Basic Information: Direction: Lauro Pacheco; Story: Ricardo Y. Feliciano; Screenplay: Jose Flores Sibal; Cast: Julie Vega, Gloria Sevilla, Amado Cortez, Mat Ranillo III, Roldan Rodrigo, Boots Anson-Roa, Alma Moreno, Christopher De Leon, Tony Carreon, German Moreno, Rez Cortez, Eddie Rodriguez, Paquito Diaz, Rosanna Ortiz, Naty Bernardo, Vilma Santos, Nora Aunor, Joseph Estrada, Ricky Santiago, Bert ‘Tawa’ Marcelo, Rey Malonzo, Trixia Gomez, Marissa Delgado, Etang Discher, Paquito Salcedo, Ramon Revilla, Didith Reyes, Ike Lozada, Aruray, Patria Plata, Helen Gamboa, Dolphy, Fernando Poe Jr.; Original Music: Carlos Rodriguez; Film poster: Video48
Plot Description: Mga Mata ni Angelita was written by Ricardo Feliciano and became a number one hit radio drama from 1974 to 1978. It was made into a film by Larry Santiago Productions and catapulted the late Julie Vega into fame. The film was a phenomenal hit when it premiered in 1978, mainly because of its big name stars such as Ramon Revilla, Helen Gamboa, Dolphy, Vilma Santos, Nora Aunor, the late Fernando Poe Jr., Christopher De Leon, Alma Moreno, Rez Cortez, Paquito Diaz, and Eddie Rodriguez, to name a few.
The story revolves around that of a blind girl named Anghelita who was given the eyes of the Virgin Mary. But having her sight back, she will see what the world really is, filled with pain and sins. So, in search for her long lost mother, she will be instrumental in changing the lives of people along her way. - Wikepedia
A star-studded film featuring a blind orphan named Angelita (Julie Vega) who was found unconcious by the groups of nuns after Belen (Gloria Sevilla) attempted to kill her by letting her walk straight ahead on the edge of the cliff. In the monastery, she started her deep devotion to Virgin Mary in the convent which was last seen missing her pair of eyes. Angelita started to search for her parents and along her way, touched various lives both poor and rich until she found her mother, Janet (Helen Gamboa). - Kabayan Central (READ MORE)
Film Achievement: 1978 FAMAS: Julie Vega - Best Child Actress
Film Reviews: "...Julie Vega was only 10 years old when she was launched to full stardom in the 1978 movie, "Mga mata ni Angelita." She appeared in previous movie outings as Darling Postigo. The young Vega was ably supported by an all super star cast headed by the King of Philippine Movies, Fernando Poe, Jr. (in the role of Conrado, the ex-convict) and Comedy King Dolphy (as Tacio, the taho vendor). Also appearing in cameo roles were Joseph Estrada (as himself as Mayor); Nora Aunor (a metro-aide sweeper); Vilma Santos ( as a worried wife); Ramon Revilla (as barrio captain); Alma Moreno (as a jealous sweetheart); Christopher de Leon (as the lover) and many more..." - Simon Santos (READ MORE)
"...This study looks at the existence of Filipino films that are focused on the discourse of religiosity, featuring a female protagonist who imbibes the image and assumes the role of a female deity. The films included are Mga Mata ni Angelita (The Eyes of Angelita, 1978, Lauro Pacheco), Himala (Miracle, 1982, Ishmael Bernal), Ang Huling Birhen sa Lupa (The Last Virgin, 2002, Joel Lamangan) and Santa Santita (Magdalena, 2004, Laurice Guillen). In the four narratives, the female protagonists eventually incur supernatural powers after a perceived apparition of the Virgin Mary or the image of the Virgin Mary, and incurring stigmata or the wounds of Christ...While some were filmed for the purpose of screening during the Lenten season, there are those which were meant to be mainstream films. These went on to become both critical and commercial successes, carrying controversial topics which challenge the Filipino audience’s notion of religiosity and spirituality. Mga Mata ni Angelita, from which Julie Vega rose to fame, features a star-studded cast, including Vilma Santos, Nora Aunor, Dolphy, German Moreno, Boots Anson-Roa, Helen Gamboa and Fernando Poe, Jr. who shared very little screen time with the well-loved child star of the 80s..." - Erika Jean Cabanawan, Review of Women’s Studies, 2010 (READ MORE)
