Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Songs of "All Of My Life" (Videos)5/5


Songs with title "All Of My Life" - past and present...

Billy Eckstine - All Of My Life
Bryka - All Of My Life
Tipinifini - All Of My Life
The Ringleaders - All Of My Life
MYMP - For All Of My Life
Sammy Kaye - All Of My Life
Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville - All My Life
Nora Aunor - All of My Life
#AllOfMyLife, #VilmaSantos, #XiamLim, #AngelLocsin, #JoyceBernal, #BillyEcktine, #Bryka, #Tipinifini, #MYMP, #SammyKaye, #LindaRonstadt, #AaronNeville, #NoraAunor

Friday, December 18, 2015

Vilma Santos faces movie camera anew (Throwback Article)


"Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa" was a tough act to follow for Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos, but she delivers another powerful performance in Star Cinema's seventh anniversary presentation, "Anak."

Single parent - She plays a single parent in conflict with her three children who can't accept the reality that she has to sacrifice the family to work as a domestic helper in Hong Kong. When she comes home 10 years later, she finds her family in shambles.

Vilma's character here is completely different from Lea Bustamante in "Bata, Bata." She does not have a succession of lovers, and the movie concentrates more on the sacrifices of a mother who seeks a better future for her children. Specifically, the film focuses on Vilma's relationship with her daughter (Claudine Barretto).

Uncomfortable - This is the first time for Vilma to work with Rory Quintos and admits feeling uncomfortable for the first two weeks of shooting. "Parang there was no rapport between us dahil pinababayaan lang niya akong umarte. I decided to talk to her to break the ice and after that, okay na ang aming naging samahan."

Vilma gave some inputs on how a grieving mother feels. "I may not have a daughter in real life but I am a daughter and I know how my Mama felt during those years when I rebelled. I am also a mother of two boys, and that enables me to relate to the character of Josie."

What would be Vilma's greatest joy and biggest fear? - "Being a mother is my greatest joy. My fear would be the day they would marry at malalayo na sila sa piling ko. Luis never gives me a headache at hindi sila spoiled. I am a liberal mother but there are limitations. I won't meddle when they have their own lives. Nahawakan ako noon sa leeg ni Mama kaya ako natutong mag-rebelde."

Fitting finale - For authenticity, Star Cinema went on location for a week in Hong Kong to shoot with our OFWs there. All work and no rest is how Vilma describes their Hong Kong schedule. For a fitting finale, she was photographed in the company of 10,000 domestic helpers at Statue Square in a long crane shot.

Cherrie Pie Picache and Amy Austria co-star with Vilma as domestic helpers who became victims of cruelty. Vilma's role in "Anak" is predicted to be "pang-grand slam," but she says she never thinks about winning an award everytime she makes a movie.

Vilma's three screen children are played by Barretto, Baron Geisler and Sheila Mae Alvero. Vilma says she's impressed with Claudine's acting, particularly in their confrontation scene where she pours out all the hurt and resentment in her heart to her mother. - Remy M. Umerez, Inquirer, April 15,2000 (READ MORE)

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Songs of "All Of My Life" (Videos) 4/5


Songs with title "All Of My Life" - past and present...

Gianni Vancini - All of My Life
Phoebe Katis - All Of My Life
Detroit Soul - All Of My Life
Roger Whittaker - All of my life
America - All My Life
Sarah Geronimo - All My Life
Barbra Streisand - All Of My Life
#AllOfMyLife, #VilmaSantos, #XiamLim, #AngelLocsin, #JoyceBernal, #GianniVancini, #PhoebeKatis, #DetroitSoul, #RogerWhittaker, #America, #SarahGeronimo, #BarbraStreisand

Friday, December 11, 2015

Pip and Bobot Left Alone in The Cold


Si Vilma, tumambal na kay Jay Ilagan. Si Nora naman, matunog na matunog ang balitang tatambal kay Walter Navarro sa isang pelikula para sa Lea. Added to this, Nora had announced her break-up with Pop "for good." That means bye-bye na muna, Edgar Mortiz and Tirso Cruz, III. For sure, nagngingitngit na ngayon ang mga fans ng tambalang Vilma-Edgar at Guy-Pip. Aba'y namemeligro nga namang matabunan ang mga pogi nilang idolo sa pagpasok sa eksena ng mga "other guy" sa buhay nina Vilma at Nora. E, ang popogi rin naman ng mga iyon. Nakakakaba talaga di ba? At ba't din nga naman sila kakabahan, e hayan sila kakabahan, e hayan na nga. Panayan na ang gawa ni Vi ng pelikulang hindi na si Bobot and partner but Jay. Sabi nga ng mga nakakakita, sweet na sweet ang dalawa. Panay ang biruan, laging sila ang magkausap. Paano nga naman kung mahulog nang husto ke Jay ang loob ni Vilma? Kung sabagay, may paunang sabi na si Jay na hinding-hindi niya liligawan si Vi, hindi raw katalo. At lalong hindi raw niya maaaring sirain ang pagtitiwala sa kanya ng pareng Edgar niya. Okey din naman. But that's not the point. Ke manligaw o hindi si Jay kay Vilma, nariyan na ang katotohanang out muna sa eksena si Bobot, that is kung ang pag-uusapan ay ang kanilang movie team-up. Going back to Nora and Tirso, halos katulad rin ng kina Vi at Bot ang nangyayari sa dalawang ito.

Okey na kay Guy na tumambal siya sa ibang leading man, like Walter halimbawa. Hindi gaya ng dati na kung di rin lang si Pip ang katambal niya'y kalimutan na lang. But after what have happened between him and Nora, 'yung nakaraang tampuhan nila na naging dahilan tuloy ng pagpapahayag ni Guy na "isasaisang tabi ko muna ang pag-ibig"- we doubt kung hindi makakaapekto kay Pip ang pagpareha ni Guy sa iba. Besides, marami na rin ang nagpapahayag ng boredom concerning the Guy & Pip tandem. They want something really hot about Guy. Kunsabay, napatunayan nang malakas pa rin sa takilya ang mga pelikula nina Nora at Tirso in and out of the Sampaguit umbrella. And that goes for Vilma and Edgar, too. Up to now, they are still considered by their loyal fans as the love team na "subok na matibay, subok na matatag." Tahimik lang daw ang dalawang ito, walang awayan, nothing controversial whatsoever about them. And they seem to love it. Katwiran nila, mas magiging maligaya ang dalawang ito pag mag-asawa na dahil very compatible daw sa pag-uugali at lahat. So, kuntento na rin sila sa palagiang pagtatambal nina Vi at Bot sa pelikula. Oo't minsan ay tumambal na si Paolo Romero kay Vi, pero hindi sila nangamba na mawawala siya kay Bobot.

Besides, that particular picture na pinagtambalan nila ay sa ilalim ng Virgo Productions, not under Vilma's home studio, ang Tagalog-Ilang-Ilang. Pero ngayong ang pagtatambal nga nina Vilma at Jay sa ilalim ng TIIP, ibang usapan na 'yan. Mangangahulugan daw ba na pinalitan na ng TIIP si Bot para maging ka-love team ni Vi? And how true is it na hindi raw muna nila itatambal si Vi kay Bobot hangga't hindi nakapagreduce nang husto itong huli? Kasi nga, marami na ang nakakapuna na hindi na bagay si Bobot kay Vi dahil sa kanyang katabaan. Para na raw junior version ni Ike Lozada. Anyway, kahit nga medyo isinama ng loob ng mga fans ang hakbang na ito ng TIIP, they are still hoping na hindi naman magiging napakalupit ng said production para paglayuin na nang tuluyan, o sa ibang sabi'y putulin na, ang tambalang Vilma-Edgar. At iyon din ang ipinananalangin ng mga fans nina Nora at Tirso. Nananalig silang kahit pa sino ang makatambal ni Guy, still sila pa rin ni Pip in reel at real life. Because kapag nga naman ang kabaligtaran ang naganap, Pip and Bobot will be left...all alone in the cold. - Horacio Morelos, II

Friday, December 4, 2015

Ms. Vilma Santos: The one and only...Actress For All Seasons


And the winner is...Ms. Vilma Santos! From day one ng isinagawa naming Readers'Choice for Best Actress sa taong 1991, kung saa'y pumili kami ng walong pinakamahuhusay na akres no'ng nakaraang taon (natunghayan n'yo na kung sinu-sino ang pumasok sa INTRIGUE Magazine's Circle of 8) bilang mga nominado, malinaw agad ang tinungong landas ng Star for All Seasons bilang eventual winner.

Nasa '90's na tayo, kungbaga, at batid naman ng lahat kung gaano pa rin ka-strong ang following ng TV-movie actress na si Vilma. Masasabing ito ang edge ni Vi kay Guy at this point; komo ang mga tagasubaybay ng pelikulang lokal ang nagsilbing mga hurado sa ating mini-patimpalak na ito sa akting, naro'n 'yong factor na nakahihigit ang aktibong fans ni Vilma kesa kay Nora, hence the glaring result.

Ngunit sa punto ng kahusayan, parehong hindi matatawaran ang acting prowess ng dalawang most durable superstars ng local showbiz. 'Yon nga lang, kailangang may manalo at may matalo, base sa kani-kanilang pagganap sa mga pelikula nilang inilaban. This time, si Vilma Santos ang winner natin, para sa isa ng namang madamdamin niyang pagganap bilang isang ina na may kapansanang anak sa obra ni Direktora Laurice Guillien - Ipagpatawad Mo.

Hindi man kasimbongga ang parangal na ito sa mahigit isang dosenang major acting awards na natamo na ni Vi mula nang pumasok sya sa showbiz, para sa ami'y isa na rin itong busilak na pagkilala ng kakayahan nya bilang aktres. kani-kanilang enties na pumipili kay Vilma bilang best actress '91 nila'y buong kaseryosohan ding hinimay-ang uri o tipo ng pagganap ni Vi sa naturang pelikula, upang i-justify nga kung bakit si Vilma ang dapat tanghaling pinakamahusay.

Sa ami'y wala ring kuwestiyon ukol dito. Deserving talaga si Vilma na manalo kaya binabati namin sya, in behalf of the magazine's editor and staff. Ito ngang issue namin ngayo'y tribute, kungbaga, sa natatanging kahusayan ni Vilma bilang actres. Hindi nga lang siguro sya Star for All Seasons; sa punto ng pagiging aktres ni Vi, lagi syang kinikilala sa kanyang kahusayan sa magkakaibang panahon ng kanyang pamamayagpag, making her an actress for all seasons, indeed!

This October, magte-thirty years na si Vilma Santos sa pagiging artista. More than two-thirds of her lifetime, nai-devote na nga ni Vi sa pag-arte, pero kung tatanungin mo sya, despite the downtrends and the pitfalls in her career (naapektado ang kanyang personal na buhay in some intances) sasabihin nyang wala syang anumang pagsisisi sa larangang pinasok.

Nineties na, pero nariyan pa rin si Vilma. Sumisipa pa rin sa pagiging bankable star at highly respected actress. Iniwan nya ang ang nagdaang dekada otsenta na well-recognized ang kanyang kakayahan bilang aktres (isa sya sa nabigyan ng Gawad Pandekada ng Urian para sa acting achievements throughout the '80's), pumapalaot uli sya sa panibagong panahong ito sa local showbiz na taglay ang ibayong kaningningan 'yon. Siguro nga, kahit maging lola na si Ate Vi, win pa rin sya ng best actress trophies! - William Reyes, Intrigue Magazine, No. 166 March 19, 1992

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Songs of "All Of My Life" (Videos) 3/5


Songs with title "All Of My Life" - past and present...

Magnum - All of My Life
Foo Fighters - All My Life
Phil Collins - All of my life
Kenny Rogers - All My Life
Lesley Gore - All Of My Life
The Carpenters - All Of My Life
Regine Velasquez - All Of My Life
#AllOfMyLife, #VilmaSantos, #XiamLim, #AngelLocsin, #JoyceBernal, #Magnum, #PhilCollins, #FooFighters, #KennyRogers, #LesleyGore, #TheCarpenters, #RegineVelasquez

Friday, November 27, 2015

1998 Mayoral Political Campaign


Ano ang makapangyarihang puwersa na nagbubunsod sa isang maningning na bituin ng puting tabing upang pasukin ang masalimuot na daigdig ng pulitika? Bakit ninanais pa niya ngayon na ialay ang sarili sa paglilingkod sa bayan, magtiyaga sa limitadong kita at bilang isang halal na opisyal at isakripisyo ang kanyang maginhawa at marangyang pamumuhay bilang aktress at reyna ng pelikulang Pilipino? Maraming hindi makapaniwala nang magpasya ang premyadong aktress sa pelikula at telebisyon, Vilma Santos, na kumandidato sa pagka-alkalde ng Lipa City, ang pamosong lunsod sa Batangas. Ito ay taliwas sa paulit-ulit na pahayag ng kanyang asawa, kongresista Ralph Recto (Lakas-NUCD, ikaapat na distrito ng Batangas) na tama na ang isang pulitiko sa kanilang pamilya. Sinabi ni Recto, isa sa pinakabatang kongresista at naturingang Benjamin ng House of Representative, na buo ang kanyang pagsuporta sa pasya ni Vilma na tumakbo sa pagka-alkalde.

Si Recto mismo ay tumatakbo sa ikalawang sa term sa kanyang distrito. Ang kandidatura ni Vilma ay isa sa pinakamalaking balita sa larangan ng pulitika nang opisyal itong ipahayag ni Pangulong Ramos sa kanyang pakikipagpulong sa mga lider ng Batangas sa Batangas City ilang araw bago dumating ang deadline ng pagrerehistro ng mga kandidato sa kongresyunal at lokal na posisyon. At dahil batid ng mga editor ang matinding interes ng publiko sa ganitong kakaibang balita, ito ay naging laman ng front page ng mga diyaryo. Ngunit bago pa ihayag ng Pangulo na si Vilma ang napiling opisyal na kandidato ng administrasyon sa pagka-alkalde ng Lipa, ito ay ipinabatid na ng aktress sa isang showbiz program sa ABS-CBN Channel 2, na kung saan si movie-journalist Cristy Fermin ang host. Sa naturang programa ay nagpahiwatig na kaagad ang aktress ng determinsayon na magwagi sa harap ng propaganda ng kanyang kalaban na nagmamaliit sa kanyang kakayahan.

"Huwag na huwag akong mamaliitin ng aking katunggali sa pulitika, kahit ngayon lang ako pumasok sa larangang ito, sapagkat marunong akong lumaban at at ako ay lalaban," wika niya na nababanaagan ang kanyang matibay na paninindigan. Kaya lalupang naging mainit ang interes ng madla sa bagong papel ni Vilma bilang pulitiko ay sapagkat ang buong akala ng marami ay ang aktres-singer na si Sharon Cuneta ang talagang papasok sa pulitika. Matagal nang usap-usapan ang posibleng pagtakbo ni Sharon sa pagka-alkalde ng Pasay City, kapalit ng kanyang octogenerian na ama, Mayor Pablo Cuneta na mahigit na 30 taon nang nasa kapangyarihan sa naturang siyudad. Subalit minabuti pa ni Sharon na manatili sa Estados Unidos kapiling ang kanyang asawang si Atty. Kiko Pangilinan. Siyempre pa, may kahalo ring intriga ang pagganap ni Vilma ng kanyang bagong papel bilang pulitiko.

Ito ay sapagkat ang kanyang kumare at matagal na karibal sa pelikula, aktress Nora Aunor, ay aktibong nangangampanya kay Bise Presidente Joseph Estrada, ang kandidato sa pagkapangulo ng Laban ng Makabayang Masang Pilipino (LAMP). At dahil si Vilma at Ralph ay parehong nasa Lakas, sino pa ang kanilang ikakampanya kundi ang pangunahing kalaban ni Estrada - si Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. - na kanila ring ninong sa kasal. Eh, kilig naman si De Venecia. Biro ninyo, mayroon na siyang panapat kay La Aunor! Ang napiling runningmate ni Vilma ay si Boy Manguera, isa sa mga pangunahing konsehal ng Lipa at dalawang beses nang naglingkod bilang miyembro ng sangguniang panlalalawigan ng Batangas. Si Vilma ay isang iginagalang na institusyon sa industriya ng pelikula. Siya ay tsikiting pa nang magsimula siyang lumabas sa pelikula. Bilang isang teenager ay lumabas siya sa mga pelikulang comedy, aksiyon, musikal, at hinggil sa mga romantikong relasyon ng mga batang mangsing-irog. Madalas niyang makatambal si Edgar Mortiz, isa sa mga singing sensation ng late 1960s at early 1970s.

Ang tamabalang Vilma-Edgar ang isa sa pinakasikat na love teams ng panahong iyon. Hindi natagalan, si Vilma ay naging pinakasikat na dramatic actress. Ginampanan niya ang iba't ibang papel na pinakamimithi ng mga babaeng artista at halos lahat ng kanyang pelikula ay naging blockbuster. Naging katambal niya ang batikang aktor na kagaya nina Christopher de Leon, Dindo Fernando, Romeo Vasquez, Edu Manzano at maging si Fernando Poe Jr. Ilang beses nang napiling pinakamahusay na aktress si Vilma ng iba't ibang award-giving bodies kagaya ng Filipino Arts of Movie Science ang Arts (FAMAS), Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), Metro Manila Film Festival, Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino at Filma Academy of the Philippines. Maraming kritiko na nagsasabi na hindi dapat samantalahin ng mga artista ang kanilang kasikatan upang maluklok sa kapangyarihan sa gobyerno. Ngunit sa kabila ng ganitong hindi matigil na puna, lalupang dumarami ang mga artistang pumapasok sa pelikula.

Parang nagsilbing inspirasyon sa mga artista ang pangingibabaw sa pelikula ni Bise Presidente Estrada, na hari ng pelikulang tabing bago maging alkalde ng San Juan at sendor. Sa Senado ay tatlo ang miyembro ng Senado na galing sa showbiz - Tito Sotto, Ramon Revilla, at Freddie Webb. Kabilang sa mga matagumpay na artista sa larangan ng pelikula sina Gobernador Lito Lapid ng Pampanga, Mayor Rey Malonzo ng Kalookan, Mayor Jinggoy Estrada ng San Juan, Bise Alkalde Herbert Bautista ng Quezon City, Konsehal Fred Montilla at Connie Angeles ng Quezon City, Gobernador Ramon "Bong"Revilla ng Cavite at yumaong Konsehal Augusto "Chiquito" Pangan. May mga pumupuna na ang pulitika ang tagasalo sa mga artistang papalaos na. Iyan ang nababanggit ni dating Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chairman Manuel Morato. Si Morato, na tumatakbo sa pagka-pangulo sa ilalim ng Partido ng Bansang Marangal (PBM), ay dati ring chairman ng Movie and Television Review and Classification board (MTRCB).

Sinasabing ang pelikula ay daigdig ng pantasya at likahang isip. Ngunit ang tutoo, ang pelikula ay salamin ng tunay na buahy. Marming uri ng kahirapan, pang-aapi, karahasan, kasakiman at katiwalian ang isinasalarawan sa pelikula. Ngunit ang tutoo, kadalasan ay mas masahol pa ang mga kapangitan at kasamaan na nararanasan natin sa tunay na buhay. Upang maging reyalistiko at kapani-paniwala ang pagganap ng isang artista, kailangan ng isang tao o karakter na kanyang ginagampanan. Kailangang nadarama niya nang lubusan kung ano ang kanilang nasasa-isip o plastik ang kanyang dating sa puting tabing. Kung ganito ang pinagdaaanan at karanasan ng mga artista, hindi isang eksahirasyon na sabihin na taglay nila ang magagandang katangian upang maging epektibo sa pulitika. Suriin natin ang background ni Vilma. Napakaraming pelikula ang kanyang ginawa na tinatawag na may panlipunang kahalagahan o social relevance.

Nandiyan na siya ay lumabas na aktibistang madre sa pelikulang "Sister Stella L"na kung saan namuno siya sa kilusan para itaguyod ang mga karapatan ng naaping manggagawa. Sa pelikulang "Burlesk Queen", siya ay gumanap sa papel ng isang dalagita na napilitang maglantad ng kanyang katawan upang makabangon lamang sa paghihikahos ang kanyang pamilya. Hindi kataka-taka kung ang mataas na kamalayang panlipunan na nahinog sa mahabang panahon ng pag-aartista ang nagbulong at naghikayat kay Vilma upang mahatak sa kandungan ng pulitika. Sa anumang desisyon ng isang tao, ang isip at kunsensiya niya ang nagdidikta. Nabatid kaya ni Vilma sa kanyang paglilimi-limi at pagtitimbang ng lahat ng bagay na sa pamamagitan ng paglilingkod sa bayan magkakaroon ng kabuluhan ang kanyang buhay? Sumagi kaya sa kanyang isip at damdamin na pagkaraan ng panahon ng pagtatamasa ng yaman, ginhawa at kasikatan ay kapakanan naman ng kanyang mga kababayan ang kanyang dapat na asikasuhin?

Tutoo rin marahil na malaki ang naging impluwensiya ni Ralph sa desisyon ng kanyang maybahay. Ang pamilya ni Ralph - ang mga Recto - ay iginagalang na pangalan sa larangan ng pulitika. Siya ang apo ng dakilang Senador Claro M. Recto, na itinuring na isa sa ama ng nasyonalismo ng ating republika. Kagaya rin ng mga Laurel ng Batangas at Osmeña ng Cebu, nananalaytay sa dugo ng mga Recto ang pagiging pulitiko. At kagaya rin ng anumang makapangyarihang bagay, ang pulitika ay nakakahawa. Kapag ikaw ay kinagat ng political bug, malamang na hindi ka na makakaiwas dito. Sa pagdaan ng mga araw, unti-unting nakukumbise ni Vilma ang kanyang mga kababayan na seryoso at matapat ang kanyang layunin. Humanga sila sapagkat marunong pala siyang maghanda para sa bagong landas na kanyang tinatahak. Nabatid ng mga taga-Lipa ang mga balakin at programa na pinamagatang "Vilma Santos-Recto, Ihalal na Ina ng Bayan. Pag-asa ng mga Lipeño. Para sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago."

Ngayon, hindi na sila nagtataka kung bakit halos pulos obra-maestra ang kanyang mga ginagampanang papel sa pelikula. Kagaya rin ng isang magandang iskrip sa pelikula, inilahad ni Vilma ang inaakala niyang dapat niyang gawin bilang alkalde ng Lipa. "Kalinga ng ina ang hinahanap ng bayan ng Lipa. Pagmamahal ng ina ang kailangan ng mga Lipeño. Para sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago." pahayag niya. Para sa pangkaraniwang pulitiko, ang posisyon sa gobyerno ay madalas pagsamantalahan para sa pagkakamal ng kayamanan. Matapos bitiwan ang pangako, nalilimutan nila na asikasuhin ang pangangailangan ng kanilang mga kababayan. Nalalasing sila sa kapangyarihan at ang turin sa sarili ay mga hari. Nalilimutan nilang ang salapi ng bayan ang dapat bumalik sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng serbisyo-publiko. "Ang mga kalabisang ito ay hindi gagawin ng isang inang-bayan na may tunay na malasakit sa atin. Kapag ako ay nabigyan ng pagkakataong maglingkod sa mga Lipeño, hindi ako mabubulag sa kapangyarihan. Hindi ako magkakamal ng kayamanan. Walang partido sa pamumuno at negosyo.

Tayo ay magmamalasakit laluna sa mga mahihirap. At uunahin ang paglilingkod sa mga tao. "pahayag ng butihing aktres. Ipinahayag ni Vilma ang kanyang mga pangunahing layunin: Tugisin ang panunuhol at korapsiyon, linisin ang pamahalaang bayan; Gawing malaya at pantay-pantay ang kompetisyonsa negosyo; Labanan ang problema sa pagbebenta at pag-aabuso ng bawal na gamot; Itigil ang pagtaas ng upa sa palengke at pagandahin ang pamilihang bayan; Ayusin ang trapiko ng bayan; Ipaglaban at isulong ang ating kabuhayan at tigilan ang paglaganap ng kahirapan. Kabilang sa mga proyekto na balak niyang ipatupad ay ang pagpapataas ng edukasyon at pagtulong sa mga mahihirap na mag-aaral, regular at malawak na pagbabakuna, malinis na tubig at kubeta, pagtatayo ng "Aksiyon-Agad Express Service Center", paglalagay ng Complaints Desk sa munisipyo, pagpapataas ng kaalaman ng mga kawani ng city hall, pagpapalakas ng community-oriented policing system, crime prevention program, at modernisasyon ng mga daan at imprastrakturang pambayan.

Ang nagtakbo ni Vilma ay minamatyagan ng buong bansa sapagkat ang kanyang kabangga ay ang maimpluwensiyang Umali clan na maraming taon na ring kumokontrol sa kapangyarihan sa Lipa. Samantala, napag-alamang naging mas maingat sa seguridad ang magasawang Vilma at Ralph sa harap ng ulat na may mga inupahang goons ang kanilang mga kaaway sa pulitika. Ngunit sinabi ni Vilma na hindi siya nasisindak, kung tutoo man na may nagbabanta sa kanyang buhay. "Wala akong dapat ikatakot dahil wala naman akong ginagawang masama. Batid ko rin na buo ang suporta sa akin ng mga kababayan ko. At kapag kasama mo ang iyong mga kababayan, sila mismo ang iyong protektor. Magkakasama kami...sa panganib, sa sakripisyo at sa napipintong tagumpay," pahayag ng batikong aktres. - Feliciano V. Maragay, Photos: Eddie Villanueva, Pilipino Reporter Magasin, 24 April 1998

Friday, November 20, 2015

Vilma: 51 looking 25 (Throwback Article)


Vilma Santos, Star For All Seasons (and, if I may add, Reasons) is turning 51 today. She doesn’t look it, does she (although she’s "pure gold" any way you look at her)? She looks, hmmmmm, 25, doesn’t she?

As a nod to Vilma (who will forever be Ate Vi to her fans no matter how old she may be) on this her red-letter day, Funfare is paying her a tribute with the following piece by Funfare’s Toronto-based "international correspondent" Ferdinand Lapuz who made a list of Ate Vi’s films in a span of four decades (beginning 1963):

  • Did you know that Ate Vi made around 197 films from 1963 to 2002? This includes cameo appearances in Dugo at Pagibig sa Kapirasong Lupa, Mga Mata ni Angelita, Huwag Hamakin Hostess (with Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno with Vilma getting Orestes Ojeda in the end), Candy, No Other Love, Charot, Rizal Alih and Engkanto.
  • Did you know that the only years Vilma did not make any film were in 1995, 1999 and 2003?
  • Did you know that she co-starred with her two favorite actresses in her two films? Lolita Rodriguez in Trudis Liit which opened on Feb. 21, 1963 and Gloria Romero in Anak, Ang Iyong Ina which opened on April 7, 1963 both at Life Theater?
  • Did you know that Eddie Garcia also appeared in Anak, Ang Iyong Ina? He later directed her in films like Sinasamba Kita (1982) and Imortal (1989) and will appear together in Mano Po 3.
  • Did you know that the late Rita Gomez was also in Anak, Ang Iyong Ina? She later appeared with Vilma in Takbo, Vilma, Dali in 1972 directed by Joey Gosiengfiao.
  • Did you know that her busiest year was 1970 when she made 25 films? That is having two Vilma Santos movies shown every month. These were Young Love, Mardy, I Do Love You, Song and Lovers, My Pledge of Love, Love is for the Two of Us, From the Bottom of My Heart, Bulaklak at Paru-Paro, Mother Song, The Young Idols, Sixteen, Because You’re Mine, Love Letters, Ding Dong, Sweethearts, Give Me Your Love, Mga Batang Bangketa, I Love You Honey, Edgar Loves Vilma, Sapagka’t Sila’y Aming Mga Anak, Vilma My Darling, Nobody’s Child, May Hangganan ang Pag-ibig, Baby Vi and Renee Rose.
  • Did you know that Vilma or Vi was used in some of her earlier films? Edgar Loves Vilma, Vilma, My Darling and Baby Vi in 1970; Takbo Vilma Dali , Hatinggabi na Vilma and Tatlong Mukha ni Rosa Vilma in 1972; Wonder Vi in 1973; Vilma and the Beep, Beep Minica in 1974 and Vilma Veinte Nueve in 1975.
  • Did you know that she is the only actress to portray Mars Ravelo’s Darna four times with different child actors as Ding? These were Angelito in Lipad Darna Lipad, a trilogy directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza; Joey Gosiengfiao and Elwood Perez, Dondon Nakar in Darna and the Giants (1973) directed by Borlaza; Bentot Jr. in Darna vs. the Planet Women (1975) directed by Armando Garces and Niño Muhlach in Darna at Ding (1980) directed by Erastheo Navoa Jr. and Cloyd Robinson.
  • Did you know that Vilma and arch rival Nora Aunor shared topbilling in four films? The first was Young Love in 1970 (with Tirso Cruz III and Edgar Mortiz) followed by Pinagbuklod ng Pag-ibig (Nora was paired with Tirso while Vilma with Romeo Vasquez), Ikaw Ay Akin (with Christopher de Leon) and T-Bird at Ako in 1982.
  • Did you know that after working together in Mga Tigre ng Sierra Cruz (1974) and Modelong Tanso (1979), Vilma and the late Charito Solis were co-stars in Ipagpatawad Mo (1991) and Dolzura Cortez Story (1993) both directed by Laurice Guillen?
  • Did you know that Vilma was only paired twice with ex-husband Edu Manzano as compared to Christopher de Leon’s 22 times? These were Romansa in 1980 and Palimos ng Pag-ibig in 1986?
  • Did you know that prior to co-starring with Snooky Serna in Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (1986) and Hahamakin Lahat (1990), Vilma and Snooky were in Sweethearts in 1970? Co-starring with them aside from Edgar Mortiz and former child actor Arnold Gamboa were Snooky’s parents Von Serna and Mila Ocampo.
  • Did you know that the late Ishmael Bernal’s first film with Vilma was Now and Forever (1973) with Edgar Mortiz?
  • Did you know that before he was Vilma’s leading man in Makahiya at Talahib, Rudy Fernandez played a supporting role in Ibong Lukaret? Both films were released in 1975.
  • Did you know that former movie queen Amalia Fuentes did not only co-star with Vilma in Mga Reynang Walang Trono (1976) but co-directed it as well with Fely Crisostomo? They were co-stars in Asawa Ko, Huwag Mong Agawin in 1986.
  • Did you know that before she shared equal billing with Vilma and Boyet in Magkaribal (1979), just like ex-boyfriend Rudy Fernandez, Alma Moreno played a supporting role in Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw (1975)?
  • Did you know that before she played the ghost role in Haplos (1982) with Vilma and Boyet, Rio Locsin had a below the title billing in Simula ng Walang Katapusan directed by Luis Enriquez (aka Eddie Rodriguez) and Disco Fever in 1978?
  • Did you know that Sheryl Cruz has appeared with Vilma before in Candy (Vilma in a cameo role) and Good Morning Sunshine (1980) directed by Ishmael Bernal? Mano Po 3 is their third film together.
  • Did you know that Vilma was directed by Lino Brocka in three movies but did not win any award? These were Rubia Servios (1978), Adultery: Aida Macaraeg (1984) and Hahamakin Lahat (1990). However, she won multiple Best Actress awards in three films directed by the late Ishmael Bernal considered as the rival of Brocka. These were Relasyon (1982), Broken Marriage (1983) and Pahiram ng Isang Umaga (1989).
  • Did you know that Vilma co-starred with Anthony Castelo in Pakawalan Mo Ako (1981) directed by Elwood Perez and Nonoy Zuñiga in Never Ever Say Goodbye (1982) directed by Gil M. Portes?
  • Did you know that director Emmanuel H. Borlaza, who used to direct Vilma in the ’70s, last worked with her in Ibigay Mo sa Akin ang Bukas in 1987?
  • Did you know that Vilma is the only actress who has worked with the following award-winning Filipino directors? Aside from Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal, Vilma was directed by Celso Ad Castillo (Burlesk Queen, Pagputi ng Uwak, Pagitim ng Tagak), Gil M. Portes (Miss X, Never Ever Say Goodbye), Danny Zialcita (Langis at Tubig, Karma, Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan, T-bird at Ako), Mike de Leon (Sister Stella L), Marilou Diaz Abaya (Alyas Baby Tsina, Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan), Laurice Guillen (Kapag Langit ang Humatol, Ipagpatawad Mo, Dolzura Cortez Story), Maryo J. de los Reyes (Tagos ng Dugo, Sinungaling Mong Puso), Chito Roño (Ikaw Lamang, Bata, Bata Paano Ka Ginawa?, Dekada 70), Jose Javier Reyes (Nagiisang Bituin), Rory Quintos (Anak) and now by Joel Lamangan in Mano Po 3.
  • Did you know that Vilma has won the following awards? Urian, eight; Famas, five; Star Awards, five; Film Academy, four; Movie Magazine Awards, four; Metro Manila Film Festival, three; Catholic Mass Media Awards, two; Young Critics Circle, two; Pasado Awards, two; Fame Magazine Awards, two; Cinema Rave, two and one each from Manila Film Festival, SIASI Jolo Critics Awards, Gawad Tanglaw, Let’s Talk Movies Awards, Cinemascoop Awards, Bacolod Film Festival and Channel 2 Viewers Choice. She has two international awards from the Brussels Independent Film Festival for Bata, Bata Paano Ka Ginawa? and Cinemanila International Film Festival for Dekada 70 both directed by Chito Roño. She is the youngest actress to be elevated to the Famas Hall of Fame in 1989 at the age of 36. She won for Dama de Noche (1972), Pakawalan Mo Ako (1981), Relasyon (1982), Tagos ng Dugo (1987) and Ibulong Mo sa Diyos (1988). She has two Famas Circle of Excellence awards (1992 and 1993), Film Academy (1997) and Famas (1998) Lifetime Achievement awards and two Urian Best Actress ng Dekada for the ’80s and the ’90s.

For more information on Ate Vi, check out the Vilma Santos website www.vilmasantos.net managed by Vilmanian Eric A. Nadurata. It contains her filmography with layouts (I love the layouts of Tagulan sa Tagaraw and 1979 Urian and Famas Best Picture Pagputi ng Uwak, Pagitim ng Tagak) and reviews of some of her films, her acting awards, old articles and magazine covers. This website is truly impressive! - Ricardo F. Lo, The Philippine Star, 11/03/2004 (E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph)

Friday, November 13, 2015

The Big Girl With A Big Heart


She was not to thrive on controversies. "Yan si Vilma Santos." Dala ito marahil ng kanyang napakaagang pagkakapasok sa pag-aartista. Gayon pa man she has not been spared with some near-clashes with issues affecting her standing in the field of entertainment ay dumarating din sa kanya. Sa paminsan-minsang pagkantig sa kanyang enviable na katayuan bilang isang artista, uncondusive para sabihin nating she does it with tact...sa dahilang di na niya kailangan. She does not have to evade issues for reason na wala naman siyang dapat ipaliwanag sa ilang mga puna sa kanya. Having maintained her "sweet-image" personality sa kanyang mga followers and foes alike, isang napakalaking achievement ito paa sa isang artistang naging katungali sa larangan ng popularidad ang isang kinikilalang very formidable showbiz supergirl. Much to busy before the camera, tutoong napakahirap magkaroon ng pagkakataong makapanayam siya with ultimate gusto. But we have always been broadminded about such perchance happenings. Kahit na between "breaks" na hindi namin siya ginambala. Knowing fully well the gruelling eksenas na katatapos lang niyang harapin, its but fair na kinakailangan niya ang magpahinga, though momentarilly. However we came upon a beautiful idea kahit na di namin siya masyadong nakakuwentuhan, her showbiz life was an open book. Di kailangan ang manaliksik. Appraisal was well at hand. Gayunpaman, we sidetracked to dwell on more hearsays. Facts ang aming pinagbabasihan...mostly emanating from people close to her at gayon din sa mga taong naging asiwas sa kanyang pagiging popular. It is an accepted tenet na kapag ang isang tao ay naging successful sa kanyang hanapbuhay, the natural trend ay ang pagiging usual target ng mga pana...nakakasira and otherwise.

In her little more than a decade of involvement with showbiz, isang bagay ang naging very obvious sa kanya. Ang vigorous growth niya sa pagiging artista didn't flourish through controversy. However, she has had near-clashes with some. To mention some of those "drop-in-the-bucket" napaguusapan, napagtapunan namin ng pansin ang kanyang closeness sa kanyang reel and real ka-love team na si Edgar Mortiz. Ang dalawa raw are more than just magka-love team. That they have been married daw in some off-Philippine shore. Ang nasabing rumor however died a natural death. On it's own, di na kailangan pang ikaila ito by either Vi or Bot kung totoo which it is not. They look it as just one of those laughing matters among showbiz people. Now the talk has taken its own course...to oblivion. Action speaks louder than words...at napakita nina Vilma na with a slight dash of denial, they have proved themselves capable of being burdened with the untruth. Time justified it for them. At kamakailan lamang ay nagkaroon ng issue ang kanyang pagsusuot ng very "unsweet" attire sa kanyang latest vehicle na "Lipad, Darna, Lipad." Nagkaroon ng divided concern ang iba't ibang panig na nakapaligid kay Vilma. Dapat daw ba niyang tanggapin itong role na ito? And if so, kailangan daw ba niyang magsuot ng tights o hindi? Trifling matter possible, but defintely, ikinabahala ng marami. However, this issue has been resolved upon. Sinusulat namin ito'y nasa finishing touches na ang "Lipad..." Realism has been injected sa kapansiyahan narin ni Vilma. She didn't wear tights nor body fits. Naging acceptable na rin sa kanyang mga fans ang inakala nilang tamang desisyon ng kanilang idol. Vilma on the other hand is one girl na di man lang namin nakitang unsmiling.

She had a ready smile for everyone. Winsome in everyway, very enjoyable to talk with ang young actress na ito. Recently, nagkaroon siya ng kaunting problems with a certain press release. However it has been threshed out even before it has magnified itself into harmful proportions. Nuong huli namin siyang nakaharap sa shooting ng "Lipad..." sa mismong El Dorado Subdivision sa Antipolo, kapuna-puna ang kasigpagan ni Vilma. And she can take risks too. Immeasurable ang kanyang industry at dedication sa kanyang propesyon. Di niya alintana ang pagod sa panayang shooting. She finds time to smilingly greet her many well-wishers who flocks daily to the set. We wonder kung nakaparis man ni Vilma kay Susan Roces sa ngayon. Vilma can well be placed as having started her career at an earlier age while Susan had started hers at a blooming age. However, the comparisons ends there. Susan had maintained her sweet statute as Vilma had up to now. Vilma definitely has a long, long way to travel sa kanyang career, marami pang trivalities ang kanyang haharapin. At kailangan maging handa siya. Knowing Vi we are sure she can pass it with flying colors. For one, Vilma never has panicked sa harap ng mga problema. Hindi niya kailangan maging ugali ng takasan ang ano mang problema. She face them squarely... - Tito Nards, Kislap, 1973

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Songs of "All Of My Life" (Videos) 2/5

Joe Satriani - All of my Life
Minus Light - All of my Life
Kevin Morby - All Of My Life
MC Magic- All My Life
Billy Preston - All Of My Life
K-Ci & JoJo - All My Life
Diana Ross - All My Life
#AllOfMyLife, #VilmaSantos, #XiamLim, #AngelLocsin, #JoyceBernal, #JoeSatriani, #MinusLight, #KevinMorby, #MCMagic, #BillyPreston, #KCandJojo, #DianaRoss

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Songs of "All Of My Life" (Videos) 1/5


Songs with title "All Of My Life" - past and present...

The Band Perry - All Your Life
Sam Gray - All of My Life
Gigamesh - All My Life
Cinta Laura - All Of My Life
P Reign - All My Life
Kings Dead - All My Life
Marco Sison - All Of My Life
#AllOfMyLife, #VilmaSantos, #XiamLim, #AngelLocsin, #JoyceBernal, #TheBandPerry, #SamGray, #Gigamesh, #CintaLaura, #KingsDead, #PReign, #MarcoSison

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Vilma Hindi Kukupas

Kasama ni Vilma sa pablat si Sonny Cortez, na ngayoý isang contract star ng Virgo. May sariling paraan ng pagkanta, si Sonny ay malapit nang hagaan sa Kanyang TV show, "Sonny Side Up"sa KBS.

Ang tunay na kagandahan daw ay wala sa kaanyuna kundi nasa ugali. Hindi ang tinatawag na kagandahang panlabas kundi ang kagandahan ng kanyang kalooban. At ang kagandahang ito, na walang pagkupas, ang siyang hagdan ni Vilma Santos tungo sa tagumpay. Sinumang makadaupang-palad ni Vilma ay hindi maaaring di makapansin na ang tunay niyang pagkatao ay bukas na bakas sa kanyang maaliwalas na mukha. Hindi lamang dahil sa palagi itong nakangiti (bagamat kung minsan na tuloy-tuloy ang siyuting ay kababasan din siya ng pagkahapo). Hindi lamang dahil sa totohanan niyang bukas na pagbibigay sa mga interview at pictorial saka sa mga fans na nagnanais na siya'y makaniig o mahingan ng autograph. Ang naiiwang impression ng lahat kay ay ang kanyang katapatan at kabaitan. Madali siyang makagiliwan hindi lamang dahil sa mahusay siyang kausap kundi masisinag sa kanya ang kababaang-loob. "Pasensiyosa na, maunawain pa,"anang masugid niyang tagahanga na si Manila Ballesteros. At kund kilala ninyo si Manila, maniniwala kayo sa sinasabi niyang ito. "At mahinhin pa,"dagdag naman ni Marie, isa pa ring "anino" ni Vilma na hindi nawawala saan man magpunta ang star. Bukod sa mga katangiang iyan, ang hidig na napupuri ng mga direktor na nakasama na ni Vilma ay ang kanyang professionalism. Tulad na lamang noong minsan na mag-lication shooting sila sa Merville Park sa Parañaque, Rizal. Ang eksena ay isang dream sequence at itoý kinunan sa gilid ng fountain na nakabungad sa open-air theater ng nasabing subdivision.

Malamig na ang simoy ng hangin noon (lampas hatinggabi nang idaos ang siyuting) ngunit lalong naging maginaw nang buksan na ang dancing waters. Pinapuwesto na sina Vilma, Eddie Peregrina, Alona Alegre at Edgar Mortiz sa gilid ng fountain at para namang sinasadya, patungo sa kanila ang hangin kung kayat kahit sa malayo, kitang-kita ang panginginig ng mga tuhod at baba ng apat na bituin. At dahil nga mga professional sila, tuloy rin ang siyuting. Maunawain naman ang direktor at pinilit nilang tapusin ang eksena sa lalong madaling panahon. Anupa't parang sinusubok na talaga, kung kailan solo frame nina Vilma at Edgar noon pa kinailangang mag-reload ang cameraman ng negatibo. Hindi naman makaalis ang dalawa sapagkata masisira ang continuity ng eksena, di katakatakot na pintas na naman ang ibubuntonghininga ninyo sa panonood nito. Minsan naman, nalipasan ng gutom ang kanyang ina na kasama niyang lagi saan man siya dalhin ng kanyang mga commitments nang kinailangan nitong makipagkita sa isang prodyuser at abutan ng traffic sa oras ng pagkain. Nang bumalik ito sa set ng siyuting ang tiyan. Nagkataon naman na comedy ang eksenang kukunan at close-up rin, ngunit buong husay na nagampanan ito ni Vilma sa kabila ng labis na pag-aalala sa ina. Maging parteng ito ay napupuri rin ang dalagita. Hindi lamang daw ito mapagmahal at masunuring anak. May isip na ito at kailanman ay hindi dinulutan ang mga magulang ng sakit sa ulo, lalo na sa kanyang pag-aaral. Natural amn na purihin ito ng kanyang ina at ama na sina Ginoo at Ginang Amado Santos (ang dating Milagros Tuazon), hindi naman masasabing OA kapag nakilala ninyo nang lubusan ang bituin.

Maging ang kanyang mga kapatid ay walang maipipintas sa ugali nito at hindi lamang daw dahil sa pinagbibigyan sila nito lagi sa kanilang favorite shows na telebisyon. Maalalahanin daw ito at hindi kailanman ginagawang dahilan ang kanyang pagiging star sa tahanan, kahit na sa biro. Ang katotohanan niyan, sa loob ng anin na taong inilalagi ni Vilma sa show business, wala pang narinig na namintas o nag-complain sa kanya. Sa halip, pulos papuri ang inaani niya at kapag nakilala na ninyo siya, hindi niyon masasabing exaggeration o too impossible to be true ito. Hindi rin naman masasabing aral o pilit ang kanyang magandang pakikitungo sa lahat. Pagkat hindi lamang pantay-pantay ang pagkamagiliw niya, kundi salat ito sa pagkukunwari. Sa isang kabataang tulad niya, madaling mauunawaan kung siya man ay magkamali paminsan-minsan, ngunit sa wari'y malayong mangyari sa isang bituin kay Vilma, ang labis na paniniwala sa sarili. Hindi kataka-taka kung gayon kung bakit siya ang hinuhulaang isa sa mangilan-ngilang kabataang bituin na mananatiling sikat sa mahabang panahon. Hindi rin mahirap paniwalaan kung bakit marami ang humahanga sa bituing ito, fan man o hindi. Paanoý taglay niya ang uri ng kayamananang hindi mabibili ng salapi, isang kayamanang bibihira ang nagbibigay ng halaga, ang kagandahang walang pagkupas: magandang ugali. - Ched Gonzales, Pilipino Magazine, 03 June 1970, reposted at Pelikula Atbp blog (READ MORE)

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Remembering Mark Gil


Bing Pimentel - “...We were supposed to be kissing while watching a very violent scene from Stanley Kubrick’s ‘A Clockwork Orange...I was stiff, naturally, because Mark was practically a stranger and it was my first day on the set of my first movie...I didn’t think much of him because I was dating another actor that time, (Roel Vergel de Dios)...After 28 takes, the director yelled ‘Pack up! Mag-date muna kayo!’ (Go out on a date first!)...” - Bayani San Diego Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer, 25 September 2014 (READ MORE)

Enchanted Family - "...On a more personal note, we got to know Mark earlier than most because, in the ’70s, we tapped his beautiful and gifted mother, Rosemarie Gil, as one of the hosts (along with Pete Roa, Gigi Lacson and Bey Vito) of the pioneering TV magazine show, “Sanlinggo,” that we scripted and directed for PTV 4. Rosemarie would sometimes bring her children to our taping and shooting sessions, so we first saw Mark, Cherie and Michael as lovely and spirited kids, and we found the entire family, including dad Eddie Mesa (a fine singer and actor in his own right) absolutely enchanting. That early, we simply knew that all of the Eigenmann kids would also become exceptional performers and stars. —What we didn’t know was that their thespic genes would “power” another generation of dynamic players, including Mark’s son, Sid Lucero, who was named after the character he played in “Batch ’81,” and Andi Eigenmann..." - Nestor U. Torre, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 06 September 2014 (READ MORE)

Still Friends - “…THE movie Miss X, filmed and released in the ’80s, will forever be memorable to Mark Gil. Then still very young and raw as far as acting is concerned, Direk Gil Portes tapped Mark to play Governor Vi’s leading man. Miss X had Governor Vi playing the title role. It was filmed entirely in Amsterdam, the official capital of the Netherlands. The entire cast, crew and staff, headed, of course, by Direk Gil, stayed in Amsterdam for about a month. As expected, the film was a blockbuster when it was shown. Henceforth, Mark admitted, life was never the same for him after the film. That he has a lot to thank Governor Vi is a given. Kaya for Mark, ang chance na makatrabaho uli si Gov. Vi is something to be grateful about. “Kasi she has not changed,” aniya. “Kung ano’ng pag-uugali niya when we were in Amsterdam together at pareho pa kaming bata noon, ganu’n pa rin siya ngayon. “Considering all the achievements na kanyang natamo, ’di lang bilang artista kundi bilang public official din, I am glad she still takes to me as a friend,” pahayag ni Mark. Doing The Healing with Gov. Vi is another challenge for the actor….” - Nel Alejandrino, Journal, July 11, 2012

Days in Amsterdam - “…Where to now?” I heard my mommy ask Gil when all the proper and necessary introductions were conducted. “Since it is a Sunday,” Gil suggests, “Why don’t we hear mass at the church of the Bigginhoff?” The church is situated in a strategic area, along several residential houses, and it is one of the only two Catholic churches in Amsterdam. Since between the two churches, it is the Bigginhoff which celebrates one mass in English, it is where most Filipinos attend their Sunday mass. The front yard of the church, after the mass, serves as a melting pot of sorts for most Filipinos. It si here where they renew acquaintances, exchange tete-a-tete, or get the latest tsismis about a fellow Filipinos. It is in this area where my group and I chanced upon Eddie Gutierrez, who was on the last leg of his European tour. Eddie works as a promotional salesman for Belcraft International, a firm which has its main office in Canada and which specializes in household wares….Happily for all of us, nothing untoward happened since then. We managed to even finish shooting the entire movie ahead of schedule. Now that I am back home, things which I should have done and which I shouldn’t keep rushing back into my mind. Truly, my days in Amsterdam continue to evoke memories for me, both pleasant and otherwise. For example, how can I forget the group who made up Miss X? They were such a happy lot that I would love working with them again. Gil, my director, despite himself, is a dear. I love the guy, since I know he loves me, too. Mark G., my leading man, will forever hold a special place in my heart. He proved so sweet, so pleasant to work with, so much so, I pray he will succeed. And my Ductch leading man, Max van Os, he did make my last days in Amsterdam memorable. I will always take him as one of the most warm-heated persons I’ve ever met in my whole life. My memories of Amsterdam will never be complete without me mentioning the kindness and generosity of the Filipinos residing there. The way they welcomed and treated us in their respective homes truly amazed me. I love them all and will cherish their memories for a long, long time…” - Ethelwolda A. Ramos, Expressweek December 20, 1979 (READ MORE)

Generous Actor - "...If there is one thing that Mark Gil should be remembered for, it is his generosity. His career is marked by performances wherein he is required to work with others, whether it is a director with a distinctly unique vision or filmmaking style, or an ensemble of actors with varying ranges. In all his works, it never appeared that he was occupying much of the limelight. He was simply not there for himself. He was there for the film. Even Sid Lucero, the name that jumpstarted his career, he generously lent to his son, Timothy Eigenmann. Perhaps this is the reason why Mark Gil is such a great actor. He just had so much to give, but too little time to keep giving...Even up to the end, he was preparing for projects, for various filmmakers, for himself. There were simply no boundaries, not even the pain he was suffering because of the illness he had kept a secret, when it comes to his craft..." - Oggs Cruz, Rappler, 02 Sep 2014 (READ MORE)

Generous Actor - "...If there is one thing that Mark Gil should be remembered for, it is his generosity. His career is marked by performances wherein he is required to work with others, whether it is a director with a distinctly unique vision or filmmaking style, or an ensemble of actors with varying ranges. In all his works, it never appeared that he was occupying much of the limelight. He was simply not there for himself. He was there for the film. Even Sid Lucero, the name that jumpstarted his career, he generously lent to his son, Timothy Eigenmann. Perhaps this is the reason why Mark Gil is such a great actor. He just had so much to give, but too little time to keep giving...Even up to the end, he was preparing for projects, for various filmmakers, for himself. There were simply no boundaries, not even the pain he was suffering because of the illness he had kept a secret, when it comes to his craft..." - Oggs Cruz, Rappler, 02 Sep 2014 (READ MORE)

Nora Aunor on Mark Gil - "...I got to work with Mark in ‘Rock ’n’ Roll’ (1981) and then in ‘Babae’ (1997). He was one of the best. I would get nervous in our scenes together. I last saw him at the thanksgiving party of Direk Maryo J. de los Reyes last year. We talked about making a movie together again. Sayang it didn’t push through. He still had so much to give to the movie industry...” - Bayani San Diego Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer, 08 Sep 2014 (READ MORE)

Raphael Joseph De Mesa Eigenmann (born September 25, 1961), better known as Mark Gil, is a Filipino actor. He is the son of actors Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil, brother of actors Michael de Mesa and Cherie Gil. He is fourth Filipino, fourth Spanish, and half Swiss German American descent. He is the father of singer/actor Gabby Eigenmann and Ira Eigenmann from actress Irene Celebre. He is also the father of Tim "Sid Lucero" Eigenmann and Maxene "Max" Eigenmann from actress Bing Pimentel, and of Andi Eigenmann from another actress, Jaclyn Jose. He has been married for 18 yrs to Maricar Jacinto-Eigenmann. - Wikipedia (READ MORE)


Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Georgie, His Brother's Shadow

Georgie Quizon

Like Dolphy, Georgie started out in comedy roles. In fact, he was his brother’s follower noon pang nasa Sampaguita Studios si Dolph at isa siyang mainstay ditto. Nang minsang isinama ni Dolph si Georgie sa kanyang shooting ay namataan si Georgie ng isang direktor a binigyan ito ng bit role. He was found out to have his brother’s talent and soon, Georgie found himself in one picture after another, mostly in Susan Roces-starrers where he played her sidekick or friendly neighbor. Ito ang simula ng binyag ni Georgie sa pelikula. Naging sikat din siyang comedian. Kaya lang ang problema niya ay hindi siya makakatakas sa image at pangalan ng kanyang kapatid na lalong sikat. Kahit ano ang gawin niya ay siyempre, associated and identified siya kay Dolphy.

“Ito ang malaki kong problema,” nabanggit ni Georgie sa amin. “But I also love my brother! Kung wala naman si Ompong ay sino kami, aber! Siguro, ganito ang buhay kung mayroon kang tanyag na kapatid na parehong propesyon. Kung sino ang mas sikat, iyon ang mas kilala. At ang hindi ay nananatili sa background. Tulad ko,” aniya. “Ako ang anino ni Dolphy. Hindi ako kilala sa sarili ko. Ako raw ay kapatid ni Dolphy. And never was I called my name. Kung minsan nga ay ako raw si Dolphy. Ganoon.

“Kung minsan, I feel flattered. Pero kadalasan, tinatanggap ko na lamang nang basta ganoon. Kibit balikat baga. Ano pa nga ba ang magagawa ko? Kapatid ko iyon at sikat pa!

“Kaya lang, I really want to be on my own. I want to be known as Georgie at hindi yung kapatid ni Dolphy. I am my won individual. Iba ako, iba siya. Nagkataon lamang na nagko-comedy rin ako. Kaya hindi talaga ako makakatakas sa kanyang anino,” pagtatapat ni Georgie. As a whole, wala naman siyang reklamo. Okey naman ang takbo ng kanyang showbiz career. Hindi siya nawawalan ng assignment. Tuwing Linggo, mayroon siyang TV show, nagge-guest din siya sa mga tanyag na shows at kung minsan, kumakanta siya sa mga roadshows, sa mga bases.

“Para sa akin, tipong okey na ang lahat,” banggit pa ni Georgie. Everything’s fine. I am busy everyday. Malusog pa ang ermat, masasaya kaming lahat. Wala na yata akong mahihiling pa,” Georgie confessed.

The other surviving brother of Dolphy and Georgie is named Jimmy, ang bunso sa lahat na hindi kailanman sumali sa showbiz. Nasa States siya ngayon at isang medical intern sa isang tanyag na ospital doon.

Sampu sanang lahat sina Dolph, kaya lang tatlo na ang namatay. Sina Tessie, ang uang Jimmy na siyang pang-walo at si Melencio, Jr. na binawian ng buhay noong early 1970’s. Ang iba – sina Zony, Dolphy, Josie, Laura, Auring at Georgie – ay pawang naging showbiz folks at dalawa na lamang sa kanila ang aktibo sa pelikula. Sina Dolphy at Georgie nalamang, bagamat ang iba, sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga anak, ay kasama pa rin sa iba’t ibang aspeto ng paggawa ng pelikula, particular na sa RVQ Productions syempre. - Ross F. Celino, Jingle Extra Hot Movie Entertainment Magazine, No. 20, June 22, 1981, re-posted on Pelikula atbp blog (READ MORE)

Monday, July 20, 2015

Remembering Aida Fandialan


Matandang Dalaga - Vi: "...Alam niyo naman po kung gaano kaimportante para sa akin si Ate Aida. Wala ka pa Luis, wala ka pa Daddy [Ralph], wala ka pa Ryan, nasa akin na si Ate Aida...Lagi ko siya kasama sa trips [abroad]. Pero ito, hindi ko siya kasama because she stayed with Ryan. But then, [it was only for] ten days. Kaya siguro ako nahihirapan tanggapin. It was too sudden. And I was expecting, pagbalik, I'd still see her sa ICU. But [si] Ate Helen [Renta] nag-text na she [Aida] passed away. Kaya hanggang ngayon, hindi ko siya kayang tingnan. I just hope she understands...Huwag niyo ako titirahin dahil titirahin din niya kayo. Ganun talaga siya magmahal. Although it's true, masungit [siya minsan]. Matandang dalaga ho kasi. Nag-aaway kami. Pero lagi 'yang ipinapakita yung love at loyalty niya sa akin...Ate Ayds, thank you. I'll miss you. I love you. Happy trip..." - Rachelle Siazon, PEP, 24 July 2014 (READ MORE)

Elegant Purse and Well-heeled Shoes - "...She was the oldest daughter of uncle Santiago and wife Sinay, and among the older group of cousins we younger ones looked up to. Once a year, she visited her dad's grave in Alaminos, and always stopped by at our house whether we were in San Pablo or Calauan or Alaminos. She was always pustoriosa, smartly dressed, with matching elegant purse and well-heeled shoes. I remember when she brought Amalia Fuentes to our house at the height of Amalia's popularity, and I so googly-eyed, and her stature as my cousin grew by leaps and bounds. She would bring me around to Manila and showed me personal pictures of her celebrity friends. We her relatives are aware of her closeness to her other families, and that she glowed in their world..." - Lillian Fandialan Alcantara Brion, Facebook post

Aida Invitation - "...This pic was taken during my visit Feb of 2007 at Rockwell. My dear friend Aida Fandialan had called, "Babes, VILMA is hosting lunch for you. Kelan ba alis mo?" So there we were at a private room, so big but kami kami lang with all the privacy and exclusive food prepared by special chef Jesse...Aida added, "sama mo family mo" And so my family came too. Aida was the right hand of GOV VI. I first met AIDA during the early days of Bobby Vasquez and Amalia Fuentes. Known her for a looong time. very Nice lady and yes, close to Liezl Martinez and Albert. Aida and I were just chatting a few days ago. She even said, "When you come for your annual visit, top priority ka ni Vilma kasi you missed each other last time..." Vilma sent food and kakanin to our place in AAV last visit -- and I know it was Aida who reminded her...will miss you Aida, praying for you..." - Bk Jimenez, Facebook post, 20 July 2014

Aida in Las Vegas - "...Probably the most excited in the group was Vilma and Ralph’s son Ryan Christian who, with Ralph and “the men in the group” (as Vilma’s Girl Friday/accountant Aida Fandialan put it), watched the Pacquiao-Bradley bout in Las Vegas, thanks to the 10 complimentary tcikets given to them by Manny Pacquiao. Did Ryan place a bet and win? Secret! “We girls decided to watch the Michael Jackson show featuring impersonators,” said Aida. They spent four days (April 10 to 13) in Las Vegas just sight-seeing. Ryan graduated last March from La Salle Greenhills High School and they inquired from two schools (one of them UCLA) where he might study next year. This school year, Ryan will take a Business Course in Ateneo. Back in L.A., the group visited the same places they have been to. Out there, Vilma enjoyed being just herself, unperturbed by the prying eyes of the public. “We had an Easter Sunday reunion,” added Aida, “and it was Vi who did the grocery. Enjoy na enjoy siya sa pagpu-push ng cart...” - Ricky Lo, The Philippine Star, April 24, 2014 (READ MORE)

After Carmen - "...Early Saturday morning, Nov. 2 (All Souls Day), a day before Ate Vi’s birthday on Nov. 3, Ralph got the tragic news that his mom, Carmen Gonzales-Recto, died in her sleep in Cambodia where she was on vacation with her close friend Cely Fajardo and her family. Cely used to be the chief of staff of Carmen’s late husband, Rafael “Raffy” Recto. She was 72. She was reported to have pneumonia. It was Aida Fandialan, Ate Vi’s Girl Friday/accountant, who broke the news to Funfare in a text message dripping with grief. “Ma’am Carmen and her group were scheduled to fly back to Manila that morning,” narrated Aida who’s a regular member of Ate Vi and Ralph’s entourage of their family trips abroad. “She woke up early, dressed up and had coffee. While waiting for her companions to dress up, Ma’am Carmen decided to take a nap. She never woke up. She died peacefully.” Shocked by his mom’s sudden demise, Ralph was inconsolable; he couldn’t stop crying. Herself grief-stricken, Ate Vi tried to comfort Ralph as, together, they struggled to make sense of the tragedy. Ate Vi suggested that they forego with the dinner asalto that night but Ralph said no, everything should proceed as planned. They had dinner at the Kato Restaurant at the Garden Tower of the New Otani Hotel. It was a sad-happy affair. “Ralph had mixed emotions like all of us,” noted Aida..." - Ricky Lo, The Philippine Star, November 5, 2013 (READ MORE)

Mama Aida - "...Kapamilya ang turing ni Mama Vi at ng kanyang pamilya kay Mama Aida na sumakabilang-buhay noong Linggo dahil sa stroke. Ikinalungkot ko ang balita tungkol sa sudden death ni Mama Aida na madalas na mag-text sa akin. Siya rin ang koneksyon ng mga entertainment press na may mga message na gustong iparating kay Mama Vi. Nasa London si Mama Vi at ang kanyang mister na si Senator Ralph Recto nang ma-stroke si Mama Aida pero nakabalik na sila ng bansa noong Linggo..." - Lolit Solis, Pilipino Star Ngayon, 22 July 2014 (READ MORE)

Before Politics - "...Massive stroke raw ang ikinamatay ni Ate Aida Fandialan, accountant ni Governor Vilma-Santos bago pa man pumasok sa pulitika ang Star For All Seasons. Itinakbo pa siya sa Asian Hospital pero binawian na rin ng buhay. Maraming taon ding nagsilbi si Ate Aida kay Gov. Vi. Siya ang tumulong upang ayusin ang kanyang finances nu’ng time na problemado ang aktres sa pera. Naging malapit din siya kay Aga Muhlach dahil tinulungan din nitong ayusin ang mga datung ng aktor. Kagagaling lang ni Gov. Vi at ng pamilya sa London bago mamatay si Ate Aida. Naghanap kasi sila ng school doon na papasukan ng anak na si Ryan Christian. Nagpasalamat si Gov. Vi through text bilang pakikiramay namin. Siguradong hindi pa siya maka-get over sa sinapit ni Ate Aida na nagsilbing confidante na rin niya..." - Jun Nardo, Pang-Masa, 22 July 2014 (READ MORE)

Second Heart Attack - "...Nagsisisgaw daw si Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, when last Saturday, while obviously preparing for her trip back to Manila, from London, where she was with husband, Senator Ralph, nakarating sa kanya ang balitang her personal accountant and confidante, si Aida Fandialan, passed away. Biglaan ang naging kamatayan ni Aida, considering that that particular day (obviously Friday), na ini-rush siya sa Asian Hospital in Alabang, after complaining na sumasakit ng matindi ang kanyang batok, kausap daw siya ni Tess Fuentes. She was reminding Tess of her Thursday appointment with Governor Vi this week. That particular day, according naman sa movie columnist na si Len Llanes, nakatanggap siya ng text message from Aida, request her na isama siya nito sa listahan ng kanyang ‘friends’ sa kanyang facebook account. Ayon naman sa mga staff ni Ate Vi na nagdala kay Aida sa ospital, parang nakaka-recover na si Aida, nang iwanan nila ito sa hospital. Kaso nga daw, ayon sa doctor assigned to her, she suffered a second heart attack, midnight of Saturday. Aida was pronounced dead five in the morning Sunday. Her remains now lies in state at the Loyola Memorial Chapel in Sucat, Paranaque City. We all urge readers of Tonight to please say a prayer for the repose of the soul of Aida..." - Nel Alejandrino, Journal, 21 July 2014 (READ MORE)

Aida would have turned 72 in November - "...Monday night, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos mustered enough courage to attend the wake for Aida Fandialan (her dear friend, confidante, accountant and Girl Friday rolled into one) at the Loyola Memorial Chapels in Sucat, Parañaque City. Aida suffered a stroke (her second in 10 years) last Saturday (July 19) morning and died early the next day at the Asian Hospital where she was rushed to the ICU. Vilma and husband Sen. Ralph Recto (with usual traveling company) were in London to look for a school for their son Ryan Christian (who graduated from La Salle Greenhills last March) who was left behind along with his Tita Aida who took care of him. The entourage was about to leave London when Vilma got a text message that Aida was hospitalized. When they arrived at the NAIA Sunday afternoon, first thing Vilma asked was how Aida was. Told that she had died, Vilma broke down. It turned out that she didn’t get the second message texted to her while she was already airborne. Aida had been with Vilma and her family for more than 35 years. She was already virtually a member of the family with whom she always traveled, except on the recent one. To calm her down, Vilma has to be injected with a sedative. At the Loyola Chapel where Aida’s remains lie, Vilma at first couldn’t bear to look at Aida inside the white coffin. But after the Mass, she slowly walked toward the coffin and broke down again. Nobody could pacify her. A Mass will be held again tonight at 7, last night of the wake. Aida will be buried on tomorrow morning after another Mass. Aida would have turned 72 in November..." - Ricky Lo, The Philippine Star, 23 July 2014 (READ MORE)

Last Invite - "...Guess...kung sino ang unang nag-course ng invitation ni Batangas Governor Vilma Santos para mag-join si Angel Locsin sa Alay Lakad sa probinsya kahapon? The late accountant-secretary-cum-confidante ni Ate Vi na si Aida Fandalian, that’s who. Guess how long ago was this? One month before Aida’s death late July. Those who have encountered Aida know how makulit she can be, lalo’t utos ni Ate Vi. Through us, we assured Aida na Angel is too willing to honor the request of boyfriend Luis’ (Manzano) mom. But then, she still kept reminding us through text message. The last message we got from Aida was two days before she died of heart attack. Wherever you are now, Aida, it may interest you to know that Des Lacson, Angel’s new road manager, said the Alay Lakad went well. Thanks again, Aida..." - Nel Alejandrino, Journal, 05 Sep 2014 (READ MORE)

Aida Fandialan, 71, died of heart attack on July 20, 2014. She was the accountant, confidante, and family friend of Batangas Governor and movie actress, Vilma Santos-Recto. Prior to her position as financial care taker of Governor Santo-Recto, she used to be the accountant of actor Agah Muhlach and veteran movie queen, Amalia Fuentes. - RV

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