Showing posts with label Pablo Santiago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pablo Santiago. Show all posts

Monday, February 11, 2013

VILMA VIENTE NUEVE (1975)


Basic Information: Directed: Pablo Santiago; Screenplay: Tommy David; Cast: Jun Aristorenas, Max Alvarado, Lito Legaspi, Vilma Santos, Anita Linda, German Moreno, Charmie Benavides, Jun Santos, Ruben Ramos, Johnny Rio, Angel Confiado, Tony Beso, Martin Marfil; Cinematography: Joe Batac Jr.; Executive producer: Jun Aristorenas

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: Adapted comics, Vilma Veinte-Nueve (1974-1975) was written by Cris R. Marcelino and illustrated by Vir G. Flores for Aliwan Komiks - Komiklopedia

Film Reviews: - The Balisong: "...The balisong is our identity, Ona said. It defines us as Batanguenos. We can't just let the industry die because of politics and cell phones. Through his business which is known all over the world, Ona is doing his best to help revive the industry by producing collectors' type balisong and constantly improving on the the quality of the knife which has become his passion. Balisong is not only my passion, it is also a fascination," he said. "In 1970, this fan knife saved my life from an attacker who retreated after he saw how fast I was with my balisong, and realized that his small weapon was no match for my bigger fan knife..." - Mei Magsino (READ MORE)

Juanito "Jun" Aristorenas (May 7, 1933–2000) was a Filipino actor, director, dancer, producer and writer. Aristorenas was known for his western roles, and has topbilled cowboy’ movies such as Sagupaan ng mga Patapon, Dugong Tigre, Apat na Bagwis. As an actor, Aristorenas has performed in movies such as Danilo Ronquillo: Cavite Boy, released in 1965, in which he portrayed Danilo Ronquillo, Rico Solitaryo (1966), and Bale-bale Kung Lumaban (1964). As a movie director, he has worked on movies such as Matalino man ang matsing na-iisahan din!, released in 2000, Cara y Cruz: Walang Sinasanto! (1996), and Marami Ka Pang Kakaining Bigas (1994). Aristorenas has also written the story of "Matalino man ang matsing na-iisahan din!", released in 2000. - Wikipedia (READ MORE).

The Balisong-wielding Batangueña Fighter - "...Vilma Santos, the Batanguena: However, the most telling evidence of how well a person can suit language and lifestyle lies in Vilma Santos-Recto, who now peppers her conversations with traditional Batangueño lines spoken with the right attitude. Vilma has taken to calling friends as Ka Nitoy or Ka Celia, Ka being a term of endearment among Batangas old-timers. Ka is also used as a term of respect to another person, usually older. In the late ’70s, Vilma acted in a film called “Vilma Veinte Nueve (29)” where she played a balisong-wielding fighter of a character. She was Batangueña, but of course..." - Nestor Cuartero, Manila Bulletin, 27 January 2017 (READ MORE)

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Saturday, January 19, 2013

Vilma Santos’ Top 10 Film Directors 1/6


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.

Special Mention: First, here are the directors who made a considerable impact but not lucky enough to be included in our list:

10. (tie) Pablo Santiago was the father of actors Randy, Rowell and Raymart. He was known for his big-budgeted action movies, many of them starring Fernando Poe Jr. He made his directorial debut at 19 with Larry Santiago Productions’ Lo Waist Gang, which catapulted Poe to stardom. For nearly fifty years, Santiago made award-winning films such as Batingaw, Nueva Vizcaya, Perlas ng Silangan, Ibong Adarna and Digmaan ng mga Angkan, a 1974 Metro Manila Film Festival blockbuster starring Ronnie Poe and Joseph Estrada. His last movie starred FPJ opposite Anjanette Abayari in Ang Syota Kong Balikbayan, in 1996. He died in 1998 at the age of 67 from lingering kidney ailment (Sol Jose Vanzi).

Highlights: Santiago first directed Vilma Santos in a Joseph Estrada movie, Batang Iwahig in 1966. Eight years afterward, He will direct Vilma again, this time as the leading lady of the Joseph Estrada’s rival, the late Fernando Poe Jr in light comedy and a smash hit, Batya’t Palo-palo. He will direct three more projects with Vilma, the follow up of the FPJ-Vilma teams in 1976′s Bato Sa Buhangin, the forgetable, Big Ike’s Happening in 1976 and the action film Vilma Vente Nueve in 1975 starring Vilma and action star, Jun Aristorenas.

Total Number of Films in our list of VSR’s Top 50 films: 2 #37 Bato sa Buhangin 1976, #40 Batya’t Palu-Palo 1974

Total Number of Films: 5 Batang Iwahig 1966, Bato sa Buhangin 1976, Batya’t Palu-Palo 1974, Big Ike’s Happening 1976, Vilma Viente Nueve 1975



10. (tie) Maryo J. De los Reyes is a film and television director from the Philippines. He began his career in the 1970s (Wikipedia). Reyes’ most significant works are the critically acclaimed Magnifico (2004), Tagos Ng Dugo (1987) and the commercial hits, Bagets (1983), Annie Batungbakal (1979).

Highlights: In 1987, Maryo De Los Reyes directed Vilma Santos that critics considered one of the most shocking film that year, "Tagos Ng Dugo."  The film was hailed as feminist as seldom a Filipino woman was seen on screen as a murderous serial killer.  It earned Vilma Santos her fourth FAMAS Best Actress.  Ironically, the conservative Catholic church's award giving body, Catholic Mass Media Awards, agreed with the FAMAS.  They gave Vi their Best Actress award while the critics' group, Gawad Urian refused to hand-out their yearly award citing there were no deserving films that year.  Reyes last directed Vilma in another memorable off-beat role, the 1992 drama, "Sinungaling Mong Puso."

Total Number of Films and Films in our list of VSR’s Top 50 films: 2 #13 Tagos ng Dugo 1987, #28 Sinungaling Mong Puso 1992



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Thursday, August 16, 2012

BATO SA BUHANGIN (1976)


Basic Information: Directed: Pablo Santiago; Story: Herminio ‘Butch’ Bautista; Screenplay: Fred Navarro; Cast: Fernando Poe Jr., Vilma Santos, Dencio Padilla, Robert Talabis, Millie Mercado, Connie Angeles, Yvonne Salcedo, Tina Monasterio, Jun Soler, Jumbo Salvador, Phillip Salvador, Rowell Santiago; Executive producer: Fernando Poe Jr.; Original Music: Ernani Cuenco; Cinematography: Sergio Lobo; Theme Songs: “Bato sa Buhangin” performed by Cinderella; Film poster: Video48

Plot Description: An intriguing revelation from a Fortune Teller leads the spoiled Bamba (Vilma Santos) restless to meet her destined Lover. One day, the anxious Bamba comes across the humble Taxi Driver Rafael (Fernando Poe Jr.) after crashing his vehicle on the street. To make up for Bamba's blunder, Bamba's father offers the poor Rafael to work as his daughter's Bodyguard. Being the snotty brat she is, Bamba punishes Rafael by bossing him around and embarrassing him in front of her friends. Through it all, however, Bamba suddenly finds herself irresistibly falling in love with Rafael --- the one man who has patiently put up with all her mischief. The only hurdle to Bamba and Rafael's love story, though, is the secret Bamba has been keeping from everybody all her life - even to her beloved Rafael. Will this secret ruin the chance for Bamba to be with her fated Partner? - Pelikula.net (READ MORE)

Bamba (Vilma Santos) is eager to meet the love of her life after having her fortune told. Fate delivers her to the humble taxi driver, Rafael (Fernando Poe Jr.). And while their relationship is initially strained by Bamba's poor treatment of Rafael, they inevitably find themselves falling for one another. But Bamba is hiding a secret that she has kept from everyone in her life. Will this secret destroy any and all chance she has to be with the one she is fated to love? - TFC (READ MORE)

Film Achievement: 1976 FAMAS Best Theme Song – Ernani Cuenco for the song “Bato sa Buhangin”

Film Reviews: "...I really felt very sad as he’s one of the kindest men I ever met. We’ve done three films together. The first one was when I was only 19-years-old, Batya’t Palo-Palo, a big hit. He was the one who taught me how to swim while we were shooting that movie. Before that, I did Dyesebel where I played a mermaid but I didn’t even know how to swim. This was followed by Bato sa Buhangin. Our last film together was Ikaw ang Mahal Ko, which I did after I gave birth to Ryan Christian. Kuya Ronnie is a gentleman in the strictest sense of the word. Talagang maasikaso siya sa lahat ng kasama niya sa shooting and he feeds everyone with great food all the time. He’s fun to work with kasi palabiro siya at masaya talaga kasama. The whole industry will miss him..." - Mario E. Bautista (READ MORE)

Kundiman - "...Although the kundiman (or the love song in Tagalog) and the balad are like sisters by emotional affinity, so to speak, the former is more plaintive than the latter. Whereas the ballad (such asd Jerome Kern's All the Things You are or David Raksin's Laura or Victor Young Stella by Starlight) speaks of the anguish of romantic love with the emotions held in full gear, the kundiman is so mournful that it becomes maudlin. In a way, this is not surprising since the Filipino is, by nature, extremely sentimental. No wonder, a local film of the tearjerker variety is milked to excess to the point of nauseato the delight of its audience. The kundiman, then, fits perfectly into the innate psyche of the typical Filipino. Tearjerkers in Philippine cinema prior to the outbreak of World War II on Dec 8, 1941 were understandably lachrymose to the nth degree and were studded with the necessary kundiman...Kapalaran (music by Orly Ilacad and lyrics by Ernie de la Pena) was recorded by Rico J. Puno in 1976 and sang in Inday Garutay, a Trixia Gomez starrer. The meaningful lyrics embellished by the bewitching melody created an emotional carthasis on the sensitive listener. That same year, Bato sa Buhangin (an Ernani Cuenco composition), which starred Fernando Poe Jr. and Vilma Santos, was also shown. As sung by Cinderella (or Yolly Samson) in the single, Bato sa Buhangin, fought it out with Kapalaran in jukeboxes and on the airlanes, aside from the mouths of people who date on the beauty of melodies falling under the label of the kundiman..." - Leo P. Sergio, Manila Standard, 01 April 1988 p11 (READ MORE)


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Monday, March 19, 2012

BATANG IWAHIG (1966)


Basic Information: Directed: Pablo Santiago; Screenplay: Ding M. De Jesus; Cast: Joseph Estrada, Paquito Diaz, Diana Dean, Bessie Barredo, Boy Francisco, Jose Vergara, Vilma Santos, Miguel Lopez, Avel Morado, Joaquin Fajardo, Manding Riño, Ponching Tambol, Leo Buenafe, Robert Rivera, Fil Lizarondo, Mike Francisco; Film poster: Video48

Plot Description: Iwahig Penal Colony is already a good haven for prisoners. Edgardo Alvarez (Joseph Estrada) was transferred to this place prior to his release. A hundred thousand pesos was the reason why he was detained. He, together w/ the group of Brando (Paquito Diaz) robbed the said amount and Edgar kept the same amount by burying it in a certain place before he was arrested by the police. Brando tortured him and his family even while he's in prison because of the said money only to find out that they just fought for nothing. - Kabayan Central (READ MORE)

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Reviews: "...Joseph Estrada was at his best appearing in ‘tough guy’ roles after striking it big as “Asiong Salonga” in 1961. He was rough and mean in movies like North Harbor (1961), Pulong Diablo (1963), Basagulero (1963); Geron Busabos: Ang Batang Quiapo (1964); Batang Angustia (1965); Batang Iwahig (1966) and many more where he essayed the role of a ‘kanto boy.’ However in the 70s and 80s, Estrada chose to do light-comedy films (remember the Tatay na si Erap series, Erap is my Guy, Mamang Sorbetero, among others) and more of a Dirty Harry type of movies, where he portrayed a determined and dedicated law enforcer. He did quite a number of these movies starting with Kill the Pushers in 1972 and so on with Panic (1973), Ranson (1974), among others..." - Simon Santos (READ MORE)

"...Ipinanganak nga marahil si Ma. Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos sa show business dahil sa pagitan ng taping ng “Larawan..” ay nagkasunod-sunod na ang kanyang mga pelikula...“Ito Ang Dahilan” ng LSP (Agosto 1 – 8, 1966)...hanggang “Young Love” ng VP Enero 1 – 21, 1970) ng lumikha ng rekord sa takilya....Makalipas ang mga tatlong buwan, nakatanggap ng maikling sulat si Mama Santos muka lay G. Agra. Naghahanap ang Sampaguita Picutures ng batang babae na gaganap ng mahalagang papel sa “Anak, Ang Iyong Ina!” at isinali ng amain ang pangalan ni Vi. Hindi puwedeng lumiban si Papa Santos sa pinpasukang government office, at ayaw naman nilang mapahiya ang kamag-anak, kaya napilitan si Mama Santos na humingi ng day=off sa opisina (Aguinaldo’s). Pagdating sa studio, wala si G. Agra at nasa location shooting, ngunit totoong naroroon ang pangalan ni Vi, kaya’t pinapasok sila sa tanggapan. Napadaan sa harapan ni Mama Santos si Bella Flores na dala ang script ng “Trudis Liit.” Nagulumihanan si Mama Santos. Binasa niyang muli ang liham ni G. Agra. Mali yata ang napuntahan nila! Akma niyang tatawagin si Vi na noon ay nkikipaglaro sa iba pang mga bata upang yayain na itong umuwi, nang pumasok sina Mommy Vera, Dr. at Mrs. Perez, at Eddie Garcia. At doon nagsimula ang movie career ni Vi na magpahanggang ngayon ay batbat pa rin ng iba’t ibang panunuri, opinyon at konklusiyon..." - Ched P. Gonzales (READ MORE)

"...Edgardo (Joseph Estrada) is a safecracker. To help care of his blind sister Vina (Vilma Santos), he takes care a life of crime. Edgardo hooks up with Brando (Paquito Diaz) to steal a hundred thousand pesos from Don Joaquin. But the robbery goes wrong and Edgardo ends up in jail. But not before burying the money in a safe place. Several years later, Edgardo is pardoned and he swears to remain on the straight and narrow. But Brando and his cohorts would not let him. They have waited all these years for their share of the loot and they are not about to just let Edgardo go. What if Brando uses Vina to ensure Edgardo's cooperation? Can Edgardo afford to risk his sister's life?..." - Mav Shack (READ MORE)

 

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