Video 48

POST-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES # 74: "HALIK SA BANDILA" (1948)

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000+08:00

"Halik sa Bandila"
Premiere Productions
Release Date: April 13-23, 1948/ Dalisay
Direction Consuelo P. Osorio
Cast Jose Padilla, Jr., Ester Magalona, Fernando Royo, Amelita Sol, Virginia Montes, Tolindoy, Dely Atay-atayan, Mary Walter, Fernando Santiago, Simplicio Serafin Casupang, Alfonso Reyes, Alvaran, Totoy Torrente, Efren Reyes

POST-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES # 73: "MGA BUSABOS NG PALAD" (1948)

2012-01-27T00:00:00.001+08:00

"Mga Busabos ng Palad"
Nolasco Bros. Pictures
Release Date: August 12- September 2, 1948/ Center
Direction Luis F.Nolasco
Cast Leopoldo Salcedo, Vida Florante, Bimbo Danao, Leila Morena, Fernando Royo, Rosa Aguirre, Gil de Leon, Ben Perez, Don danon and Quiel Segovia

POST-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES # 72: "SELOSA" (1948)

2012-01-26T09:49:00.000+08:00

"Selosa"
Sampaguita Pictures, Inc.
Release Date: April 8- 13, 1948/ Center
Story Inigo Ed. Regalado
Music Tito Arevalo Direction Eddie Romero
Cast Carmen Rosales, Ely Ramos, Lillian Leonardo, Roberto Rosales, Rosie Lorenzana, Vicente Liwanag, Oscar Frazenda, Arsenio Almonte, Ely Nakpil, Ramon Toledo Jr., Dick Tuazon, Liberty Ilagan

CESAR RAMIREZ AND ALICIA VERGEL IN ALFREDO ALCALA'S "UKALA (ANG WALANG SUKO)" (1954): KOMIKS SERIAL AND MOVIE ADAPTATION

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000+08:00

"Ukala (Ang Walang Suko)" (1954)- Stars Cesar Ramirez, Alicia Vergel, Chichay Tolindoy, Bert Olivar, Eddie Garcia, Martin Marfil, Conrado Conde, Jaime Javier, Teroy de Guzman, Panchito Alba, Pablo Raymundo, Mila Oswald, Herminia Carranza, Joe Sison, Apolonia Aguilar/ The children: Corazon Rivas, Nonny Padilla, Sonny Padilla/ Directed by Artemio Tecson

Synopsis: Pietro Bascones, Corsican pirate, commandeers a galleon anchored at the port of Cadiz, Spain, belonging to Don Sisenando Labrador. Aboard is Gracita, Don Sisenando’s wife, and Margarita, their small daughter. On way to the new world, Gracita disappears from the galleon in a stormy night.

After landing in the new world, the pirates are pounced upon by Mahikut Indians. In the confusion, boy Ukala and his brother Tarno, sons of Chief Ungka, tribal enemy of the Mahikuts, spirit away Margarita. Margarita grows up with Chief Ungka’s people, and is regarded as the Chief’s daughter.

Ukala (Cesar Ramirez) grows up, and his bravery is feared by the Mahikuts. Meanwhile, Margarita (Alicia Vergel) blossoms into beautiful woman and is Ukala’s steady and constant companion. Gracita, it turns out, was washed ashore, and reunited with her husband and began quest of their daughter. Equipping another galleon, the Labradores set out for the new world in search of Pirate Bascones and their supposedly captive daughter.

Building a temporary fort, they set out exploring the place. Because they are pale-face people, like his friend, Margarita, Ukala protects them against the treachery of the Mahikuts. By this time, the pirates and the Mahikuts have concluded an alliance to attack Chief Ungka, thinking he has a cache of treasures hidden somewhere.

Margarita’s parents stumble on Chief Ungka’s village, find Margarita, plead her to return to the old world with them.

The Mahikuts and the pirates raid the galleon, capturing the Labradores. Ukala fights to save them.

Realizing that Ukala and Margarita are in love with each other, Don Sisenando consents to their marriage and decides to settle in the new world with his children. (Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ (1954)

"Ukala (Ang Walang Suko)"
Katha't Guhit ni Alfredo Alcala
Serialized in Pilipino Komiks/ 1954

RIC RODRIGO AND LOLITA RODRIGUEZ IN "TATLONG PATAK NA LUHA" (1960)

2012-01-22T14:50:00.001+08:00

"Tatlong Patak na Luha" (1960)- Stars Ric Rodrigo, Lolita Rodriguez, Carlos Salazar, Greg Martin, Liberty Ilagan, Zeny Zabala, Lito Legaspi, Boy Planas, Ven Medina, Pablo Guevarra, Aring Bautista, Matimtiman Cruz, Ely Roque, Lillian de Leon, Jose Villafranca and Juvy Cachola/ Directed by Carlos Vander Tolosa

Synopsis: Hoping that Julia’s (Lolita Rodriguez) marriage to Martin (Carlos Salazar), son of a wealthy businessman, would give her the comforts of life, Lucio (Ric Rodrigo) gives up his own love.

Julia marries Martin because she badly needs money for her sick mother. But Martin’s father objects to the marriage and disown him. Martin dies in a car accident leaving his widow and two children penniless.

News of Julia’s ill fortune reaches Lucio who sees her just as she is about to be assaulted by a hoodlum. The hoodlum dies while Lucio tries to defend Julia, and the death is blamed on Lucio. He is imprisoned, but is able to escape, clears himself and finally gets reunited with Julia. (Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine)

DELIA RAZON AND MARIO MONTENEGRO IN "REBELDE" (1958)

2012-01-20T08:24:00.000+08:00

"Rebelde" (1958)- Stars Delia Razon, Mario Montenegro, Carlos Padilla, Jr., Rebecca Del Rio, Alfonso Carvajal, Oscar Keesee, Eusebio Gomez, Lydia Antonio/ Directed by Artemio Marquez

Synopsis: Florencia (Delia Razon) is a typical Filipina who joins the rebels when her father is killed by Kapitan Mariano, a Filipino employed by the American occupation forces. Florencia becomes ruthless in her efforts to avenge her father's death and with the help of Donato (Carlos Padilla, Jr.), organizes a rebel army to fight against the Americans.

Kapitan Mariano is all for fighting the rebels with force but the governor thinks otherwise. Mario (Mario Montenegro), the governor's son, volunteers to act as an emissary to convince the rebels to surrender peacefully. Mario contacts Donato but the latter, suspecting him of spying, orders him hanged. Mario is saved by Florencia who believes he is telling the truth.

Mario and Donato start for the town for a conference with the governor but when they reach town, they learn that the governor has been murdered. Although Dr. Lorna de Dios (Rebecca Del Rio), Mario’s sweetheart knows the identity of the murderer, she refuses to tell Mario who murdered his father.

Mario takes to the hills and is welcomed with open arms by Florencia who has fallen in love with him arousing Donato‘s jealousy. Later on Lorna relents and tells Mario that Kapitan Magno, one of Kapitan Mariano’s men, is the murderer of his father.

Mario finds Kapitan Mariano just as the latter with his men have captured Florencia. Kapitan Mariano makes a run for it, killing Lorna in the process. Mario pursues Kapitan Mariano and when he catches up, engages him in a fist fight which he eventually wins. He returns to Florencia. (Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine)

LEILA MORENA AND BEN PEREZ IN "GOLDIGER" (1954)

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000+08:00

"Goldiger" (1954)- Stars Leila Morena, Ben Perez, Eleanor Medina, Ramon D' Salva, Caniteno Ilano, Leonora Ruiz, Romy Brion, Nello Nayo, Metring David, Fernando Santiago/ Introducing Bella Palma/ Directed by Rolando Del Mar

Synopsis: Clarita (Leila Morena) is the only daughter of a rig driver, but she has great plans in life. So when her father dies, leaving her a nag and a rig, she is forced by circumstances to drive the rig for a living. She is thus engaged when the rig collides with a car owned by Mr. Gonzales (Nello Nayo), owner of a gasoline station. To make up with such a pretty and spirited young woman, he employs her in the station.

Akong, a Chinese store owner, also entertains some affection for the girl, as well as Don Felix Sandoval, rich widower who tips her lavishly when she services his car. But although she is hell bent on getting a wealthy husband, she ignores them off temporarily, for, if possible she also wants her future husband to be not necessarily a retired, overused businessman.

Then she meets Jose Planchador (Ben Perez), who owns and manages a one-man operated laundry shop. Jose also has great ambitions in life. He wants to marry a rich woman. And to facilitate the hunt, he borrows the expensive clothes of Don Anselmo Laperal (Ramon D’ Salva), a rich man who is courting her sister, to impress all and sundry of his apparent affluence. And Clarita is impressed.

Same goes for Jose who believes he has found a gold mine in Clarita, not knowing she is digging for gold herself, with him as the mine. But things can’t go on like this forever, with the neighbors bound to talk as they usually do, and both prospectors carefully checking up on their claims. Clarita gets a tip, but she does not mind because she is really in love this time.

She makes a date and catches up with Jose’s bluff, embarrassing him no end, but both are happy to find in each other not only a gold mine but a mine of love instead. (Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine)

FRED MONTILLA AND NENA CARDENAS IN EDDIE ROMERO'S "TAKAS!" (1954)

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000+08:00

"Takas!" (1954)- Stars Fred Montilla, Nena Cardenas, Ike Jarlego, Jr., Mercedita Sevilla/ Directed by Eddie Romero

Synopsis: The unit headed by Pepe Celis (Fred Montilla), in possession of two steel trunks of gold bullions, is wiped out by a Japanese patrol, and Celis himself, badly wounded, is left for dead.

Liberation time finds Pepe facing a court martial for betraying his unit to the enemy and is condemned to imprisonment by the false accusation of a scheming co-officer, Marasigan.

As a prison trustee assigned to the hospital, Celis meets a Japanese patient who reveals to him that his son caught in the raid with him, did not die but left in the care of nuns in a convent in S. Demetrio. Celis could identify the child by a locket around his neck, containing a map where the bullions are hidden.

Breaking jail, Celis is beset by the agents of the law, headed by Lladoc and Marasigan‘s henchmen who are afraid to be exposed. In his attempt to reach S. Demetrio, Celis is wounded in some encounters and is treated by a nurse (Nena Cardenas) who falls in love with him. At S. Demetrio, the nuns reveal that his son died, and they turn over to him the locket containing the map.

Meanwhile, in his search for clues leading to the whereabouts of the escaped Celis, Lladoc stumbles into other clues revealing how Celis was double-crossed by Marasigan. By playing Marasigan against his henchman, Caro, the latter begins to fear for his safety and squeals on Marasigan, clearing out Celis.
Lladoc then trails Marasigan, but the latter has already cornered Celis who has been forced to reveal where the treasure is hidden, by holding as hostage Celis’ boy companion (Ike Jarlego, Jr.). Lladoc, together with the nurse who is also in search of her fugitive lover, arrives on the spot where the treasure is hidden to find Pepe and Marasigan engaged in a mortal combat with Marasigan having the upper hand. Marasigan is shot, his henchmen captured.

Celis is cleared and happily reunited with the nurse, and the young boy who has been his faithful aide and companion during his many trials. (Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ 1954)

ROGELIO DE LA ROSA AND DELIA RAZON IN "DAKILANG PAGPAPAKASAKIT" (1954)

2012-01-14T00:00:00.000+08:00

"Dakilang Pagpapakasakit" (1954)- Stars Rogelio de la Rosa, Delia Razon, Rosa Rosal, Jose de Cordova, Chito Navarro, Oscar Obligacion, Chedeng Bermudez, G. Buencamino, Cynthia Gomez/ Directed by Rino Bermudez

Synopsis: In order to satisfy the needs of her growing child, Laura (Delia Razon), widowed by the war, accepts the dubious attentions of Adolfo (Jose de Cordova), a mysterious character who stays away from home most of the time on alleged business trips, and who makes Laura’s life a continuous torture.

After a lingering illness which she keeps to herself, she dies on the grave of her late husband, Renato, leaving her child in the care of Aling Enyang, a kindly woman. Feeling a presentiment that all is not well with her twin sister, Laura, Lydia (Delia Razon in a dual role) goes to Palawan, finds her dead, takes the child to Manila and posing as the legitimate widow of the dead officer, presents herself to Roberto (Rogelio dela Rosa), the brother of Renato who falls in love with his niece and grows interested day by day with Lydia.

Sofia (Rosa Rosal) who for sometime has been trying to catch Roberto’s interest in vain, dissent the competition of the supposed widow, and finds a valuable ally in the person of Adolfo who comes to Manila and demands Lydia to return to him, thinking her to be Laura.

After a series of difficult situations, the real facts of the case are brought out into the open by the sudden appearance of Aling Enyang, and Roberto is happy to have Lydia for his wife, after his doubts have been cleared out. (Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ 1954)

"LOS PALIKEROS" (1963): FPJ'S MOST HATED MOVIE

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000+08:00

In an article interview with Intrigue Magazine dated January 27, 1994, action king Fernando Poe, Jr. willingly shared and revealed to a group of movie scribes his most hated movie and candidly tell all about it... one of Da King's wittiest moments...

(Thanks to Eric Nadurata for the article)

Siyempre, kung mayroong pelikulang gustung-gusto alalahanin at gawan ng sequel, o kaya’y maging basehan sa isa pang ulit na matinong pelikula, meron ding pelikulang gusto nang kalimutam ni FPJ.

“ ‘Yong ginawa namin sa Amerika. Kaming dalawa ni Erap (Vice President Joseph Estrada),” sabi nga ni FPJ, kahit best friend niyang itinuturing si JE na ngayo’y Chairman pa ng PACC (Presidential Anti-Crime Commission).

“You know, ni hindi ko ibinenta sa GMA ‘yon, sa kahihiyan,” kuwelang banggit pa ni FPJ, na ang tinutukoy ay isang pelikulang may pamagat na Los Palikeros.“Kami ni Erap pang bida. Los Palikeros ba ‘yon? pag-ulit ni FPJ. “Title pa lang, o talo na! First day, last day na ‘yon. Kami ni Erap pang bida.” Would you believe, ang pinaka-hate na pelikula ni FPJ ay kinunan pa sa Amerika?

“Pumunta kami sa States to do that movie. Actually, mahabang istorya ‘yan, eh,” nag chain reaction nga lang daw, according to FPJ pa rin.

Siyempre, kuwento ulit.

“Pumunta kami ni Paquito (Diaz) sa Tokyo, “ bungad ulit na kuwento ni FPJ, “nabalitaan ni Erap. Bakit daw ang kasama ko lang si Kits? “O, sama ka na, Erap,” pagyaya na rin ni FPJ. “Tapos no’n, nabalitaan ni Pablo Santiago (director). O, pupunta ka ro’n, di pumunta na tayo sa Hawaii…”

“Parami nang parami. So, pumunta kami, around-the-world, para gumawa ng dalawang pelikula,”natatawang wika ni FPJ.

“Ano’ng makikita mo sa ginawa namin?” pagkuwa’y tanong naman niya. “Tumatawid lang kami ni Erap sa kalye, gano’n. Tapos ‘yung corridor ng Sampaguita hotel, du’n natapos ang pelikula! Naka-amerikana pa kami."

Mula sa kuwento ni FPJ, alam mo agad na total disaster ang naturang pelikula nila ni Erap (hindi siguro ‘yon kasing ganda ng napanood naming Ang Agila at ang Araw nila ni Erap, ‘no?). Of course, not! Sabi nga kasi ni FPJ, ang Los Palikeros daw ay ‘yong tipong, “When you go to the movies, thirty minutes lang, gusto mo nang matulog, eh. Gusto mo nang umuwi, eh. You know, I didn’t sell that, ha, ‘yong rights, sa Channel 7, gaya ng maraming FPJ movies ngayon. I didn’t sell that, dahil sa kahihiyan!”

“Imagine, I can easily sell that for 1 million; 1 million is 1 million, pero nakakahiya sa audience!” matapat namang wika ni Ronnie. “Sa kahihiyan sa tao… kahit na libre… baka gusto na tuloy nilang masira ‘yong TV nila! Gano’n kagarapal. Wala ka nang makikita kundi tatawid (sila ni Erap), magda-dialogue, lalakad. Halos… you hardly see any action.”

Sina FPJ at director-prodyuser Cirio Santiago ang nagprodyus ng naturang pelikula, na ayon kay FPJ, wala namang istorya. “Ewan ko, hindi ko na tinanong,” aniya pang natatawa-tawa. “I don’t know if it was color na. Hindi naman talaga pelikula ‘yon, eh.”

Hindi rin daw maituturing na travelogue ang ginawa nila ni Erap. “Hindi bale sana kung magaganda… hindi ba pag travelogue, ‘yong leading man, leading lady, magandang tingnan?” Eh, hindi nga raw gano’n nangyari sa Los Palikeros. “Kaming dalawa ni Erap, ano’ng maganda ro’n? punchline pa ni FPJ, gaya sa tuwing aalaskahin niya ang matalik na kaibigan all these years.

Anupa’t ang sumunod niyang pahayag ang lalong nakapagpahagalpak sa tawa naming ng mga kasamang movie scribes. Sabi ni FPJ, still referring to his and Erap starrer, na silang dalawa nga lang ang mga bida, “Mahahalata pa ang isa sa amin do’n!”

O, ‘di ba? Sampol lang ‘yan kung gaano ka-witty o ng taglay na sense of humor ni Tito Ronnie na ikinatutuwa naming ipaabot sa nakakarami.

By William R. Reyes
Intrigue Magazine
January 27, 1994

(Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ 1963)

"Los Palikeros" (1963)- Stars Fernando Poe, Jr., Joseph Estrada, Paquito Diaz, Vic Diaz, Arabella Harmon and Maggie dela Riva/ Directed by Cirio H. Santiago and Armando A. Herrera

PANCHO MAGALONA AND LINDA ESTRELLA IN "LIHIM NG KUMPISALAN" (1952)

2012-01-10T08:47:00.000+08:00

When I first saw this ad, I thought the movie was based from Hitchcock's "I Confess." I was wrong, the movie, shown in 1952 was one year ahead of Hitchcock's which was released in 1953. The two movies, probably based on a 1902 French play by Paul Anthelme titled Nos Deux Consciences, had similar plot, that of a killer confessing to a crime in the confessional and instead the priest became the primary suspect. Because of the seal and secrecy of the confessional, the priest is bound not to disclose anything to the authorities. What if his life is at stake?

"Lihim ng Kumpisalan" (1952)- Stars Pancho Magalona, Linda Estrella, Rudy Francisco/ Directed by Olive La Torre

ZALDY ZSHORNACK IN TWO OF HIS EARLY LEAD ROLES AS "UKELELE BOY" (1957) AND "FIGHTING TISOY" (1958)

2012-01-08T00:00:00.002+08:00

"Ukelele Boy" (1957)- Stars Anita Linda, Ben Perez, Lani Oteyza and Zaldy Zshornack in the title role/ with Berting Labra, Vic Diaz, Jose Garcia, Abraham Cruz, Luis San Juan, Manuel Barbeyto and the Reycard Duet/ Directed by Pablo Santiago

"Fighting Tisoy" (1958)- Stars Zaldy Zshornack, Myra Crisol, Ben Perez, Elvira Reyes, Chiquito, Bobby Gonzales, Luis San Juan, Larry Ramos, Dencio Padilla, Fernando Santiago, Menchi Ferrer, Ligaya Reyes, Mila Bernardo/Guest- Ramon D' Salva/ Directed by Pablo Santiago

Synopsis: Zaldy is a collegiate basketball star who is disqualified from the team after engaging in a free-for-all with members of the opposing team. He decides to quit school and look for a job to help his sickly mother. He goes to a boxing gym where he is able to earn five pesos sparring with a boxer.

A boxing promoter, Daniel Perez, is attracted by his powerful right hand and he tries to convince Zaldy to train as a professional boxer under him. But before Zaldy can decide, Zaldy is convinced by one of his professors to resume his studies.

In school, Zaldy, upon the urgings of his friends and professors, becomes a member of the boxing team. While Zaldy is training at the school gym, Priscilla, a new girl, makes a big play for him, arousing the jealousy of Myra, Zaldy's cheerleader who also has a crush on him. Although Zaldy also loves Myra, he does not tell her of his feelings, believing he is too poor for her. On the other hand, Myra, to be near Zaldy, frequently visits his sick mother.

Zaldy becomes an amateur boxing champion and when his mother's illness becomes worse he seeks out Daniel Perez and accepts the latter's offer to fight professionally. In his first professional bout, Zaldy is the betting favorite. Gamblers threaten to kill him if he does not throw the fight but Zaldy tells Perez about it. Perez advises him to fight to win and takes care of the gamblers. Zaldy wins the fight and his mother is cured. (Source: Literary Song-Movie magazine)

PANCHO MAGALONA AND MYRNA DELGADO IN FRANCISCO V. COCHING'S "WALDAS" (1955): KOMIKS SERIAL AND MOVIE ADAPTATION

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000+08:00

"Waldas" (1955)- Stars Pancho Magalona, Myrna Delgado, Van de Leon, Rosa Mia, Chichay, Eddie Garcia, Panchito Alba, Rod Navarro, Martin Marfil, Jose Salameda, Tero de Guzman, Elena Adorable/ Directed by Mar S. Torres

Pilipino Komiks/ 1955
Nobela't Guhit ni Francisco V. Coching

--- click images to enlarge---

SUSAN ROCES AS PABLO S. GOMEZ/ CARLOS GONDA'S "TORKWATA" (1957): KOMIKS SERIAL AND MOVIE ADAPTATION

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000+08:00

"Torkwata" (1957)- Stars Eddie Arenas, Susan Roces, Aruray, Zeny Zabala, Tito Galla, Precy Ortega, Marilou Cuadrado/ Directed by Rosa Mia

Synopsis: Dona Irene adopts an orphan, Torkwata (Susan Roces), to keep her company in her old age. Aling Goria and Mang Tuse, househelps, also prevail on her to adopt also their grandchild, Tacing, with the intention of finally eliminating Torkwata and their mistress, leaving Tacing the heiress to Dona lrene‘s wealth.

Because of clever scheming of the three, Dona Irene begins to distrust Torkwata, relegates her to the status of a servant. The trio subjects the old woman to slow poisoning, as a result of which she is confined to bed, leaving the trio to live a life of luxury at the expense of the old woman.

Benedicta knows of the going-ons, but before she has time to tell Dona Irene about it, she is urgently called to China where an old relative dies and leaves her a fortune. On her return, she takes pity on Torkwata, employs a detective, Renato (Eddie Arenas), who exposes the scheme of the trio. But while working to uncover the plot against Torkwata, Renato falls in love with the her whom he finally marries. (Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine)

Photo courtesy of James dela Rosa, Pelikula ATBP

Hiwaga Komiks/ 1956
Nobela nina Carlos Gonda at Pablo S. Gomez
Guhit ni Nestor Redondo

--- click images to enlarge---

From the Collection of Steve Santos/
Unang Labas Blog

TESSIE QUINTANA AND TEODY BELARMINO IN RICHARD ABELARDO'S KRUS NA BAKAL" (1954)

2012-01-03T09:35:00.004+08:00

"Krus na Bakal" (1954)- Stars Tessie Quintana, Teody Belarmino, Gil de Leon, Eusebio Gomez, Nela ALvarez, Oscar Obligacion, Miniong Alvarez/ Directed by Richard Abelardo

Synopsis: Dr. Mascardo discovers a potion which would change his appearance to that of a young man who soon becomes known in the town as Antenor. No one shares the Doctor's secret, although his pretty daughter, Gloria (Tessie Quintana), is troubled by her father's strange behavior when he is out of his Laboratory where he spends most of the time.

When Nestor (Teody Belarmino) pays a visit to Gloria and is met by Dr. Mascardo, the doctor gets furious, tries to hurt the young man who has to retaliate in self-defense. Nestor’s parents, Tasio and Anday, explain that the doctor’s hatred for Nestor" is due to Anday’s refusal to marry him when both were young. Anday fears for her son, but Tasio assures them that nothing would happen.

Another encounter takes place between Nestor and the doctor when the latter surprises the young lover in a tryst, and Nestor gets wounded. Tasio goes to the doctor’s house for retaliation, but is met on the way by Antenor who picks up a quarrel with Tasio and is wounded. Antenor gets hold of Igme’s bolo, and slays Tasio. The clues point out to Dr. Mascardo as having something to do with the crime, but in the absence of proofs, the authorities can not touch him.

Meanwhile, Antenor has disappeared. Dr. Mascardo becomes nice to the young lover, after the incident, and renews his previous courtship with the now widowed Anday. But there is something in the ways of the doctor which makes her feel strongly he is the murderer of her late husband, and as he is about to approach her, she shrieks for help, and in comes Igme, the househelp, who grabs the doctor by the ar,s, tearing away his shirt sleeves. The doctor becomes frantic as the scar in his arm is exposed--- in the very place where Antenor got wounded by Tasio. Dr. Mascardo rushes home where he attempts to kill Nestor who is warned on time by the shouts of Gloria. Nestor gives chase, ut as he enters the laboratory, acids are spilled around, and a table is set aflame, burning the clothes of the doctor who jumps through the window unto his death.

(Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine)

CESAR RAMIREZ IN "MATIRA ANG MATIBAY" (1958)

2012-01-02T08:43:00.004+08:00

"Matrira ang Matibay" (1958)- Stars Cesar Ramirez, Quiel Segovia,Ramon D' Salva, Joe Sison, Mario Barri, Martin Marfil, Bert Olivar, Ding Tello, Flor Bien, Vicente Liwanag, Pedro Faustino/ Introducing Irene Worrell and Rocky Rogers/ Directed by Alex Sunga

Synopsis: Thirteen convicts escape from Muntinglupa during the confusion of the liberation battle. Only nine are lucky enough to gain freedom and they strike out for the hills of Montalban. There, they meet Cesar and Enteng, two ex-USAFFE men who have just escaped from a Japanese concentration camp. A struggle for leadership, follows and Cesar wins out and gets the doubtful loyalty of the convicts.

In the course of their search for food, they come across a beautiful girl, Nene, bathing in a river. The effect of the sight of a beautiful girl on the convicts who had not seen a girl for years is devastating. Were it not for the fact that she knows how to use a gun had not Cesar and Enteng defended her, she would have been ravished by these men. The conflict gets worse when the men discover that the girl's grandfather, Mang Pedro, is guarding a treasure in cash and bullions which belongs to the Philippine government and which he intends to return as soon as the war is over.

A fight for the girl and the treasures ensue among the convicts and their lust and greed eventually make them kill each other. Mang Pedro is also killed but before he dies, he makes Cesar and Nene promise that as soon as the war is over, they would return the treasure to the Philippine government. Cesar and Nene give him their promise. (Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine)

NESTOR DE VILLA AND CHARITO SOLIS IN "UNOS SA LAOT" (1960)

2011-12-31T00:00:00.002+08:00

"Unos sa Laot" (1960)- Stars Nestor de Villa, Charito Solis, Bernard Bonnin, Lourdes Medel, Rey Ruiz, Lina Prieto, Sonia Velez/ Directed by Susana C. de Guzman

Synopsis: Ramon (Nestor de Villa), a youthful shipping executive, goes to Japan for some business deals, returns and makes preparations for his forthcoming marriage to Dolores (Lourdes Medel), discovers that she is in love with his younger brother, Fred (Bernard Bonnin).

Although very much upset by the duplicity of the two, he paves a way to their marriage by marrying Julie (Charito Solis) himself--- she, the orphan who grew up with them under the protection of Ramon’s father. In one of the many spats between Dolores and her husband, she meets an accident and dies.

Ramon blames her death on his brother’s irresponsibility, decides to kill him, but in the attempt, Julie almost gets killed. The near-accident sobers him up, makes him realize he loves Julie, forgives his younger brother. (Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ 1960)

THE 2011 METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL: "MANILA KINGPIN: THE ASIONG SALONGA STORY" TOPS AWARDS

2011-12-29T21:13:00.013+08:00

MANILA, Philippines—The gangster movie “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story” reaped the most number of awards, including Best Film, at the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal on Wednesday night.

The film, about notorious gang leader Nicasio “Asiong” Salonga, also won the Best Director award for Tikoy Aguiluz, who was not around to receive his trophy.

Aguiluz had protested the inclusion of his name in the film’s credits and promotional materials. He said “Asiong” had been reshot, reedited and rescored without his knowledge, therefore, it could not be attributed to him.

On Dec. 20, Aguiluz filed a complaint in the Intellectual Property Rights Office against producer Maylyn Villalon of Scenema Concept International for infringement of Republic Act No. 8293, the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. Aguiluz further accused the producers of “violating” his rights as the film’s director.

At the award ceremony held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World in Pasay City, it was “Asiong” associate director Gary de la Cruz’s name that was called out as Best Director. But onstage, lead actor Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito, on accepting the trophy, said he was doing so on behalf of Aguiluz.

“They (MMFF executive committee) just had to put in a name for director, but for all intents and purposes it was Tikoy who directed the film,” said Mark Meily, a director and committee member.

“Direk Tikoy worked hard for this film. He labored for nine months, for 40 shooting days …,” said Ejercito in his acceptance speech. “You’re one of the best and brightest directors in the country. “Pasensya ka na. (Forgive us). There were decisions the producers had to make to improve the film,” he addressed the absent Aguiluz.

Aguiluz won over Tony Y. Reyes, who megged the comedy-adventure “Enteng ng Ina Mo,” and Chris Martinez, director of the “Lunod” episode of the horror trilogy “Shake, Rattle and Roll 13.”

“Asiong” is a remake of the 1961 film that starred former President Joseph Estrada. It is based on the life of a Tondo gangster in the 1950s who was responsible for much crime but eluded capture using his wits and charm. The movie also won the Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award, which is given to a film that “embodies the values of Filipinos and the country’s heritage, history and culture.” “This film has gone through a lot,” Ejercito said. “We didn’t even think we’d be included in the festival lineup.” John Regala won Best Supporting Actor for his work on the film.

Roi Iglesias and Rey Ventura won Best Screenplay for “Asiong,” while Best Cinematography was awarded to Carlo Mendoza. Best Original Theme Song went to Ely Buendia for the theme song “La Paloma.”

Mike Idioma copped Best Sound Recording for his work on the gangster movie, while Fritz Silorio, Mona Soriano and Ronaldo Cadapan won the Best Production Design award.
The Best Musical Score honor went to Jessie Lasaten and Best Editing, to Jason Cahapay and Ryan Orduna.

“Enteng ng Ina Mo,” featuring comedians Vic Sotto and Ai-ai de las Alas, won the 2nd Best Picture award. “Shake Rattle and Roll 13,” directed by Martinez, Jerrold Tarog and Richard Somes, bagged 3rd Best Picture.

Dingdong Dantes was named Best Actor for his compelling performance in the Joyce Bernal suspense-thriller “Segunda Mano,” which Dantes also coproduced. Dantes did not attend the awards show, so with Maricel Soriano, who was heralded as Best Actress for her work in the Jun Lana family drama “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.”

“Yesterday…,” a Regal Entertainment production, was disqualified from four categories—Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay and the Gatpuno award—for “deviating from the pre-approved story line,” MMFF executive committee chair Francis Tolentino had earlier said.
Tolentino is also chair of the Metro Manila Development Authority, which hosts the annual ceremony.

On the morning of Dec. 28, Regal matriarch Lily Monteverde and director Lana met with some execom members to try and convince them to reconsider their decision. The committee denied Regal’s appeal.

“Shake, Rattle and Roll 13” won for Best Story for its “Lunod” episode written by Marlon Rivera and Chris Martinez. The film won for Bugoy Cariño the Best Child Performer award.

Eugene Domingo was adjudged Best Supporting Actress for the comedy “My House Husband: Ikaw Na” directed by Jose Javier Reyes. She dedicated her trophy to the film’s lead actors, real-life couple Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo. The film, about a man forced to take care of the household and two kids after he lost his bank manager job, also won the Gender Sensitivity award, which is given to a film that “respects the many aspects of an individual without bias, especially on the topic of sex.”

“Ang Panday 2,” a co-production of GMA Films and Imus Productions, won the Best Visual Effects award for the group Riot Inc. It also won for Best Float in the Parade of Stars that was held on Christmas Eve.

“Enteng ng Ina Mo,” this year’s festival top-grosser, brought home only one award—Best Make-up for Florencia Penero, Nicolo Medina and Nilo Cruz.

In 2010, the MMFF began showcasing independent films under the New Wave category to give viewers wider choices. This year, the animated film “Pintakasi” won for Best Full-Length Film under this section. Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, who produced “Pintakasi,” said it took her team, Creative Media Society of the Philippines or CreaM, four years to make it. “I salute those who support original Filipino animation, music and content,” she said.

JM de Guzman won the Best New Wave Actor award for his performance in Marcos and Nelson Caliguia’s “Pintakasi,” while Iza Calzado won as Best New Wave Actress for the Neil Tan film “HIV.”

The Gender Sensitivity Award (full-length category) was given to “HIV” and “Speechless,” a project of Miriam College, under the student category.

“Payaso,” megged by Kris Anne de Luna of De La Salle Lipa, and “Mate,” by John C. Nicolas of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, shared the Best Student Film award.

The Special Jury Prize was handed to “Biyahe ni Barbie” by Kookai Labayan of College of St. Benilde.

(Marinel R. Cruz/ Philippine Daily Inquirer)

"Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" (2011)

"Enteng ng Ina Mo" (2011)

"Ang Panday 2" (2011)

"My House Husband (Ikaw Na!)" (2011)

"Shake, Rattle & Roll 13" (2011)

"Segunda Mano" (2011)

"Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" (2011)

---INDEPENDENT FILMS---

"Pintakasi" (2011)

"HIV" (2011)

ARMANDO GOYENA AND NIDA BLANCA IN "KASTILALOY" (1958)

2011-12-29T08:26:00.001+08:00

"Kastilaloy" (1958)- Stars Armando Goyena, Nida Blanca, Val Castelo, Luisa Montesa, Pugo, Elena Balmori, Vic Diaz, Jose Troni, Mary Walter, Loida Morales/ Directed by F. H. Constantino

Synopsis: Felipito (Armando Goyena) is the son of Don Benito (Pugo), an impoverished Spaniard who has settled down in the Philippines. Although they are already bankrupt, Don Benito still insists in keeping up a wealthy front, retaining a mortgaged mansion, a retinue of servants and a limousine.

Carding (Val Castelo), Felipito's chauffeur, asks his master to be the best man at his wedding to Norma (Luisa Montessa), a dressmaker. At the ceremony, Felipito meet and falls in love with the maid of honor, Patring (Nida Blanca), who pretends that she is rich although actually, she is only a salesgirl. She is able to convince Felipito of her wealth by representing herself as the owner of the mansion she is living in although in reality, the real owners are out of the country and she is only living in the garage with their permission.

A time comes when Felipito decides to ask Patring to marry him, hoping to revitalize his family's bankrupt finances with her money, not suspecting that Patring is also thinking along these very same lines. Felipito proposes and he is immediately accepted by Patring who sets the date for their wedding. After the wedding, the real owner of the mansion where Patring lives arrives to expose the fraud. At the same time, Felipito is also exposed and the two are suddenly aware that their plans to marry somebody rich have gone away.

However, because they love each other, they decide that it is all for the best. They laugh off their misfortune and pledge to stick together come what may.

(Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ 1958)

LEROY SALVADOR AND LITA GUTIERREZ IN THE TITLE ROLE OF "ALEMBONG" (1958)

2011-12-28T00:00:00.001+08:00

"Alembong" (1958)- Stars Leroy Salvador, Lita Gutierrez (in the title role), Linda Roxas, Rey Ruiz, Oscar Obligacion, Ben Cosca, Nieves Manuel, Mario Roldan, Menggay/ Featuring The Reycards Duet/ Directed by Fred Daluz

For Maria Dolores Gutierrez of Laoag, Ilocos Norte, stardom came by way of a visit to the LVN publicity office in 1955. She was sixteen, just out of high school. She had come to Manila to find a job and had been hired as a receptionist in the office of a movie magazine. She and another girl from the magazine went to LVN one day to get publicity stills for the latest film of Nida Blanca.

Doña Sisang was puttering in the garden when she saw them and expressed interest in the Ilocana mestiza. “I had kinky hair then and was very chubby,” Ms. Gutierrez remembers. Language proved to be her undoing, however, for when the Old Lady asked her how good her Tagalog was, she couldn’t tell a lie. She was told to brush up on her Tagalog, and come back when she felt she knew enough.

“I was afraid, I had no confidence,” says Ms Gutierrez of that first meeting with Doña Sisang. Meanwhile, she quit her magazine job and went to work at the Bureau of Public Libraries for a year, all the while dreaming of a movie career. Sometime then she went to the Tropicana Studios in Malabon, which the stars patronized, and had her best angles taken. She sent a copy to Doña Sisang.

In a few days a talent scout was at her doorstep with the message that the LVN boss wanted to see her. She was given a three-year contract which promised her more than she could ever hope to earn from an office job. Two and half years after she signed the contract, Lita Gutierrez became a full-fledged star. The movie--- “Alembong.”

Source: Doña Sisang Filipino Movies/ 1977

Alembong/ 1958- Lita Gutierrez in a sexy and tempting pose that gave her the nickname "Alembong" (meaning flirt). Also in photo were Leroy Salvador, Lucita Soriano and comedian Bentot.

Synopsis: Helen (Lita Gutierrez), a wealthy and aristocratic girl, is afflicted by a strange malady that comes to her only when there is a full moon. During nights of the full moon, she undergoes a complete change of character and becomes amorous. One night, while the moon is at its fullest and Helen's affliction again hits her, she meets and falls in love with David (Leroy Salvador), an itinerant soft drink peddler, who also falls in love with her.

David's life becomes a series of puzzlement when he experiences the results of Helen's changes of character. When the moon is full, she is also full of love and affection for him. But when there is no full moon, she avoids and hates him like a plague. The mystery is cleared up by Linda, Helen's cousin, who is the sweetheart of David’s friend, Lito.

So what David does is to see Helen only during the nights of the full moon. He cannot help thinking, however, that he is just deceiving himself inasmuch as Helen’s affection for him could only come from her malady. Through the help of the Reycard Duet, David becomes a successful radio singer. He and Helen elope and get married. lnspite of their marriage, David still hesitates to approach Helen except on nights when the moon is full.

How Helen is cured of her lunar sickness and how she finally convinces David of her love made for a riotously funny motion picture.

(Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ 1958)

ZALDY ZSHORNACK AND SHIRLEY GOROSPE IN "HONGKONG HONEYMOON" (1960)

2011-12-26T08:34:00.001+08:00

"Hongkong Honeymoon" (1960)- Stars Zaldy Zshornack, Shirley Gorospe, Chiquito, Carol Varga, Celia Rodriguez, Teroy de Guzman, Ruben Rustia, Jose Garcia, Paquito Salcedo, Lita Cristobal, Dencio Padilla/ Directed by Ramon A. Estella

Synopsis: Warned that he has only a couple of months to live, Leon (Zaldy Zshornack) gets accumulated savings for ten years, goes to Hongkong for a desperate fling. He meet a flight stewardess, Betty (Shirley Gorospe) aboard the plane, they get friendly, bum around together in Hongkong, and after some drinks, tells her of his predicament.

Realizing she is in love with him, they decide to get married after her flight from Tokyo. Meanwhile, driven by loneliness, he goes to Macao, gambles, gets mixed up with spies and a roll of microfilm that gets into his pocket by accident.

Betty, on a full month vacation, makes plan to enjoy their honeymoon, but secret agents trail them. They are cleared just after Leon receive news that diagnosis of his impending death was a mistake due to exchange of x-ray plates.

(Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ 1960)

THE 2011 METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL ENTRIES/ A PREVIEW

2011-12-22T09:00:00.005+08:00

Here's the seven entries to the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival slated to open on Christmas Day. Take your pick...

"Enteng ng Ina Mo" (2011)

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"Ang Panday 2" (2011)

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"Shake, Rattle & Roll 13" (2011)

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"Segunda Mano" (2011)

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"Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" (2011)

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"Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" (2011)

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"My House Husband (Ikaw Na!)" (2011)

---click image to enlarge---

Sources: articles- Yes Magazine/ December 2011 issue; Movie ads- Various internet sites; trailers- You Tube

NESTOR DE VILLA AND CHARITO SOLIS IN "VILLA MILAGROSA" (1958)

2011-12-21T00:00:00.001+08:00

"Villa Milagrosa" (1958)- Stars Nestor de Villa, Charito Solis, Nita Javier, Eddie Rodriguez/ Directed by Susana C. de Guzman

Synopsis: Romy Penaflor (Nestor de Villa), a young physician in a Manila hospital, goes home to his paralytic old uncle who lives alone in Villa Milagrosa. The old man bequeaths the huge hacienda and the antiquated mansion to his nephew. Romy is stricken by the mysterious atmosphere of the Spanish mansion and is particularly intrigued by a room with its massive door locked against all inquisitive intruders.

The young doctor meets a beautiful young woman in the garden of his uncle’s mansion one moonlight night. He falls in love with her but she disappears. When he meets her again he manages to win her heart. But there is something mysterious about this girl who calls herself Virginia (Charito Solis). Romy can only see her in the garden, on Wednesday nights when she would pick flowers for the Lady of Perpetual Help.

Finally, he convinces her to attend a birthday party he was throwing. Virginia consents on condition that she could only be present up to twelve o'clock. At the appointed time she arrives. But before she could be introduced to the crowd, the clock strikes twelve and she disappears into the night. It was at this time that the old uncle learns of the true identity of Virginia. He tells Romy that she had died twenty years ago. She had been his sweetheart and had haunted him for years.

(Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ 1958)

GLORIA ROMERO AND RIC RODRIGO IN "BELOVED" (1958)

2011-12-20T00:00:00.003+08:00

"Beloved" (1958)- Stars Gloria Romero, Ric Rodrigo, Tito Galla/ Directed by Tony Cayado

Synopsis: A promising composer (Ric Rodrigo) survives a plane crash but is badly disfigured. He decides not to go back because of that disfigurement. He finds a job as a choir and there meets a blind woman (Gloria Romero) whom he develops into a singer with a great promise. Meanwhile, they get enmeshed with each other and vow to stick it out for life.

The woman is discovered by a rich woman who takes interest in her. She is finally prevailed upon to accompany this woman to the United States for medical treatment. She goes but promises her man the undying devotion she is sworn to. While in States she gets medical attention, too, and she finally recovers her sight.

She comes home only to discover that her love is horribly ugly. The man leaves her, goes to Manila and work for a cheap joint. He manages nevertheless to compose music and is known around for his works. He scrapes enough dough and submits himself to a face-lifting. Operation is successful and he is the same man he was before. He is himself again.

He makes friends through his music, gets many invitations to play the piano in garden parties. And in one of those parties she meets her former sweetheart who does not recognize him. But somehow the story comes to a fitting close when the girl sings the song “Beloved” which the man purposely composed for the both of them. They clinch and everything is forgotten.

(Source: Literary Song-Movie Magazine/ March 1, 1958)

POST-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES # 71: "MATIMTIMAN (BABAENG SILANGAN)" (1948)

2011-12-19T08:39:00.000+08:00

"Matimtiman (Babaeng Silangan)"
Pangilinan Productions
Release Date: April 8- 13, 1948/ Dalisay
Story Fred Santos
Direction Fil M. Paculan
Cast Mona Lisa, Fred Santos, Gil de Leon, Aurora Dizon, Tolindoy, Amelia Saginsin, Ric Carlos, Sonia de Gracia