While the scorching headlines now are still on the recently reported split of newly weds Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez followed by Kelley Day’s denial of her being the third party, Paul Anka in Vegas has something to say about the new wave of Vegas headliners who want to rekindle the days of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Anka says, “I lived it, so I am very wary of someone who comes into that town and start talking about Sinatra. I don’t even know if they could name any of his songs at this point.” I agree with Paul, don’t forget – he’s Canadian like me.
Last week was hectic but full of fun. Topping my sked was the lunch en grande tendered by Kabalen (marami pong salamat) for us (Mon and Teresa Torralba, Tess Cusipag and Consul General Ron Castro). ’Twas some kind of a reunion after the long pandemic shut down of restos and other public places – and a joint celebration of our bdays with Teresa and Tess (we’re now 18 and will vote in the coming presidential elections, di ba?) Of course the favorite question popped up: when are the concerts happenng again? Can’t wait. Gary V’s was was cancelled in May of 2020 and am certain the producers are currently working on his big return to Toronto maybe this summer. That’s what Belinda Reyes said.
Then hear this, we heard from Jean Pardo that PIDC (The Philippine Independence Day Council) is organizing a celebration of International Women’s Day to be held April 3. Is it true that the heavily-favored next President of PIDC is the much-loved Agnes Pasaporte Miranda? Elections for new officers to be held April 10.
This story warms our heart: We are proud to announce that our dear colleague, Nestor Cuartero of Manila Bulletin, has launched his first movie book entitled PH MOVIE CONFIDENTIAL. Nestor hopes to “transform and elevate entertainment writing far beyond the level of gossip and trash commonly associated with it.” A slim volume of 130 glossy pages published by Ultimate Learning Series in cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEED), the book sells at a promotional price of 400 pesos only per copy.
Nestor was surprised when Piolo Pascual sent his congratulatory gift, a beautiful bouquet of fresh, wonderful tulips with a card to match. “For several days, I had been texting him with not a single reply. It was unlike for Piolo to do so. I wanted him to say a few words about my book for use on the back cover. I left it at that. Then this surprise! Piolo explained he was in a locked-in shoot for his new ABS-CBN series, Flower of Evil opposite Lovi Poe. Thank you so much, Piolo.” Talk about kindness.
The past few nights, we have virtually bumped into a few celeb/friends on the net. Our common topic is about the most unforgettable films they have made. The list is based on whom I chat with first. Included here too are quotes from Sahlee Quizon, Dolphy’s daughter, and Rap Fernandez, the son of Lorna Tolentino and Rudy Fernandez.
1. PILAR PILAPIL – (I first met Pilar on the set of El Nino in 1968, her very first film which FPJ directed) I have several favorite movies but if I were to pick just three, these are Augusto Buenaventura’s Ang Uliran (1971, where I first co-starred with Dindo Fernando, Amalia Fuentes, and Boots Anson-Roa) which gave me my first Best Actress award in the 1971 Manila Film Festival. This inspired me to be a serious dramatic actress. Second is Lino Brocka’s Napakasakit, Kuya Eddie (1986) where I portrayed the wife of an OFW played by Ronaldo Valdez who lost his job and self-esteem. My character evolves from a submissive housewife to a self-assured career woman who succumbs to the advances of her boss, wreaking havoc on her family and marriage. I won my second Best Actress award for this movie from the critics group Urian, I felt so honored. Third is Jowee Morel’s Leona Calderon (2012), an indie film which I co-produced and was shot in London. I played a an OFW cleaning lady in London preparing for her retirement in the Philippines when she discovers that she has a terminal case of ovarian cancer. Her dreams of reuniting with her family are dashed and she dies all alone in a London hospital with her worldly belongings thrown in a dumpster. I was able to work with the award-winning British actress, Virginia McKenna, best known for the movie, Born Free (1966) and the late stage actor, Junix Inocian. Leona Calderon was the opening film in the 12th Gwangju Film Festival in South Korea and tackled the issue of healthcare portability.
Other significant films of mine are Eddie Rodriguez’s Lalaki…Kasalanan Mo! (1973), Elwood Perez’s Isang Gabi…Tatlong Babae (1974) and Divorce: Pilipino Style (1976), Leroy Salvador’s Tinik sa Dibdib (1985), Celso Ad. Castillo’s Kailan Tama ang Mali? (1986), and Chito S. Roño’s Etiquette for Mistresses (2015), where I won a Best Supporting Actress award for my portrayal of the wronged wife of a philandering husband. In sum, my fifty four years in Philippine TV and movies have been quite fulfilling and I look forward to doing more for as long as I can.
2. RONALD VALDEZ : My first most memorable film is ‘Clandestine’, (coz I met my wife Baby (Maria-Fe) on the set. She came to visit her sis, Liberty Ilagan, who was my leading lady ) directed by Ruben Abalos. Next to this is ‘Banaue’, the Ifugao tribe’s quest for the promised land, produced by Nora Aunor. I played a Tribal Chieftain, directed by my Dad-In-Law,Gerry de Leon). Not to forget ‘Mahinhin vs Mahinhin’ as a screaming faggot, directed by Danny Zialcita. I had to talk in a different manner – swardspeak and had to be at rapid speed – very challenging.
3. NIÑO MUHLACH: My all-time favorite is ‘Ang Leon at ang Daga’ with FPJ, it was my first full lenght & title role film! Next would be KUWATOG, the naughty elf! KUWATOG broke all box office records at that time. It made 6 million pesos during its entire metro manila run, the ticket costing only 2 pesos & fifty cents, so imagine if it was shown today with movie tickets priced at 150 to 200 pesos. Do the math, how much would that be today. Third would be ‘Ang Tatay Kong Nanay’. Aside from working with tito Dolphy it was also my first time to work with the great Lino Brocka. He was the first director who would only allow my tears to drop when he said so. Kulang na lang sabihin nya paakyat dapat tulo ng luha ko hahaha! Trivia – it was also the first time two actors were paid one million pesos each for a film (that’s me ands Tito Dolphy).
4. ROGER CALVIN: How can I forget, I love ‘Manang Biday’, a comedy starring Amalia Fuentes (she and Susan were the movie queens then) with Luis Gonzales, produced by Lea Productions (1965-66). They gave me a screeen test – I was supposed to be driving a sports car (a convertible Triumph) and Amalia would hitch a ride with me. I nearly died! I didn’t know how to drive! But Direk Tony Cayado, who’s a Pampagueno like me, advised me to practice driving for a few days. Finally when I was ready ( it took me one week to learn the ropes), they took me to Ortigas Avenue na puro Talahiban pa noon. Amalia was supposed to be be waving at me to get a ride with her tampipi pressed in her armpits. When Direk screamed action, I instantly pressed on the accelerator pedal too hard that I oversped way ahead of the waiting Amalia. Direk Tony wanted to retake but Amalia intervened – she said continue the film rolling and for me to backup instead, take a look at the camera closer with a very nice smile. That screen test was included in the final print of Manang Biday where I was introduced on the big screen.
No. 2 in my list is Las Vegas Agogo, a musical comedy shot entirely in Las Vegas co starring with Eddie Mesa, Josephine Estrada & Reycard Duet. I was doubly excited – take this, I was only 20, and this was my first trip otuside Pinas, my first time too to be on a plane. What an exhilarating experience for me, doing some funny scenes with the ReyCards (Rey and Carding). All of us including the crew were in stitiches when Carding decided to come out from the dressing room looking like a Geisha Girl with Kabuki make up, it was a riot. We also went to Big Bear, rented snow outfits looking like genuine pro skiers, my first time too to see and feel the snow. To top it, we went to Disneyland, that was fantastic, a dream come true. Was so grateful to my producer Aling Miling for giving me this break.
]It’s a different tune when I did ‘Killer Patrol’ with Joseph Estrada and Jess Lapid directed by Augusto Buenaventura. I ws trained to do judo, karate and boxing, my very first time to handle a gun. I had made 32 movies in the 60s, luck was on my side thank God. I finally gained the confidence to portray my roles convincingly and connect with audiences.
(By the way, if you don’t know yet, his daughter Cher Calvin anchors the award-winning KTLA 5 New in Los Angeles).
5. BARBARA PEREZ (yes, the Audrey Hepburn of Pinas): Most memorable to me is Daigdig Ng Mga Api with my husband Robert Arevalo, directed by the great Gerry de Leon (Robert’s uncle). The theme is so relevant, underlining the plight of Filipino farmers. Next favorite was with Joseph Estrada – ‘Patria Adorada’ where I played a nun. For some reason, I feel so comfortable as a nun – even on stage I did the same religious role as St. Bernadette of Lourdes under Narciso Pimentel. Another film with Joseph, Ito Ang Pilipino is so close to my heart. This classic is branded as a Monumental Epic in the History of Filipino Movies.
6. SAHLEE QUIZON: My favorite movies of my dad (DOLPHY)? First in my list is Facifica Falayfay which actually catapulted my Dad as a box office king. In my heart, ‘Kung Ano Ang Puno Sya Ang Bunga’ is etched kasi we played Dad and daughter. My mother in this movie happens to be my ninang Miss Gloria Romero which really made me more excited…I was so happy being with two special persons in my life. Worth mentioning is ‘The Goodfather’, something like the family that works together plays together. Rich with more personal memories because included kami – all his children. We didn’t know it would be our last pic together as an entire clan. We were hoping for more sequels sana.
7. RAP FERNANDEZ: Dad (RUDY FERNANDEZ) had often mentioned to me that this is his favorite, ‘Bitayin Si Baby Ama’ – it’s his breakout film. A true to life story, it depicts the life of executed gang leader and murderer Marciál “Baby” Ama. He rose to greater fame after this. Second in my list is ‘Sandakot Na Bala – a collaboration with Regal Films, great cast classic noir action story. Special mention here of ‘Anak Sa Una, Kasal Sa Ina’, directed by Danny Zialcita. Acually an adaptation of Oedipus Rex – Oedipus was a mythical Greek king of Thebes. A tragic hero in Greek mythology, Oedipus accidentally fulfilled a prophecy that he would end up killing his father and marrying his mother, thereby bringing disaster to his city and family.
About my Mom’s films, I know she loves ‘Sa Init Ng Apoy’ – a scary film with my Dad directed by Romy Suzara. Mom never forgets to mention ‘Moral’, directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, a 1982 box-office hit that earned for her grand slam acting awards.
A must to inckude here is ‘Manila By Night, ’ an Ishmael Bernal masterpiece, is about the hidden nightlife of ordinary people living in Manila – lovers and families conflict with each other as they live on the streets, which are rampant with drugs and prostitution.
(To be continued in our next issue, the second in this series, with interviews from other celebs).