Victorio C. Edades (December 13, 1895 - March 7, 1985) is a Filipino painter who was the leader of the revolutionary Thirteen Moderns who engaged their classical compatriots in heated debate over the nature and function of art. He was named a National Artist in 1976.
Victorio Edades was born on December 23, 1895 to Hilario and Cecilia Edades. He was the youngest of ten children (six of whom died of smallpox). He grew up in Barrio Bolosan in Dagupan, Pangasinan. His artistic ability surfaced during his early years. By seventh grade, his teachers were so impressed with him that he was dubbed “apprentice teacher” in his art class. He was also an achiever from the very beginning, having won awards in school debates and writing competitions.
Edades helped organized the University of Sto. Tomas Department of Architecture in 1930 and was its acting head. In 1935, he was appointed as Director of the UST College of Architecture and Fine Arts, which he organized under the wing of Architecture. He was guided by the existing American curricula when he made the Fine Arts curriculum for UST. Alongside standard subjects like drawing, painting and composition, he also included Western and Oriental art history, foreign languages and optional science subjects such as zoology and botany. Because of Edades, UST became the forerunner of Modern Art, while the University of the Philippines remained the precursor of conservative art.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Levi Celerio
Levi Celerio (April 30, 1910 - April 2, 2002) was a Filipino composer and lyricist who was born in Manila, the Philippines. Celerio was a prolific song-writer, with over 4,000 songs to his credit. He is perhaps best-known for being a leaf-player, a feat for which he was put into the Guinness Book of World Records. In 1997, he was named National Artist of the Philippines for Music. He died on April 2, 2002.
Levi Celerio was born on April 19, 1910 in Tondo, Manila. He received a scholarship to the Academy of Music in Manila and became the youngest member of the Manila Symphony Orchestra. He wrote a great number of songs for local movies, which earned for him the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Film Academy of the Philippines. Celerio has written lyrics for more than 4,000 Filipino folk, Christmas, and love songs, including many that became movie titles.
On October 9, 1997, pursuant to Proclamation No. 1114, President Fidel V. Ramos proclaimed him a National Artist for Music and Literature. His citation read that his music "was a perfect embodiment of the heartfelt sentiments and valued traditions of the Filipino."
In his old age, Levi occasionally appeared in public, usually at a concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He was also playing at a Quezon City bar from time to time. Levi was a poor man, so poor in fact that he could not pay for his hospital bills.
He died at the Delgado Clinic in Quezon City on April 2, 2002 at the age of 91, just two days after the death of a fellow National Artist, Lucio San Pedro (who wrote the music for Sa Ugoy ng Duyan). But his death was overshadowed by the death of Rico Yan, a popular matinee idol thus, his death was received with little attention. He was buried with full military honors at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (National Heroes' Cemetery).
Levi Celerio was born on April 19, 1910 in Tondo, Manila. He received a scholarship to the Academy of Music in Manila and became the youngest member of the Manila Symphony Orchestra. He wrote a great number of songs for local movies, which earned for him the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Film Academy of the Philippines. Celerio has written lyrics for more than 4,000 Filipino folk, Christmas, and love songs, including many that became movie titles.
On October 9, 1997, pursuant to Proclamation No. 1114, President Fidel V. Ramos proclaimed him a National Artist for Music and Literature. His citation read that his music "was a perfect embodiment of the heartfelt sentiments and valued traditions of the Filipino."
In his old age, Levi occasionally appeared in public, usually at a concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He was also playing at a Quezon City bar from time to time. Levi was a poor man, so poor in fact that he could not pay for his hospital bills.
He died at the Delgado Clinic in Quezon City on April 2, 2002 at the age of 91, just two days after the death of a fellow National Artist, Lucio San Pedro (who wrote the music for Sa Ugoy ng Duyan). But his death was overshadowed by the death of Rico Yan, a popular matinee idol thus, his death was received with little attention. He was buried with full military honors at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (National Heroes' Cemetery).
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Eddie Romero
Eddie Romero (July 7, 1924 -) is an acclaimed and influential Filipino film director, film producer and screenwriter, considered one of the finest in the Cinema of the Philippines. Romero was named National Artist of the Philippines in 2003.
His career spans three generations of filmmakers. His 1976 film "Ganito Kami Noon…Paano Kayo Ngayon?," set at the turn of the century during the revolution against the Spaniards and, later, the American colonizers, follows a naïve peasant through his leap of faith to become a member of an imagined community.
"Agila" situates a family’s story against the backdrop of the country’s history.
"Kamakalawa" explores the folklore of prehistoric Philippines.
"Banta ng Kahapon," his 'small' political film, is set against the turmoil of the late 1960s, tracing the connection of the underworld to the corrupt halls of politics.
His 13-part series of "Noli Me Tangere" brings Philippine national hero Jose Rizal’s novel to a new generation of viewers.
Romero's films, the National Artist citation states, "are delivered in an utterly simple style – minimalist, but never empty, always calculated, precise and functional, but never predictable."
His career spans three generations of filmmakers. His 1976 film "Ganito Kami Noon…Paano Kayo Ngayon?," set at the turn of the century during the revolution against the Spaniards and, later, the American colonizers, follows a naïve peasant through his leap of faith to become a member of an imagined community.
"Agila" situates a family’s story against the backdrop of the country’s history.
"Kamakalawa" explores the folklore of prehistoric Philippines.
"Banta ng Kahapon," his 'small' political film, is set against the turmoil of the late 1960s, tracing the connection of the underworld to the corrupt halls of politics.
His 13-part series of "Noli Me Tangere" brings Philippine national hero Jose Rizal’s novel to a new generation of viewers.
Romero's films, the National Artist citation states, "are delivered in an utterly simple style – minimalist, but never empty, always calculated, precise and functional, but never predictable."
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Napoleon Abueva
Napoleón Isabelo Veloso-Abueva (born January 26, 1930), more popularly known as Napoleón Abueva, is a Filipino artist. He is a sculptor given the distinction as the Philippines National Artist for Sculpture. He is also entitled as the "Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture". He is the first and only Boholano given the distinction as National Artist of the Philippines in the field of Visual Arts.
Napoleon Abueva, nicknamed Billy, was born on January 26, 1930 in Tagbilaran, Bohol to Teodoro Abueva, a Bohol congressman and Purificacion (Nena) Veloso, president of the Women’s Auxiliary Service. His father was a friend and contemporary of former Philippine President Manuel Roxas and Ambassador Narciso Ramos. He was a member of the Provincial Board, and later became the Provincial Governor of Bohol. He ended his career as a Congressman in 1934. Both of Abueva's parents died serving their country.
Abueva has six other brothers and sisters: Teodoro (Teddy), Jr., now based in New York, USA; Purificacion (Neny -deceased), married to Atty. Ramon Binamira (dec.) of Tagbilaran City; Jose Abueva (Pepe), former president of the University of the Philippines; Amelia Martinez (Inday), now living in Chicago; Teresita (Ching)Floro, now living in Sydney, Australia; and Antonio (Tony), a landscape artist who met a tragic fate aboard Princess of the Orient; his body has not been found.
Some of his major works include Kaganapan (1953), Kiss of Judas (1955), Thirty Pieces of Silver , The Transfiguration, Eternal Gardens Memorial Park (1979), UP Gateway (1967), Nine Muses (1994), UP Faculty Center, Sunburst (1994)-Peninsula Manila Hotel, the bronze figure of Teodoro M. Kalaw in front of National Library, and murals in marble at the National Heroes Shrine, Mt. Samat, Bataan. One masterpiece he dedicates to the Boholanos is the Sandugo or Blood Compact shrine in Bool, Tagbilaran City, a landmark at the site of the first international treaty of friendship between Spaniards and Filipinos. This is now a tourist attraction in Bohol province. This shrine is an expression of Abueva's awareness of his roots, and a manifestation of his artistic talents.
Abueva also performed the death mask procedure of the late Fernando Poe Jr. in 2004, as well as that of Ninoy Aquino in 1986. Both masks are now displayed at the Center for Kapampangan Studies, Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac. Incidentally, he also made a death mask of Cardinal Sin.
Napoleon Abueva, nicknamed Billy, was born on January 26, 1930 in Tagbilaran, Bohol to Teodoro Abueva, a Bohol congressman and Purificacion (Nena) Veloso, president of the Women’s Auxiliary Service. His father was a friend and contemporary of former Philippine President Manuel Roxas and Ambassador Narciso Ramos. He was a member of the Provincial Board, and later became the Provincial Governor of Bohol. He ended his career as a Congressman in 1934. Both of Abueva's parents died serving their country.
Abueva has six other brothers and sisters: Teodoro (Teddy), Jr., now based in New York, USA; Purificacion (Neny -deceased), married to Atty. Ramon Binamira (dec.) of Tagbilaran City; Jose Abueva (Pepe), former president of the University of the Philippines; Amelia Martinez (Inday), now living in Chicago; Teresita (Ching)Floro, now living in Sydney, Australia; and Antonio (Tony), a landscape artist who met a tragic fate aboard Princess of the Orient; his body has not been found.
Some of his major works include Kaganapan (1953), Kiss of Judas (1955), Thirty Pieces of Silver , The Transfiguration, Eternal Gardens Memorial Park (1979), UP Gateway (1967), Nine Muses (1994), UP Faculty Center, Sunburst (1994)-Peninsula Manila Hotel, the bronze figure of Teodoro M. Kalaw in front of National Library, and murals in marble at the National Heroes Shrine, Mt. Samat, Bataan. One masterpiece he dedicates to the Boholanos is the Sandugo or Blood Compact shrine in Bool, Tagbilaran City, a landmark at the site of the first international treaty of friendship between Spaniards and Filipinos. This is now a tourist attraction in Bohol province. This shrine is an expression of Abueva's awareness of his roots, and a manifestation of his artistic talents.
Abueva also performed the death mask procedure of the late Fernando Poe Jr. in 2004, as well as that of Ninoy Aquino in 1986. Both masks are now displayed at the Center for Kapampangan Studies, Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac. Incidentally, he also made a death mask of Cardinal Sin.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Leandro Locsin
Leandro V. Locsin (1928-1994) was a Filipino architect, artist, and interior designer, known for his use of concrete, floating volume and simplistic design in his various projects. An avid collector, he was fond of modern painting and Chinese ceramics. He was proclaimed a National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture in 1990 by President Corazon C. Aquino.
Leandro V. Locsin was born on Aug 15, 1928 in Silay City, Negros Occidental, a grandson of the first governor of the province. He later studied at the De La Salle Brothers in 1935 before returning to Negros due to the Second World War. He returned to Manila to study Pre-Law, before shifting to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Music at the University of Santo Tomas. Although he was a talented pianist, he later shifted again to Architecture, just a year before graduating. He was married to Cecilia Yulo, to which he had two children, one of whom is also an architect.
An art lover, he frequented the Philippine Art Gallery, where he met the curator, Fernando Zobel de Ayala, who recommended Locsin to the Ossorio family, who was planning to build a chapel in Negros. Unfortunately, when Frederic Ossorio left for the United States, the plans for the chapel were canceled. However, in 1955, then University of the Philippines, Diliman Catholic Chaplain, Fr. John Delaney, S.J. commissioned Locsin to design a chapel that is open and can easily accommodate 1,000 people. The Church of the Holy Sacrifice is the first round chapel in the Philippines with the altar in the middle, and the first to have a thin shell concrete dome. The floor of the church was designed by Arturo Luz, the stations of the cross by Vicente Manansala and Ang Kiukok, and the cross by Napoleon Abueva, all of whom are now National Artists. Alfredo L. Juinio served as the building's structural engineer. Today, the church is recognized as a National Historical Landmark and a Cultural Treasure by the National Historical Institute and the National Museum respectively.
Leandro V. Locsin was born on Aug 15, 1928 in Silay City, Negros Occidental, a grandson of the first governor of the province. He later studied at the De La Salle Brothers in 1935 before returning to Negros due to the Second World War. He returned to Manila to study Pre-Law, before shifting to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Music at the University of Santo Tomas. Although he was a talented pianist, he later shifted again to Architecture, just a year before graduating. He was married to Cecilia Yulo, to which he had two children, one of whom is also an architect.
An art lover, he frequented the Philippine Art Gallery, where he met the curator, Fernando Zobel de Ayala, who recommended Locsin to the Ossorio family, who was planning to build a chapel in Negros. Unfortunately, when Frederic Ossorio left for the United States, the plans for the chapel were canceled. However, in 1955, then University of the Philippines, Diliman Catholic Chaplain, Fr. John Delaney, S.J. commissioned Locsin to design a chapel that is open and can easily accommodate 1,000 people. The Church of the Holy Sacrifice is the first round chapel in the Philippines with the altar in the middle, and the first to have a thin shell concrete dome. The floor of the church was designed by Arturo Luz, the stations of the cross by Vicente Manansala and Ang Kiukok, and the cross by Napoleon Abueva, all of whom are now National Artists. Alfredo L. Juinio served as the building's structural engineer. Today, the church is recognized as a National Historical Landmark and a Cultural Treasure by the National Historical Institute and the National Museum respectively.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Ishmael Bernal
Ishmael Bernal (1938-1996) was an acclaimed Filipino film, stage and television director. He is also an actor and scriptwriter. Noted for his melodramas particularly with feminist and moral issues his 1985 film about the justification of abortion Hinugot sa Langit is often cited as one of the greatest Filipino films of all time.
Ishmael Bernal (1938-1996) was an acclaimed Filipino film, stage and television director. He is also an actor and scriptwriter. Noted for his melodramas particularly with feminist and moral issues his 1985 film about the justification of abortion Hinugot sa Langit is often cited as one of the greatest Filipino films of all time.
Ishmael Bernal is one person who truly loved the arts. He nurtured his passion for literature and theater by actively participating in the U.P. Dramatic Club while finishing a college degree. He is also an avid fan of classical music and the operas. During the 1960s, Bernal put up When It's A Grey November In Your Soul, in Malate which became one of the favorite watering holes of Manila's artists and intellectuals. Unfazed by its short live-success, Bernal put up Kasalo in Quezon City three decades later, which became the hang-out of students, journalists, poets, bands, theater and film artists.
Ishmael Bernal (1938-1996) was an acclaimed Filipino film, stage and television director. He is also an actor and scriptwriter. Noted for his melodramas particularly with feminist and moral issues his 1985 film about the justification of abortion Hinugot sa Langit is often cited as one of the greatest Filipino films of all time.
Ishmael Bernal is one person who truly loved the arts. He nurtured his passion for literature and theater by actively participating in the U.P. Dramatic Club while finishing a college degree. He is also an avid fan of classical music and the operas. During the 1960s, Bernal put up When It's A Grey November In Your Soul, in Malate which became one of the favorite watering holes of Manila's artists and intellectuals. Unfazed by its short live-success, Bernal put up Kasalo in Quezon City three decades later, which became the hang-out of students, journalists, poets, bands, theater and film artists.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Kris Aquino
Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino-Yap (born February 14, 1971 in Quezon City) is a prominent television and movie personality in the Philippines.
She is the youngest of the five children of former president Corazon Aquino and Benigno Aquino, Jr., a popular opposition senator during the Ferdinand Marcos regime. The name of her siblings are Maria Elena, Aurora Corazon, Benigno III (Currently a senator from 2007 to 2013, former congressman of Tarlac), and Victoria Eliza.
In recent years, Aquino has been labeled the Philippines's "Queen of Talk," due to her success in hosting talk shows. She was crowned as the 2004 Box Office Queen for her hit movies such as Feng Shui and So... Happy Together.
In 2006, she regained the same Box Office title for her movie Sukob, which is said to be the highest-grossing Filipino film of the year.
Aquino started her career on TV at ABS-CBN. Being young then, she was the starrer of the short-lived comedy show Luv Ko Si Kris.
It was not until 1994, that she did Nandito Ako with action star Philip Salvador that started one of Aquino's very controversial love affairs. Aquino became pregnant and had a child, Joshua.
With her movie career slowing, Aquino shifted her sights on a television career as a talk show host launched through Kris produced by Viva Television on Channel 4 (at that time named PTV, this was transferred to GMA Network which has partnership with Viva and after Viva's contract with PTV ended). But it was in GMA Network showbiz oriented talk show Startalk where she co-hosted with Boy Abunda and Lolit Solis that her hosting capabilities were noticed.
She is the youngest of the five children of former president Corazon Aquino and Benigno Aquino, Jr., a popular opposition senator during the Ferdinand Marcos regime. The name of her siblings are Maria Elena, Aurora Corazon, Benigno III (Currently a senator from 2007 to 2013, former congressman of Tarlac), and Victoria Eliza.
In recent years, Aquino has been labeled the Philippines's "Queen of Talk," due to her success in hosting talk shows. She was crowned as the 2004 Box Office Queen for her hit movies such as Feng Shui and So... Happy Together.
In 2006, she regained the same Box Office title for her movie Sukob, which is said to be the highest-grossing Filipino film of the year.
Aquino started her career on TV at ABS-CBN. Being young then, she was the starrer of the short-lived comedy show Luv Ko Si Kris.
It was not until 1994, that she did Nandito Ako with action star Philip Salvador that started one of Aquino's very controversial love affairs. Aquino became pregnant and had a child, Joshua.
With her movie career slowing, Aquino shifted her sights on a television career as a talk show host launched through Kris produced by Viva Television on Channel 4 (at that time named PTV, this was transferred to GMA Network which has partnership with Viva and after Viva's contract with PTV ended). But it was in GMA Network showbiz oriented talk show Startalk where she co-hosted with Boy Abunda and Lolit Solis that her hosting capabilities were noticed.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Rudy Fernandez
Rodolfo Fernandez (born December 5, 1947 in Iloilo, Philippines) commonly known as Rudy and referred as the "Iron Man of Asia", is a multi-awarded, one-legged Filipino triathlete who had finished a degree in Physical Education.
Rudy had competed in running, swimming and cycling, and prides himself in always finishing the race despite the obvious handicap. He was a participant in an athletic competition in early 2005 held in Singapore.
In 1996, Rudy attracted attention by swimming from Guimaras to Iloilo, beating Terry Fox's record.
Rudy became torchbearer for two multi-sport events: the 2001 SEA Games, and the Palarong Pambansa 2005 (Philippine National Games). Currently he is supporting a charity that supports youth, especially those with physical disabilities and the differently-abled. This became his inspiration in joining Pinoy Big Brother.
He is currently married to Melba, a midwife, with whom they have three sons, the first names of which all end in -itz.
He had an amputation at the thigh of his right leg. The amputation was due to a bomb explosion in the Alegro Theater from his hometown in Iloilo on 1978. He began using a mechanical hydraulic prosthetic leg in the 80's.
Rudy had competed in running, swimming and cycling, and prides himself in always finishing the race despite the obvious handicap. He was a participant in an athletic competition in early 2005 held in Singapore.
In 1996, Rudy attracted attention by swimming from Guimaras to Iloilo, beating Terry Fox's record.
Rudy became torchbearer for two multi-sport events: the 2001 SEA Games, and the Palarong Pambansa 2005 (Philippine National Games). Currently he is supporting a charity that supports youth, especially those with physical disabilities and the differently-abled. This became his inspiration in joining Pinoy Big Brother.
He is currently married to Melba, a midwife, with whom they have three sons, the first names of which all end in -itz.
He had an amputation at the thigh of his right leg. The amputation was due to a bomb explosion in the Alegro Theater from his hometown in Iloilo on 1978. He began using a mechanical hydraulic prosthetic leg in the 80's.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Alma Moreno
Alma Moreno is a Filipino actress who has made her mark both as a popular movie and television personality. She was born Venessa Lacasamana on May 25, 1959 in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur to Frank Lacsamana and Jean Moreno, a couple who lived a simple, yet noble life.
She appeared in her first movie as a "dama" in "Urduja" with Amalia Fuentes. Her first starring role was "Ligaw na Bulaklak Part 2" with Vic Silayan, which launched her to full stardom . The 1976 film was directed by Philippine National Artist Ishmael Bernal.
From then on until the late '80s, Alma starred in a number of skin flicks that were big hits at the box-office. Thus, Moreno reigned as the "Sex Goddess of Philippine Movies" in the '70s and '80s.
Bernal also directed her in one of the best Filipino films of all time, "City After Dark". Her other notable films include "Makati Avenue Office Girls" and "Mga Bilanggong Birhen".
Versatile in sexy, drama and comedy films, Alma hosted a number of highly-rated television variety shows in the '80s for which she earned the title Shining Star. She also had a weekly television drama anthology, ALINDOG, a well-written drama exploring the lives of the modern Filipino women. Alma, who is also an excellent dancer, popularized a sexy, high-cut outfit called the “Tangga” in her TV shows like The Other Side of Alma, Rated A and Loveli-Ness. She has been nominated in various film and TV acting awards for her dramatic and comedic performances.
Ness, as she is fondly called in local show business, had a long live-in relationship with Action King Rudy Fernandez, with whom she has a son, Mark Anthony Fernandez, also an actor. She also figured in another high-profile live-in affair with the King of Comedy, Dolphy, which produced a son, Vandolph a former child actor.
Moreno later married actor-politician Joey Marquez. Their 12-year union produced three children: Yeoj, Win-win, VJ, and adopted Em-Em. The marriage was annulled in 2004.
She appeared in her first movie as a "dama" in "Urduja" with Amalia Fuentes. Her first starring role was "Ligaw na Bulaklak Part 2" with Vic Silayan, which launched her to full stardom . The 1976 film was directed by Philippine National Artist Ishmael Bernal.
From then on until the late '80s, Alma starred in a number of skin flicks that were big hits at the box-office. Thus, Moreno reigned as the "Sex Goddess of Philippine Movies" in the '70s and '80s.
Bernal also directed her in one of the best Filipino films of all time, "City After Dark". Her other notable films include "Makati Avenue Office Girls" and "Mga Bilanggong Birhen".
Versatile in sexy, drama and comedy films, Alma hosted a number of highly-rated television variety shows in the '80s for which she earned the title Shining Star. She also had a weekly television drama anthology, ALINDOG, a well-written drama exploring the lives of the modern Filipino women. Alma, who is also an excellent dancer, popularized a sexy, high-cut outfit called the “Tangga” in her TV shows like The Other Side of Alma, Rated A and Loveli-Ness. She has been nominated in various film and TV acting awards for her dramatic and comedic performances.
Ness, as she is fondly called in local show business, had a long live-in relationship with Action King Rudy Fernandez, with whom she has a son, Mark Anthony Fernandez, also an actor. She also figured in another high-profile live-in affair with the King of Comedy, Dolphy, which produced a son, Vandolph a former child actor.
Moreno later married actor-politician Joey Marquez. Their 12-year union produced three children: Yeoj, Win-win, VJ, and adopted Em-Em. The marriage was annulled in 2004.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Lino Brocka
Catalino Ortiz Brocka, better known as Lino Brocka (April 3, 1939–May 21, 1991) is known as one of the greatest film directors of the Philippines. Brocka was openly homosexual and many of his films incorporated LGBT themes into their often dramatic storylines.
Brocka was born in Pilar, Sorsogon. He directed his first film, Wanted: Perfect Mother, based on The Sound of Music and a local comic serial, in 1970. It won an award for best screenplay at the 1970 Manila Film Festival. Later that year he also won the Citizen’s Council for Mass Media's best-director award for the film Santiago.
In 1974 Brocka directed Tinimbang Ka ngunit Kulang, which told the story of a teenager growing up in a small town amid its petty and gross injustices. It was a box-office hit, and earned Brocka another best-director award, this time from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS).
The following year he directed Maynila: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag (Manila: in the Claws of Light), which is considered by many critics to be the greatest Philippine film ever made - including British film critic and historian Derek Malcolm. The film tells the allegorical tale of a young provincial named Julio Madiaga who goes to Manila looking for his lost love, Ligaya Paraiso (which is Tagalog for "Joyful Paradise"). The episodic plot has him careering from one adventure to another until he finally finds Ligaya. Much of the film's greatness can be traced to the excellent cinematography by Mike de Leon, who would become a great Filipino filmmaker himself.
Brocka was born in Pilar, Sorsogon. He directed his first film, Wanted: Perfect Mother, based on The Sound of Music and a local comic serial, in 1970. It won an award for best screenplay at the 1970 Manila Film Festival. Later that year he also won the Citizen’s Council for Mass Media's best-director award for the film Santiago.
In 1974 Brocka directed Tinimbang Ka ngunit Kulang, which told the story of a teenager growing up in a small town amid its petty and gross injustices. It was a box-office hit, and earned Brocka another best-director award, this time from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS).
The following year he directed Maynila: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag (Manila: in the Claws of Light), which is considered by many critics to be the greatest Philippine film ever made - including British film critic and historian Derek Malcolm. The film tells the allegorical tale of a young provincial named Julio Madiaga who goes to Manila looking for his lost love, Ligaya Paraiso (which is Tagalog for "Joyful Paradise"). The episodic plot has him careering from one adventure to another until he finally finds Ligaya. Much of the film's greatness can be traced to the excellent cinematography by Mike de Leon, who would become a great Filipino filmmaker himself.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Lito Lapid
Manuel Mercado Lapid , popularly known as Lito Lapid, is a Filipino actor, politician and Senator of the Republic of the Philippines.He is teasingly known as the "no brain senator" and "out-of-town senator", spending more time and people's money in USA than in the senate hall. He run and lost by a huge margin to opposition leader and incumbent Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay during the May 2007 local election.
Born on October 25, 1955 in Porac, Pampanga, he was the fifth of nine children by Jose Lapid and Eleuteria Mercado. He completed his elementary education at Porac Central School in 1968, and secondary education at St. Catherine Academy of Porac, Pampanga in 1972. Lapid did not enroll for his tertiary education.
From his humble beginnings as a stuntman, Lito Lapid rose to become one of the country's top action movie stars. Lapid's movies were blockbusters and he was cited as one of the top rated action movie stars, a group that includes Fernando Poe Jr., Joseph Estrada, and Ramon Revilla Sr..
Lapid married Marissa Tadeo Lapid in simple Catholic rights. Lapid had two sons and two daughters under Tadeo: Maan Krista, Mitzi Karen, Maynard and Mark. Maynard is an aspiring actor whose career started in 2006. Mark Lapid is the incumbent governor of Pampanga, his term however will end in June, 2007 after he lost in the recent elections to Fr. Ed "Among" Panlilio.
Born on October 25, 1955 in Porac, Pampanga, he was the fifth of nine children by Jose Lapid and Eleuteria Mercado. He completed his elementary education at Porac Central School in 1968, and secondary education at St. Catherine Academy of Porac, Pampanga in 1972. Lapid did not enroll for his tertiary education.
From his humble beginnings as a stuntman, Lito Lapid rose to become one of the country's top action movie stars. Lapid's movies were blockbusters and he was cited as one of the top rated action movie stars, a group that includes Fernando Poe Jr., Joseph Estrada, and Ramon Revilla Sr..
Lapid married Marissa Tadeo Lapid in simple Catholic rights. Lapid had two sons and two daughters under Tadeo: Maan Krista, Mitzi Karen, Maynard and Mark. Maynard is an aspiring actor whose career started in 2006. Mark Lapid is the incumbent governor of Pampanga, his term however will end in June, 2007 after he lost in the recent elections to Fr. Ed "Among" Panlilio.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Dina Bonnevie
Geraldine Yuson Bonnevie known as Dina Bonnevie (January 27, 1961 in Quezon City is a Filipina actress. Her son (born 1984) is the actor Oyo Boy Sotto.
Bonnevie was born January 27, 1961 to Honesto Bonnevie and Jeannette Schaer. Her grandmother is pre-World War II actress Rosita Rivera. She has two children by comedian Vic Sotto, who are now also interested in acting. She began her schooling in St. Theresa's College,Manila, but finished her elementary and secondary education at St. Agnes' Academy in Legaspi City, where she was very active in drama guilds. In 1980 she enrolled in Communication Arts at the Ateneo de Manila University and, later, the University of the Philippines. Introduced by young actor Alfie Anido to director 'Joey Gosiengfiao, she first appeared in teen dramas Underage (1980) and Temptation Island (1981), but her launching movie was Katorse (1984) with Anido and Gabby Concepcion. This film established her as one of the "Regal Babies" (named after the studio, Regal Films). She then appeared in a longer slew of teenage love or growing-pains dramas. Bakit ba ganyan (1981) was a film where she herself sang the theme song and popularized it thus.
In 1985 she ventured into dramatic roles, starting with 'Mike de Leon' 's Hindi nahahati ang langit (1985). Her other films are "A Dangerous Life" (1988) (mini), with American actor Gary Busey; Orapronobis (1989), Pangarap na ginto (1990), Huwag mong salingin ang sugat ko (1991) and Akin ang pangarap mo (1992). In Babaeng nawawala sa sarili, Ang (1989), Bonnevie sizzled and wowed critics and audiences alike in the role of a possessed woman. She also portrayed real-life characters, such as in Eskapo: The Serge Osmena-Geny Lopez Story (1995), as the wife of Geny Lopez; as one of the accused parents in the child-molestation drama, Minsan May Pangarap: The Guce Family Story (1995), shot in New York City; as the girlfriend of activist Leopoldo Mabilangan in Ka Hector (1995); and as Governor Chavit Singson's wife in Chavit (2003), opposite Cesar Montano and Eddie Garcia.
Bonnevie was born January 27, 1961 to Honesto Bonnevie and Jeannette Schaer. Her grandmother is pre-World War II actress Rosita Rivera. She has two children by comedian Vic Sotto, who are now also interested in acting. She began her schooling in St. Theresa's College,Manila, but finished her elementary and secondary education at St. Agnes' Academy in Legaspi City, where she was very active in drama guilds. In 1980 she enrolled in Communication Arts at the Ateneo de Manila University and, later, the University of the Philippines. Introduced by young actor Alfie Anido to director 'Joey Gosiengfiao, she first appeared in teen dramas Underage (1980) and Temptation Island (1981), but her launching movie was Katorse (1984) with Anido and Gabby Concepcion. This film established her as one of the "Regal Babies" (named after the studio, Regal Films). She then appeared in a longer slew of teenage love or growing-pains dramas. Bakit ba ganyan (1981) was a film where she herself sang the theme song and popularized it thus.
In 1985 she ventured into dramatic roles, starting with 'Mike de Leon' 's Hindi nahahati ang langit (1985). Her other films are "A Dangerous Life" (1988) (mini), with American actor Gary Busey; Orapronobis (1989), Pangarap na ginto (1990), Huwag mong salingin ang sugat ko (1991) and Akin ang pangarap mo (1992). In Babaeng nawawala sa sarili, Ang (1989), Bonnevie sizzled and wowed critics and audiences alike in the role of a possessed woman. She also portrayed real-life characters, such as in Eskapo: The Serge Osmena-Geny Lopez Story (1995), as the wife of Geny Lopez; as one of the accused parents in the child-molestation drama, Minsan May Pangarap: The Guce Family Story (1995), shot in New York City; as the girlfriend of activist Leopoldo Mabilangan in Ka Hector (1995); and as Governor Chavit Singson's wife in Chavit (2003), opposite Cesar Montano and Eddie Garcia.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Nora Aunor
Nora Aunor (born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor on May 21, 1953 in Iriga, Camarines Sur) is a multi-awarded Filipino actress, singer and producer. Aunor has also topbilled several stage plays, television shows, and concerts. She is regarded as the Superstar in Philippine Entertainment Industry. A number of film critics and movie industry players consider her as Philippine Cinema's greatest thespian and major icon. Nora is the only movie actress to receive the prestigious Centennial Honor for the Arts that was handed out by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1999.
Aunor used to sell cold water by the railroad tracks of Iriga City but soon became famous in 1967 after becoming the grand champion of Tawag ng Tanghalan, then the most popular national amateur singing contest in the Philippines.
Aunor hosted the longest-running musical, top-rating musical variety show in Philippine television. Her show Superstar ran for 22 years. Nora also headlined her own award-winning weekly drama show entitled Makulay na Daigdig ni Nora for several years in the 1970s. In 1992, she was the first actress to star in the Star Drama Theater Presents: Nora, a drama anthology program that featured the leading dramatic actresses that time. In 2002, Aunor made her first and highly-rated soap opera, Bituin, which was aired on ABS-CBN Broadcasting Network.
Aunor used to sell cold water by the railroad tracks of Iriga City but soon became famous in 1967 after becoming the grand champion of Tawag ng Tanghalan, then the most popular national amateur singing contest in the Philippines.
Aunor hosted the longest-running musical, top-rating musical variety show in Philippine television. Her show Superstar ran for 22 years. Nora also headlined her own award-winning weekly drama show entitled Makulay na Daigdig ni Nora for several years in the 1970s. In 1992, she was the first actress to star in the Star Drama Theater Presents: Nora, a drama anthology program that featured the leading dramatic actresses that time. In 2002, Aunor made her first and highly-rated soap opera, Bituin, which was aired on ABS-CBN Broadcasting Network.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Sharon Cuneta
Sharon Gamboa Cuneta Pangilinan (born January 6, 1966) is a popular Filipina actress, TV host, singer, and endorser. She is also known as The Mega Star of Philippine Showbiz having been a grandslam awardee, a box office queen hall of famer and a recipient of several lifetime achievement awards at a relatively young age.
Her mother (Elaine Cuneta) hails from Sta. Ana, Pampanga while her father (Pablo Cuneta; 1910-2000) was the mayor of Pasay City for decades. She is half-Tagalog in paternal side and fourth-Kapampangan and fourth-Spanish both in maternal side.
She first appeared on Philippine pop charts in 1978 as a 12 year old, singing the tune "Mr. D.J." The tune became wildly popular and earned her the title of "D.J.'s Pet" (which was also the name of her first album). Other hit albums followed, and Cuneta was asked to sing many movie soundtracks of the time - becoming the first "movie soundtrack star" in the country.
She was given films from Viva Films. At age 15, she starred in her first feature film, 1981 Dear Heart paired with fellow teeny-bopper Gabby Concepcion. After Dear Heart's success, she appeared in more than 50 feature films, and earned the title of "Box Office Queen" in the country from 1985 through 1993.
Her early movie roles launched her as a "poor little rich girl". When all else failed, producers decided to make her roles as a "rags to riches" type. Although raised in an influential rich political family, she appealed to the sosyal (socially rich) and masa (mass) crowd of Philippine society, with her intelligence, humor and down-to-earth personality.
Her musical-variety show, T.S.C.S. "The Sharon Cuneta Show" was one of the longest running television shows in Philippine Showbiz from 1986 through 1997.
She started her hosting abilities with other teenage prodigies with shows like GMA Supershow, later called Germspesyal, with German Moreno and C.U.T.E. "Call Us Two For Entertainment" with her aunt from Pampanga, former actress Helen Gamboa.
Her love-team pairing in Dear Heart with Regal Films heartthrob, Gabby Concepcion made the team the most popular love team in Philippine Movies during the 1980's. They later married (at age 19) in a civil ceremony then a Church wedding on September 23, 1984 with former President Ferdinand Marcos as Principal Sponsor (Ninong); however, the marriage did not last. In April 1985, Sharon gave birth to a daughter, Maria Kristina Cassandra Concepcion or KC Concepcion.
Her mother (Elaine Cuneta) hails from Sta. Ana, Pampanga while her father (Pablo Cuneta; 1910-2000) was the mayor of Pasay City for decades. She is half-Tagalog in paternal side and fourth-Kapampangan and fourth-Spanish both in maternal side.
She first appeared on Philippine pop charts in 1978 as a 12 year old, singing the tune "Mr. D.J." The tune became wildly popular and earned her the title of "D.J.'s Pet" (which was also the name of her first album). Other hit albums followed, and Cuneta was asked to sing many movie soundtracks of the time - becoming the first "movie soundtrack star" in the country.
She was given films from Viva Films. At age 15, she starred in her first feature film, 1981 Dear Heart paired with fellow teeny-bopper Gabby Concepcion. After Dear Heart's success, she appeared in more than 50 feature films, and earned the title of "Box Office Queen" in the country from 1985 through 1993.
Her early movie roles launched her as a "poor little rich girl". When all else failed, producers decided to make her roles as a "rags to riches" type. Although raised in an influential rich political family, she appealed to the sosyal (socially rich) and masa (mass) crowd of Philippine society, with her intelligence, humor and down-to-earth personality.
Her musical-variety show, T.S.C.S. "The Sharon Cuneta Show" was one of the longest running television shows in Philippine Showbiz from 1986 through 1997.
She started her hosting abilities with other teenage prodigies with shows like GMA Supershow, later called Germspesyal, with German Moreno and C.U.T.E. "Call Us Two For Entertainment" with her aunt from Pampanga, former actress Helen Gamboa.
Her love-team pairing in Dear Heart with Regal Films heartthrob, Gabby Concepcion made the team the most popular love team in Philippine Movies during the 1980's. They later married (at age 19) in a civil ceremony then a Church wedding on September 23, 1984 with former President Ferdinand Marcos as Principal Sponsor (Ninong); however, the marriage did not last. In April 1985, Sharon gave birth to a daughter, Maria Kristina Cassandra Concepcion or KC Concepcion.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Vilma Santos
Vilma Santos (born Maria Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos November 3, 1953) is a popular multi-awarded actress and politician in the Philippines. She's known as the "Queenstar" and "Star for All Seasons". She is currently governor of Batangas. She is the first woman governor of the province. She was previously the first woman mayor of Lipa City.She started acting at the age of nine, after winning the title role for the hit drama film Trudis Liit (Little Trudis). She immediately received her first acting trophy as Best Child Performer from FAMAS for the same film.
Groomed as a lead actress in her teens, her popularity grew further, bolstered by her loveteam with actor Edgar Mortiz and rivalry with contemporary actress Nora Aunor. She made the film Burlesk Queen when she lost to Nora Aunor in popularity. At the height of her showbiz career she was a consistent box-office drawer highlighted by comic-book adapted films like the Darna series and Dyesebel, and dramatic/daring films like Burlesk Queen and Sinasamba Kita, among others.
Regarded as the longest reigning Box-Office Queen of Philippine Cinema, her films broke box-office records several times in her career and is hailed as the Star for All Seasons and Queenstar. She also hosted her own top-rating musical variety television shows ('The Sensations', 'VIP' and the long-running multi-awarded 'Vilma').Though not really a singer but a natural dancer fond of doing 'acrobatic' dance performances in her TV show, she managed to earn gold record awards as a teener.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Panchito
Alfonso D. Tagle, Sr. also known as Panchito Alba or Panchito (b.February 1925-d.December 1995) was a popular Filipino comedian and actor. He is the son of Filipina actress, Etang Discher. He is brother of actor Emil Tagle. Alba's characteristic trademark is his large nose.
Alba started working as an actor for Sampaguita Pictures in 1954. He is always seen in Philippine television and movies as the sidekick of another Philippine actor and comedian, Dolphy. He became a full-time comedian upon appearing with Dolphy in a 1959 comedy film, Kalabog en Bosyo.
Alba was a Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS) best supporting actor in 1955.
Alba started working as an actor for Sampaguita Pictures in 1954. He is always seen in Philippine television and movies as the sidekick of another Philippine actor and comedian, Dolphy. He became a full-time comedian upon appearing with Dolphy in a 1959 comedy film, Kalabog en Bosyo.
Alba was a Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS) best supporting actor in 1955.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)