Dambuhalang DJ - "...In the early 70s, the local entertainment industry was dominated by the love teams of Nora Aunor-Tirso Cruz and Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz. Arnold was a young teenager by the mid 70’s. Ike Lozada, a famous radio and TV host (known for his radio program, “Dambuhalang DJ”) and part-time talent manager conceptualized a junior love team that would target the younger audience and would follow the footsteps of the Nora-Tirso and Vi-Bubot love teams. The young love teams will be introduced in a new TV show which was planned to compete with the Channel 7 show, “Eto Na Kami”, another TV show quite popular with the young generation back then. Ike gathered the team of Arnold and Maribel “Lala” Aunor, Winnie Santos and Dondon Nakar that gave birth to the “Apat na Sikat” in Channel 9. The show was an instant hit not just with teen-agers, but also for older audiences and it quickly acquired a high rating among viewers. It was aired during prime time, and lasted for five years. People who grew up watching “Apat na Sikat” often associate Arnold’s name to the TV show, as it made television history during its prime…“Apat na Sikat” in the 70s was borne out of the imagination of the late Ike Lozada. Ike made quite a name for himself on his TV show “Big Ike’s Happening” and his AM radio program, “Dambuhalang DJ”. Like his colleague, Kuya Germs, Ike was also instrumental in launching the careers of young stars. The four young stars were easily brought to fame, because the two ladies were related to the star of the season. Winnie Santos is the younger sister of Vilma Santos, while Lala Aunor is the first cousin of Nora Aunor..." - Romy R. Protacio (READ MORE)
Apat na Sikat - "...In the early 70s, the local entertainment industry was dominated by the love teams of Nora Aunor-Tirso Cruz and Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz. Arnold was a young teenager by the mid 70’s. Ike Lozada, a famous radio and TV host (known for his radio program, “Dambuhalang DJ”) and part-time talent manager conceptualized a junior love team that would target the younger audience and would follow the footsteps of the Nora-Tirso and Vi-Bubot love teams. The young love teams will be introduced in a new TV show which was planned to compete with the Channel 7 show, “Eto Na Kami”, another TV show quite popular with the young generation back then. Ike gathered the team of Arnold and Maribel “Lala” Aunor, Winnie Santos and Dondon Nakar that gave birth to the “Apat na Sikat” in Channel 9. The show was an instant hit not just with teen-agers, but also for older audiences and it quickly acquired a high rating among viewers. It was aired during prime time, and lasted for five years. People who grew up watching “Apat na Sikat” often associate Arnold’s name to the TV show, as it made television history during its prime. “Apat na Sikat” in the 70s was borne out of the imagination of the late Ike Lozada. Ike made quite a name for himself on his TV show “Big Ike’s Happening” and his AM radio program, “Dambuhalang DJ”. Like his colleague, Kuya Germs, Ike was also instrumental in launching the careers of young stars. The four young stars were easily brought to fame, because the two ladies were related to the star of the season. Winnie Santos is the younger sister of Vilma Santos, while Lala Aunor is the first cousin of Nora Aunor. While doing my research on the internet, I chanced upon the Ukay-Ukay blog written by Guillermo “Ige” Ramos. He provided a vivid, though quite amusing takes on the “Apat na Sikat.” Nilampaso nya ang Apat na Sikat. Gigil na gigil si Ige sa kanyang characterization of Winnie Santos, and Lala Aunor. Ige, however, had kinder words for Dondon and Arnold. “Winnie tried to be her sister’s clone: she did a TV version of Vilma’s hit Trudis Liit, and she sang the Ate VI anthems, “Paper Roses” and “My Boy Lollipop”. Unlike her sister, who is still a terpsichorean wonder, Winnie could only dance the Lady Bump. The more she copied her sister, the more she receded into oblivion..." - Romy R. Protacio (READ MORE)
Vi's Precious - "...Si kuya Ike Lozada ang nagbansag kay Ate Vi ng palayaw na “Precious” marahil dahil sa parang mamahaling kristal si Ate Vi sa paningin ng malusog na radio announcer na ito. Si Kuya Ike isa sa mga naging instrumento kung bakit naging sikat ang tambalang Vi at Bot. Kung si Guy at Pip ay mayroong German Moreno, si Vi at Bot naman ay mayroong Kuya Iking. Sa bawat radio commercial at mga kanta hindi mawawala ang mga balita’t dedikasyon niya sa kanyang nagiisang “precious.” Akmang akma para bigyan natin ng halaga ang isang taong malaking naitulong sa pagsulong ng career ni Ate Vi nuong mga dekada 70 at mga unang taon ng dekada 80. Ang isa pang mahalagang naitulong ni Kuya Ike ay pagpapahalaga niya sa mga Vilmanians. Kung hindi lang siya radio announcer marahil isa siya sa aktibong miyembro ng ating grupo..." - RV (READ MORE)
TV Host - "...Last Wednesday night, showbuz was once again thrown into unexpected mourning with the passing of Ike Lozada, comedian, singer, host and very much overweight. He was 54 at the time of his death. Ike, Enrique Lozada in real life, was last seen on TV with German Moreno on the late afternoon variety That's Entertainment last Wednesday. He reportedly went to visit a friend, Rey Honrando, then proceeded to fastfood restaurant. Reports on where exactly he suffered from cardiac arrest are up to this time still sketchy. He was rushed to the Capitol Medical Center where attending physicians declared him DOA. The hefty comedian-singer was one of showbiz' more colorful personalities and endeared himself to a lot of TV and movie fans, especially the elderly. His rise to popularity came almost at the same time Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos were winning admiration of millions of movie fans. Ike made his mark as host of the afternoon show Big Ike's Happening. His closest friends in showbusiness were Inday Badiday and Kuya Germs..." - Isah Vaquez Red, Manila Standard, Mar 11, 1995 (READ MORE)
Amateur Singer - "...Movie and television talent Enrique "Ike" Lozada died of a heat attack Wednesday night at the Quezon City Medical Center. He was 54. Dr. Carlos Lagman, the attending physician, said the victim died of "secondary to massive biocardiac arrest" at around 8:25 p.m. A report said that after watching a moive Lozada reportedly ordered his driver to take him to a friend, Reynaldo Honrado, in Quezon City. Honrado said Lozada later complained of chest pains. As Honrado was talking to a friend on the telephone, he heard a loud thud. He said he saw Lozada fall head first on the floor. Lozada began his show business career after winning in an amateur singing contest in the television show Student Canteen. He hosted different television shows, and was a disc jockey; an entertainment writer and a talent manager..." - Manila Standard, Mar 8, 1995 (READ MORE)
Relationship with Santos - " ...And speaking of talents, Ike Lozada is "starmaker" in his own right. At previously mentioned he was responsible for the rise of several actors, actresses, and singers. A lot of people know that if German Moreno is often associated with Nora Aunor, then he in turn is associated with Vilma Santos. But it seems that while Moreno is still close to Aunor, his relationship with Santos has cooled off. How does he feel about it? "I feel na nakalimutan lang niya ako. May pinagsamahan naman kasi kami (he's know her even before she was 10 years old)." he had been hoping that he would somehow be invited to guest in Santos'show, specially at the time when "I lost my show and I was out of circulation. Baka hindi siya ang may ayaw; maybe she has her reasons." He feels no resentment though, and to prove it he adds: "I still care for her." The fact that he has mellowed since his trip to the US has helped him improved his relationship with his peers in the business. If he used to hold grudges against them, he has resolved to sort it out with them. "Willing akong makipagbati. Ayoko na nang may kaaway." He has since reconciled with Angge in Inday Badiday's show. Lately, Ike Lozada's been busy with a lot of things. Aside from co-hosting a daily shows and managing his talents, he produces shows in nightclubs, has a hand in a jewelry business and helps build and sell houses. Not bad for someone who's trying to revive his status in the business. With the proliferation of teen and variety shows, luck in on his side. "The more programs, the better. They would as outlets for my talents," he says..." - Marie T. Dimapilis, Manila Standard, 01 Oct. 1988 p24 (READ MORE)
Enrique "Big Ike" Lozada (August 13, 1940-March 8, 1995) was a Filipino comedian, actor and TV host. He was born on August 13, 1940 in Iloilo City. He started acting at the age of 11 on the movie Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan with the younger Susan Roces. - Wikipedia (READ MORE)
Ike Lozada and Vilma Santos
Payaso (1986) - "...The 1986 Metro Manila Film Festival was considered the worst in the 12-year history of the annual 10-day festival of local movies. For the first time, it did not give out the traditional first and second best picture awards. Two other categories--- best story and best screenplay were not also given. "No one of the seven entries deserved these awards," according to Tingting Cojuangco, one of the jurors..." - J C Nigado (READ MORE)
Charot (1985) - "...As far as he can recall, his first gay outing was in the critically acclaimed High School Circa ’65. “Doon naman, I was nominated for Best Supporting Actor considering na 15 or 16 pa lang ako noon. I was the comic relief of the movie.” Bibeth Orteza, who played a teacher in High School Circa ’65, created a gay character for him in the sitcom “Tepok Bunot.” “Nag-hit ‘yon,” says Roderick. Then a producer gave him the lead role in Charot, a movie inspired by Dustin Hoffman’s gender-bending performance in Tootsie. Before Roderick knew it, other offers to do gay roles started coming his way, with one of them from a very persuasive line producer-actress. “After Charot, ayoko munang tanggapin ang mga gay-gay roles,” he says. “But it was Charo Santos who convinced me to do a gay movie where I would be paired with Maricel (Soriano).” The project was Regal Films’ Inday, Inday sa Balitaw which ended up being a huge success. “The rest is history!” Roderick exclaims. “Yun na! Sunud-sunud na sa box-office..." - Veroli1974 (READ MORE)
Darna at Ding (1980) - "...The climax of this “Darna vs. the Dragon Lady” part of Darna At Ding sees Lei Ming conjure up an evil double of Darna to keep our heroine busy while, elsewhere in her lair, a towering robot bears menacingly down upon Ding. It’s a suitably whiz-bang finale to this loopy, kitchen sink confection, and one that makes the long, strange and circuitous route that we’ve taken to get to it seem perhaps less arduous in retrospect. Still, at a solid two hours, Darna At Ding is an example of a movie that pulls out all the stops, but perhaps shouldn’t have. While it’s combination of horror movie chills, superhero thrills and slapstick spills might have been catnip for the Filipino audience of its day, for the rest of us it might prove mildly exhausting. Nonetheless, I find Vilma Santos so appealing in her role that it’s hard for me to imagine hating any Darna movie that she appears in, and this one’s no exception..." - Todd of “luchadiaries” (READ MORE)
Buhay artista ngayon (1979) - "...Finally, after almost a decade from their last outings and no longer his film daughter, Dolphy and Vilma did their last film (to this day), this time, Vilma played the leading lady, in a film, ironically, about show business..." - RV (READ MORE)
Mga mata ni Angelita (1978) - "...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)
Big Ike's Happening (1976) - "...All star casts din ang pelikulang handog ng Larry Santiago at Ike Lozada Productions na Big Ike's Happening (February 27, 1976) na tinampukan nina Vi, Tirso Cruz III, Walter Navaro, Ike Lozada, Aurora Salve, Gina Alajar, Jojit Paredes, Dondon Nakar, Winnie Santos, Arnold Gamboa, Maribel Aunor, Allan Valenzuela, Doyet Ilagan, Edward Campos, German Moreno, Inday Badiday, Ben David, Lilian Laing, Aruray, Nora Aunor, Perla Bautista, Charlie Davao, Esperanza Fabon, Eddie Peregrina, Bella Flores, Lito Legaspi, Christopher de Leon, Van de Leon, Pinky Montilla, Alma Moreno, Dencio Padilla, Andy Poe, Jerry Pons, Ric Rodrigo, Gloria Romero, Daria Ramirez, Darius Razon, Marianne de la Riva, Eddie San Jose, Ricky Santiago, Lorna Tolentino, Eddie Villamayor at Vic Vargas sa direksiyon nina Pablo at Bobby Santiago..." - Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
King Khayam and I (1974) - "...Then veteran actress and much younger, Mary Walter in a cameo role, brought her just bought magic lamp. She complained to the king that the seller fooled her to buy the lamp and wanted a refund. She then caress the lamp and the gennie came out but instead of the expected giant gennie, a midget dwarf came out. Then from this moment the film went downhill. A singing bird, a transexual Ike Lozada being auctioned, Rod Navarro’s over the top villain antics, all failed to sustained our attention. The weak storyline did not help. Patterned with the Hollywood film, King Kayam & I’s only saving grace was the acting of its lead stars. Joseph Estrada’s precense was commanding and convincing as the playboy king and Vilma’s charming innocense despite the sexy dance number at the end complimented Joseph’s macho image..." - RV (READ MORE)
Biktima (1974) - "...In a strange turn of events, Dolores (Vilma Santos) moves in to live with her grandfather, who has sole custody of her ever since her mother was imprisoned for the m rder of Dolores’ father. Mystery unfolds as Dolores stays with her grandfather when members of the household are murdered one by one. Will Dolores escape the chaos unraveling around her or will she be the next victim?..." - Kabayan Central (READ MORE)
Kampanerang kuba (1974) - "...Despite of (or perhaps because of) her hideous appearance, she is held dear by the parish priest Padre Damaso but abhorred by the church caretaker, Edeng who maltreats her at every opportunity. Andang is ugly, ugly, ugly and deserves all the pain she can get…don’t think Mang Martin will give the miracle for free. Vilma emerges as the ugly hunchback Andeng! Sandra is gone! Death to fantasy!..." - Silver Screen Surfer (READ MORE)
Darna and the Giants (1973) - "...She reprised the role after three months. Liza Moreno, Eva Montes and Gina Pareno followed her. The inter-galactic pebble found its way to Vilma Santos’ throat in 1973 via the flick “Lipad, Darna, Lipad!” Santos, now a two-term mayor of Lipa City in Batangas, is probably the most popular Darna, with a total of four movies in a span of seven years. Some of these were made known to younger generations through afternoon airings on television in the late ’80s. Maybe RPN 9 should do that again so that even younger generations can marvel at Darna’s greatness, albeit antiquated, in such movies as “Darna and the Giants” and “Darna vs. the Planet Women..." - Armin Adina, Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 06, 2003 (READ MORE)
Ang hiwaga ni Maria Cinderalla (1973) - "...Besides teaming up with Edgar Mortiz during her teen years, Vilma Santos also starred and appeared in many movies opposite other leading men…Jay Ilagan — Inspiration (1972), Ang Konduktora (1972), Tatlong Mukha ni Rosa Vilma (1972), Tsismosang Tindera (1973), Ang Hiwaga ni Maria Cinderella (1973)..." - Simon Santos (READ MORE)
Dyesebel At Ang Mahiwagang Kabibe (1973) - "...In the 1973 Dyesebel movie, Dyesebel lives in an undersea kingdom of mermaids far from the land of humans because the humans believe that the mermaids are the cause of misfortune. Dyesebel fell in love with a male human being. In order to be with the man that she likes, she swore to find a way to be transformed into a female human being. In the movie, “Si Dyesebel at Ang Mahiwagang Kabibe,” the role of Dyesebel was played by Vilma Santos and Fredo was played by Romeo Miranda..." - Jun B (READ MORE)
Tsismosang tindera (1973) - "...Jay Ilagan and Vilma Santos did twelve films with commercial success except for one, their most critically acclaimed film, Sister Stella L. Total Number of films: 12 (Inspiration, Ang Konduktora, Tsismosang Tindera, Ang Hiwaga ni Mariang Cinderella, Paano Ba Ang Mangarap, Sister Stella L, Coed, Leron Leron Sinta, Ito Ang Pilipino, Remembrance, Karugtong Ng Kahapon)..." - RV (READ MORE)
Sweet Sweet Love (1972) - "...Film artist Walter Navarro (Vicor) will have his first LP, “King of Balladeer,” this month. He is a contract star of Lea Productions and principal mainstay of the El Bodegon Club. Navarro is doing a film musical with Vilma Santos (Wilear’s) with Mirick Productions..." - Oskar Salazar (READ MORE)
Don't Ever Say Goodbye (1972) - "...Sa tuwing sumasapit ang Christmas at valentine’s Day ay nagtatapatan ang mga pelikula nila. Nang ginawa nina Guy at Pip sa Hawai ang pelikulang Blue Hawai, hindi nagpatalo ang Vilma at Edgar. Nagtungo rin sila sa Hawai at ginawa nila ang pelikulang Aloha, My Love bilang pantapat sa pelikula nina Nora at Tirso. Ganyan talaga kainit ang labanan noon ng dalawang parehang ito. Pagkatapos ipalabasa ang mga pelikulang Blue Hawai at Aloha My Love na parehong kumita sa takilya, nagtungo rin ang dalawang pangkat sa USa para gawin naman nila ang pang-Valentine’s Day offering nila. Don’t Ever Say Goodbye ang kina Vilma at Edgar, samantalang ang kina Guy at Pip naman ay ang Gift of Love. Hindi lang iyan. Tuwing sasapit naman ang Metro Manila Film Festival ay nagkakaroon din sila ng kanya-kanyang entry under their respective production companies – ang Tagalog Ilang Ilang for Vi and Bot at Sampaguita Pictures kina Guy at Pip. Halos sila na lang ang siyang pinapanood at iniidolo ng fans..." - Ely S. Sablan (READ MORE)
Aloha My Love (1972) - "...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...." - RV (READ MORE)
Teenage Señorita (1971) - "...He became the leading man of Nora Aunor after Tirso Cruz III. Theirs was also a popular tandem. Decades later, when I finally got to talk to Nora during an interview, she revealed that their working relationship wasn’t really all that pleasant. Manny disappeared from the scene when Nora moved on to become a more serious actress. Whatever happened to Manny de Leon? When last heard from — many, many years ago — it was full of speculations and, sadly, those bits of information about him were unpleasant..." - Butch Francisco (READ MORE)
Young Lovers (1971) - "...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)
The Sensations (1971) - "...Ang The Sensations ay produce ng ABS CBN at dinerek ni Tony Santos Sr. Consistent No. 1 Top rater ang show at kasama ni Vi & Bot sina Perla Adea, Romy Mallari, Rhodora Silva, Darius Razon, Baby de Jesus, Tony Santos Jr., Janine Frias, atbpa. Dahil sa kasikatan nila Vi & Bot ginawang movie ang The Sensations noong April, 1971, big boxoffice hit ito kaya sinundan agad ni direk tony ng ” Young Lovers ” noong August, 1971, big hit din ito. Ginawan din ng L.P. Album nila Vi & Bot ang The Sensations at muling tinangkilik ng masang pilipino..." - Jojo V. Lim (READ MORE)
Young Love (1970) - "...Ang “Young Love” ay puno ng walang kawawaang musical numbers ni Nora Aunor. Puno rin ito ng mga eksenang nakakaloka na kahit na ang batang paslit ay magkakamot ng ulo at sasabihin ang “huh?” Kung hindi mo hahahanapin ang matinong istorya at ang hangad mo lang ay makita kung gaano kagaling kumanta si Nora Aunor kahit pa sa burulan ng patay tiyak na mage-enjoy ka sa pelikulang ito dahil maraming eksena rito si Nora na kumakanta ng walang kawawaang kantang dayuhan..." - RV (READ MORE)
Ding Dong (1970) - "...Adapted into movie from comics written by Pablo S. Gomez; Illustrated by Alfredo P. Alcala for United Komiks, 1970..." - Komiklopedia (READ MORE)
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