Updated Profiles for CCP's Encyclopedia of Philippine Arts - FILM

ALAJAR, GINA (Regina Liguid Alatiit) b. Manila 28 Jun 1959. Movie and television actor and director; reality TV talent coach. She is the eldest child of Bernardino Alatiit of Roxas City and Angelica Liguid of Cavite. She has three actor children, all of whom are boys by ex-husband Michael de Mesa: Ryan Eigenmann, 38; Geoff Eigenmann, 32; and, AJ Eigenmann, 30. She attended grade school at the P. Burgos Elementary School. After high school, she took a one-year course on tourism and travel at the Centro Escolar University. She was a member of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) which was first headed by her mentor and friend, the late Lino Brocka, and with whom she took part in issues confronting the movie industry and other social concerns.

Alajar was only eight years old when she auditioned for Lea Productions' Kaibigan Ko ang Santo Niño (The Holy Infant Is My Friend), 1967. She stood out from among close to 1,500 aspirants and won the title role opposite Roderick Paulate in the film. Later, she appeared in the films of Sampaguita Pictures.

Among her early movies was Donata, 1968, where she played the role of the girl who grew up to be Gina Pareno. She also portrayed the young Irene Marcos in Pinagbuklod ng Langit (Joined by Heaven), 1969, and was one of the children in Lino Brocka's Wanted: Perfect Mother, 1970. By the time she appeared in the remake of Cofradia, 1973, in the role popularized by Gloria Romero in 1953, Alajar was already a Sampaguita contract star.

Her other films include Bandana (Scarf), 1968; Mga Anghel na Walang Langit (Angels Without a Heaven), 1970; Robina, 1971; Mga Basag na Kristal (Fragments of Glass), 1977; Modelong Tanso (Fake Model), 1979; Diborsiyada (Divorcee), 1980; City After Dark, 1980; Kontrobersiyal (Controversial), 1981; Playgirl, 1981; Moral, 1982; and, Orapronobis (Fight for Us), 1989.

On stage, she performed in Dulaang UP's Misteryo ng Pumpon ng Rosas, 1992, a translation of Manuel Puig's Mystery of the Rose Bouquet. She won as best child actress at the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) for Kaibigan Ko … . and received a similar trophy from the Citizens' Council for Mass Media (CCMM) for Wanted: Perfect Mother. After 23 years, she received her second FAMAS award as best supporting actress for Biktima (Victim), 1990. She was also best supporting actress at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for Brutal, 1980.

She won the Urian five times, as best actress for Brutal, 1980, Salome, 1981, and Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim (My Country: Gripping the Knife's Edge), 1985, and as best supporting actress for Biktima, 1990, and Mulanay: Sa Pusod ng Paraiso (Mulanay: At The Heart of Paradise), 1997. The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) gave her the best supporting actress award three times, for Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit (I Can Reach Heaven), 1984, for Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Ina? (Andrea, How Is It To Be A Mother?), 1990, and, for Mulanay: Sa Pusod ng Paraiso, 1997.

At the 1991 Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA), she scored an unprecedented feat when she won the trophies for both the best actress and best supporting actress of the year, the former for Andrea ... and the latter for Biktima.

As a media personality, Alajar has evolved twice. First, from being actor for the big screen she has evolved into a mainstay in TV serials of various genres, from the melodrama of the 1980s to the fantaserye of the 2000s.

She came back to public attention by being a regular TV presence in the various networks. She was cast in ABS-CBN2's Mula Sa Puso (From the Heart, 1997), Vietnam Rose (2005), Kambal Sa Uma (Twins, 2009), and Habang May Buhay (As We Live, 2010); GMA7's Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin (Only You, 2001), Daisy Siete (Teenage Girl, 2003), Majika (2007), Asian Treasures (2007), Joaquin Bordado (2008), Trudis Liit (Little Trudis, 2010), Machete (2011), Amaya (2011), Luna Blanca (2012), Hiram na Puso (Borrowed Heart, 2012), and Genesis (2013); and, ABC5's Valiente (2012). In 2011, she won a Best Supporting Actress award for playing Dian Lamitan/Hara Lamitan in the fantaserye Amaya.

Second, Alajar evolved from being actor for TV to director for telenovelas—and, later on, for film—to coach to showbiz aspirants.

Her directorial career spans from 1999 with Del Tierro and Kirara: Ano ang Kulay ng Pag-ibig? (Kirara: What is the Color of Love?), which was followed by six other highly popular afternoon soaps, to 2013–2014 with Anna Karenina and Villa Quintana. In 2007, she directed GMA Films' Angels and mentored showbiz wannabes for Kapuso's reality TV talent searches StarStruck (In almost all seasons, 2003–2013) and Protégé: The Battle for the Big Artista Break (2012). ● G. Zafra, L. Pareja, and C. M. Villanueva Jr.





“Gina Alajar.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 15 Feb 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0015846/

“Gina Alajar.” 2015. Wikipedia.org, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed 15 Feb 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gina Alajar#Selected_movies



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BAGATSING, RAYMOND (Ramon S. Bagatsing III) b. Manila 15 Sept 1971. Movie, stage, and television actor and acting coach. Separated from actor Lara Fabregas after being married for almost three years. He is the eldest of the eleven children of political scion Ramon L. Bagatsing, Jr, and Emerlinda San Diego. Actors Monina Bagatsing and RK Bagatsing are his younger siblings. He was in his early elementary years in Manila when the family went to live in Melbourne, Australia. He continued with his studies and went on to college for a degree in Political Science and Legal Studies. College was cut short, however, after he got his break in showbiz while on a vacation in Manila.

Now in his 34th year in the industry, Bagatsing was a college teenager when he starred in the TV movie Dugo sa Pakpak ng Anghel (Blood on an Angel's Wing), 1980, and evolved from popular action star in the early 1990s, often playing the kontrabida, to sensitive dramatic actor in the late 1990s. It was for his often offbeat roles in films and on television that his sensitive portrayals gained critical attention, locally and internationally, winning for him six acting prizes.

Bagatsing was named Best Actor twice in a row—one of three actors to achieve the feat—in the Gawad Urian, for Marilou Diaz–Abaya's Milagros, 1997, and Lav Diaz's Serafin Geronimo, Kriminal ng Baryo Concepcion (Serafin Geronimo, Convict from Concepcion), 1998; once in the Singapore Asian Television Awards for “Wedding Ring,” Maalaala Mo Kaya (Will You Remember), 2001; and, once in the OneFilam Film Festival of Los Angeles, CA, for “Freight Train,” 2014, a US short directed by Zen Freese. In that year, OneFilam recognized Bagatsing with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Film and Television.

Also, he was named Best Supporting Actor twice, in the Film Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) and in the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) awards for Jerry Lopez Sineneng's Soltera (Single Lady), 1999; and, once in the Golden Screen Television Awards for the teleserye Narito Ang Puso Ko (Here's My Heart, GMA7), 2003.

On television, he was on the cast of a variety of tele-serials, including the German Klinik unter Palmen (Clinic Under the Palms), 1996, shot in the Philippines; Mula sa Puso (From the Heart), 1997; Kung Mawawala Ka (If You Go), 2001; the fantaserye Encantadia, 2005–2006; Sabel, 2010–2011; Amaya, 2011–2012; The Good Daugther, 2012; One True Love, 2012; Temptation of Wife, 2012; Mga Basang Sisiw (Wet Chicks), 2013; Genesis, 2013; and, Carmela: Ang Pinakamagandang Babae sa Mundong Ibabaw (Carmela: The Most Beautiful Woman on the Face of the Earth), 2012.

Bagatsing, however, performed not only for cameras but also for audiences who came to see him on stage. In San Francisco, CA, he top-billed the musical Lalawigan (Province), 1989; the one-man play “Luna Azul: Jose Rizal,”2005–2006, directed by Jay-Jay Medina; and, the short film “No. 4,” by Benito Bautista. In the Philippines, he played the lead in Dramatis Personae's The Man Outside, 1997; in Ballet Philippines' La Revolucion Filipinas, 2000; and, in World Theater's The Portrait of an Artist as a Filipino, 2002.

In 2003–2006, he started work on the first all-original album of Raymond Bagatsing and The Bandidoz as the rock band's lead vocalist and composer. Recording had begun when Bagatsing was offered “Luna Azul.” The album was shelved when he left for the United States in 2006. His leave from Philippine showbiz to “explore US culture and live abroad—outside of the industry's long arms, living simply and out of public attention—allowed him a deeper understanding of himself and of his craft” extended until 2010.

Bagatsing returned to the Philippines in 2011—already a permanent US resident and a certified Acting and Yoga teacher. He had been certified to teach Rajadiraj yoga and qualified to handle basic meditation by The Prama Institute, North Carolina, and has since been a Trainer with Yoga Alliance International. He has likewise worked as part-time Private Acting Coach after having studied at the Australian Institute of Dramatic Arts (AIDA) in Los Angeles.

He has since been Head Acting Teacher–Coach at the Raymond Bagatsing Training Center for Dramatic Arts—training “more teachers in between film and television projects to give back to the acting community that nurtured [my] career as a performer”—and an artist of Maharlika Nation and Ang KaSaMa, Inc. These collectives advocate to bring back to Filipinos their noble heritage through renewed spirituality and their nobility of lineage through simple living. ● C. M. Villanueva Jr.





“Raymond Bagatsing.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 15 Feb 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0022081/bio.

“Raymond Bagatsing.” 2015. Wikipedia.org, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed 15 Feb 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond Bagatsing#Selected_movies

Villanueva, Camilo Jr. 07 Mar 2015 & 20–26 Feb 2015. “Raymond Bagatsing.” Personal Communication [SMS, Facebook Chat, and Gmail].

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ALBA, PANCHITO aka Panchito (Alfonso D. Tagle) b. Paco, Manila 25 Feb 1925 d. Parañaque 18 Dec 1995. Movie, stage, and television actor. His parents are actor Etang Discher and businessman Igmedio Tagle. He finished secondary education at the E. Rodriguez High School in Quezon City. He is married to singer Annie Mendoza Martin. His son Panchito Jr. is also in show business.

In 1942 Alba joined the Travel Stage Show. He performed at the Orient Theater together with Pilita and Dolphy, among others, in 1945. Goaded by Bayani Casimiro, he joined the movies and first appeared in Sa lsang Sulyap Mo, Tita (With One Glance From You, Tita), 1949. Taking on the screen name “Panchito Alba,” he started by playing serious roles in mostly dramatic films until he starred with Dolphy in Kalabog en Bosyo (Kalabog and Bosyo), 1959. Since then, he has appeared in many films and, taking on the shortened name “Panchito,” has become to be known as Dolphy's sparring partner.

Some of his memorable movies are Eca Babagot (Don't You Dare), 1961; Buhay Artista (An Artist's Life), 1968; Dakilang Tanga (The Great Idiot), 1968; and, Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig ni Pedro Penduko (The Mysterious World of Pedro Penduko), 1973. He has portrayed a variety of roles: a Western gunfighter who challenges Dolphy to a duel in Barilan Sa Baboy-Koral (Gunfight at Pig's Corral), 1962; a wacky private sleuth in Detective Kalog, 1963; a fierce tribal chieftain in Tansan vs Tarsan, 1963; a hippie in Beatnik, 1960; and, the devil himself, Lucifer, in Si Lucio at Si Miguel (Lucio and Miguel), 1962. Panchito has also appeared on television, popularly in the long-running Buhay Artista in the 1960s as a regular co-host of Dolphy with whom he has recorded the duet Pahamak in 1968, and as guest actor in many other shows.

He won the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) best supporting actor award not for playing comedian but for portraying the tragic character of Kabesang Tales in Lupang Kayumanggi (Brown Land), 1955. Between 1953 and 1995, Panchito has appeared in some 238 movies, mostly of the funny type, including the long-running comedy film serials: Jack and Jill, from 1971; Johnny Tanggo, from 1982; and, John en Marsha, from 1975. His last two movies were Home Sic Home, 1995, and Father & Son, 1995, one of which was released posthumously. ● R. Baquiran, Jr. and C. M. Villanueva Jr.



“Panchito.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 15 Feb 2015. http://www.imdb.com/seen/nm0659173/?ref_=nm_se

“Panchito.” 2015. Wikipedia.org, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed 15 Feb 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchito#Selected_movies



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ALONZO, ALICIA (Germelina “Germie” Viana Hernandez) b. Manila, 1 Jun 1946. Movie and television actor. Her parents are Alfredo Hernandez and Lourdes Anderson Viana. Younger brother actor Anthony Alonzo, who died in 1998 of skin cancer, was instrumental in her joining showbiz. She is married to actor Ross Rival, the eldest brother of Phillip Salvador. Actor son, Jon Hernandez, died in a car accident in 1993. Alonzo was briefly enrolled at the Mapúa Institute of Technology (MIT), and, at one time was a Philippine Air Lines (PAL) flight attendant.

Introduced in Kwatang: A Star Is Born, 1967, Lea Productions soon signed her up as a contract actor. She played her first lead role in Jingy, 1967, opposite Fernando Poe Jr. Among her later notable performances was in the film directed by Behn Cervantes, Sakada (Migrant Sugar Workers), 1976. Her other films include Marahas ang Daigdig (Cruel World), 1970; Signos Trece (The 13th Sign), 1971;Tapang Brothers, 1971; Bandila ng Magigiting (Flag of the Brave), 1973; Kamay na Gumagapang (Crawling Hand), 1974; and, Hermano Pule (Brother Pule), 1978.

Alonzo's career as a television actor began with her being on the cast of the long-running TV soap opera, Anna Liza, which aired from 1980 to 1986. Her TV career, however, was cut short until 14 years later when Munting Anghel (Little Angel), 2000, relaunched her as a teleserye mainstay.

She has since been on serials like the drama Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin (I Will Only Love You), 2001; the teen romance Twin Hearts, 2003–2004; the fantaserye Mulawin, 2004; Lupin, 2007; Maging Akin Ka Lamang (May You Be Mine), 2008; Ikaw Sana (Hoping It's You), 2009; Dahil May Isang Ikaw (Because There's You), 2009–2010; Momay, 2010; Mula sa Puso (From the Heart), 2011; the children's series Alice Bungisngis and Her Wonder Walis, 2012; Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga (May It Be You), 2012–2013; and, the soap remake Anna Karenina, 2013.

While the soaps cast her as the rich matron, sometimes the kontrabida, Alonzo's later films cast her as the mother, such as in Soltera (Single Lady), 1999; Ikaw Naman Ang Iiyak (You Shall Cry Next), 1996; Silakbo (Rage), 1995; Irampa Si Mediavillo (Walking Mediavillo), 1990; Nasaan Ka Inay (Where Are You, Mother), 1988; Tagos ng Dugo (Blood Stain), 1987; Condemned, 1984; and, Diary of Cristina Gaston, 1982.

Alonzo was best supporting actress in the Manila Film Festival (MFF) for her role in Villa Miranda, 1972, and in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for Bago Kumalat ang Kamandag (Before the Venom Spreads), 1983. She has received best supporting actress nominations from the Gawad Urian for Tahan na Empoy, Tahan (Hush Empoy, Hush), 1977; and Playgirl, 1981; from the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) for Bago Kumalat ang Kamandag; and, from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) for Villa Miranda, 1972, and Bambang, 1982. ● N. Jose and C. M. Villanueva Jr.



“Alicia Alonzo.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 15 Feb 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0022081/bio

“Alicia Alonzo.” 2015. Wikipedia.org, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed 15 Feb 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alicia_Alonzo#Selected_movies

Word Count: 231

-5 AREVALO, ROBERT (Roberto Francisco Ylagan) b. Manila 6 May 1938 (24 November 1943). Movie, stage, and television actor and director; screenwriter. He is the eldest of three children of Guadalupe Francisco and Eustacio Ilagan aka Tito Arevalo, composer, musical director, and movie actor. Arevalo is a grandson of sarswelista Hermogenes Ilagan; nephew of National Artist Gerardo de Leon, director Conrado Conde, and actor Angel Esmeralda, cousin of actors Liberty Ilagan and Jay Ilagan, and uncle of actor–singer Janno Gibbs. He is married to actor Barbara Perez with whom he has two children, Anna and Georgina. He was educated at Legarda Elementary School, National University, and San Beda College. He finished high school and received his bachelor's degree in business administration at the Ateneo de Manila. A stalwart of the movie industry, he was the first president of the Katipunan ng mga Artista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (KAPP), aka the Actors' Guild, from 1981 to 1983.

He distinguished himself as a mature and respected actor, appearing in films such as Noli me tangere (Touch Me Not), 1961; Sakada (Migrant Workers), 1976; and, Gomburza, 1977. Arevalo's performance, however, began to attract attention when he won the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Best Actor award for Ang Daigdig ng mga Api (The World of the Oppressed), 1965, for which the First Manila Film Festival (MFF) recognized him with its Rajah Soliman Grand Award.

Arevalo's performances has since been a consistent contender in the categories of Best Actor—in the FAMAS for Sa Atin Ang Daigdig (The World Is Ours), 1963; the Gawad Urian for Divorce Pilipino Style, 1976, and Hubad na Bayani (A Hero Stripped), 1977; the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) for Barcelona, 2007; the Golden Screen Awards for Fuschia, 2009; and, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for Hari ng Tondo (Tondo King), 2014—and Best Supporting Actor, in which he has nine nominations.

The streak began with the FAMAS recognizing him for El filibusterismo (Subversion), 1962, and, from the Eighties onwards, for five other films—Ang Boyfriend Kong Kano (My Yankee Boyfriend), 1983; Maalaala Mo Kaya (Will You Remember): The Movie, 1994; Damong Ligaw (Wild Grass), 1998; Birador (Hitman), 1999; and, Dukot (Kidnapped), 2009—alongside those of the Gawad Urian for Bagong Hari (New King), 1986, and Ama... Bakit Mo Ako Pinabayaan? (Father... Why Have You Forsaken Me), 1990; and, of the MMFF for Sosy Problems, 2012, a light and funny satire that is a departure from Arevalo's mostly dramatic portrayals.

Twenty-five years after his first acting trophy came a MMFF Best Supporting Actor award for Ama ... .; a Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) Best Supporting Actor award for Pangako ng Kahapon (Yesterday's Promise), 1995; and, a Cinemalaya Best Actor–Directors Showcase award for Hari ng Tondo, 2014.

In his more than 50 years in the movie industry, Arevalo has been nominated 17 times—nine counts for Best Supporting Actor, six counts for the Best Actor, and two counts for Best Director—and been awarded six times by six award-giving bodies.

As scriptwriter, Arevalo has an Urian award for his work in Hubad na Bayani. He has directed four films. These are: Akin Ang Huling Awit (The Last Song Is Mine), 1971; Hiwaga sa Pulong Pasig (Mystery in Pasig Isle), 1973; Hubad na Bayani, which won the Urian best picture, screenplay, and production design; and, Sino'ng Pipigil sa Pagpatak ng Ulan? (Who Will Stop the Falling Rain?), 1979, where he got an Urian nomination as best director.

He was also cited by the Citizens Awards for Television (CAT) in 1970 for outstanding performance in a leading role in the TV drama series Balintataw (Pupil of the Eye). Arevalo's career as a television actor began to peak up in 2001 with the series Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan (At Eternity's End). After which he appeared in Basta't Kasama Kita (As Long As You're With Me), 2002; Your Song, 2006; Lobo, 2008; Tayong Dalawa (The Two of Us), 2009; May Bukas Pa (There Is Still Tomorrow), 2009–2010; Magkaribal (Rivals), 2010; Makapiling Kang Muli (Together Again), 2012; Indio, 2013; Genesis, 2013; and, Ang Dalawang Mrs Real (The Two Mrs Reals), 2014. ● L. Pareja and C. M. Villanueva Jr.





“Robert Arevalo.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 15 Feb 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0034416/bio

“Robert Arevalo.” 2015. Wikipedia.org, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed 15 Feb 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert Arevalo#Selected_movies

Word Count: 355

ABUEL, TOMMY (Tomas Abuel) b. 1942. Movie, stage, and television actor. Between 1973, when he began his showbiz career with the telemovie Mana (Heirloom) and three movies, and 2014 Abuel has received four awards and eleven nominations for playing lead or supporting actor role in films, mostly of the dramatic genre. Abuel's performance attracted critical attention in 1975 when he received his first nomination from the Film Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in La Paloma: Ang Kalapating Ligaw (La Paloma: The Lost Dove), 1974.

The following year, 1976, FAMAS awarded Abuel his first Best Supporting Actor trophy for his performance in Maynila: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag (Manila: In the Clutches of Light), 1975. This major acting prize was followed by a FAMAS Best Supporting Actor trophy in 1982 for Karma (Blood Debt), 1981; a Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) Best Actor trophy in 1985 for Bukas... May Pangarap (Tomorrow...A Dream), 1984; and, a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Best Supporting Actor trophy for The Moises Padilla Story: The Missing Chapter, 1985.

Abuel's acting recognitions included nominations for Best Actor from the Gawad Urian in 1977, for Putik Ka Man, Sa Alabok Magbabalik (Of Mud Yet, To Dust Return), 1976, for which he also received a FAMAS Best Actor nomination; in 1985, for Bukas... May Pangarap (Tomorrow...A Dream), 1984, for which he bagged the CMMA Best Actor trophy; and, in 1986, for Bakit Manipis Ang Ulap? (Why Are Clouds Thin?), 1985; as well as nominations for Best Supporting Actor from the FAMAS: in 1983, for Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan? (How Often Shall Once Be?), 1982; in 1984, for Palabra De Honor (Word of Honor), 1983; in 1985, for Kriminal (Criminal), 1984; in 1986, for God Save Me!, 1985; and, in 2007, for Don't Give Up On Us, 2006, for which he also got a Best Supporting Actor nomination from the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP).

As a television personality, Abuel had starred from 1995 to 2014 in the prime-time soaps and drama serials of ABS-CBN 2 and GMA 7. To date, he remains a much sought-after character actor for both the Kapamilya (1995, 1997, 2001–2002, and 2007–2014), appearing many times in the long-running Maalaala Mo Kaya (Will You Remember), and Kapuso (2002–2003 , 2005, 2007, and 2014) networks.

He was among the lead cast of GMA7's Ang Dalawang Mrs Real (The Two Mrs Reals), 2014; Kung Mahawi Man ang Ulap (Should Clouds Clear), 2007; Love to Love, 2003; and, Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw (I Will Love You), 2002; as well as for ABS-CBN2's Kahit Konting Pagtingin (Just the Slightest Attention), 2013; E-Boy, 2012; Sabel, 2010; Katorse (Fourteen), 2009; My Only Hope, 2008–2009; Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik (Whoever You Are: The Return), 2007; Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan (At Eternity's End), 2001; Esperanza, 1997; and, Familia Zaragoza (Zaragoza Family), 1995. . As a stage actor he was recognized as Best Actor for Stage for three consecutive years by the ALIW Awards, which honored him as one of its Lifetime Achievement Awardees. His most memorable theater performances were for the plays Antigone, Mga Ibong Mandaragit (Birds of Prey), Anak ng Araw (Child of the Sun), Andres Bonifacio, El Filibusterismo (Subversion), and Florante At Laura (Florante and Laura). He also starred in musical plays such as Carousel, The King and I, and West Side Story. ● C. M. Villanueva Jr.



























“Tommy Abuel.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 15 Feb 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0009486/

“Tommy Abuel.” 2015. Wikipedia.org, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed 15 Feb 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Abuel#Selected_movies







Word Count: 570

ARISTORENAS, JUN aka Junar Aristorenas and Junar (Juanito Aristorenas) b. Manila 7 May 1933 d. 2000. Movie actor, director, producer, and writer; performer. He is married to action star Virginia (Gaerlan). Their sons Robin (1964) and Peter (1968) are both child actors. In Junar Productions' Mga Anak ni Harabas (Harabas' Children), 1977, the sons appeared in their first and last movie with their father.

Before going into the movies, Aristorenas used to do sing-and-dance routines onstage. In 1960 he toured the Asia-Pacific and Las Vegas as a bodabil troupe member. He worked as an “extra” for Sampaguita Pictures in Lupang Kayumanggi (Brown Earth), 1955, and moved up as a bit player in Kulang sa Pito, Sobra sa Walo (Less Than Seven, More Than Eight), 1956. Having been formally introduced in Kardong Kidlat (Lightning Kardo), 1965, he played the lead role in Dugong Tigre (Tiger Blooded), 1965. He went on to give life to brother bands like the Simarrons, Solimans, and Valientes and to action characters like Ben Barracuda, Danilo Ronquillo, Dimasalang, Jack B. Nimbol, Johnny Tigre, Johnny Valiente the Magnificent Bandit, and Johnny West.

Aristorenas, however, is synonymous with Harabas, the character that he made into a household name through a series of movies that started with Magnong Harabas in 1974. The hit was followed by My Name Is Harabas, 1975; Harabas con Bulilit (Harabas with Kiddo), 1976; Mga Anak... . and Pagbabalik ni Harabas at Bulilit,(The Return of Harabas and Kiddo), 1977; Harabas' Angels, 1978; and, Harabas Is Still My Name, 1981. Not not only did he act in My Name..., Anak...., and Harabas Is Still... ., he also directed these sequels. Hence, in these films we see Aristorenas not only as “Jun Aristorenas” the actor on-screen but also as “Junar” the director off-screen.

From his directorial debut in 1968 with Tigre Gitano (Heathen Tiger), Aristorenas used this abbreviated alias continued to do so for all but a dozen works until his swan song in 2000 with Matalino Man Ang Matsing Naiisahan Din! (The Clever Monkey Can Still Be Had!). For this last project as director, Aristorenas was also credited for the story and the screenplay.

Aristorenas, in his 44 years in the movie industry, acted in some 157 films from 1955 to 2001—the last of which were for Pag Oras Mo, Oras Mo Na (If It's Your Time, It's Your Time) and Ping Lacson: Super Cop in 2000 and for Iligpit si Bobby Ortega: Markang Bungo 2 (Kill Bobby Ortega: The Skull 2, as Junar Aristorenas) in 2001—and directed 57 films from 1968 to 2000. Worth noting are films that had Aristorenas not only as actor and director, but also as producer—Kingpin, 1974, and The Magic Fighters, 1975; producer and scriptwriter—San Diego, 1970; and, producer, scriptwriter, and theme song performer—Marami Ka Pang Kakaining Bigas, 1994.

Here, Aristorenas is “Junar Aristorenas” the producer, writer, composer, and performer. As director–producer of Junar Productions, his first venture was Dugong Kayumanggi (Blood of the Brown Race), 1967. His other films are: Soliman, 1970; Guadalupe, 1971; Ang Mababangis (The Fierce Ones), 1971; Pulang Lupa (Red Earth), 1971; San Cristobal, 1971; Kampilan (Cutlass), 1972; Apat na Bagwis (Four Wings), 1972; Buhay Maynila (Life in Manila), 1972; Dimas Guererro, 1973; and, Santa Fe, 1973. As screenwriter, he wrote the story and script for Michael at Angelo, 1978, and, as musical artist, he composed the lyrics for the soundtracks of Mga Anghel sa Impierno, 1976, and, Lady Cop, 1975.

Aristorenas received the Rajah Soliman Award from the 1970 Manila Film Festival (MFF) as best director for Dimasalang, a Junar Production. He was nominated by the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) as best actor for his performance in Elias, Basilio at Sisa (Elias, Basilio and Sisa), 1972. It was Robin, however, who took home the Best Child Actor award for his performance in the film. ● G. Atienza and C. M. Villanueva Jr.







“Jun Aristorenas.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 15 Feb 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0034925/bio

“Jun Aristorenas.” 2015. Wikipedia.org, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed 15 Feb 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jun_Aristorenas#Selected_movies

Word Count: 436

GALLAGA, PEQUE aka Maurice L. Gallaga, Maurice Gallagher, Pete Gallagher, and El Pogi (Maurice Claudio Luis Ruiz de Luzurriaga Gallaga) b. Manila 25 August 1943. Movie and television director, scriptwriter, and production designer. His parents are Conchita R. de Luzurriaga, planter, and Ricardo S. Gallaga, manager of a trucking company. He had his elementary and high school education at De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila and finished commerce and liberal arts at DLSU in Bacolod where he taught theater, film, and television. In June 2000, he was named Artist-in-Residence at the University of St. La Salle–Bacolod City. He is married to Madeleine Dacanay, with whom he has five children.

Gallaga initially directed TV musical variety shows. In 1971 he codirected with Antonio Jose Perez aka Butch Perez the movie, Binhi (Seedling), 1973. He became engrossed in production design and worked with Laida Lim–Perez on Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? (This Was How We Were, What Happens To You Now?), 1976, which earned a Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) nomination as well awards in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for best art direction and in the Urian for best production design.

Gallaga's production design in City After Dark, 1980, gave him his second Urian, while his work in Ito Ba Ang Ating Mga Anak? (Are These Our Children?), 1982, merited nominations from the Urian and the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP).

Gallaga next tried his hand at screenplay writing. He won the scriptwriting contest sponsored by the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines (ECP), a feat which became his passage to directing films. As scriptwriter, he was nominated by Star Awards for Tiyanak (The Changeling), 1988; by the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) for Isang Araw Walang Diyos (One Godless Day), 1989; and by the MMFF for Shake, Rattle, and Roll 2, 1990, and Shake, Rattle, and Roll 4, 1992.

He also wrote the screenplay and directed Dugo ng Panday (Blood of the Swordsmith), 1993; Baby Love, 1995; Batang–X, 1995, which was adapted for television in 2008 as Batang X: The New Generation for which he was head writer; Halik ng Bampira (Vampire's Kiss), 1997; Ang Agimat: Anting-Anting ni Lolo (The Amulet: Grandfather's Charm), 2002; and, Agaton & Mindy, 2009.

Winning the ECP scriptwriting contest gave Gallaga a chance to direct his own entry, Oro, Plata, Mata (Gold, Silver, Death), 1982, written for the screen by Jose Javier Reyes. As movie director, Gallaga has been nominated by the Urian and Star Awards for Virgin Forest, 1985, and by the Urian and FAMAS for Unfaithful Wife, 1986. He won the best director award for Unfaithful Wife from the CMMA and Star. He and Lore Reyes have won nominations for their collaborative directorial work on the following films: from CMMA and Star for Kid, Huwag Kang Susuko (Kid, Never Surrender), 1988; from the Star for Tiyanak and lsang Araw Walang Diyos; and from the MMFF for Shake, Rattle, and Roll 2 and Shake, Rattle, and Roll 4. Gallaga and Reyes won the CMMA best director award for lsang Araw Walang Diyos.

Gallaga won in 1996 the MMFF best director award, with Lore Reyes, and best screenplay award, with Lore Reyes and Erik Matti, for Magic Temple. In 2008, his film Ate received nominations from the FAMAS for best art direction, best story, and best screenplay, with Lore Reyes and Gina Marissa Tagasa. For 2013, Gallaga was nominated for the Urian and Star Awards best director prize, with Lore Reyes, for Sonata and the Urian best short film prize for Bayi sa Aparador (Lady in the Closet).

He also directed the documentary short “Botong Francisco: A Nation Imagined,” 2013, and the films T'yanak, 2014; Seduction, 2013; Pinoy/Blonde, 2005; Gangland, 1998; Diliryo (Delirium), 1997; Too Young, 1990; Abandonada (Abandoned), 1989; and, Kid, Huwag Kang Susuko (Don't Give Up, Kid), 1987.

Oro, Plata, Mata remains Gallaga's most significant achievement in film. The epic movie was declared best picture of 1983 by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, and Gallaga received the Urian award for best director as well as nominations from the CMMA and FAP. He received a Special Jury Award from the Manila International Film Festival and another award from the International Film Festival of Flanders–Ghent, Belgium, in 1983. The film was also nominated for the Gold Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival.

Once in a while, the director would appear in front of the camera. As an actor, he won for his performance in Woman of the Ruins the best supporting actor award during the CinemaOne Originals Digital Film Festival of 2013. At other times, as Maurice L. Gallaga, he was supervising producer in 1998 for Puso ng Pasko (Heart of Christmas) and in 1999 for Scorpio Nights 2, Ang Kabit ni Mrs Montero (Mrs Montero's Lover), and Sa Piling ng Aswang (In the Company of the Netherworlder), for which he performed the otherworldly chants.

Gallaga would often play other roles, such as: production coordinator for Bacolod City in Gumising Ka...Maruja (Wake Up...Maruja), 1978; production designer as Maurice Gallagher and underwater director as Pete Gallagher in Up From The Depths, 1979; lyricist of “Takwil na Anghel” (Disowned Angel) in Tiyanak, 1988; and, creative consultant and casting director for Ligaw Liham (Love Letter), 2007.

Gallaga continues to be a mover and shaker of the Philippine movie industry for the last 43 years without severing ties with his native Negros. For this he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Gawad Urian in 2009, an Award of Recognition for Pioneering Efforts in Independent Cinema by the 8th CinemaOne Originals Film Festival in 2012, a Manuel De Leon Award by the FAP in 2013, and an Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula sa Likod ng Kamera by the Star Awards for Movies in 2014. ● G. Zafra, R. Jocson, L. Pareja, and C. M. Villanueva Jr.





“Peque Gallaga.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 04 Mar 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0302323/bio?ref_=nm_ql_1

Word Count: 483

PEREZ, ELWOOD (Elwood Mendoza Perez) b. Mabalacat, Pampanga, 4 Feb1945. Movie director and scriptwriter. His parents are WWII veteran merchant Pedro Esguerra Perez and public school teacher Edna Cunanan Mendoza. He is the brother of actor Chuck Perez. His father's sister, Teresita, is the first and legal wife of director Artemio Marquez. It was during his summer vacations with his aunt that Perez got his first hands-on exposure in showbiz. As a nine-year-old avid movie fan, Perez played extra in Balatbat Productions’ Boys Town and “participated in Ric Tierro’s radio singing talent program as declaimer...accompanied by actress Belen Velasco.”

He graduated with honors from Mabalacat Elementary School and Mabalacat Institute College in Pampanga then went to Manila. He enrolled in the University of the East (UE) where he received full scholarship as Features Editor and Movie Reviewer for The Dawn. One semester short of earning a BS in Natural Sciences Perez shifted to Speech and Drama and graduated with a BA in English degree. He continued to direct for the stage after college, but he established himself as scriptwriter–director of the TV anthology Balintataw from 1967 to 1972 for the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and ABC-TV5.

He started his movie career with Blue Boy, 1970, a movie based on Bert Bornay's komiks serial. After his first movie, he stopped making films for a while, until his friends at Sine Pilipino convinced him to direct Si Popeye Atbp. (Popeye and Others), 1973, from his own story and screenplay. As screenwriter, he followed this by writing the story and screenplay of Zoom, Zoom, Superman!, 1973; the screenplay of May Isang Tsuper ng Taksi (There's A Taxi Driver), 1975; and the story of Shame, 1983; Bagwis (Wings), 1989; and, along with the title for, Trophy Wife, 2014.

Later, as director, he did Divorce, Pilipino Style, 1976, and Pinay, American Style, 1979. His other films of the 1970s include Inday Garutay, 1976; Beer House, 1977; Masarap, Masakit ang Umibig (My Brother, My Wife), 1977; Masikip, Maluwang, Paraisong Parisukat (Narrow and Wide, Square Eden), 1977; Sari-Saring Ibong Kulasisi (Different Lovebirds), 1978; Stepsisters, 1979; and, Magkaribal (Rivals), 1979.

With Regal Films' Disgrasyada (Fallen Woman), 1979, he established himself as a box-office director. He was named Best Director in the Film Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), and the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M (The Real Life of Pacita M), 1991, which was nominated for Best Film of 1992 by the Young Critics Circle of the Philippines. He was also named Best Director in both FAMAS and FAP for Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit (Count the Stars in the Sky), 1989, for which he received a nomination in the Gawad Urian. The Manunuri describes this “18-trophy winner, Nora Aunor–Tirzo Cruz III starrer as the quintessential Filipino film.”

Likewise, he was named Best Director for Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos (Whisper It To God), 1988, by the FAMAS, which nominated him in the same category for Pakawalan Mo Ako (Set Me Free), 1981, and for Isang Gabi...Tatlong Babae (One Night...Three Women), 1974, which Perez produced. For his 44 years in the industry, Perez received a Special Award of Recognition from the Cinema One Originals 2013 Digital Film Festival.

Perez was nominated by the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) and the Urian for Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit (Count the Stars in the Sky), 1989, but he won the best director award for this picture from the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP). He was nominated by FAP for Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M. (The Real Life of Pacita M.), 1991, but he received the best director award for this picture from the FAMAS. Earlier, the FAMAS also honored him with the best director award for Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos (Whisper It To God), 1988.

His later films include Problem Child, 1980; Miracle of Love, 1982; Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, 1982; Puri (Chastity), 1985; Till We Meet Again, 1985; Pangako ng Puso (Heart's Promise), 1990; Ms Dolora X, 1992; Yakapin Mo Akong Muli (Embrace Me Again), 1992; Reputasyon (Reputation), 1997; Lupe: A Seaman's Wife, 2003; Ssshhh... She Walks by Night, 2003; Otso (Eight), 2013; and, Esoterika: Maynila (Esoterica: Manila), 2014. For these two last films, Perez takes credit for the story, screenplay, and direction—and production design for Otso..

In 2007, Boum Productions of London releases in North America the Director’s Cut of Silip, 1985—recipient of the Chicago International Film Festival Award of Merit—after British film critic–documentarist Pete Tomb recently unearthed the film's Greek version, which had previously been subtitled in French, Italian, and Spanish. ● N. Jose and C. M. Villanueva Jr.





“Elwood Perez.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 04 Mar 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0702131/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm

Perez, Elwood. 13 Mar 2015. "Elwood Perez." Curriculumm Vitae and Director's Page [Sent via Gmail].

Word Count: 518

REYES, JOSE JAVIER aka Direk Joey Reyes, Joey Javier Reyes, Joey Reyes, and Jose Reyes. b. Manila 21 Oct 1954. Movie and television writer and director; line producer; university professor. He is the son of Marciano Reyes Sr. and Belen Javier and uncle of movie–television director Mark A. Reyes VI. He finished elementary and high school at Letran College. He earned his bachelor's degree in liberal arts, with honors, from the De La Salle University (DLSU) where he also taught literature and communication arts beginning in 1976. He enrolled in Indiana University, USA, for advanced studies on folklore and comparative literature. He became chair of the Philippine Studies department at DLSU in1984. He left the academe for the entertainment world in 1987 with the rank of Associate Professor. As an industry practitioner he would once in a while return to his alma mater to handle graduate courses on popular culture and mass media for the department of Communication, where he teaches part-time as Guest Professorial Lecturer.

In his 34 years as media creative, Javier Reyes has consistently received popular and critical acclaim for the body of works he has produced for television, stage, and film since he began writing professionally after college. For cinema alone he has won 32 awards and 69 nominations, mostly for humoring modern manners—in a montage of painfully funny and scathingly familiar slices of urban life that intersect at various junctions of the everyday—in trademark Javier Reyes style.

One of the most sought-after scriptwriters, Javier Reyes wrote the television serials Madam Chairman, 2013; Bora: Sons of the Beach, 2005; Attagirl, 2001; and, the phenomenal Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata (Watch for the Next Chapter), 1991–1997. He is known for having created “Dona Buding,” TV's wacky social-climbing character popularized by Nanette Inventor in the 1980s. He also wrote for Pirapirasong Pangarap (Broken Dreams), Barberya Siete (Barber Shop No 7), Palibhasa Lalaki (They're Men, That's Why), Eh Kasi Babae (Because They Are Women), and The Bud Brothers Series.

He won prizes for his plays: Dingas sa Langit (Fire in Heaven), second prize, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Playwriting Contest, 1982; Lamat (Crack), second prize, Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, 1983; and, Butong Pakwan (Watermelon Seeds), first prize, CCP Playwriting Contest, 1983. He wrote the libretto for the musical, Katy, with music by Ryan Cayabyab.

Javier Reyes is best known as a screenwriter. His movie scripts account for 17 of his 32 awards, winning the best screenplay award for: Mga Mumunting Lihim (Those Little Secrets), 2012, which also won Best Director, Screenplay, and Story nominations in the Golden Screen Awards of the Philippines, the Star Awards for Movies, and the Gawad Urian; Nag-iisang Bituin (The Only Star), 1994, won a Best Screenplay nomination in the Urian; Iisa pa Lamang (Just Once), 1992, Young Critics Circle of the Philippines (YCC); lkaw ang Lahat sa Akin (You Are Everything to Me), 1992, Star Awards; Dinampot Ka Lang sa Putik (You're Just Picked from the Mud), 1991, with Jake Tordesillas, YCC; My Other Woman, with Jake Tordesillas, Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA), 1990; Pahiram ng lsang Umaga (Lend Me One Morning), 1989, Urian; and, Oro, Plata, Mata (Gold Silver Death), 1983, Asia Pacific Film Festival Award.

His other screenplays include Strangers in Paradise, 1983; Maria Went to Town, 1987; Shoot that Ball, 1987; Jack en Poy (Jack and Poy), 1987; and, Si Aida, Si Lorna o Si Fe (Aida, Lorna or Fe), 1989.

More than a scriptwriter, however, his most memorable and best loved works are stamped by Javier Reyes, the auteur, from concept and treatment to execution. Thus, is his most awarded film to date—Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (Married, Member, Meddler), 2006—winning nine awards, four of which are for screenplay. The film won the Best Director, Screenplay, and Story awards in the Film Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS)—as well as Best Director and Screenplay awards, with Mary Ann Bautista, in the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), and the Star Awards for Movies—and was nominated for the Best Director and Original Screenplay awards in the Golden Screen Awards of the Philippines and the Gawad Urian of 2007.

Javier Reyes is in his element in his other multi-awarded films, with: four awards for May Minamahal (Somebody to Love), 1993, Best Director, Screenplay, and Story, MMFF and Best Story, FAMAS, with FAMAS and Urian Best Director nominations—for 1994; three awards for Batang PX (PX Kids), 1997, Best Film and Screenplay, YCC and Best Original Screenplay, Star, with Urian Best Director and Screenplay nominations—in 1998; and, two awards for Minsan may Isang Puso (Once There Was A Heart), 2001, Best Film and Screenplay, YCC—in 2002; and, for Makati Avenue (Office Girls), 1993, Best Director and Screenplay, Urian as well as for Hindi Kita Malilimutan (I Will Never Forget You), 1993, Best Film and Screenplay, YCC—both in 1994.

He has won also the best story award for One Night Only, 2008, MMFF and Sinungaling Mong Puso (Your Lying Heart), 1992, FAMAS, as well as the best director award for Kutob (Gut Feel), 2005, MMFF. In 2014, the Star Awards for Movies honored him as Direktor ng Dekada (Director of the Decade) Award for 2003–2013.

Javier Reyes is also in his element in films that had received multiple nominations, with: seven nominations for Katas ng Saudi (Fruit of Saudi), 2007, Best Director and Story, FAMAS; Best Director and Screenplay, Golden Screen and Star; and, Best Screenplay, Urian—in 2008; five for his self-produced Ano ang Kulay ng mga Nakalimutang Pangarap? (What Color Are Forgotten Dreams?), 2013, Best Director, Screenplay, and Story, FAMAS; and, Best Director and Screenplay, Star—in 2014; four for Magkaibigan (Friends), 2008, Best Director, Screenplay, and Story, FAMAS; and, Best Director, 2008, FAP; and, Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo (Squeeze, Slightly, Save), 2007, Best Director and Screenplay, Star; Best Screenplay, Golden Screen; and, Best Director, FAP—in 2009 and 2007, respectively; and, three for Kutob (Gut Feel), 2006, Best Director, Screenplay, and Story, FAMAS; Sugatang Puso (Wounded Heart), 2001, Best Screenplay, FAMAS and Urian; and, Best Film, YCC; and, Pare Ko (My Dude), 1995, Best Director and Screenplay, Urian and Best Screenplay, YCC,—in 2007, 2002, and 1996, respectively.

His screenplays have also been nominated: Oro… ., Gawad Urian; Kasalanan Ba'ng Sambahin Kita? (Is it A Sin to Worship You?), 1982, Gawad Urian; Adultery, 1984, Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP); My Other Woman, FAP; Pahiram … ., FAP; lkaw ang Lahat … ., Gawad Urian and FAMAS; and, lisa … ., Star Awards. He was also nominated for best director for lkaw ang Lahat … . by the Gawad Urian.

Javier Reyes is also director for television. He directed the following TV serials: George and Cecil, 2009; Hanggang Kailan (Until When), 2004; Whattamen, 2001; and, Tropang Trumpo (Spintop Troop), 1992. He acts once in a while and, in 2008, he was Media Performance Mentor in the reality TV talent search Pinoy Dream Academy.

He also composed the following movie soundtrack lyrics: “Nagbibinata,” Nagbibinata, (Turning Into a Young Man), 1998; “Kaibigan” (Friend), Radio Romance, 1997; “Bayarang Puso” (Heart for Rent), Bayarang Puso, 1996; “Bakit Ka Nag-Iisa?” (Why Are You Alone?), Pare Ko, 1995; “Hindi Sapat Ang Lahat” (Everything's Not Enough), Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M. (The True Story of Pacita M.), 1991; and, “Take Me High,” Nine Deaths of the Ninja, 1985..

In 2000, Reyes found himself a new niche as a line producer with the first of his two production companies handling line production for movies like Regal Films' Live Show, 2000, for which Javier Reyes got Urian Best Director and Screenplay nominations in 2001. Available Light, formed with Manny Castañeda and the late Don Escudero, caters to big commercial studios while LargaVista Entertainment Corporation caters to smaller independent producers. He is Inside Showbiz Magazine's Editor in Chief. ● R. Galang and C. M. Villanueva Jr.





“Jose Javier Reyes.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 04 Mar 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0419494/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1.

Word Count: 966

TRILLO, DENNIS (Abelardo Dennis Florencio Ho) b. 12 May 1981. Movie and television actor and performer; singer, recording artist, and drummer; voice talent.

Trillo's 13 years in the entertainment industry has given him 13 citations and 13 awards—twice receiving the Dekada Award (Actor of the Decade Award), first in 2013 for 2012–2001 from the Golden Screen Awards of the Philippines and second in 2014 for 2013–2003 from the Star Awards for Movies—four for his achievement as an accomplished young industry player and nine for his virtuoso performance in roles that transformed his matinee idol looks into riveting portrayals of three memorable movie characters.

First, as Ignacio in the period drama Aishite Imasu (Mahal Kita) 1941, 2004, Trillo received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor from the Gawad Urian as well as three citations and six acting trophies. He was named Best Supporting Actor by the Film Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), which recognized him with the German Moreno Youth Achievement Award; Best Actor by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP); Best Actor by the Golden Screen, which recognized him with the Breakthrough Performance by an Actor Award; Best Supporting Actor by the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF); Actor of the Year by the Star Awards, which recognized him with the New Movie Actor of the Year Award; and, Best Performer in a Leading or Supporting Role by the Young Critics Circle (YCC) of the Philippines in 2005. He as well as one nomination for Best Supporting Actor from the Gawad Urian.

Second, as Daniel in the long-running movie serial Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love, 2009, for which Trillo received a trophy from the Golden Screen and a nomination from the Star Awards for Best Supporting Actor in 2010. Third, as Eric del Mundo in GMA7's groundbreaking teleserye My Husband's Lover, 2013—the controversial series not only established Trillo as a serious actor of cult proportions, it also made Philippine TV history by introducing Filipino households to bromance and gendered TV viewing—for which Trillo received a trophy from the 2014 Golden Screen TV Awards for Best Actor in a Drama Series.

Trillo is also known for Blue Moon, 2006, which got him four nominations—a Gawad Urian and an FAP for Best Actor and a Golden Screen and a Star Awards for Best Supporting Actor in 2006; Yesterday Today and Tomorrow, 2011, with three nominations—a Golden Screen, an MMFF, and a Star Awards for Best Supporting Actor in 2011 –2012; Rosario, 2010, with two—a FAMAS for Best Actor and an FAP for Best Supporting Actor in 2011; Janitor, 2014, with a Star Awards for Movie Actor of the Year, in 2015; and, Mulawin: The Movie, 2005, with a FAMAS for Best Supporting Actor in 2006.

Although it was in 2001 when the prime-time serials catapulted Trillo to stardom as a television personality, it was in 1997 when the re-issue of a '70s afternoon animation series setoff the 16-year-old's love affair with the medium. Trillo's first TV exposure as the Filipino voice of Steve Armstrong in the '90s re-issue of the classic robot cartoon Chôdenji mashin Borutesu Faibu (or, in popular memory, Voltes V), 1977, with dialogues dubbed in the vernacular, had been off-camera. Yet, being voice talent had ironically jumpstarted and deepened Trillo's engagement with the TV-viewing public as on-camera performer on the cast of Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggang (At Eternity's End), 2001. The soap marked the start of a career as a mainstay of popular TV who appears daily in serials of various genres, weekly in feature anthologies and fixed format shows, and monthly in TV movies and specials.

Trillo's as TV actor has steadily matured from the teen romance Twin Hearts, 2003; fantaserye Mulawin, 2004; Love to Love, 2004; hero komiks adaptation Darna, 2005; children's fantasy Mahiwagang Baul (Magic Casket), 2005; Etheria: Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia (Etheria: The Fifth Kingdom of Encantadia), 2005; Now and Forever, 2005–2006; Majika, 2006; Super Twins, 2007; Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan (Zaido: Space Police), 2007; E.S.P., 2008; Dear Friend, 2008; Adik Sa'yo (Addicted to You), 2009; Obra (Masterpiece), 2009; yet another Darna, 2009–2010; Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak (Crawl on the Dirt), 2010; Love Bug, 2010; Endless Love, 2010; Dwarfina (Dwarfette), 2011; Sinner or Saint, 2011; Legacy, 2012; to the Filipino adaptation of the Koreanovela Temptation of Wife, 2012, up to his critically acclaimed My Husbands Lover, 2013.

Trillo has been making music long before he first graced the silver screen. In his youth, he played the drums as band member and took voice lessons. His big break in the professional music scene, however, came signed in as the first contract record artist of Indiemusic—the newly formed record label of fellow GMA7 singer–actors Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez—and became its poster boy. His debut album Dennis, which included a duet with the Songbird alongside revivals of standard hits, sold Platinum. Later, he became known for performing hit themesongs—such as “Tibok ng Puso” (Heartbeat) for Sa Puso ni Dok (In Doc's Heart) and It's Complicated, 2014; “Gagambino” for Gagambino, 2008; and, “Kahit Magdusa Ka” (Even If You Suffer) for Magdusa Ka (Suffer), 2008—from the soundtrack albums of movies and TV serials that he has top-billed. ● C. M. Villanueva Jr.











“Dennis Trillo.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 02 Mar 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1387739 /bio.



Word Count: 877

AUSTRIA, AMY (Esmeralda Dizon Tuazon) b. Tondo, Manila 13 Dec 1961. Movie and television actor. The second to the eldest among six children born to a couple who had no fixed income, she helped the family by selling chewing gum. She studied at the Rajah Soliman High School. She and the late actor Jay Ilagan have an adopted daughter, Alexandra. On 10 January 1999, she married Filipino-Korean Duke Ventura with whom she bore one child. In 2011–2012, she began to use the screen name Amy Austria–Ventura.

She was introduced to producer Baby Martinez of MBM Productions by a kin of her friend, actor Ruby Anna. She was cast in Bitayin si Baby Ama (Execute Baby Ama), 1976, the movie which made Rudy Fernandez an action star. After doing her second picture, Alas (Ace), 1976, with Jun Aristorenas, she was given minor parts in a number of pictures, then dropped out of the movie scene for almost a year. When she came back in mid-1977, she was a contract star of Jesse Ejercito' s Seven Star Productions.

She became one of the busiest actors of the late 1970s, appearing in such films as Dabiana, 1977, Miss Dulce Amor, Ina (Miss Dulce Amor, A Mother), 1978, Atsay (Housemaid), 1978, Menor de Edad (Underage), 1979, Gabun, Ama Mo, Ama Ko (Gabun, Your Father, My Father), 1979, Bedspacers, 1979, and Swing It, Baby, 1979. Two of her most important films in 1979 were Ishmael Bernal's Aliw (Pleasure), a contender for Urian best picture, and Lino Brocka's Jaguar (Guard), which was chosen by FAMAS and Urian as the best picture of the year.

She was promoted to full stardom in Nang Bumuka Ang Sampaguita (When the Sampaguita Blossomed), 1980. This was followed by Langis at Tubig (Oil and Water), 1980, Sugat sa Ugat (Wound at the Root), 1980, Goriong Butete, 1980, Tondo Girl, 1981, Pusong Uhaw (Thirsty Heart), 1982, and Waywaya, 1982.

Thereafter, she established her self as an actor with nominations for best female actor in Bagong Buwan (New Moon), 2001, from Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS); and, for best female supporting actor in Ako ang Hari (I Am King), 1981, from the Urian; Hinugot sa Langit (Wrenched from Heaven), 1985, and Mano Po (Blessing Me), 2002, from the FAMAS and the Urian; in Nena, 1995, from the Urian; and, in Beautiful Life, 2004, from the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP).

Austria has four best actress awards: two for Brutal, 1980, from the FAMAS and the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF); and, two for Celestina Sanchez aka Bubbles, 1988, from the FAP and the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA). She has five best supporting actress awards: for Jaguar, 1979, from the Urian; for Narito Ang Puso Ko (Here Is My Heart), 1992, from the Urian and the FAP; for Kung Mawawala Ka Pa (If You Should Go), 1993, from the MMFF; and, for Anak (Child), 2000, from the FAP.

She and Phillip Salvador, together with the late director Lino Brocka, represented the Philippines at the Cannes Film Festival in 1980, where Jaguar was shown at the Director's Fortnight.

With her second marriage Austria became more visible on television. She has since appeared in a dozen TV series, from Kirara, Ano ang Kulay ng Pag-ibig? (Kirara, What Is the Color of Love?), 1999, through Lorenzo's Time, 2012. • N. Jose, L. Pareja, and C. M. Villanueva, Jr.

“Amy Austria.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 13 Dec 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0042564/bio



Word Count: 558 Updated ← 407 Original [= 151 Additional]

GIL, CHERIE (Evangeline Rose Gil Eigenmann; also Cherrie Gil) b. Manila 21 June 1963. Movie, stage, and television actor, singer, director and producer. Her parents are Eduardo M. Eigenmann aka Eddie Mesa, singer-actor, and Rosemarie Gil, movie actor. Her brothers Mark Gil and Michael de Mesa and sister-in-law Gina Alajar are all actors. She has two children with husband Roni Rogoff, an internationally-renowned violinist.

She attended the elementary grades at St Paul College in Manila and Quezon City and finished high school at St Joseph's College. Gil trained for jazz dance with Julie Borromeo, Douglas Nierras, and Steps (New York) then took voice lessons under Barbara Miller, a Julliard graduate. She attended Actors' Workshop activities in being, body movement, and craft under Eric Morris.

She played the role of Mary Magdalene in the musical play, Jesus Christ Superstar and was Corie Bratter in the Neil Simon comedy Barefoot in the Park directed by Jonas Sebastian. She also appeared in Adul de Leon's Sundered Selves presented by Bulwagang Pilipino and was a mainstay in the television shows Champoy, Cebu, and Buena Familia. She also appeared in the full-length video Bilanggo sa Dilim (Prisoner of the Dark), 1987, starring Joel Torre and Rio Locsin and directed by Mike de Leon.

A dramatic actor known for her intense performances, Gil has received nominations for best supporting actress for City After Dark, 1980, from the Urian; Saan Nagtatago Ang Pag-ibig? (Where Does Love Hide?), 1988, from the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP); Ang Bukas Ay Akin, Langit ang Uusig (Tomorrow Is Mine, Heaven Shall Judge), 1989, from the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF); Imortal (Immortal), 1989, from the FAP; for Ngayon at Kailanman (Now And Forever), 1993, from the Urian and the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for Movies; Wating (Criminal), 1994, and Sugatang Puso (Wounded Heart), 2001, from the Urian; for A Moment in Time, 2013, from the FAMAS; and, for Mana (Heirloom), 2014, from the Star; and, for Baka Siguro Yata (Possibly Maybe Perhaps), 2015, Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival.

She won the best supporting actress award from the MMFF for God Save Me!, 1985, and Imortal, 1989; and, from the FAMAS, FAP, and Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) for Ang Bukas ay Akin.... She was chosen best actress by the PMPC Star Awards for TV for her performance in Cebu, 1992.

In 2015, Cherie Gil brought home the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) prize for best actress for her performance in Sonata, 2013, which also got her nominations from the Urian, the Golden Screen, and the Young Critics Circle.

She manages My Own Mann Production, which was launched during Gil's fiftieth birthday via Diana Vreeland a Gil solo-starrer directed by Bart Guingona. • C. Directo, L. Pareja, and C. M. Villanueva, Jr.



“Cherie Gil.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 13 Dec 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0317737/bio









Word Count: 457 Updated ← 322 Original [= 135 Additional]

DE MESA, MICHAEL (Michael Eduard Gil Eigenmann) b. Manila 24 May 1960. Movie actor and director. He belongs to a family of actors. He is the son of Eduardo Eigenmann aka Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil. His siblings are Mark Gil and Cherie Gil. He studied at De La Salle Greenhills in his elementary years, then at the Aquinas School and Central Colleges of the Philippines. His marriage in 1978 to actor-director Gina Alajar gave them three boys, who became actors like themselves, until their annulment in 2006.

De Mesa was chosen best actor for Unfaithful Wife, 1986, and best supporting actor for Ikasa Mo, Ipuputok Ko (You Cock, I'll Shoot), 1990, at the Urian Awards. He was best supporting actor for Paradise Inn, 1985, Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP).

He also earned nominations from the Urian for best supporting actor for Anong Kulay ang Mukha ng Diyos? (What is the Color of God's Face?), 1985, Paradise Inn,1985, and, Hihintayin Kita sa Langit (I Will Wait for You in Heaven), 1991; and, Big Time, 2005, which also got a nomination from the Golden Screen Awards.

Likewise, De Mesa received nominations for best supporting actor for Dubai, 2005, from the FAP, and for 10,000 Hours, 2013, from the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Awards. • C. Directo and C. M. Villanueva, Jr.



“Michael de Mesa.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 13 Dec 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0210295/bio







Word Count: 214 Updated ← 160 Original [= 54 Additional]

GIL, MARK (Raphael Joseph John Gil Eigenmann) b. Manila 25 September 1961. d. Manila 1 September 2014. Movie and television actor. He is one of three children of singer-actor Eddie Mesa and actor Rosemarie Gil. The other two are actors Michael de Mesa and Cherie Gil, who are older and younger than him respectively.

Mark Gil built a bigger family of actors with his marriage to Maricar Jacinto, which gave them an only child; to Irene Celebre, which gave them Gabby and Ira; to actor Bing Pimentel, which gave them actors Tim (popularly known as Sid Lucero) and Maxene (Max); and, to actor Jaclyn Jose, which gave them actor Andi and another child. In 2014, however, the 53-year-old actor succumbed to cirrhosis of the liver.

He studied at De La Salle Greenhills and Aquinas College for his elementary and secondary schooling. Gil appeared in two films as a child actor, then at 17 years old became a professional movie actor with the help of moviewriter and talent manager Douglas Quijano.

Among his films are Ishmael Bernal's Salawahan (Fickle), 1979, Artemio Marquez's Naiibang Hayop (A Different Animal), 1983, and Emmanuel Borlaza's Laruan (Plaything), 1983. He has appeared on television for drama anthologies and the series Cebu and Buena Familia. His first award came when he was in his early twenties, followed by four other major acting prizes and a series of citations before his retirement.

For best supporting actor, he received nominations for Agaw Armas (Ambush), 1986, Narito ang Puso Ko (Here's My Heart), 1992, and Saranggola (Kite), 1999, from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS); for Babae (Woman), 1997, and Amok, 2011, from the Urian; and, for Sa Huling Paghihintay (The Last Wait), 2001, from the Young Critics Circle of the Philippines (YCC).

Mark Gil also received nominations for best actor from the Urian for Batch '81, 1982, for Itanong Mo sa Buwan (Ask the Moon), 1988, and for Philippino Story, 2013, for which he also got recognitions from the Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival and the Golden Screen Awards.

He was Urian best supporting actor for Palipat-lipat, Papalit-palit (Changing Partners), 1982, and best actor for Rotonda, 2006; the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) best supporting actor for Kid, Huwag Kang Susuko (Kid, Never Surrender), 1987; Cinema One best actor for Alon (Wave), 2006, tying with Ronnie Lazaro for Yanggaw; and, FAMAS best actor for Magnifico, 2003. • C. Directo and C. M. Villanueva, Jr.



“Mark Gil.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 13 Dec 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0317822/bio







Word Count: 401 Updated ← 182 Original [= 219 Additional]

SOLIS, CHARITO(Rosario Violeta Hernandez Solis) b. Santa Cruz, Manila 6 Oct 1935. d. Laguna 9 January 1998. Movie, stage, and television actor. Her parents are Milagros Hernandez and Maximo Solis, a writer. She studied at San Pablo Elementary School in San Pablo, Batangas, and finished high school at the University of the East. Solis, who initially wanted to be a flight stewardess and was hesitant to act, became the first woman to be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS). In 1998, the 63-year-old actor succumbed to a heart attack while in Laguna.

She is a niece of director Feliciano “Felicing” H. Constantino, who brought her to LVN producer Doña Narcisa Buencamino vda de Leon when she was looking for a new face to appear opposite Jaime de la Rosa in Niña Bonita(Pretty Girl), 1955. The success of Niña Bonitacalled for a second team-up with de la Rosa in Dinayang Pagmamahal (Cheated Love), 1955.

She next appeared with Leroy Salvador in Charito, I Love You, 1956, and with Mario Montenegro in Ulilang Bituin(Lonely Star), 1956. In Big Shot,1956, she was paired with Nestor de Villa, while Armando Goyena was her leading man in Sanga-Sangang Puso(Hearts Intertwined), 1957. InP10,000 Pag-ibig (P10,000 Love), 1957, she appeared opposite Eddie Rodriguez and a new actor Jose Ejercito (Joseph Estrada). One of her most memorable films during this period was Malvarosa, 1958, an Asian Film Festival winner, where she played Rosa to five brothers portrayed by Vic Silayan, Carlos Padilla Jr, Rey Ruiz, Vic Diaz, and Eddie Rodriguez.

In 1961 LVN stopped producing movies and Solis became a free-lancer, appearing with other movie companies. Among her films are Mga Pag-ibig ni Christine(The Loves of Christine), 1966; Manila: Open City, 1967; Pipo, 1968; Beerhouse, 1977; Babae, Ngayon at Kailanman(Woman, Now and Forever), 1977; Modelong Tanso(Bronze Model), 1979; and Init(Heat), 1979.

Her association with Brocka led to a stage performance in Larawan, the Filipino translation of Nick Joaquin's A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino. On television, she appeared regularly in the high-rating TV series Okey Ka, Fairy Ko(You're Okay, My Fairy) and Fifty Carats, 0,Di Ba?(Fifty Carats, Isn't It So?) with Nida Blanca and Gloria Romero.

Solis received the Asian Film Festival Best Actress Award for her performance inDahil Sa Isang Bulaklak(Because of a Flower), 1967. In 1985, she became the first woman to be elevated to the FAMAS Hall of Fame for receiving five best actress awards: for Kundiman ng Lahi(Song of the Race), 1959, Emily, 1960, Angustia, 1963, Igorota, 1968, and Don't Cry For Me, Papa, 1983.

She has three acting awards from Urian: as best actress forIna, Kapatid, Anak(Mother, Sister, Daughter), 1979, and as best supporting actress for Kisapmata(Split-Second), 1981, and Kamal, 1983. The Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) cited her for Inaand Don't Cry For Me.She also won two acting awards from the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF): best actress for Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi(Daily, Nightly), 1975, and best supporting actress for Kisapmata.

Her portrayal of the role of the spinster writer who recounts the tragedies of her mother's family in Kamal(Carnal), 1983, merited the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) best supporting actress award.

After her induction to the FAMAS Hall of Fame, Solis received two other nominations for best supporting actress: for Moises Padilla Story: The Missing Chapter, 1985, from the FAMAS; and, for Hinugot sa Langit (Wrenched from Heaven), 1986, from the Urian.

She has also appeared in international films like the Japanese production of Gautama Buddha. where she portrayed the Buddha's wife. • G. Zafra, L. Pareja, and C. M. Villanueva, Jr.



“Charito Solis.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 13 Dec 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0813098/bio









Word Count: 614Updated← 520 Original [= 94 Additional]

BONNEVIE, DINA (Geraldine Schaer Bonnevie) b. Quezon City 27 January 1961. Movie actor and celebrity endorser. Her parents are French-Spanish Honesto Bonnevie and Swiss Jeannette Schaer. Her grandmother is pre-WWII actor Rosita Rivera. She has two children by former husband actor Vic Sotto—Danica (b. 1982) and Oyo Boy (b. 1984)—who both followed in their parents' showbiz careers. Divorced from Sotto, she married Richard Penson in 1996. The two are now separated.

She began her schooling at St Theresa's College, Manila, but finished her elementary and secondary education at St Agnes'Academy in Legaspi City, where she was active in drama guilds. In 1980, she enrolled in communication arts at the Ateneo de Manila University and later, the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

Introduced by young actor Alfie Anido to director Joey Gosiengfiao, she first appeared in Temptation Island(Regal Films), 1980, but her launching movie was Katorse(Fourteen), 1980, which established her as one of the “Regal Babies.” Bonnevie's winning first runner-up in the 1981 Miss Magnolia led her to sign for an exclusive contract with Regal Films. She then appeared in a number of films catering to the teenage audience like Underage, 1980, and Bakit Ba Ganyan(Why Is It ThatWay), 1981, whose theme song she herself sang and popularized along with the use of colegiala “Taglish” through one-liners like “kadiri to death,” “kilig to the bones,” and “yuck, you're so baduy.”.

In 1985 she started doing dramatic roles beginning with Mike de Leon's Hindi Nahahati ang Langit (Heaven Cannot be Divided). Her other films are: A Dangerous Life,1988; Orapronobis(Fight for Us), 1989; Pangarap na Ginto(Golden Memories), 1990; Huwag Mong Salingin ang Sugat Ko(Touch Not My Wound), 1991; and,Akin ang Pangarap Mo(Your Dream Is Mine), 1992.

Bonnevie eventually developed into a mature actor, proving her mettle in such films as Tinik saDibdib(Thorn in the Breast), 1985, where she was acclaimed as the best supporting actress by the Film Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (F AMAS) and theFilm Academy of the Philippines (FAP). She was awarded best actress by the FAMAS, the FAP, and the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) for her performance in Magdusa Ka!(You Should Suffer), 1986.

She was directed by Lino Brocka in important films like Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak (Dirty Affair), 1991, where she got nominated by both the Urian and FAMAS for best actress, and Sa Kabila ng Lahat (In Spite of Everything Else), 1991, where she was nominated for best actress by the FAMAS, FAP, and Urian.

Her other nominations were for the Urian best actress prize for Abot Kamay ang Pangarap (Dream Within Reach), 1996, American Adobo, 2001, and Briday Shower, 2004; the FAMAS best actress for Paano Tatakasan ang Bukas? (How Do You Escape from Tomorrow?), 1988, Kung Kasalanan Man(If It's a Sin), 1989, Kapag Iginuhit ang Hatol ng Puso (Should the Heart Decide), 1993; and Tatarin, 2001; the Urian best supporting actress for Tanging Yaman (Only Wealth), 2000; the FAMAS best supporting actress for Maging Akin Ka Lamang (If You'd Only Be Mine), 1987; and, the Golden Screen best actress for I Will Survive, 2004, and best supporting actress for Flames of Love, 2012. • G. Zafra and C. M. Villanueva, Jr.



“Dina Bonnevie.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 13 Dec 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0095007/bio





Word Count: 538 Updated← 373 Original [= 165 Additional]

SORIANO, MARICEL (Maria Cecilia Dador Martinez Soriano; aka Diamond Star, Maria, and Taray Queen) b. Manila 25 February 1965. Movie and television actor, dancer, producer, and celebrity endorser. Her parents are Victor Soriano Sr and Linda Martinez. She attended grade school at St Mary's College, Pasay City, and high school at Centro Escolar University and Trinity College, Quezon City. She was married to actor Edu Manzano from 1989 to 1991. Now, she lives alone with two sons, Marron and Sebastien.

At a very young age, Soriano was a child performer on television and in the movies. She was already considered an outstanding child actor at the age of nine. Her regular appearance on the highly rated TV sitcom, John en Marsha, where she played Shirley, the daughter of Dolphy and Nida Blanca, did much to boost the comedy series. Soriano proved herself adept not only as an actor for both television and film but also as a versatile performer, handling comedy and drama with equal ease.

She appeared in the movie versions of the popular TV show: from John en Marsha, 1974, John en Marsha sa Amerika(John and Marsha inAmerica), 1975, John en Marsha '77, 1977, John & Marsha '80, 1980, Da Best of John & Marsha and The Best of John en Marsha sa Pelikula, Part II, 1984, John en Marsha '85, 1985, John En Marsha '86 TNT Sa America, 1986, through John en Marsha Ngayon '91, 1991, to the spinoff TV series John en Shirley, 2006, thirty-three years after since the long-running sitcom began airing in 1973.

Among her other movies are Underage, 1980; Summer Love, 1981; My Heart Belongs to Daddy, 1982; Hindi Kita Malimot (I Cannot Forget You), 1982; Pepe en Pilar(Pepe and Pilar), 1983;Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit (I Can Reach the Heavens), 1984; Hinugot sa Langit(Wrenched from Heaven), 1985; Inday Bote(Inday, the Bottle Vendor), 1985; Batang Quiapo(Quiapo Youth), 1986; Pinulot Ka Lang sa Lupa (You Were Merely Plucked from the Earth), 1987; Taray at Teroy (Taray and Teroy), 1988; Babaeng Hampaslupa(Downtrodden Woman), 1988; and, Super Inday and the Golden Bibe, 1988. Many of her movies were box-office successes.

Soriano began winning awards at the age of nine, when she was chosen best child actress at the Ninth Manila Film Festival for Virgo Films' Alaala Mo, Daigdig Ko(Your Memory, My World), 1974. In 1988 and 1989, she received the award as best actress of television from the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for her weekly drama show, The Maricel Drama Special.

She also starred in family-oriented TV sitcoms, specifically Kaya ni Mister, Kaya ni Misis (If the Mister Can, So Can the Missus)—for which she won best comedy actress prize from the Asian Television Award in Singapore in 2000 and 2001—1999 and Bida si Mister, Bida si Misis (Mister Leads, The Missus Leads Too), 2003, as well as in primetime TV serials during the first decade of 2000, from Vietnam Rose, 2005, to Genesis, 2013, and Ang Dalawang Mrs Real, 2014.

For her versatility and multimedia presence, she has been called Comedy Queen, Diamond Star, and Drama Anthology Queen. She received the Cinema One Legend Award in 2009, the Golden Screen Dekada Award in 2013, and the FAMAS Iconic Movie Queen Award in 2015. To date Soriano has 18 acting awards from the 40 nominations she received since 1979 when she impressed the Filipino Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) with her performance as a female child actor in Yakuza Contract, 1978.

Soriano’s best actress trophies came from the FAMAS for Nasaan ang Puso (Where’s the Heart?), 1997; Dahas (Violence), 1985; and, Saan Darating ang Umaga? (When Will Tomorrow Come?), 1983; the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) for Bahay Kubo: A Pinoy Mano Po, 2007; Filipinas, 2003; and, Nasaan..., tied with Zsa-Zsa Padilla for Batang Px; Golden Screen Awards for Inang Yaya, 2006, and I Will Survive, 2004; the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy, 2013, and Yesterday Today Tomorrow, 2011, Bahay Kubo..., Filipinas, and Nasaan.... and for best child actress for Alaala Mo, Daigdig Ko (Your Memory, My World), 1974; the Star Awards for Movies for Separada (Divorced), 1994, tied with Dawn Zulueta; the Young Critics Circle for Inang...., 2006, Vampira, 1994, and Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal (You’re My First Love), 1992; and, from the Cinemanila International Film Festival for Numbalikdiwa, 2006. She has received eight Urian nominations for best actress. • C. Directo, L. Pareja, and C. M. Villanueva, Jr.



“Maricel Soriano.” 1990–2015. IMDb.com, Inc. Accessed 13 Dec 2015. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0815018/bio









Word Count: 738 Updated← 362 Original [= 376 Additional]