical also featuring the old gang - Romy Mallari, Esperanza Fabon, Baby de Jesus, Bobby Roldan, Alona Alegre and jukebox king Victor Wood. The story is about young love, with all its anxieties and conclusion. It dramatizes the pains of growing up and the need to follow romantic ideals. An infectious trip down memory lane, with the original D'Sensation gang the way they were! Directed by Abraham Cruz for Tagalong Ilang-Ilang Productions. - Trigon Video

Film Achievement: Entry to the 1970 5th Manila Film Festival

Film Reviews: Love Letters is a musical films specially made for the fans of "teeny-bopper" stars - Vi and Bot. The film was probably shot with improvisations, which means, without a written script. This was noticeably clear as the film's main characters and the actual names of the actors were not change at all. The film's main plot was the the stealing of love letters that ended in court, followed by picket line (ala-"Occupy" Wall Street) that was hard to believe. And also the one-after the other testimonies of Edgar, Vilma and both parents that were irritatingly funny. Although we are used to Vilma's tolereable singing, we're more surprise to see a singing Alona Alegre! She looked more like Eugene Domingo (clearly before her sexy films/image). One more thing, Alona's wedding gown was worth a second look, its not like your ordinary wedding gown. The head piece was a beaded hood that covers her hair and neck. With so much singing, Baby De Jesus's voice stands out among the girls but her piano playing acting was over the top. Victor Wood's duet with Edgar Mortiz, "Beautiful Dreamers" is worth downloading. Danny Subido was responsible for inserting all the musical numbers that was quite a tasks particularly without a well written musical screenplay. The film was shot in Baguio City and cinematographer, Avelino Peralta's did a wonderful job showcasing the city on Vilma's day dreaming except for the akward courtscenes. Love Letters was produced by Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Production and directed by Abraham Cruz, a forgettable film that only a die hard Vi and Bot fans (and those who loves film nostalgia) can only appreciate.

"...Teen superstars Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos have their respective entries: Nora had two entries, Nora in Wonderland (with Manny de Leon) for Tower Productions and Young at Heart (with Tirso Cruz III) for Sampaguita Pictures, while Vilma with his lone entry, Love Letters with Edgar Mortiz for Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions..." - Video 48, 1970 MFF READ MORE


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Sunday, May 20, 2012

LOVE IS FOR THE TWO OF US (1970)


Basic Information: Directed: F.H. Constantino; Screenplay: Bert R. Mendoza; Cast: Helen Gamboa, Ricky Belmonte, Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Rodolfo ‘Boy’ Garcia, Lucita Soriano, Manny Ojeda, Chuchi, Boy Mondragon, Peachy, The Flintstones; Original Music: D’Amarillo; Film poster: Video48

"...Noong 1970, ginawa in Vilma at Edgar ang pelikulang Love Is For The Two Of Us kasama sina Helen Gamboa at Ricky Belmonte. Sa telebisyon, si Vilma at Edgar ay may regular shows na Oh My Love at The Sensations sa Channel 2. Ang kanilang tambalan ay tinawag na “subok na matibay, subok na matatag.” Noong Enero 1, 1970, ipinalabas ang superhit na pelikula ng VP Pictures na Young Love kasama ang loveteam nina Nora Aunor at Tirso Cruz III. Dito na nagsimula ang rivalry ng Vilma-Edgar loveteam at Nora-Tirso loveteam..." - Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Reviews: "...By late 1969, movie producers had been tapping a Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz love team. Edgar was a Tawag ng Tanghalan winner. They started to be together in the movies, My Darling Eddie (1969) and The Jukebox King (1969)...In 1970, the love team of Vilma Santos and Edgar "Bobot" Mortiz was officially launched in the movie Young Love, together with the another popular love team during that time, Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III. The Vi and Bot love team went on to do 14 more movies in 1970—The Young Idols, Songs and Lovers, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Love Letters, Love is for the Two of Us, Mga Batang Bangketa, My Pledge of Love, Renee Rose, Baby Vi, Because You Are Mine, Edgar Loves Vilma, From the Bottom of My Heart, and I Love You Honey. All did well at the box-office..." - Rommel R. Llanes (READ MORE)

"...Noong Dekada ’70, ang mga young stars ay kailangang marunong kumanta dahil yun ang uso kaya naman nagtayo ng sariling recording company ang nasirang manager ni Vi na si William Leary dahil ayaw niyang pahuhuli sa uso ang kanyang alaga. Ilan sa mga naging recording artists ng WILEARS RECORDS bukod kay Vi ay sina Edgar Mortiz, Ed Finlan, Sahlee Quizon, Hilda Koronel at Esperanza Fabon. According to Vi, kapag nagrerecord siya ng kanta ay nakatalikod siya sa dingding ng recording company at si Bobot ang umaalalay sa kanya. Ang SIXTEEN, na sinulat ni Danny Subido ang unang recording na ginawa ni Vi at ito ay flipsided by It’s So Wonderful To Be In Love. Ang SIXTEEN ay agad naging gold record at dahil dito ay gumawa ng pelikula ang Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions, ang home studio ni Vi at ito ay ginawa nilang pamagat katambal si Edgar Mortiz. Hindi nyo naitatanong, muntik nang manalo si Vi bilang most promising singer sa AWIT AWARDS noong early ’70s..." - AlfonsoValencia (READ MORE)

"...The loveteam of Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos endured a stiff competition from teeny bopper love team of Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III and came up with equal success with string of hit films during the musical era of the 70s. Together they did forgettable but commercial hits and also some hints of the years to come to Vilma Santos’ long career. The most notable one: Dama De Noche. Total Number of films with Vilma Santos – 25 (Young Love, Teenage Jamboree, Songs and Lovers, Renee Rose, My Pledge of Love, Mga Batang Bangketa, Love Is for the Two of Us, I Love You Honey, From the Bottom of My Heart, Baby Vi, Love Letters, The Wonderful World of Music, The Sensations, The Young Idols, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Leron-Leron Sinta, Edgar Love Vilma, Don’t Ever Say Goodbye, Dama de Noche, Anak ng Aswang, Because You Are Mine, Kampanerang Kuba, Kasalanan Kaya, Karugtong ang Kahapon..." - RV (READ MORE)

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Friday, May 18, 2012

I LOVE YOU, HONEY (1970)


Basic Information: Directed, screenplay: Emmanuel H. Borlaza; Story: Justo C. Justo; Cast: Edgar Mortiz, Vilma Santos, Esperanza Fabon, romy Mallari, Patria Plata, Mercy Oria, Scarlet, Gaston Garcia, Babette, Henry Cuino, Tweeny, Ely ventuz, Karlo Romano, Dick Israel, Pons De Guzman, SOS Daredevils; Executive producer: Espiridion Laxa; Original Music: Danny Subido; Cinematography: Rey C. Rose Javie; Film poster: Video48

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Reviews: "...By late 1969, movie producers had been tapping a Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz love team. Edgar was a Tawag ng Tanghalan winner. They started to be together in the movies, My Darling Eddie (1969) and The Jukebox King (1969)...In 1970, the love team of Vilma Santos and Edgar "Bobot" Mortiz was officially launched in the movie Young Love, together with the another popular love team during that time, Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III. The Vi and Bot love team went on to do 14 more movies in 1970—The Young Idols, Songs and Lovers, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Love Letters, Love is for the Two of Us, Mga Batang Bangketa, My Pledge of Love, Renee Rose, Baby Vi, Because You Are Mine, Edgar Loves Vilma, From the Bottom of My Heart, and I Love You Honey. All did well at the box-office..." - Rommel R. Llanes (READ MORE)

"...Noong Dekada ’70, ang mga young stars ay kailangang marunong kumanta dahil yun ang uso kaya naman nagtayo ng sariling recording company ang nasirang manager ni Vi na si William Leary dahil ayaw niyang pahuhuli sa uso ang kanyang alaga. Ilan sa mga naging recording artists ng WILEARS RECORDS bukod kay Vi ay sina Edgar Mortiz, Ed Finlan, Sahlee Quizon, Hilda Koronel at Esperanza Fabon. According to Vi, kapag nagrerecord siya ng kanta ay nakatalikod siya sa dingding ng recording company at si Bobot ang umaalalay sa kanya. Ang SIXTEEN, na sinulat ni Danny Subido ang unang recording na ginawa ni Vi at ito ay flipsided by It’s So Wonderful To Be In Love. Ang SIXTEEN ay agad naging gold record at dahil dito ay gumawa ng pelikula ang Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions, ang home studio ni Vi at ito ay ginawa nilang pamagat katambal si Edgar Mortiz. Hindi nyo naitatanong, muntik nang manalo si Vi bilang most promising singer sa AWIT AWARDS noong early ’70s..." - AlfonsoValencia (READ MORE)

"...The loveteam of Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos endured a stiff competition from teeny bopper love team of Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III and came up with equal success with string of hit films during the musical era of the 70s. Together they did forgettable but commercial hits and also some hints of the years to come to Vilma Santos’ long career. The most notable one: Dama De Noche. Total Number of films with Vilma Santos – 25 (Young Love, Teenage Jamboree, Songs and Lovers, Renee Rose, My Pledge of Love, Mga Batang Bangketa, Love Is for the Two of Us, I Love You Honey, From the Bottom of My Heart, Baby Vi, Love Letters, The Wonderful World of Music, The Sensations, The Young Idols, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Leron-Leron Sinta, Edgar Love Vilma, Don’t Ever Say Goodbye, Dama de Noche, Anak ng Aswang, Because You Are Mine, Kampanerang Kuba, Kasalanan Kaya, Karugtong ang Kahapon..." - RV (READ MORE)



Wednesday, May 16, 2012

NOBODY'S CHILD (1970)


Basic Information: Direction: Jose De Villa; Story & Screenplay: Medy Tarnate; Music: Danny Holmsen; Cast: Tirso Cruz III, Vilma Santos, Juvy Cachola, Edgar Salcedo, Jigger Roces, Dely Atay-atayan; Executive Producer: Jose O. Vera; Production Co: Sampaguita Pictures; Released Date: 28 November 1970 (IMDB)

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Reviews: "...Pip didn’t return to the movies until he was in his teens and was partnered with Nora Aunor. As a love team they were more popularly known as Guy & Pip and they made several box-office hits. But like most other male stars in love teams, his career dimmed when the partner was launched as a solo act and became an even bigger name — alone. This happened to Edgar Mortiz, who was Vilma Santos’ first screen partner. There was a long lull in Edgar’s career until he joined the group Goin’ Bananas. Today, he is very active in show business as a television director. The fate of Nora’s other screen partner, Manny de Leon, was tragic. Nobody knows what happened to him after their love team was dissolved..." - Butch Francisco (READ MORE)

"..."Are there really illegitimate children?...or illegitimate parents?" Nobody's Child (November 28, 1970) na prinudyos ng Sampaguita Pictures ay tinampukan nina Vi, Tirso Cruz III, Juvy Cachola, Edgar Salcedo, German Moreno, Dely Atayatayan, Jigger Roces at Romy Lapus sa direksiyon ni Jose de Villa..." - Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)



Monday, May 14, 2012

SAPAGKAT SILA'Y AMING MGA ANAK (1970)


Basic Info: Director: Armando De Guzman; Story & Screenplay: Quentin De Guia, Armando De Guzman; Cast: Tony Ferrer, Boots Anson-Roa, Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Von Serna, Mila Ocampo; Original Music: Restie Umali; Release Date:4 October 1970 (Philippines); Produced: Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions; Film poster courtesy of Video48

Plot Description: A couple, martial arts professional (Tony Ferrer) and social worker (Boots Anson Roa) cared for seven street beggars.

Film Achievement: Entry to the 1st QC Film Festival. One of three films Vilma Santos and Tony Ferrer did together, one was Wonderful World of Music and the other one was Darna and The Giants where Vilma played Darna and Tony as Tony Falcon, Agent X-44 (ala-James Bond). Sapagka't is also one of Vilma films with Boots Anson Roa, the others, "The Wonderful World of Music" and "Mano Po III: My Love."

Film Reviews: "...She continued her singing stints with an album most Vilmanians seems to forget, All I See Is You carried the folk song, Ati Cu Pung Sing-sing and Wonderful world of Music. The later song became a title of a musical film that paired Vilma with Edgar and co-starred with Snooky, Tony Ferrer, and Boots Anson Roa. The demand for Vi & Bot's recordings increased and Willears produced Sweetheart, perhaps a confirmation album of the real score between the two young teen stars. Out of 25 films Vilma and Edgar made in 1970, both Sweethearts and Sixteen stands out as two of their certified hits both as films and recorded albums..." - RV (READ MORE)

"...It's not all Agent X-44 roles for Tony Ferrer. The popular action star of the 60s appeared in other countless varied roles, notably as a 'karatista' or 'karateka' (karate fighter). Karate, a popular martial arts that time was popularized in movies by another action star Roberto Gonzalez. Growing up in this period, viewers were saturated with this kind of movie stuffs...He also did two drama movies in 1970, a complete turn-around on his usual action roles, Sapagka't sila'y aming mga Anak and Living Doll, both with Boots Anson-Roa and child star Snooky..." - Simon Santos (READ MORE)

Saturday, May 12, 2012

MGA BATANG BANGKETA (1970)


Basic Information: Directed: Armando De Guzman; Story: Pablo S. Gomez; Cast: Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Eddie Miller, Robert Talabis, Dely Atay-atayan, Aruray, Gina Alajar, Ben David, Nita Carmona, Armando De Guzman Jr., Yasmin Romero, Elizabeth Morgado, Feling Cudia; Original Music: Francisco Buencamino Jr.; Cinematography: Sergio Lobo; Film poster: Video48

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Reviews: "...By late 1969, movie producers had been tapping a Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz love team. Edgar was a Tawag ng Tanghalan winner. They started to be together in the movies, My Darling Eddie (1969) and The Jukebox King (1969)...In 1970, the love team of Vilma Santos and Edgar "Bobot" Mortiz was officially launched in the movie Young Love, together with the another popular love team during that time, Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III. The Vi and Bot love team went on to do 14 more movies in 1970—The Young Idols, Songs and Lovers, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Love Letters, Love is for the Two of Us, Mga Batang Bangketa, My Pledge of Love, Renee Rose, Baby Vi, Because You Are Mine, Edgar Loves Vilma, From the Bottom of My Heart, and I Love You Honey. All did well at the box-office..." - Rommel R. Llanes (READ MORE)

"...Noong Dekada ’70, ang mga young stars ay kailangang marunong kumanta dahil yun ang uso kaya naman nagtayo ng sariling recording company ang nasirang manager ni Vi na si William Leary dahil ayaw niyang pahuhuli sa uso ang kanyang alaga. Ilan sa mga naging recording artists ng WILEARS RECORDS bukod kay Vi ay sina Edgar Mortiz, Ed Finlan, Sahlee Quizon, Hilda Koronel at Esperanza Fabon. According to Vi, kapag nagrerecord siya ng kanta ay nakatalikod siya sa dingding ng recording company at si Bobot ang umaalalay sa kanya. Ang SIXTEEN, na sinulat ni Danny Subido ang unang recording na ginawa ni Vi at ito ay flipsided by It’s So Wonderful To Be In Love. Ang SIXTEEN ay agad naging gold record at dahil dito ay gumawa ng pelikula ang Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions, ang home studio ni Vi at ito ay ginawa nilang pamagat katambal si Edgar Mortiz. Hindi nyo naitatanong, muntik nang manalo si Vi bilang most promising singer sa AWIT AWARDS noong early ’70s..." - Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)


"...The loveteam of Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos endured a stiff competition from teeny bopper love team of Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III and came up with equal success with string of hit films during the musical era of the 70s. Together they did forgettable but commercial hits and also some hints of the years to come to Vilma Santos’ long career. The most notable one: Dama De Noche. Total Number of films with Vilma Santos – 25 (Young Love, Teenage Jamboree, Songs and Lovers, Renee Rose, My Pledge of Love, Mga Batang Bangketa, Love Is for the Two of Us, I Love You Honey, From the Bottom of My Heart, Baby Vi, Love Letters, The Wonderful World of Music, The Sensations, The Young Idols, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Leron-Leron Sinta, Edgar Love Vilma, Don’t Ever Say Goodbye, Dama de Noche, Anak ng Aswang, Because You Are Mine, Kampanerang Kuba, Kasalanan Kaya, Karugtong ang Kahapon..." - RV (READ MORE)

"...Si Edgar Mortiz ang unang nakapareha ni Vilma Santos as a teen star. Nakilala sila as the "Subok na Matibay, Subok na Matatag" loveteam called Vi and Bot at naging magka-steady sila sa tunay na buhay. Marami silang ginawang pelikula as teen stars in the early 70s..." - Showbiz Portal (READ MORE)

Thursday, May 10, 2012

FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART (1970)


Basic Information: Direction: A Gregorio; Story: Quentin De Guia; Screenplay: Henry Cuino; Cast: Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Esperanza Fabon, Rommy Mallari, Victor Wood, Fred Panopio, Baby De Jesus, Bobby Roldan, Ernie Vega, Cloyd Robinson, Scarlet, Linda Magno, Bernadine Escolar, Pons De Guzman, Wilhelmina Landicho, Armando Balbin, The Bunkers; Executive producer: Espiridion Laxa; Original Music: Danny Subido; Film poster: Video48

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Reviews: "...By late 1969, movie producers had been tapping a Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz love team. Edgar was a Tawag ng Tanghalan winner. They started to be together in the movies, My Darling Eddie (1969) and The Jukebox King (1969)...In 1970, the love team of Vilma Santos and Edgar "Bobot" Mortiz was officially launched in the movie Young Love, together with the another popular love team during that time, Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III. The Vi and Bot love team went on to do 14 more movies in 1970—The Young Idols, Songs and Lovers, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Love Letters, Love is for the Two of Us, Mga Batang Bangketa, My Pledge of Love, Renee Rose, Baby Vi, Because You Are Mine, Edgar Loves Vilma, From the Bottom of My Heart, and I Love You Honey. All did well at the box-office..." - Rommel R. Llanes (READ MORE)

"...Noong Dekada ’70, ang mga young stars ay kailangang marunong kumanta dahil yun ang uso kaya naman nagtayo ng sariling recording company ang nasirang manager ni Vi na si William Leary dahil ayaw niyang pahuhuli sa uso ang kanyang alaga. Ilan sa mga naging recording artists ng WILEARS RECORDS bukod kay Vi ay sina Edgar Mortiz, Ed Finlan, Sahlee Quizon, Hilda Koronel at Esperanza Fabon. According to Vi, kapag nagrerecord siya ng kanta ay nakatalikod siya sa dingding ng recording company at si Bobot ang umaalalay sa kanya. Ang SIXTEEN, na sinulat ni Danny Subido ang unang recording na ginawa ni Vi at ito ay flipsided by It’s So Wonderful To Be In Love. Ang SIXTEEN ay agad naging gold record at dahil dito ay gumawa ng pelikula ang Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions, ang home studio ni Vi at ito ay ginawa nilang pamagat katambal si Edgar Mortiz. Hindi nyo naitatanong, muntik nang manalo si Vi bilang most promising singer sa AWIT AWARDS noong early ’70s..." - Alfons. Valencia (READ MORE)

"...The loveteam of Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos endured a stiff competition from teeny bopper love team of Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III and came up with equal success with string of hit films during the musical era of the 70s. Together they did forgettable but commercial hits and also some hints of the years to come to Vilma Santos’ long career. The most notable one: Dama De Noche. Total Number of films with Vilma Santos – 25 (Young Love, Teenage Jamboree, Songs and Lovers, Renee Rose, My Pledge of Love, Mga Batang Bangketa, Love Is for the Two of Us, I Love You Honey, From the Bottom of My Heart, Baby Vi, Love Letters, The Wonderful World of Music, The Sensations, The Young Idols, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Leron-Leron Sinta, Edgar Love Vilma, Don’t Ever Say Goodbye, Dama de Noche, Anak ng Aswang, Because You Are Mine, Kampanerang Kuba, Kasalanan Kaya, Karugtong ang Kahapon..." - RV (READ MORE)


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