MAGKARIBAL (1979)

Basic Information: Directed: Elwood Perez; Story, screenplay: Toto Belano; Cast: Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon, Alma Moreno; Executive producer: Lily Y. Monteverde; Original Music: Ernani Cuenco; Cinematography: Johnny Araojo; Film Editing: Rogelio Salvador; Released Date: August 17, 1979

Plot Description: Two women, formerly the best of friends, become the worst of enemies when they fall for the same man. - ABS-CBN (READ MORE)

A story of a woman whose closest friend became her worst rival. They were once very close to each other, almost like sisters. She even confides all her troubles and heartaches to this friend. Later, she sensed some changes in her friend's attitude towards her which became obvious when this friend of hers tried to outshine her in everything. Philippines Filipino Tagalog movie. - Amazon (READ MORE)

A story of a woman whose closest friend became her worst rival. They were once very close to each other-almost like sisters. She even confides all her troubles and heartaches to this friend. Later, she sensed some changes in her friend's attitude towards her which became obvious when this friend of hers tried to outshine her in everything. She tried not to mind this but worse came to worst when she discovered that the other woman in her love one's life is the very same friend thus a never-ending conflict arised. It stars: Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, Alma Moreno. - Trigon Video

Film Achievement: One of Regal Film's biggest hit in the 1980s.

Film Reviews: Elwood Perez's Magkaribal tackles a complex range of human relations but problematizes it quite rigorously. Ensuing from the competing affections of best friends Lily (Vilma Santos) and Cristy (Alma Moreno) over Erick Guererro (Christopher de Leon), a man who exploits their varying degrees of vulnerability and aspiration to upward mobility, the film seeks to understand what it is that women want and why they want it under circumstances both within and beyond the control of their limited reckoning. How the women in this film choose to make their lives difficult and at times miserable by staking their right to love a man in spite of the circumscriptions of traditional heterosexist norms, engenders a creative tension that enables women to appropriate the power to break the culture of silence and expresses sexuality in specific terms within specific situations. One woman has to inevitably give up the fight, but only after she has achieved a realization that strikes at the core of practical realities. It assumes strong feminist position and transforms female annoyance and obnoxiousness into virtues and codes for contemporary survival. Magkaribal tears asunder from within the patriarchal principle that informs the gender discourse of popular filmography. As the two women who previously clawed at each other over a man decide to leave the bone of contention behind, one senses feminine triumph.

Christopher de Leon embodies the physicality and psyche of a sexy beast whose complexity is at par with that of a De Niro or Pacino. De Leon, here in his prime epitomizes the dramatic range and animal magnetism akin to Marlon Brando's Stanley Kowalski. Alma Moreno's portrayal of a woman who desires a new life in the face of a very uncertain future is competent. The acting method employed here is able to twist the logic of cliché and reconstitutes the drama of yearning with passion and grace. Vilma Santos shows that the strength of women need not come from the repudiation of "feminine" traits and roles. Neither should they come from brute, shrewish adamance as exemplified by the stereotype, nor from machismo as embodied by her husband. Santos demonstrates that the concept of the beautiful, dainty, feminine and strong are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Rather, these form a character that is finally textured, complex and potentially oppositionist. Magkaribal is commendable for staging clever and well-thought out situations partaking of actual tension and punctuated by defamiliarizing comical scenarios and melodramatic circumventions. A certain style of filmmaking based on genre or other considerations is taken as any distinct mode of creating form in film and is made possible only against a background of options that makes a particular choice significant, meaningful and therefore recognizable stylistically. Film artists work within these possibilities in the process of making art, but are never limited to custom and habit. As an erudite art historian puts it, “The style forbids certain moves and recommends others as effective, but the degree of latitude left to the individual within this system varies at least as much as it does in games.” We can glean in Magkaribal traces of both rule and risk in the realm of style. Perez, with a degree of compassion for the material approximates this level of filmic grace and craftsmanship with effective and efficient execution which perfectly coheres with directorial design and genre expectations. - Jojo De Vera, Sari-saromg Sineng Pinoy (READ MORE)

Speaking of Elwood, the veteran, multi-awarded director says he has just stumbled upon a pristine, unexpurgated copy of “Magkaribal,” which he hopes to screen sometime soon. “Magkaribal” features explosive performances by Vilma Santos, Alma Moreno and Christopher de Leon. Incidentally, all three aforementioned landmark films tackling marital infidelity were topbilled by timeless star Vilma Santos. The Batangas governor was joined by Christopher de Leon in “Relasyon” and “Magkaribal” and by Phillip Salvador in “Adultery.” - Nestor Cuartero (READ MORE)

"...Elwood Perez and Vilma Santos colloborated in seven films (Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos 1988, Lipad Darna Lipad 1973, Magkaribal 1979, Masarap Masakit ang Umibig 1977, Nakawin Natin ang Bawat Sandali 1978, Pakawalan Mo Ako 1981, Pinay American Style 1979). The first one was the trilogy that he co-directed with two other director, Borlaza and Gosiengfiao (these three are the most underrated and under appreciated directors in the Philippines), the remake of Mars Ravelo comic super hero, Darna in Lipad Darna Lipad. The film was a record-breaking hit Box-office Film. They follow this up with a more mature projects as Vilma started to switched her image from sweet to a mature versatile actress, pairing her with Christopher DeLeon in five films starting with Masarap Masakit Ang Umibig in 1977. The Perez-Santos-DeLeon team produced seven blockbuster hits that gave Vilma two FAMAS best actress awards that secured her elevation to FAMAS highest honour, the FAMAS Hall of Fame award. She won in 1979 for Pakawalan Mo Ako and 1988 for Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos..." - RV (READ MORE)

"...Back in the late ’70s, “Magkaribal” was the title of a dream project, casting together for the first time the two reigning box office queens at the time, Vilma Santos and Alma Moreno. Cast as opposing women, they fought for the love of one man, played by Christopher de Leon. TV’s “Magkaribal” is not based on the landmark Regal film directed by Elwood Perez and produced by Lily Monteverde. The title was not part of a film package bought by ABS-CBN from Regal Films a few years ago, explains business unit head Deo Endrinal. At best, “Magkaribal,” the teleserye, can be considered an allusion, if not a homage, to the film version, a big box office hit in its time. By the way, the original “Magkaribal” is available on video, capturing the quite young Vilma, Boyet and Alma in their sexiest best..." - Nestor Cuartero, Manila Bulletin, 20 June 2010 (READ MORE)

Related Reading:

• IMDB: Magkaribal (1979)
• Love and marriage, horse and carriage
• Magkaribal...Of Rivalry And Feminine Triumph
• Elwood Perez: Isang Natatanging Pagkilala
• Nakawin natin ang bawat sandali (1978)
• Top 10 Leading Men
• Vi-Boyet Tandem: Pinagtibay ng Panahon
• The Films of Christopher De Leon and Vilma Santos (Videos)
• Video 48: Christopher De Leon-Vilma Santos Screen Tandem

IBULONG MO SA DIYOS (1988)

Basic Information: Directed: Elwood Perez; Story, screenplay: Orlando Nadres; Cast: Vilma Santos, Eric Quizon, Gary Valenciano, Miguel Rodriguez, Eddie Garcia, Nida Blanca, Barbara Perez, Nadia Montenegro, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Perla Bautista, Rachel Ann Wolfe, Deborah Sun, Ruben Rustia, Vangie Labalan, Nena Perez Rubio; Executive producer: Lily Y. Monteverde; Original Music: Jaime Fabregas; Cinematography: Ricardo Jacinto; Film Editing: George Jarlego; Production Design: Ray Maliuanag; Sound: Joe Climaco; Theme Songs: “Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos” performed by Gary Valenciano; Released: February 04 1988

Plot Description: When her boyfriend leaves for Japan on a singing contract, a dancer is so distraught she does not see the car that hits her. The driver pretends to be a helpful passer-by; they fall in love and gets married. Only bringing her to a more complicated life. – Regal Films

Film Achievement: 1988 FAMAS: Best Actress – Vilma Santos; Best Cinematography – Ricardo Jacinto; Best Director – Elwood Perez; Best Editing – George Jarlego; Best Picture; Best Production Design – Ray Maliuanag; Best Supporting Actor – Miguel Rodriguez; Best Theme Song – Gary Valenciano, for the song “Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos”; Best Supporting Actress Nomination – Nida Blanca; 1988 FAP Nomination Best Actress – Vilma Santos

Film Reviews: "...Vilma hit the jackpot. After 11 nominations with four wins, her twelfth nomniation produced her an unexpected win. It elevated her to the hall of fame status. All artist who wins five automatically put them to the hall of fame list. It is a big honour but prohibit any one on the list to compete in the future for the same category. Regal films’ Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos, directed by Elwood Perez was a surprised winner. Not only it earned Vilma her fifth award as best actress, it also gave the late Miguel Rodriguez a best supporting actor award and the best director for Perez. Technical awards were also given to Ricardo Jacinto, cinematography, Rey Maliuanag, production design, Gary Valenciano, theme song, and George Jarlego, editing. The late Nida Blanca was also nominated for best supporting actress..." - RV (READ MORE)

"...Elwood Perez and Vilma Santos colloborated in seven films. The first one was the trilogy that he co-directed with two other director, Borlaza and Gosiengfiao (these three are the most underrated and under appreciated directors in the Philippines), the remake of Mars Ravelo comic super hero, Darna in Lipad Darna Lipad. The film was a record-breaking hit Box-office Film. They follow this up with a more mature projects as Vilma started to switched her image from sweet to a mature versatile actress, pairing her with Christopher DeLeon in five films starting with Masarap Masakit Ang Umibig in 1977. The Perez-Santos-DeLeon team produced seven blockbuster hits that gave Vilma two FAMAS best actress awards that secured her elevation to FAMAS highest honour, the FAMAS Hall of Fame award. She won in 1979 for Pakawalan Mo Ako and 1988 for Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos..." - RV (READ MORE)

"...Shamefully, only the way Vilma Santos is photographed and her face are the film's glimpses of divine magnificence. She is superficially iridescent here. It's a pity such iridescence doesn't emanate from her character's sould, but from the delightfully overindulgent lights of the cinematographer. Santos does manage, in at least three instances, to emerge from the limbo of her self-consciousness. Still, she largely remains in the dark as to the true significance of divine light in her character's life. On the whole, the film should have been more effective as a radio show. Cinematic carnage such as this really deserves divine indifference..." - Henry C. Tejeros, Manila Standard, Feb 29, 1987 (READ MORE)

"Again, it was a bad year for the movies in 1988, the industry reached a critical low - a total output of 132 films to 150 of the previous year. Certainly, the situation, has become worse, a foreboding that may prove irreversible unless appropriate measures are instituted...On the other hand, Vilma Santos, although she starred in only one movie, Ibulong Mo sa Diyos, lorded it over in television with the top rated Vilma and a top-rating drama special (Lamat sa Kristal) she herself produced......." - Mike Feria, Manila Standard, Jan 5 1989 (READ MORE)

"...These songs are all included in Gary V at the Movies. Fans will be glad to know that they now have Kailangan Kita and I Will Be Here in one album! The real gems here though are the oldies, which have also been compiled in a single album for the first time. The only beef I have with the collection is that Sana Maulit Muli, the most enduring Gary V. composition, is presented as a duet with Kayla. I have nothing against Kayla and I agree that the duet version gave a new spin to the old favorite but this is Gary V at the Movies and I would have preferred to get the now classic original rendition of Sana Maulit Muli, from Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos solo by Gary V...." - Baby Gil, Philstar, May 7, 2003 (READ MORE)

Related Reading:

• IMDB: Ibulong mo sa Diyos (1988)
• Elwood Perez and his masterpieces that gave birth to showbiz's brightest stars
• Elwood Perez: Master of mise en scene
• Elwood Perez: Isang Natatanging Pagkilala
• The Underrated Director Elwood Perez
• Vilma Santos’ Top 10 Film Directors (part two)

Elwood Perez' Vilma Santos Films

204 films, 70 directors, 5 decades, Vilma Santos, one of the original Philippine movie queens, rose up to become the versatile actress that has been given the fitting title of “Star for All Seasons” because of her capacity to adapt to the changing mores and values of the Filipino woman, giving a face to their plight and struggles, albeit in success both critically and box-office wise in some of Philippine cinema’s classics such as Trudis Liit (1963), Lipad, Darna, Lipad (1973), Burlesk Queen (1977), Relasyon (1982), Sister Stella L. (1984), Alyas Baby Tsina (1984), Pahiram ng Isang Umaga (1989), Dahil Mahal Kita: The Dolzura Cortez Story (1993), Anak (2000) and Dekada ’70 (2002). This are top ten directors who contributed to her success. - RV (READ MORE)

Elwood Perez and Vilma Santos collaborated in seven films. The first one was the trilogy that he co-directed with two other directors, Borlaza and Gosiengfiao (these three are the most underrated and under appreciated directors in the Philippines), the remake of Mars Ravelo comic super hero, Darna in Lipad Darna Lipad. The film was a record-breaking hit film. They followed "Lipad..." with more mature project as Vilma started to transform her sweet image to serious mature/versatile actress. The film was "Masarap Masakit Ang Umibig" in 1977 that also featured Christopher de Leon and Mat Ranillo III. The Perez-Santos team produced seven blockbuster hits that gave Vilma two FAMAS best actress awards. The last one was in 1988 for "Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos" that elevated her to FAMAS highest honour, the FAMAS Hall of Fame award (She won for Dama de Noche 1972, Relasyon 1982, Pakawalan Mo Ako 1981, Tagos Ng Dugo 1987 and Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos 1988). - RV (READ MORE)

Lipad Darna Lipad! (1973) - "...In this episode Valentina, tried to steal Narda’s magical stone. Also, there was a scene where Valentina dressed up as Darna. I love the exciting part where Darna and Valentina battled on top of a high rise building. Darna, was almost a no match to her mortal enemy. Dangerously armed with lazer beams coming out from Valentina’s eyes, Darna was helpless and knocked down several times. Until, she stumbled upon into a piece of broken mirror and used it as a shield againts Valentina’s deadly lazer beams. Darna quickly made her looked in the mirror. Her lazer beams bounced back and she turned into a stone. From the roof, Valentina fell hard on the ground and broked into shattered pieces. Anjanette Abayarri and Cherrie Gil almost did the same scene in ” Darna, Ang Pagbabalik! ” Second Episode was directed by Elwood Perez..." - Eric Cueto (READ MORE)

Masarap, Masakit ang Umibig (1977) - "...Sa pelikulang ito, unang ipinamalas ang senswalidad ni Vilma Santos. Maraming eksenang sekswal ang aktres at maaari talaga siyang makipagsabayan sa mga tulad nina Alma Moreno at Trixia Gomez. Karamihan ng mga sitwasyong ibinigay sa kanyang karakter ay hindi kapani-paniwala. Nariyang gawin siyang modelo, sa ilang piling tagpo ipinakita din ang pagiging estudyante ni Estella ngunit hindi naman tinahak ang mga ito sa kabuuan ng pelikula. Hindi rin maikakaila ang husay ni Christopher de Leon bilang aktor ngunit sa pelikulang ito ay nasayang lamang ang kanyang pagganap. Hindi nabigyan ng tamang direksyon ang aktor kung kaya’t lumabas na sabog ang kanyang karakterisasyon. Si Mat Ranillo III naman ay tila hindi na natutong umarte. Kadalasa’y pinaghuhubad siya ng direktor sa mga eksena upang mabigyang pansin. Masyadong mahaba ang pelikula dahil na rin siguro sa panghihinayang ni direk Elwood na masayang ang magagandang eksenang kanyang nakunan ngunit hindi naman nakaapekto ang mga ito sa takbo ng istorya. Kadalasa’y nakababad lamang ang kamera at nakatanghod sa susunod na gagawin ng mga artista. Hindi ito nakatulong upang mapabilis ang takbo ng pelikula, nakakainip panoorin ang ganitong mga eksena..." - Jojo Devera (READ MORE)

Nakawin Natin ang Bawat Sandali (1978) - "...It has a uniformly good performance by the cast which includes Baby Delgado, Roel Vergel de Dios, Anita Linda, Jose Villafranca and the two leads Christopher de Leon and especially Vilma Santos who has done a surprisingly intelligent and affecting character portrayal. Not since Eddie Romero’s Sinong Kapiling, Sinong Kasiping? (1977) have we seen characters who think, behave and react to problems and situations like mature, sensitive and intelligent people. The characters do give way to occasional hysterical outbursts, but they somehow wake up to their senses before they completely forget themselves. And they are people in believable situations with real problems and genuine emotions. When they talk, they are seldom silly and when they are silly, they are aware of it. But even when they are silly or trite, they are never unsympathetic..." - Jojo Devera (READ MORE)

Magkaribal (1979) - "...Christopher de Leon embodies the physicality and psyche of a sexy beast whose complexity is at par with that of a De Niro or Pacino. De Leon, here in his prime epitomizes the dramatic range and animal magnetism akin to Marlon Brando’s Stanley Kowalski. Alma Moreno’s portrayal of a woman who desires a new life in the face of a very uncertain future is competent. The acting method employed here is able to twist the logic of cliché and reconstitutes the drama of yearning with passion and grace. Vilma Santos shows that the strength of women need not come from the repudiation of “feminine” traits and roles. Neither should they come from brute, shrewish adamance as exemplified by the stereotype, nor from machismo as embodied by her husband. Santos demonstrates that the concept of the beautiful, dainty, feminine and strong are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Rather, these form a character that is finally textured, complex and potentially oppositionist. Magkaribal is commendable for staging clever and well-thought out situations partaking of actual tension and punctuated by defamiliarizing comical scenarios and melodramatic circumventions. A certain style of filmmaking based on genre or other considerations is taken as any distinct mode of creating form in film and is made possible only against a background of options that makes a particular choice significant, meaningful and therefore recognizable stylistically. Film artists work within these possibilities in the process of making art, but are never limited to custom and habit..." - Jojo Devera (READ MORE)

Pinay, American Style (1979) - "...The film was so forgettable that the critics didn’t even bother to write any reviews. The lack of enthusiasm on the part of the critics was compensated with the box office success of the film. Vilma fits the role as the illegal alien, PX. Her attempt to speak fluent English and pretend that she’s rich when she met the boyish looking Christopher was funny and poignant. She was given enough scenes to shine. One was when she was harassed by her landlady, she promised her the rent money the next day and when she’s gone, she opened her refrigerator and found a staled piece of bread. She took bottled water and ate the staled bread, went to the bedroom and found her mom’s letter. Lying down in bed, she started to break down. A quiet scene without dialogue. A contrast from the earlier scenes where she was talkative as she tried to impress Christopher and telling him she’s rich and from a well-known family. It was obvious in 1979, Elwood Perez wasn’t the kind of director you will expect to produce a serious output. He wasn’t a Bernal or Brocka. He’s a commercial director. It was a better effort though, compared to a much more convoluted Magkaribal or their past successful projects like Nakawin natin ang bawat sandali and masakit masarap ang umibig. In Pinay, Toto Belano’s script wasn’t efficient in ironing out the “love quadrangle” plot twists and establishing the characters of four actors. So the blame can’t be put to solely to Perez’ shoulder. There was a scene were Vilma Santos and Christopher were watching a concert which was obviously not part of the script." - RV (READ MORE)

Pakawalan Mo Ako (1981) - "...The second memorable film experience for me was during early 80s where I saw the free sneak preview of “Pakawalan Mo Ako” at Gotesco Theatre near University of the East. I was one of the lucky ones who managed to get in. My college mates weren’t. They got stocked in the pandemonium outside. I was worried sick as I took the long escalator and saw them being crashed by the crowed. The security guards have to closed the gate of the lobby. Fans became so restless and broke the glass windows (where they displayed posters and still photos) . Inside, It was crowded, hot and wild. We were seeing a more mature Vilma Santos. From the very beginning, the crowed went along the story until one of the climatic scene – the courtroom scene where she cried and swear! Oh my god I still remember the crowd swearing and cursing too! It was so wild!..." - RV (READ MORE)

Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos (1988) - "...Vilma hit the jackpot. After 11 nominations with four wins, her twelfth nomniation produced her an unexpected win. It elevated her to the hall of fame status. All artist who wins five automatically put them to the hall of fame list. It is a big honour but prohibit any one on the list to compete in the future for the same category. Regal films’ Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos, directed by Elwood Perez was a surprised winner. Not only it earned Vilma her fifth award as best actress, it also gave the late Miguel Rodriguez a best supporting actor award and the best director for Perez. Technical awards were also given to Ricardo Jacinto, cinematography, Rey Maliuanag, production design, Gary Valenciano, theme song, and George Jarlego, editing. The late Nida Blanca was also nominated for best supporting actress..." - RV (READ MORE)

"...Elwood Perez is a virtuoso of the camera and is the man behind numerous classic Filipino movies. His intuitive approach to filmmaking and scriptwriting is something worth emulating not because they are campy and sexy but they discuss social ills and promote solutions while tickling the most delicate part of our consciousness—our emotion. Born during the near end of World War II on Feb. 4, 1945 in Mabalacat, Pampanga, Elwood Perez started watching movies at the age of three. He practically grew up breathing, feeling, and thinking about movies. “I want [a] vicarious experience. That’s the only thing I want in my life. I hate the effort to go, let’s say for example to Venice. That’s why I watch films every day. Until now,” the 64-year-old director says. He wrote, directed and acted the lead role in his first Filipino play, Ander di Saya. And he was only nine years old then. From then on, Perez knew what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. At age 25, Perez marked his debut as a film director with Blue Boy in 1970. The film was a flop at the box office but it was revered by critics. Maturing as a scriptwriter and film director, in 1973, commercially successful Lipad, Darna Lipad! was released. Award-winning actress Celia Rodriguez essayed the role of Medusa-like villainess, Valentina, nubile Vilma Santos played the Filipino supergirl (a role that launched her in a series of Darna flicks). To Filipino film industry insiders, Perez is known as the most sought-after movie director of his generation..." - Nickie Wang (READ MORE)

Related Reading:

• The Underrated Director Elwood Perez
• Elwood Perez marks 67th birthday, Mother Lily launches new ‘baby’
• Film archivist group unearths rare Elwood Perez movie
• Silip (1985) DVD out now
• How Shameful is Elwood Perez’s Shame (1983)
• Elwood Perez: Master of mise en scene
• Elwood Perez film festival at UP Film Institute
• PEP: Perez’ masterpieces that gave birth to showbiz’s brightest stars
• Top 10 Film Directors (Video)

NAKAWIN NATIN ANG BAWAT SANDALI (1978)

Basic Information: Direction: Elwood Perez; Cast: Cast: Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon, Baby Delgado, Roel Vergel de Dios, Freddie Yance, Anita Linda, Romeo Rivera, Tony Carreon, Lily Miraflor, Ven Medina, Jose Villafranca, Nina Lorenzo, Yolanda Luna, Mario Escudero, Jimmy Reyes, Vic Santos, Aring Bautista, Nat Mallares, Josefina Morato, Juanita Rodrigues, Rita Flores, The Thunder Boys; Sound: Lino Torres; Editing: Oscar Dugtong; Cinematography: Gener Bueneseda; Executive Producer: Marichu Perez Maceda; Stroy and Screenplay: Orlando Nadres; Music: Lutgardo Labad; Produced by Sampaguita Pictures Inc.; Theme Songs: Dahil Sa Pag-ibig (Music by Lutgardo Abad, Lyrics by George Canseco, Sung by Aloha, Released by Blackgold Records), Nakawin Natin Ang Bawat Sandali (Music by Lutgardo Abad, Lyrics by Orlando Nadres, Sung by Anthony Castelo, Released by Vicor Music)

Plot Description: A young couple's affair is marred by their feuding families and small-town intrigues. They meet years after as successful career people only to be drawn into another scandalous liaison. - Pinoy DVD (READ MORE)

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Reviews: "...Elwood Perez and Vilma Santos colloborated in seven films (Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos 1988, Lipad Darna Lipad 1973, Magkaribal 1979, Masarap Masakit ang Umibig 1977, Nakawin Natin ang Bawat Sandali 1978, Pakawalan Mo Ako 1981, Pinay American Style 1979). The first one was the trilogy that he co-directed with two other director, Borlaza and Gosiengfiao (these three are the most underrated and under appreciated directors in the Philippines), the remake of Mars Ravelo comic super hero, Darna in Lipad Darna Lipad. The film was a record-breaking hit Box-office Film. They follow this up with a more mature projects as Vilma started to switched her image from sweet to a mature versatile actress, pairing her with Christopher DeLeon in five films starting with Masarap Masakit Ang Umibig in 1977. The Perez-Santos-DeLeon team produced seven blockbuster hits that gave Vilma two FAMAS best actress awards that secured her elevation to FAMAS highest honour, the FAMAS Hall of Fame award. She won in 1979 for Pakawalan Mo Ako and 1988 for Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos..." - RV (READ MORE)

Related Reading:

• Elwood Perez: Isang Natatanging Pagkilala
• Nakawin natin ang bawat sandali (1978)
• Top 10 Leading Men
• Vi-Boyet Tandem: Pinagtibay ng Panahon
• The Films of Christopher De Leon and Vilma Santos (Videos)
• Video 48: Christopher De Leon-Vilma Santos Screen Tandem

Vilma Santos’ Top 10 Film Directors 2/6

Introductions: 197 films, 70 directors, 5 decades, Vilma Santos, one of the original Philippine movie queens, rose up to become the versatile actress that has been given the fitting title of “Star for All Seasons” because of her capacity to adapt to the changing mores and values of the Filipino woman, giving a face to their plight and struggles, albeit in success both critically and box-office wise in some of Philippine cinema’s classics such as Trudis Liit (1963), Lipad, Darna, Lipad (1973), Burlesk Queen (1977), Relasyon (1982), Sister Stella L. (1984), Alyas Baby Tsina (1984), Pahiram ng Isang Umaga (1989), Dahil Mahal Kita: The Dolzura Cortez Story (1993), Anak (2000) and Dekada ’70 (2002). This are top ten directors who contributed to her success.

9. (tie) Elwood Perez - "...is a virtuoso of the camera and is the man behind numerous classic Filipino movies. His intuitive approach to filmmaking and scriptwriting is something worth emulating not because they are campy and sexy but they discuss social ills and promote solutions while tickling the most delicate part of our consciousness—our emotion. Born during the near end of World War II on Feb. 4, 1945 in Mabalacat, Pampanga, Elwood Perez started watching movies at the age of three. He practically grew up breathing, feeling, and thinking about movies. “I want [a] vicarious experience. That’s the only thing I want in my life. I hate the effort to go, let’s say for example to Venice. That’s why I watch films every day. Until now,” the 64-year-old director says. He wrote, directed and acted the lead role in his first Filipino play, Ander di Saya. And he was only nine years old then. From then on, Perez knew what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. At age 25, Perez marked his debut as a film director with Blue Boy in 1970. The film was a flop at the box office but it was revered by critics. Maturing as a scriptwriter and film director, in 1973, commercially successful Lipad, Darna Lipad! was released. Award-winning actress Celia Rodriguez essayed the role of Medusa-like villainess, Valentina, nubile Vilma Santos played the Filipino supergirl (a role that launched her in a series of Darna flicks). To Filipino film industry insiders, Perez is known as the most sought-after movie director of his generation. He consistently churned out hit movie after another. His unsurpassed track record of money-makers and trend-setters include Zoom, Zoom, Superman!; Bawal: Asawa Mo, Asawa Ko; Isang Gabi, Tatlong Babae; Divorce: Pilipino Style; Masarap, Masakit ang Umibig; Summer Love; Till We Meet Again; and Ibulong Mo sa Diyos. Today, films he directed in the ’70s and ’80s like Pakawalan Mo Ako (a Vilma Santos-Christopher de Leon starrer) and Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M, as then enfant terrible of Philippine Cinema, enjoy regular reruns on primetime television and in select movie houses as examples of the award-winning film or the commercially-rewarding art film: true classics of film as entertainment for everyman, the 20th century’s quintessential art form. His life’s mise en scene “During the height of my career, I didn’t like publicity. Do you know any director who sold a movie on a count on the fact that he directed the film? I was very quiet then, because nobody would watch a film because of the director. Stars pa rin ang pinapanood ng tao,” Perez conveys..." - Nickie Wang (READ MORE)

Highlights: Elwood Perez and Vilma Santos collaborated in seven films. The first one was the trilogy that he co-directed with two other directors, Borlaza and Gosiengfiao (these three are the most underrated and under appreciated directors in the Philippines), the remake of Mars Ravelo comic super hero, Darna in Lipad Darna Lipad. The film was a record-breaking hit film. They followed "Lipad..." with more mature project as Vilma started to transform her sweet image to serious mature/versatile actress. The film was "Masarap Masakit Ang Umibig" in 1977 that also featured Christopher de Leon and Mat Ranillo III. The Perez-Santos team produced seven blockbuster hits that gave Vilma two FAMAS best actress awards. The last one was in 1988 for "Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos" that elevated her to FAMAS highest honour, the FAMAS Hall of Fame award (She won for Dama de Noche 1972, Relasyon 1982, Pakawalan Mo Ako 1981, Tagos Ng Dugo 1987 and Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos 1988).

Total Number of Films in our list of VSR’s Top 50 films: 4 #10 Lipad Darna Lipad 1973, #43 Pinay American Style 1979, #42 Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos 1988, #25 Pakawalan Mo Ako 1981

Total Number of Films: 7 Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos 1988, Lipad Darna Lipad 1973, Magkaribal 1979, Masarap Masakit ang Umibig 1977, Nakawin Natin ang Bawat Sandali 1978, Pakawalan Mo Ako 1981, Pinay American Style 1979

Related Readings:

• The Underrated Director Elwood Perez
• How Shameful is Elwood Perez’s Shame (1983)
• Reminiscing ‘Waikiki’
• Elwood Perez: Master of mise en scene
• Elwood Perez film festival at UP Film Institute
• PEP: Perez’ masterpieces that gave birth to showbiz’s brightest stars

9. (tie) Luis Enriquez Born Luis Clemente Enriquez on August 23, 1932 in Zamboanga City, Philippines. Famous for his dramatic films with Marlene Dauden and Lolita Rodriguez in the 60s. He wrote, produced and directed films using his birth name Luis Enriquez. On September 12, 2001, Eddie Rodriguez died at the young age of age 69. FAP: One of the greatest dramatic actors of Philippine cinema, he starred in such classics directed by Gregorio Fernandez as Kundiman ng Lahi, Luksang Tagumpay and Malvarosa with Charito Solis, Rebecca del Rio and Vic Silayan for LVN Pictures, Inc. He won a best actor FAMAS trophy for his performance in Sapagkat Kami’y Tao Lamang where he co-starred with Lolita Rodriguez and Marlene Dauden (who won as best supporting actress) under the direction of Armando de Guzman for Hollywood Far East Productions. He tried his hands in secret agent films like Paolo Staccato and Perro Gancho. He formed Virgo Productions with wife Liza Moreno, an actress-writer who wrote stories which Eddie acted in and directed. These films included Babae, Ikaw ang Dahilan, Kasalanan Mo, Ang Pagsintang Labis, Kapag Pusoy Sinugatan, Iginuhit sa Buhangin, Alaala mo, Daigdig ko, Bakit Ako Pa?, and Ikaw. Dubbed as the country’s drama king, he also directed Kung Kailangan Mo Ako (with Sharon Cuneta and Rudy Fernandez), Maging Sino Ka Man and Di Na Natuto (with Sharon Cuneta and Robin Padilla) Minsan Pa and Kahit Konting Pagtingin (with Fernando Poe Jr. and Sharon Cuneta). His real name was Luis Enriquez from Zamboanga City.

Highlights: Luis Enriquez aka Eddie Rodriguez first directed a young Vilma Santos in 1968's "Kasalanan Kaya," another love triangle genre starring the dramatic trio of Marlene Dauden, Eddie Rodriguez and Lolita Rodriguez.  Vilma received an early acting recognition from this film, a FAMAS Nomination for Best Supporting Actress.  When Enriquez directed Vilma again, it was a calculated risk.  The film allowed a still young Vilma into a bikini-clad lead role opposite her director, Eddie Rodriguez as her leading man.   The film was "Nakakahiya," a May-December love story and an entry to 1975 Bacolod City Film Festival.  Aside from making the the film a smash hit, Vilma received the festival’s Best Actress.  Enriquez directed Vilma in five more films, the last one was in 1981's "Ex-Wife."   In this film credits, Rodriguez surprisingly used his actor's screen name - 'Eddie Rodriguez and dropped his most known director's name, "Luis Enriquez."

Total Number of Films in our list of VSR’s Top 50 films: 3 #30 Ex-Wife 1981, #38 Nakakahiya? 1975, #39 Hindi Nakakahiya 1976

Total Number of Films: 7 Ex-Wife 1981, Halik sa Kamay Halik sa Paa 1979, Hindi Nakakahiya 1976, Ikaw Lamang 1971, Kasalanan Kaya? 1968, Nakakahiya? 1975, Simula ng Walang Katapusan

Related Readings:

• Video 48: The ‘Drama King’ As Action Star
• Pagbabalik-Tanaw: Eddie at Vilma
• Top 10 Leading Men
• IMDB: Luis Enriquez

8. Danny Zialcita - "...is a fun-loving gifted and colorful filmmaker who left his mark as one of the best in the stimulating era of the ’60s and ’70s. Then without any warning he left the industry. Stories of drug addiction, withdrawal from the world, and worse, loss of sanity dogged his absence until even his colleagues lost touch with him and didn’t know what to believe. Zialcita is a master of improvisation on the set, he also had the knack for casting the right actors, choosing the right material, and pleasing his producers. One of his favorite actors was Dindo Fernando whom he termed “the complete actor” and cast him in such movies as Langis at Tubig, Karma, Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan, Mahinhin at Mahinhin, its sequel Malakas, si Maganda at si Mahinhin and Ikaw at ang Gabi which gave Dindo his first Urian Best Actor trophy. Other favorites were Vilma Santos cast in Karma, T-Bird at Ako, Langis at Tubig; Pinky de Leon; Laurice Guillen; Ronaldo Valdes; and Beth Bautista who won Best Actress award in Hindi sa Iyo ang Mundo Baby Porcuna..." - Bibsy M. Carballo (READ MORE).

Highlights: 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.

Total Number of Films in our list of VSR’s Top 50 films: 3 #17 Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan? 1982, #26 Karma 1981, #44 Langis at Tubig 1980

Total Number of Films: 4 Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan? 1982, Karma 1981, Langis at Tubig 1980, T-Bird at Ako

Related Readings:

• Danny Zialcita, Metro Him, Sept 2008
• IMDB: Danny Zialcita
• Video 48: The Films of Danny Zialcita (1965-1975) First of Two Parts
• Video 48: The Films of Danny Zialcita (1976-1986) Second of Two Parts
• Danny Zialcita ready for another project

PAKAWALAN MO AKO (1981)

“Puta! Sige ituloy n’yo! Sabihin n’yo! Hindi lang naman kayo ang ang unang nagparatang sa akin ng ganyan. Puta! Puta! Puta! Putang-ina n’yong lahat! Putang-ina n’yong lahat! Sige! Sabihin n’yo! Isigaw n’yo! Kung sa inyo lang ay malinis ang aking konsensiya!” - Anna

“Kukunin ko ang bayad ng halik! May sukli ka pa!” - Anna

Basic Information: Direction: Elwood Perez; Adapted screenplay: Pete Lacaba, Mao Gia Samonte, Iskho Lopez; Original screenplay: Pete Lacaba; Cast: Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon, Anthony Castelo, Deborah Sun, Subas Herrero, Mila Ocampo; Original Music: Lutgardo Labad; Production Design: Ulay Tantoco; Cinematography: Johnny Araojo; Editing: Jose H. Tarnate; Sound: Gaudencio Barredo; Theme Song: "Dati" sung by Anthony Castello; Producer: Marichu Maceda; Production Co: MVP Pictures; Release Date: 29 May 1981 (Philippines) - IMDB

Plot Description: When Ana's (Vilma Santos) father died they experience hardship. She decided to stop her schooling and work (selling beauty soaps on the street). Despite being poor, she decided not to ask help from her rich boyfriend Freddie Villaseñor (Christopher DeLeon). When the hardship reached its peak, she decided to join her friend, Bernadette Santos (Deborah Sun) as escort girls. There she met Bernard, a son of a rich clan, who courted her when Anna's relationship with Freddy failed. As it turned out Anna was pregnant and despite the disapproval of Bernard's rich father (Subas Herrero), they continued their relationship. The continuing harassment of Bernard's father and his entourage resulted in Bernard being shot as one of the goons tried to rape Anna and was caught by Bernard. Anna was framed and Bernard rich father hired Freddy to prosecute Anna. The film climax with the prosecutor Freddy discovered the bullet that killed Bernard. This was when he decided to visit Ana's family and met her son. The film ends with Ana being acquitted and Freddy discovered that Ana's son was his son. – RV

Namatay ang tatay ni Ana (Vilma Santos) at dahil rito’y naghirap sila. Napilitan siyang magtinda ng sabon at tumigil sa pag-aaral. Sa kabila nito hindi siya humingi ng tulong sa katipan na si Freddie Villasenor (Christopher DeLeon). Dahil sa hirap ay napilitang pumasok si Ana sa isang escort service sa tulong ng kanyang kaibigang si Bernadette Santos (Deborah Sun). Nakilala ni Ana si Bernard San Diego (Antony Castelo) sa kanyang trabaho bilang escort girl. Sa gabing iyon nakita siya ng kapatid na babae ni Freddy. Nang yayain ni Freddy si Ana para magpakasal pumayag na ito at pumunta siya sa bahay ni Freddy para makilala ang pamilya ni Freddy. Hindi nila alam ay inimbitahan ng kapatid ni Freddy si Bernard San Diego. At sa hapag ng kainan ay binisto nito ang tunay na trabaho ni Ana. Umalis nang umiiyak si Ana at nagkagalit sila ni Freddy. Pinuntahan ni Bernard si Ana para humingi ng paunmanhin ngunit naabutan sila ni Freddy at nag-away sila ni Bernard. Inakala ni Freddy na talagang may relasyon si Bernard at Ana kung kaya iniwanan niya ito.

Nagbalik si Ana sa kanyang trabaho. Nagkaroon ng secret admirer ito. Yung pala ito ay si Bernard. Nalaman rin ni Ana na buntis siya at ang ama ng dinadala niya ay si Freddy. Inalok ni Bernard si Ana ng kasal at pumayag naman ito sa kabila ng pagtutol ng kanyang mayamang ama. Lumaki ang bata at apat na taon na ito nang magdesisyon ang ama ni Bernard na tigilan na ang pagsasama ng dalawa. Inalok si Ana ng malaking halaga ngunit tumutol ito. Nang umalis ang ama ni Bernard ay pinaiwan nito ang isa sa kanyang mga tauhan para gahasain si Ana. Dumating si Bernard at nagaway sila ng tauhan ng kanyang ama. Sa kaguluhan ay nabaril ng tauhan ng kanyang ama si Bernard mismo. Sinet-up ng ama ni Bernard si Ana. Pinakulong at kinuhang abogado si Freddy. Sa hukuman ay nakuhang magduda ni Freddy sa dating katipan. Nagpunta ito sa bahay ng ina ni Ana upang kausapin ang batang anak ni Ana. Natuklasan ni Freddy ang tutuong nangyari at ang testigo ay ang anak ni Ana. Sa closing ng kaso ay inihayag ni Freddy na walang kasalanan si Ana at ang pumatay kay Bernard ay ang tauhan ng sarili nitong ama. Napawalang sala si Ana at nalaman ni Freddy na ang bata’y ang sarili niyang anak.

Film Achievements: FAMAS: Best Actress - Vilma Santos, Best Actor nomination - Christopher De Leon

Film Reviews: Dalawangpu’t Anim na taon na ang nakakalipas nang una nating napanood ang pelikulang Pakawalan Mo Ako. Tumabo ito sa takilya at nagbunga ng pagkapanalo ni Ate Vi ng Best Actress mula sa Famas para sa taong ito. Prinudyus ng Sampaguita Pictures, ang “Pakawalan Mo Ako” ay isa sa mga pruweba na nasa ikataas na puwesto si Vilma Santos nang bagong dekada otsenta. Mula umpisa hanggang sa huli’y umiikot ang istorya sa karakter ni Vilma bilang si Ana, isang escort girl. Markado ang papel ni Vilma at makikita ito sa mga eksena sa kulungan at hukuman. Ang Pakawalan Mo Ako ay mula sa panulat ni Pete Lacaba at iskrinplay nina Pete Lacaba, Mao Gia Samonte at Isko Lopez. Kung ikukumpara sa mga ibang pelikula ni Elwood Perez mas pulido at makatotohanan ang mga eksena’t dialouge ng pelikula. Tulad ng konprontahin nga ma ni Bernard si Ana sinabi nito na: “Puta, Puta! Puta! Hindi lang naman kayo ang unang nagparatang sa akin ng ganyan! Puta! Puta! Putang Ina n’yong lahat…” At nang unang dalhin ni Bernard si Ana sa bahay nito at pagtangkaang gahasain, pumiglas si Ana at sabay kuha sa pera at sabay sabing: “kukunin ko ang bayad sa halik may sukli ka pa!” At siyempre ang eksena sa hukom kung saan paulit ulit niyang sinasabi ang salitang: “Sinungaling!...” Ang musika ni Lutgardo Labad ay minsan nakakaabala sa tunay na eksena ngunit angkop na angkop ang theme song ng pelikula, ang “Dati” na kinanta mismo ni Antony Castelo. Merong mahahabang linya si Christopher DeLeon sa bandang huli at nakuha naman niyang bigyan ng buhay ang papel niya bilang abogado ng taga-usig kahit na parang pilit ang pagpapalit niya ng panig para sa tagapagtanggol sa bandang huli, sa kanyang closing remarks. Alam niya marahil na talagang pelikula ito ni Ate Vi. Mahusay rin ang pagganap ni Antony Castelo bilang isang matigas na ulong anak ng isang mayaman. Sa papel na ina ni Ana, nakaka-distract ang hindi tunay na boses ni Mila Ocampo. Bilang ama ni Bernard San Diego, very one-dimensional ang papel ni Subas Herrero. Ang pinakanakakatuwang papel ay ang papel na kaibigan ni Ana na ginampanan ni Deborah Sun. Meron siyan eksena sa hukuman kung saan tumistigo siya at natural na natural ang pagkababaeng bakla niya. Mabilis ang pacing ng pelikula at walang mahusay ang pagkakaedit nito. Hindi ako nagtaka kung bakit nanalo si Ate Vi para sa pelikulang ito mula sa Famas. Ito rin ang bale hudyat ng pagsibol ng bagong Vilma Santos pagpasok ng dekada otsenta dahil sa sumunod na taon ay nagkasunod sunod na ang parangal sa pagarte ni Ate Vi mula sa iba’t ibang award giving bodies. - RV

Labis ang pagdadalamhati ng mag-inang Ester at Anna (Mila Ocampo at Vilma Santos) sa di inaasahang pagpanaw ng asawa at ama ng kanyang anak. Dahil dito, iniatang sa kanya ang pag-aaruga sa maysakit nitong ina. Namasukan bilang promo girl si Anna ngunit hindi sapat ang kanyang kinikita upang matustusan ang kanilang pang araw-araw na pangangailangan. Hindi rin nito mapagdesisyunan ang alok na pagpapakasal ng kasintahang si Freddie (Christopher de Leon). Di naglaon, ipinasok ito ng kaibigang si Bambi (Deborah Sun) sa Promo Vision Escort Services na pag-aari ni Pepito (Ed Villapol). Sa isang okasyon, nakilala nito si Bernard San Diego (Anthony Castelo), at madaling nahulog ang kanilang loob sa isa't-isa. Ngunit kaiba si Anna sa mga kasamang escort girls dahilan sa hindi nito inilalako ang kanyang katawan sa mga parokyano sa anumang halaga. Nang muling alukin ni Freddie ng kasal si Anna, pumayag ito at ipinakilala niya ang nobya sa kanyang mga magulang. Ngunit hindi inaasahan ni Anna na sa pagkakataong ito malalaman ni Freddie ang tungkol sa kanyang pagpuputa. Hindi ito nabigyan ng pagkakataong maipaliwanag ang katotohanan hanggang sa tuluyan siyang iwan ni Freddie. Naging masugid na manliligaw ni Anna si Bernard at halos bilhin na nito ang kanyang buhay. Nagpakasal ang dalawa hanggang sa itakwil ito ng amang si Don Nilo (Subas Herrero), habang ibinuhos naman ni Freddie ang kanyang panahon sa propesyon bilang abogado. Iigting ang takbo ng kuwento nang mabaril at mapatay si Bernard. Makukulong si Anna at gigipitin ito ni Don Nilo, kukunin niya ang serbisyo ni Freddie sa kaso ng pagpatay sa kanyang anak. Sa huli ay mananaig pa rin ang damdamin ni Freddie kay Anna at mapapawalang sala ito sa krimeng kanyang kinsangkutan.

"...Natatangi ang pelikulang Pakawalan Mo Ako (MVP Pictures, 1981) dahil sa matagumpay nitong pagtatangkang ilahad ang proseso tungkol sa pag-ibig at pagbabahagi ng sarili nang buo ang pagkatao. Nilinaw ng pelikula ang mga personal at pang-ekonomiyang salik na naghatid sa pangunahing tauhan tungo sa pagpuputa at inilalantad ang bunga nito gaya ng madadaming pagsasadula ni Vilma Santos. Nang muli silang magkita ng kasintahan, ibang babae na ang kanyang nakatagpo, mas may tiwala sa sarili at mulat na sa kalakaran ng mundo. Nakakaantig ang transpormasyon ng kanyang karakter mula biktima ng nasawing pag-ibig at di-makalingang propesyon tungo sa pagbabago at paninindigan ng kanyang pagiging babae. Mapangumbinsi rin ang pagganap ni Christopher de Leon dahil sa kanyang sensitibong pagpasok sa katauhan ng isang abogadong makiling sa sistema ng batas. Sa unang tingin, tila makababae ang punto de bista ng Pakawalan Mo Ako dahil sa paglalahad ng babae bilang biktima pa rin ng ispontanyong reaksiyon ni Bernard, ang lalaking nagnanasa sa kanyang katawan. Subalit madulas ang daloy ng iskrip nina Pete Lacaba, Mao Gia Samonte at Iskho Lopez, konsistent ang disenyong biswal at sinematograpiya. Malinis ang editing at akmang-akma ang musika. Ngunit habang hinihimay ang naratibo, unti-unting natuklasan ang melodramatikong proposisyong ipinapakain ng pelikula. Isang proposisyong taliwas sa pagnanasang patuloy na makibaka, magmahal at mabuhay..." - Jojo De Vera, Sari-saring Sineng Pinoy

"...One of the pioneers of the indie scene in the 1970s, Perez eventually became one of most bankable directors of that same golden era which spawned the biggest hits of acting superstars Nora Aunor ("Mahal Mo, Mahal Ko," "Till We Meet Again") and Vilma Santos ("Pakawalan Mo Ako," "Ibulong Mo sa Diyos"). "Masarap, Masakit ang Umibig" was screened in the Asia-Pacific Film Fest in Taiwan in 1978 and the Asean Film Fest in Australia in 1981..." - Bayani San Diego Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer, 11/01/2009

Deborah Sun - "...Bonggang-bongga ang papel ni Deborah Sun sa "Pakawalan Mo Ako." Even her co-stars here, Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, and Anthony Castelo joked na madalas silang maagawan ng eksena ni Deborah. Tila nga lalong tumataas ang career ni Gigi (her monicker in real life). Bukod sa "Pakawalan," lumabas din siya sa "Rosang Tatak" at sa highly successful na first directorial job ni Bembol Roco, ang "Asal Hayop..." - Artista Magazine, 1981 (READ MORE)

PINAY AMERICAN STYLE (1979)

“I’m PX, short for Paula Xavier, I’m a Filipina…kyontiii…I can understand Tagalog but I’m having a hard time speaking it…actually, I’m not hungry…but on the second thought, why not?” - PX

“one-fourth Japanese, one-fourth Chinese, one-fourth Indonisian, one-fourth Filipino but I was born in Hongkong…you see my mom was a tourist in Hongkong when she met my Japanese father, my Chinese father, my Indonisian father and my Filipino father!” - PX

Basic Information: Direction: Elwood Perez: Adapted screenplay; Toto Belano; Original screenplay; Toto Belano; Cast: Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon, Bembol Roco, Cocoy Laurel, Rosa Mia; Original Music: Demetrio Velasquez; Cinematography: Felipe Sacdalan; Theme Song: "Pinay" sung by Florante; Producer: Lily Monteverde, Regal Films

Plot Description: PX, short for Paula Xavier (Vilma Santos) was an illegal alien in New York City. She’s broke and waiting for fiancé, Cocoy laurel to fulfill his promise of marriage despite the fact that Cocoy has already married an American to secure a green card. Hiding from the authorities, PX met two men who are willing to take care of her but conflicts arise as the two wanted to maintain a serious relationship with her. Played wonderfully by Christopher Deleon and Bembol Roco, the film resolved the love quadrangle between ex-fiancé, Cocoy Laurel and the two brothers when the jealous Cocoy reported Vilma to the immigration authorities. PX was deported back to the Philippines. But the films didn’t end in a sour note, PX found herself reunited with Christopher Deleon when the later followed her in the Philippines.

Film Achievements: One of eight box office hit films Vilma Santos did in 1979

Film Reviews: Pinay, American Style (1979) - shot in New York City and directed by Elwood Perez, this film seems to be a precursor to Miss X (1980) ’Merika (1984) starring Nora Aunor and Milan (2004), even Anak (2000) and Dubai (2005). Talaga bang masarap ang buhay sa ibang bansa? Bakit nagpapakamatay sa green card ang mga Pinoy? PX, mahal na mahal kita, PX, I love you walang iba. Paula Xavier or PX (Vilma Santos) is a TNT like boyfriend Victor Laurel (what an effective undersated performance) who leaves her as his live-in to be engaged to an American to get a green card who promises Vilma to divorce the White girl and to marry PX so they could live happily forever after. Not. Vilma is pissed that Laurel dropped her for good and he left her with unpaid rent and a broken heart. Enter Boyet De Leon, as Vilma’s next boyfriend who has two jobs who has been around long enough to know what he wants in life - women and the American Dream. Enter Bembol Roco, in a great performance as Boyet’s Kuya who is a bagito green card holder in America. He was in the opening scene of the movie where he owns his business and lives comfortably even have someone to make him coffee. Rosa Mia are Roco and De Leon’s battered mother who suffers from the physically abusive second husband (a geriatric Irishman), and verbalized regrets for leaving the Philippines. She has the best lines in the movie and summarized the movie’s theme: "Kung uuwi ako sa Pilipinas ay kung patay na ako. Ayokong umuwi ng buhay at malaman nila na ang hirap ng buhay dito - kayod ka talaga to survive, at di pinupulot ang dolyar, ubas at mansanas sa daan. Ang dami kong dinaanang hirap para lang magka green card."

Vilma Santos as PX is most effective in her scenes as a dumped/bitter girlfriend of Laurel, as a conflicted girlfriend of De Leon, and as a grateful soul who thank Roco for saving her from paying her overdue rent to her white landlord. Her PX is a toned down Sandra of Ikaw Ay Akin. She says to Roco: "Dati, sa konting pagkain, I offer myself to be laid. Napakabait mo." Roco answers back: "Hindi ganoon kababa ang tingin ko sa sarili ko." You see, Roco falls for the beautiful PX too and was upset to learn that PX is already making it with his brother, which drove him to drink and was depressed for a while. Panoorin na lang ninyo ang movie. The movie’s hopeful view of America begins with Perry Como singing White Christmas as Roco, in a dream scene, cavorts in the snow in slow motion. In his dying scene in the arms of his brother De Leon, Roco whispers "ni hindi ko man lang nakita ang snow", and the above Winter Wonderland scene was replayed, while Boyet’s cry for help fell on deaf American ears. Vilma was deported after Laurel clandestinely reported her to the INS which arrested her at her birthday party. Her farewell scene with De Leon, handcuffed and all in a train station was one of the best scenes in the movie. The movie has a happy ending, with De Leon finding Santos, a flower picker amidst a field of white daisies with Benguet/Baguio as a backdrop. In a typical Elwood Perez slow mo fashion, amidst the daisy flower plantation, the box office love team of all time hugged and lived happily ever after. As credits rolled, Florante’s song Pinay played on. Pinay, American Style. Ang ganda! Vilma Santos yata iyan! - Mar Garces, “Tatak Vilma Santos,” V magazine, Issue No. 6 Jan-Feb 2006

Vilma was obviously under utilized as PX in these Elwood Perez experiment. Despite this predicament, Vilma was able to give us a splash of her abilities. While Nora was in full bloom as Mila in these quiet Portes film. She gave us a convincing portrayal of lonely woman who realized that she was being used by a man she truly loves. The contrast of style was the main point why I matched these two roles. As PX, Vilma was talkative, hiding her insecurity and vulnerability with her fragile disguise pretending to be a rich New Yorker with almost caricature gestures. Regal films' Pinay American Style was as commercial as one can imagine. Regal films producer, Lily Monteverde hired three leading men to support the most bankable actress of 1979, Christopher DeLeon, Bembol Rocco and Victor Cocoy Laurel. It was a period in Vilma's career where she is doing one commercial films after the other.

Two dance/musical hits Swing it Baby and Rock Baby Rock and a string of sexy films like Rubia Servious the previous year, Coed and Magkaribal mostly targeting the mature adult audience established her status as the number one box office superstar of 1978-79. Vilma in 1979 was a picture of self-assured bankable star. She did two movies with Elwood Perez, Magkaribal and Pinay American Style both were box office hits. She also produced an Eddie Rodrigues starrer Halik sa Paa Halik sa Kamay, and teamed-up with comedy king, Dolphy in Buhay Artista. As the year 1979 ends, she battled the drama queen Charito Solis in the local festival entry, Modelong Tanso.  The end of the decade marked her stronghold as the box office queen. Clearly, Vilma Santos' versatility as an actress was the secret weapon of her box office success. And this weapon was in full display in Pinay American Style. Pinay American Style was the story of PX, an illegal alien or TNT - “tago ng tago.” Her boyfriend played by Victor Laurel abandoned her for a rich American girl mainly to secure a green card. PX met an Americanized Filipino, Christopher DeLeon but found him not serious of having her as a steady girlfriend. It just so happened that PX also met Christopher's brother, Bembol Rocco, a new immigrant. PX and Bembol fell for each other. And a love triangle surfaced the screen. Adding to the drama was Victor Laurel's enraged, jealous appearances. Laurel eventually tipped the police ending PX stays in New York. As Bembol Rocco realized that America doesn't fit his lifestyle, he reconciled with his brother and advised him to follow PX in the Philippines. Christopher and Vilma reconciled in a farm field in the Philippines. The end.

The film was so forgettable that the critics didn't even bother to write any reviews. The lack of enthusiasm on the part of the critics was compensated with the box office success of the film. Vilma fits the role as the illegal alien, PX. Her attempt to speak fluent English and pretend that she's rich when she met the boyish looking Christopher was funny and poignant. She was given enough scenes to shine. One was when she was harassed by her landlady, she promised her the rent money the next day and when she’s gone, she opened her refrigerator and found a staled piece of bread. She took bottled water and ate the staled bread, went to the bedroom and found her mom's letter. Lying down in bed, she started to break down. A quiet scene without dialogue. A contrast from the earlier scenes where she was talkative as she tried to impress Christopher and telling him she's rich and from a well-known family. It was obvious in 1979, Elwood Perez wasn't the kind of director you will expect to produce a serious output. He wasn't a Bernal or Brocka. He's a commercial director. It was a better effort though, compared to a much more convoluted Magkaribal or their past successful projects like Nakawin natin ang bawat sandali and masakit masarap ang umibig. In Pinay, Toto Belano's script wasn't efficient in ironing out the “love quadrangle” plot twists and establishing the characters of four actors. So the blame can't be put to solely to Perez’ shoulder. There was a scene were Vilma Santos and Christopher were watching a concert which was obviously not part of the script. - RV

"...Pinay, American Style carries such attributes. Shot entirely in America, it depicts the plight of some Filipinos living there - Filipinos who are obsessed with amassing fortunres and landing high-paying jobs and enjoying the dolce vita in the muchballyhooed "land of the brave and home of the free" and the "land of the mighty dollar." Compared to foreign movies with explicit sex scenes, Pinay... would not even deserve the "For Adults Only" tag or an "X-rated" classification, according to Elwood. Basically, the movie is a relfection of the typical plight of Filipinos living abroad. It is a plight that runs counter to the optimism and false hopes entertained by potential Filipino immigrants. Arriving in the U.S. as tourists, some Filipinos would choose to stay behind in their search for "greener pastures." Having done so, they have to play hide-and-seek with immigration authorities, accept odd jobs to survive in the asphalt jungle, get married to ward off deportation, and similar evasive maneuvers. These same incidents are what the cast - Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, Bembol Roco and Victor "Cocoy" Laurel - portray in Pinay. Pinay is Elwood's second movie shot abroad after Lollipops..." - Manny B. Fernandez, Expressweek, July 12, 1979 (READ MORE)