Filmography: Payaso (1986)

Basic Information: Directed: Celso Ad. Castillo; Story & Screenplay: Celso Ad. Castillo; Cast: German Moreno (Payaso); Gene Palomo, Monique Castillo, Strawberry, Cris Castillo, Bong Agustin, Jograd de la Torre, Mon Alvir, Gary Lising, Julie Ann Juco, Troy Castillo, Dino Castillo, Darling Sumayao, Ruthie Ann Talplacido, Marife Montilla, Divine Grace Gallardo, Jaycee Castillo, Dave Bronson Tolentino, Myra Rigs Rinion, Wynette Bernardo, Arrizon Matienzo, Dania De Jesus; Guest Roles: (listed alphabetically): Jestoni Alarcon, Jojo Alejar, Nora Aunor, Inday Badiday, Ramon Christopher, Sheryl Cruz, Ricky Davao, Janice de Belen, Pops Fernandez, Rudy Fernandez, Eddie Garcia, Janno Gibbs, Eddie Gutierrez, Michael Locsin, Ike Lozada, William Martinez, Jovit Moya, Arlene Muhlach, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Kristina Paner, Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr., Manilyn Reynes, Ronnie Ricketts, Susan Roces, Miguel Rodriguez, Gloria Romero, Vilma Santos, Snooky Serna, Maricel Soriano, Mely Tagasa, Gary Valenciano, Helen Vela, Ronel Victor, Ivy Violan; Original Music: Vehnee Saturno; Cinematography: Romeo Vitug; Film Editing: Abelardo Hulleza; Production Design: Rod Feleo; Sound: Gaudencio Barredo; Visual Effects: Bobbit Pascual, Boy Quilatan; Stunts: Rod Francisco (IMDB)

Plot Description: "...St. Peter inadvertently lost his heavenly keys that the Almighty sends his jester (German Moreno) on planet earth of all places to search for the misplaced keys. Wandering the streets, the petulant clown is greatly grieved by poverty and the moral degradation of man. Worse, the melancholy clown meets his adversary the red devil armed with supernatural powers. Vulnerable and dejected, the harlequin loses his faith and begrudges his master for flaunting his ministration and faithfulness. He demands to see his master and even dares Him to make his presence felt..." - TFC Now (READ MORE)

Film Accomplishments: 1986 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Cinematography - Romeo Vitug; All-Star Cast

Film Reviews: "...The 1986 Metro Manila Film Festival was considered the worst in the 12-year history of the annual 10-day festival of local films, but it set a precedent; it did not give out the traditional first and second best picture awards. Only a third best picture was cited...Romy Vitug won the best cinematography award for Celso Ad Castillo's Payaso...No awards were given in two other categories, best story and best screenplay. According to Tingting Cojuangco, one of the jurors, the board decided that not one of this year's seven official entries deserved these awards. The unprecedented move, according to another juror, Nick Deocampo, was arrived at after a heated discussion. An insider said it was spearheaded by Deocampo and another juror, Justino Dormiendo of the Manunuri. In a prepared statement read by Cojuangco during the ceremonies, the board of jurrors announced: "We, the members of the Board of Jurors of the 1986 Metro Manila Film Festival, would like to express our concern over the current state of the Philippine movie industry as reflected in the entries to this year's MMFF. It added that the entries "failed to reinforce and inculcate positive Filipino values by portraying negative stereotypes, imitating foreign films and perpetuating commercially-oriented movies. "It is in this light that we, therefore, appeal to the Filipino filmmakers to explore other directions of this powerful medium to entertain, enlighten, educate and become a potent force in social change," the jurors said..." - J C Nigado (READ MORE)

RELATED READING:

• IMDB: Payaso (1986)
• IMDB: Celso Ad. Castillo
• IMDB: Gene Palomo
• IMDB: Monique Castillo
• IMDB: German Moreno
• German Moreno From Wikipedia
• The 1986 Metro Manila Film Festival was considered the worst in the 12 years
• Susan Roces as Guest Star in "Payaso" (1986) (Video)

Candy (1980)

Basic Info: Direction: Joey Gosiengfiao ; Story: Ely de Guzman; Cast: Sheryl Cruz, Ricky Belmonte; Rosemarie Sonora; Ronaldo Valdez; Chichay; Nora Aunor; Vilma Santos, Aruray; Release Date: 11 April 1980; Production Co: Silver Screen Productions - IMDB (READ MORE)

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: 1981 FAMAS Best Child Actress Nomination - Sheryl Cruz; Sheryl Cruz has appeared with Vilma before in Candy (Vilma in a cameo role) and Good Morning Sunshine (1980) directed by Ishmael Bernal and Mano Po 3: My Love (2004) is their third film together.

Film Review: "...Ate Vi made around 198 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, Engkanto, and ‘Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw’, a Gabby-Snooky starrer, produced by friend Gabby Concepcion...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..." - The 28th (READ MORE)

Sheryl Rose Anna Marie Sonora Cruz (born April 5, 1974 in Makati City, Philippines), better known simply as Sheryl Cruz, is a Filipina actress and singer. She is known for her role as Divina Ferrer on 2007's television drama series Sinasamba Kita and as Valeria on Bakekang and Rosalinda. Cruz started her career at a very young age. She won the FAMAS Best Child Actress award for her portrayal in the movie "Mga Basang Sisiw" opposite Janice de Belen, Che Che and the late Julie Vega. She also won best child actress for the movie "Roman Rapido" opposite her late uncle the King of Filipino Movies, Fernando Poe Jr. She was later contracted by Regal Films along with Kristina Paner and Manilyn Reynes to form the sensational group "TRIPLETS". Among the three, Manilyn Reynes became the Star of the New Decade and Sheryl Cruz became the Princess of Philippine Cinema. At that time, GMA Network established the youth oriented TV show "That's Entertainment" hosted by German Moreno, where she became part of the Wednesday group. - Wikipedia (READ MORE)

Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw (1988)

Basic Info: Direction: Mitos Villareal; Cast: Snooky Serna; Gabby Concepcion; Ernie Garcia; Vivian Foz; Vilma Santos; Tita Muñoz; Augusto Victa; Celina Chase; Julio Diaz; Melissa De Leon; Roland Montes, Roland Montes - IMDB

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: 1988 FAMAS Best Supporting Actor Nomination - Ernie Garcia

Film Review: "...Ate Vi made around 198 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, Engkanto, and ‘Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw’, a Gabby-Snooky starrer, produced by friend Gabby Concepcion..." - The 28th (READ MORE)

"...Ernie won many acting awards. He was Aliw Awards’ Best Actor in 1988 for his portrayal in Rolando Tinio’s Filipino translation of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” He also garnered two Best Supporting Actor trophies from FAMAS and PMPC Star Awards for Movies in 1989, in the late Mitos Villareal’s directorial opus “Bukas Sisikat Din ang Araw” which starred Gabby Concepcion and Snooky Serna and where he played the role of a labor union leader..." - Crispina Martinez-Belen (READ MORE)

Seeing this soporific melodrama is like a long journey into the night. One wishes that it soon ends for a radiant sunrise to follow. But alas this movie only ignites small sparks of interest to keep us from yawning. The film's bleak cinematography makes it a visual turn-off, the script needs tightening, the cerebral plot is too familiar and that bit of social relevance has not been smoothly integrated into the story. Serna (Estrella) plays a young, pretty and brainy lawyer but who has not been using her mind well in her romance with company manger Concepcion (Gerry). She feels like a whore each time Gerry brings her to his home but is too weak to resist his bedroom charm. Estrella has just passed the bar and since she's brilliant, her law office forthwith sends her abroad to handle some cases. It must have taken her several years because when she returns home her child sired by Gerry is already a grown-up girl (Celina Chase). Serna with her sweet and fragile looks, does not project the image of a bright lawyer who is making a headway in her career. We never see her in the law firm she works for or even scanning over some paperwork. She is not smart to tackle her problem from the legalistic point of view. She gets pregnant but we don't see her wih a bulging tummy and she delivers a bay which she gives to her cousing Aida (Vivian Post) and her husband Roel (Ernie Garcia) for adoption. Estrella does not inform Gerry of her pregnancy when she should have. So off he goes to Germany on official business with Carina (Melissa de Leon), daughter of company owner Dona Mercedes (Tita Munoz).

Melissa is a novice version of elder sister Pinky de Leon and for a new comer in a dramatic role, her acting is good enough. Munoz is noted for her strong personality on screen but here she delivers a restrained portrayal perhaps because her voice was dubbed by someone else. Dona Mercedes, as written in the script, is a confusing character. She is not an avaricious woman who is content with the profits Gerry brings into the company. Gerry employs fair labor practices but his assistant Atty. Cruz (Augusto Victa) is anti-labor. In a sudden change of heart, Dona Mercedes falls for the scheme of Cruz which triggers a labor strike. Gerry is already home but Cruz calls the shots. And yet, before this, Dona Mercedes has made it clear to her daughter that she needs Gerry. Gerry, by the way, has gotten married to Carina abroad but their relationship turns sours. Once home, Carina immediately seeks her old beau Randy (Julio Diaz) who is now married. Villareal's treatment is not cinematic. She relies too much on dialogue to make the story move. Estrella's pregnancy delivery of her baby and developments in her career are simply verbalized. Carina orders Randy to abandon his wife in exchange for a juicy position in her company but we don't see him working. The illicit lovers vanish from the scene after their poolside dalliance and resurface much later.

The film's main weakness is in the script. The trips of Estrella and Gerry and Carino go beyond realistic expectations. And to think that Estrella has only been sent by her office to handle a case or some cases and the couple to close a deal with a business associate. It takes years before they return. In one scene, Carina realizes her love for Gerry who is by then packing his bags to leave her for good. Carina pleads for him to stay but he has already made his decision. The next scene shows Carina in a hotel room with Randy and her she tells him that she is calling it quits. But why go to bed with him in the first place? Actually the central plot which has been complicated by too many subplots is about the romance between Estrella and Gerry. We know that they have to be back to each other's arms to fullfill a happy ending. Villareal and her scenarist contrive a familiar device. Randy kills Carina with a gun in Gerry's house where she has sought refuge. And for the coup de grace, Randy's wife (Vilma Santos) suddenly appears on the scene to kill her philandering husbang. So as not to waste the much vaunted acting prowess of Santos, she is made to deliver a passionate monologue after shooting Diaz. Santos appears too late in the story and she should have an ealier scene to motivate her criminal act in the end.

Being an avowed womanizer, Randy's murder of Carina seems out of character. Unless he has fallen hard for Carina, which is unlikely, Randy can simply hook another rich woman to replace her in case his wife rejects him. The most incredulous scene happens in a hospital where the doctor refuses to give medical aid to labor leader Roel who has been shot by a security guard during the strike. "I don't think he's gonna make it," says the negligent doctor who should be shot too. And yet, Roel is able to tell Gerry that Lilet is his daughter by Estrella. Concepcion shows traces that he is intent on tackling mature roles but he doesn't strike us as a believable young executive. The most powerful performer in the film is Vivian Fos. Garcia suits the role of a labor leader but the script does not give him much to do. The same applies to Diaz whose debonair look makes him a credible playboy but his character lacks depth. This meadering melodrama shows no promise of a brighter tomorrow for the local cinema. - Luciano E. Soriano, Manila Standard, Mar 28, 1988 (READ MORE)

Apoy Sa Ibabaw, Apoy Sa Ilalim (1977)

Basic Info: Screenplay, Director: Ben Feleo; Cast: Romeo Vasquez; Chanda Romero; Lorna Tolentino; Barbara Luna; Original Music: Demet Velasquez; Cinematography: Max de la Peña; Release Date:; December 09 1977; Production Co: VS Films - IMDB

Plot Description: No information available except that the Vilma Santos' birthday celebration was added as bonus feature of the film.

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Review: "...Ate Vi made around 198 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, Engkanto, and ‘Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw’, a Gabby-Snooky starrer, produced by friend Gabby Concepcion..." - The 28th (READ MORE)

Victoria Lorna Aluquin, better known as Lorna Tolentino, sometimes known as L.T., an abbreviation of her screen name (born December 23, 1961), is a Filipina actress, host, executive producer and widow of actor Rudy Fernandez. Together, they bore two sons named Ralph and Renz. She was born on December 23, 1961 in Concepcion, Tarlac and later moved to Manila. Her dad is from Liliw, Laguna. She is also the stepmother of actor Mark Anthony Fernandez. She is first cousin to actress Amy Austria and a niece of actor Jerry Pons. She was married to Rudy Fernandez from 1983 till his untimely death in 2008. They had two children. She attended the elementary grades at St. Anthony School where she also finished high school She took up a Bachelor of Arts course at St. Paul College in Quezon City, and also at the University of Santo Tomas and Maryknoll College. She started her career as a child actress. Later, she portrayed the young Susan Roces in Divina Gracia and has a total of at least 60 movies. She has won eight film awards and garnered 20 nominations (mostly for Best Actress in FAMAS). She's also one of the Grandslam actresses in the Philippine Cinema together with Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos and Sharon Cuneta. She won her Grandslam Best Actress for Narito Ang Puso Ko (1993). - Wikipedia (READ MORE)

Engkanto (1992)

Basic Information: Directed: Tata Esteban; Cast (in credits order) Vilma Santos, Robin Padilla, Roderick Paulate, Raul Zaragosa, Janice de Belen, Susan Lozada, Francis Magalona, Maila Gumila, Cita Astals, Tanya Gomez, Evelyn Vargas; Original Music: Jaime Fabregas; Cinematography: Vic Anao

Plot Description: As modern man continues to plunder our environment, the Engkantos prepare for battle to protect what is left. Always remember: We are not alone in this world! - Kabayan Central (READ MORE)

Film Accomplishments: 1992 Metro Manila Film Festival Third Best Picture

Film Reviews: "...He gave free passes to people from the showbiz industry to earn more clout in the business. He met Celso Ad Castillo, Lino Brocka and Mario O’Hara who opened for him a new world: directing. In 1985, at age 29, he directed his first movie, “Alapaap,” starring Tanya Gomez. It won 13 awards in the Metro Manila Film Festival and was bought later to Japan for the Tokyo Film Festival. Tata Esteban discovered that he had the gift. He was proud of his achievements. “I became a star builder,” he says. “I made many actresses, bold stars, famous. I gave them movies and built their names..." - Aliwan Avenue (READ MORE)

"Lea Salonga's leading men in Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal, Aga Muhlach and Ariel Rivera won as best actor and best supporting actor in the Metro Manila Film Festival's Gabi ng Parangal Monday night. Gina Alajar was Best Actress....best supporting actress went to Sylvia Sanchez...Although the Eddie Garcia-Eddie Gutierrez starrer Andres Manambit did not win acting awards, the movie nevertheless won the most number of awards, including the plum Best Picture that came with P250,000.00 cash...Second best picture and P150,000.00 went to Takbo, followed by Engkanto which received P100,000.00 as third best picture..." - Manila Standard, Dec 28, 1992 (READ MORE)

"...Maribuhok is an enchanted place deep in the mountains. The dwellers of Maribuhok are engkantos (nature spirits or elementals) tasked to protect nature. They are headed by Uban (Francis Magalona) the deity of animals and Yorac (Roderick Paulate) the deity of plants. Uban rejuvenates as a young man and proceeds to reinvent himself as a star specializing on cause-oriented environmental songs. He neglects his kingdom and his daughter Karina (Janice de Belen) grows up away from his guidance. Meanwhile illegal loggers continue to denude the forests and Yorac decides to do something about it. He holds some loggers hostages including Carlo (Raul Zaragosa) Karina's boyfriend. Karina discovers the land of her birth including the fact that Uban is her father. She asks his help regarding Carlo. But Yorac remains unyielding. Uban and Yorac gear up for a showdown until Mother Nature (Vilma Santos) herself intervenes. Her meaningful lesson? We must all work for the preservation of our environment before it is too late..." - Mav Shack (READ MORE)

RELATED READING:

• IMDB: Engkanto (1992)
• IMDB: Tata Esteban
• IMDB: Robin Padilla
• IMDB: Roderick Paulate
• 1992 Metro Manila Film Festival: Aga Muhlach Top Awards; "Andress Manambit" Best Picture

Huwag Hamakin: Hostess (1978)

Basic Info: Direction: Joey Gosiengfiao ; Story, Screenplay: Toto Belano, Tito Sanchez; Cast: Nora Aunor, Alma Moreno, Orestes Ojeda, Bella Flores, Vilma Santos; Original Music: Demet Velasquez; Cinematography: Rey de Leon; Film Editing: Segundo Ramos; Release Date: August 25 1978; Production Co: JPM Productions

Plot Description: This is a film directed by Joey Gosiengfiao and features Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno with Orestes Ojeda and Vilma Santos in a controversial guest appearance.

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Review: "...Mas dramatiko ring isinakonkreto ito ng mahusay na pagganap ni Nora Aunor bilang katulong na namasukan bilang hostess upang matustusan ang pag-aaral ng lalaking iniibig, pinapanood natin siya habang dumaraan sa proseso ng lumbay, pagkabigo at pagtanggap. Matingkad ang kanyang pagkakaganap dahil hinahatak niya tayong damhin ang kanyang mga dilemma habang nakikibaka siyang matanggap ang pagtataksil ng kasintahan. Katangi-tangi rin ang pagganap ni Alma Moreno at totoong nabawasan ang kanyang hysterical gestures sa pelikulang ito ngunit wala rin naman siyang ipinakitang bagong kakayahan para pangatawanan ang papel ng isang babaeng pilit ibinabangon ang sarili upang di-tuluyang masadlak sa kinagisnang uri ng pamumuhay..." - Jojo De Vera (READ MORE)

"...Si Orestes ay isa sa mga seksing aktor noong kalagitnaan ng dekada 70s kung saan ang dekadang ito ang pinakatugatog ng kanyang katanyagan. Kinahumalinag siya sa pelikula niyang Ang Boyfriend kong Baduy noong 1976 kung saan ipinareha sa kaniya ang limang naggagandahan babae na sina Amalia Fuentes, Barbara Perez, Celia Rodriguez at iba pa. Sa pelikulang Huwag Hamakin: Hostess dalawa sa mga sikat na artista ang itinambal sa kanya na sina Nora Aunor at Alma Moreno na gumanap bilang mga hostess sa kanyang buhay..." - Wikipilipinas (READ MORE)

"...Ate Vi made around 198 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, Engkanto, and ‘Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw’, a Gabby-Snooky starrer, produced by friend Gabby Concepcion..." - The 28th (READ MORE)

"...Do you always succeed in packaging a movie? "Often, yes, But, alas, I have failures too." For instance? "Well, some reasons for failure are due to wrong chemistry of the cast, to the vehicle (story) and/or unsuitability of both elements. Let's take the movie, Huwag Hamakin: Hostess, which with solid actresses, a move that proved to be contrary to the image of La Aunor. It would have been all right, if Alma Moreno, Nora's co-star, was paired with another bold actress. But that, we learned only later and too late! I was aware of Guy's image. But I wasn't aware that her image wouldn't go well with the combination. Not even the controversy of including Vilma Santos in the cast helped. It only antagonized both camps of Nora-Vilma fans..." - Manny B. Fernandez, Expressweek, March 1, 1979 (READ MORE)

"...In the 15 movies he had appeared in since 1972, Orestes feels that he has not done roles that would demand from him the maturity of outlook as an actor..."I like to be known as an actor and not just a bold star. But cinema is a tremendous image-making machine. I realize that I cannot totally turn my back on my bold image," Orestes lamented...he is back again in his bold role in "Huwag Hamakin: Hostess." But Orestes is happy about this role. He is paired with Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno. The picture is a tragic-comedy. "I play a bastard-gigolo who lives off two women portrayed by Nora and Vilma. The role offers me romantic and comedy situations. It also calls for some understanding of a misdirected and amoral character and I certainly find it a challenge," stresses Orestes when we talked in a downtown hotel which was the setting of one of his love trysts with co-star Alma. " I am centainly very lucky to have Joey Gosiengfial as a director. He has guided me in my interpretation of my roles. And of course, it's a rare opportunity to be pitted against two real actresses like Nora and Alma and a veteran performer like Bella Flores (who plays Orestes' sugar mommy in the flick)", he adds...Observers in the local movie world believe that Orestes can be a good actor. The guy has looks and intelligence..." - Beth U. Castillo, Expressweek Magazine, 29 June 1978 (READ MORE)

Hotdog: Unang Kagat (1975)

Basic Information: Direction: Raul T. Silos; Story: Bert R. Mendoza; Cast: Dennis Garcia, Connie Angeles, Greg Lozano, Ella del Rosario, Jess Garcia, Edward Campos; Special appearances: FPJ, Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada, Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Boots Anson-Roa; Original Music: Hotdog; Cinematography: Fortunato Bernardo; Release Date: 30 May 1975 (Philippines); Production Co: Crown Seven Film Productions

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Review: "...Formed by brothers Dennis and Rene Garcia in 1974, Hotdog crashed the music and concert circuit at a time when fans’ musical taste and preference were heavily influenced by imported acts playing trite disco and funk tunes, as Pinoy groups — though highly-talented were relegated to doing covers and cheap imitations of foreign hits to remain relevant. Hotdog became an instant sensation when it launched its distinctive sound that came to be known as Manila Sound, an original Pilipino music distinguished for exuberant songs that featured catchy, captivating lyrics in Tagalog and Taglish that directly appealed to the ordinary Filipino listeners’ everyday moods and sentiments. Through Manila Sound, Hotdog succeeded in revolutionizing the formal and stilted music scene that led to the establishment of a new and lasting identity for mainstream Filipino music and blazed the trail for OPM to take root and flourish from the late ‘80s onward. Its rise to musical stardom has been phenomenal. Its songs, all written by Dennis and Rene Garcia — became smash hits, topping the local charts from the mid-’70s to the mid-’80s and remaining at the forefront of the most recognized and acclaimed tunes in popular Filipino music. Hotdog has released more than three dozen hit singles that eventually attained gold and platinum status. One of its big hits, Bongga Ka, Day (1974), reaped greater success when it spawned a motion picture of the same title featuring the band, together with a stellar cast composed of Fernando Poe Jr., Joseph Estrada, Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos and Boots Anson-Roa in cameo roles. Another hit that was turned into a successful movie starring Nora Aunor was Annie Batungbakal, which was about the story of a disco-loving saleslady. Another popular song, Manila, a tribute to the capital city, has become an anthem of millions of Filipinos working overseas who continue to long for their native land..." - Peter Osias, The Philippine Star Nov 21 2011 (READ MORE)

"...Last Thursday, we joined 70s fans at “Hotdog: The Reunion” at PICC tent which suffered from the awful sound system where half of what Rene Garcia was saying couldn’t be understood. Most of the group was new, although Maso Diez was there, but the crowd expected Ella del Rosario to sing her big hit “O Lumapit Ka” even if a new girl did quite well. Top favorites at the show were still “Manila,” plus “Bongga ka Day” and “Annie Batungbakal,” which movies of the same title had been produced by Guy’s NV Productions, directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes, starring Guy and favorite leading man of the season Lloyd Samartino (now in TV5’s “PS I Love you ” teleserye). Even earlier, in 1974, the first Hotdog album “Unang Kagat” resulted in a movie with the band in 1975 with cameos of FPJ, Erap, Guy, Ate Vi, and Boots Anson Roa. The 4th reunion concert showed the band headed by the unassuming genius of Dennis Garcia as still the leader of the Manila Sound genre that fused Tagalog with Taglish. In the show they paid tribute to contemporaries VST & Company, Boyfriends, and Hagibis. The disco group VST with Vic Sotto, Val Sotto, Joey de Leon, Homer Flores, and Spanky Rigor had made famous the songs “Awitin Mo isasayaw Ko” and “Disco Fever” while the audience rose to their feet when Hotdog interpreted VST’s “Rock Baby Rock.” The Boyfriends’ pop and disco hit “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal” covered by both Lea Salonga and Dingdong Avanzado in their albums was Hotdog’s next tribute. Then, of course, came the Hagibis with their campy imitations of the Village People in “Katawan,” which to this day is a favorite in dance parties..." - Bibsy Carballo, Journal, Dec 04 2011 (READ MORE)

Related Reading:

• Hotdog (band)
• Hotdog Unang Kagat
• HOT DOG Unang Kagat RARE 1975 Philippines Psych Pop LP
• FPJ in cameo role in "Hotdog: Unang Kagat" (1975)
• Ikaw Ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko (Video)

Charot (1984)

Basic Info: Director: Leonardo Pascual; Cast: Roderick Paulate, Shyr Valdez, Panchito, Bomber Moran, Tatlong Itlog, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia, Rez Cortez, Vilma Santos, Ike Lozada, Mario Escudero, Robert Talby, Val Iglesias, Alex Bolado, Fred Moro, Pong Pong, Ding Arraza; Producer: Jose M. Razon; Original Music: Rey Ramos; Cinematography: Apolinario Cuenco, Armando Dulag; Film Editing: Pat Ramos

Plot Summary: No Available Data

Accomplishment: One of early successful gay roles for Paulate.

Film Review: "...As far as he can recall, his first gay outing was in the critically acclaimed High School Circa '65. "Doon naman, I was nominated for Best Supporting Actor considering na 15 or 16 pa lang ako noon. I was the comic relief of the movie." Bibeth Orteza, who played a teacher in High School Circa '65, created a gay character for him in the sitcom "Tepok Bunot." "Nag-hit 'yon," says Roderick. Then a producer gave him the lead role in Charot, a movie inspired by Dustin Hoffman's gender-bending performance in Tootsie. Before Roderick knew it, other offers to do gay roles started coming his way, with one of them from a very persuasive line producer-actress. "After Charot, ayoko munang tanggapin ang mga gay-gay roles," he says. "But it was Charo Santos who convinced me to do a gay movie where I would be paired with Maricel (Soriano)." The project was Regal Films' Inday, Inday sa Balitaw which ended up being a huge success. "The rest is history!" Roderick exclaims. "Yun na! Sunud-sunud na sa box-office..." (READ MORE)

Maricel Soriano on Roderick Paulate: - "...Tinatrato niya akong tao. Pag galit ako, nagmumura ako, nagtatapon ako ng kung anumang bagay. Pinababayaaan lang niya ako. Pagnailabas ko na ang galit ko, ayun, kinakausap niya ako, sinasabi na niya sa akin ang mga mali ko. Ako naman, nakikinig na lang sa kanya. Mabait si Dick. Hindi ka niya pababayaan. We're parang soulmates. Mas Mahalaga pa sa friendship ang relationship namin ni Roderick..." - Manila Standard, Mar 2, 1987 (READ MORE)

RELATED READING:

• IMDB: Charot (1984)
• IMDB: Roderick Paulate
• Roderick Paulate 80s Gay Roles
• Wikipedia: Roderick Paulate
• Are Philippine Gay Indie Films Really Liberating?
• Funny Roderick Paulate Movie Clips (Video)