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1-50 of 162
- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Physically imposing, intense Yaphet Kotto was one of the few actors of his generation to succeed in breaking racial stereotypes in Hollywood. He was born in Harlem, New York, the son of Gladys, a nurse and army officer, and Abraham Kotto, a businessman-turned-construction worker. His father was a Cameroonian immigrant, of royal ancestry (his great-grandfather had been a king in pre-colonial days), and his mother's family was from Antigua and Panama. Yaphet, whose first name means "beautiful" in Hebrew, was raised in the Jewish faith. After his parents divorced, he was brought up by his grandparents in the tough Bronx district of New York. He also had an aunt in showbiz who ran a dance academy. Among her alumni were Marlon Brando and James Dean. In fact, it was Brando's performance in On the Waterfront (1954) which inspired Kotto to go into acting.
He began acting on stage in 1958 with little theatrical experience, making his debut in the title role of Othello, a role he eventually reprised on screen in 1980. He also appeared on Broadway as understudy to James Earl Jones in The Great White Hope. After joining the Actor's Studio, Kotto commenced his screen career and soon gathered critical recognition with several edgy performances across diverse genres. From playing a barkeeper in 5 Card Stud (1968) and a thief in The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), he moved on to juicier supporting roles as the evil Kananga/Mr. Big in the James Bond thriller Live and Let Die (1973), Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the telemovie Raid on Entebbe (1976) and the ill-fated Nostromo engineer Parker in Alien (1979). Kotto also starred as a street-smart Detroit car worker in Blue Collar (1978) and had a recurring role as a senior detective on television's long-running crime series Homicide: Life on the Street (1993) (in addition to penning several scripts for the show). He was even on a Paramount shortlist for the coveted role of Jean Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987), alongside Mitchell Ryan and Roy Thinnes). He apparently spurned the role for fear of being typecast, but came to rueing that decision in later years. For the same reason Kotto had also turned down the part of Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars franchise (which went to Billy Dee Williams).
Kotto died on March 15 2021 in Manila, Phillipines at the age of 81.- Actor
- Camera and Electrical Department
- Additional Crew
George Estregan was born on 10 July 1939 in Tondo, Manila, Philippines. He was an actor, known for Kid kaliwete (1978), Sa bulaklak ng apoy (1984) and Lumakad kang hubad... Sa mundong ibabaw (1980). He died on 8 August 1988 in Santa Mesa, Manila, Philippines.- Dindo Fernando was born on 19 November 1940 in Virac, Catanduanes, Philippines. He was an actor, known for Langis at tubig (1980), Gaano kadalas ang minsan? (1982) and Magdusa ka! (1986). He died on 27 August 1987 in Manila, Philippines.
- Pepsi Paloma was born on 11 March 1966 in Manila, Philippines. She was an actress, known for Virgin People (1984), Krus sa bawat punglo (1982) and The Victim (1982). She died on 31 May 1985 in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
- Director
- Actor
- Writer
Gerardo de Leon was born on 12 September 1913 in Manila, Philippines. He was a director and actor, known for Noli me tángere (1961), El filibusterismo (1962) and Huwag Mo Akong Limutin (1960). He died on 25 July 1981 in Manila, Philippines.- Director
- Producer
- Writer
Marilou Diaz-Abaya was born on 30 March 1955 in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. She was a director and producer, known for Muro-ami (1999), New Moon (2001) and José Rizal (1998). She was married to Manolo Abaya. She died on 8 October 2012 in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines.- Director
- Writer
- Composer
Born October 22, 1947 in Jefferson County, Kentucky, William Brent Girdler launched his filmmaking career with the 1972 release of Asylum of Satan. He made a total of nine films in six years and provided the music for the Pat Patterson quickie Dr. Gore. Girdler died in a helicopter accident in the Philippines after completing his final movie The Manitou.
Girdler wore many hats in respect to his filmmaking, writing six of his nine films and composing the music for three. He also produced two of his own movies. His early works were filmed in his hometown of Louisville, KY with the assistance of many friends and local investors. Girdler's first two low budget horror entries, Asylum of Satan and Three on a Meathook, made only a slight impact on the drive-in movie scene, but they got his foot in the door with Sam Arkoff and AIP. Girdler subsequently made three blaxploitation films: Zebra Killer, Abby, and Sheba Baby. After his AIP stint ended, Girdler directed the political thriller Project Kill starring Leslie Nielsen. Eager to return to horror, Girdler sought finances from Edward Montoro and thus brought Grizzly and Day of the Animals into the world. Girdler hoped to strike gold when he bought the rights to Graham Masterton's 1976 best-selling novel 'The Manitou' for $50,000, and he did just that. Within three months of securing the rights, Girdler began shooting the movie with Tony Curtis and Susan Strasberg in the leading roles.
William Girdler's most successful effort is Grizzly, a bleak Jaws knockoff starring a giant fuzzy bear. Made on a fairly tight budget, Grizzly ranked among the most successful films of 1976. Abby, a 1974 Exorcist rip-off which prompted a lawsuit from Warner Brothers, was also a box-office hit and made more money via domestic rentals than Blacula. Legal issues prevented Girdler from seeing profits for both films. Other box office hits born of Girdler include the Pam Grier vehicle Sheba Baby and The Manitou (a posthumous hit).- Ronaldo Valdez was born on 27 November 1947 in Manila, Philippines. He was an actor, known for Loving Someone (1993), Sukob (2006) and Nasaan ang puso (1997). He was married to Maria Fe Ilagan Gibbs. He died on 17 December 2023 in Manila, Philippines.
- Director
- Writer
- Actor
Ishmael Bernal was born on 30 September 1938 in Manila, Philippines. He was a director and writer, known for At the Top (1971), Dalawang pugad... Isang ibon (1977) and City After Dark (1980). He died on 2 June 1996 in Manila, Philippines.- Writer
- Additional Crew
- Actress
Daisy H. Avellana was born on 6 January 1917 in Roxas City, Philippines. She was a writer and actress, known for A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (1965), Pag-asa (1951) and Sakay (1939). She was married to Lamberto V. Avellana. She died on 12 May 2013 in Manila, Philippines.- Actor
- Director
- Producer
After his school education, Gustaf Gründgens volunteered for the Western Front in 1916. The following year he joined the Saarlouis front theater group, which he led two years later. After the war, he trained from 1919 to 1920 at the Düsseldorf Theater School of Stage Arts. He took on his first roles at the municipal open-air theater and a year later an engagement at the municipal theaters in Halberstadt. This was followed by acting work in Kiel and Berlin. From 1923 Gustaf Gründgens played at the Kammerspiele in Hamburg. Within five years he took on 71 roles and directed 32 productions.
During this time he acquired a wide repertoire from classical drama to modern plays. In 1924 he made his debut as a director of plays such as "Anja and Esther" (1924) by Klaus Mann. In it he played the main role alongside Erika and Klaus Mann as well as Pamela Wiedekind. Gründgens married Erika Mann in 1926, but the marriage ended in divorce almost three years later. In 1927, Gründgens played at the Kammerspiele of the German Theater in Berlin. Productions and engagements at various stages in Berlin followed until 1933. In 1929 he directed his first opera, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro". He appeared frequently in cabarets with Grethe Weiser and Ernst Busch.
Gründgen also began his film work during this time. Gründgens often played seducers, shady characters, bon vivants, con artists and blackmailers, who were later portrayed well in films. In 1932, Gründgens was engaged at the Prussian Theater. There he played his first role as Mephistopheles in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's "Faust". Two years later he took over the position of director at the State Theater and became a state actor. He was appointed State Councilor in 1936 and married the actress Marianne Hoppe. In 1937 Gustaf Gründgens became general director of the Prussian State Theater.
He also appeared in front of the film camera several times for titles such as "The Girl Johanna" (1935), "Dance on the Volcano" (1938) and in the propaganda film "Ohm Krüger" (1941). He also directed films such as the aviation comedy "Capriolen" and "The Step from the Way" (1938) with Marianne Hoppe. A propagandistic tendency includes Gründgen's film "Two Worlds" (1939), which tells of two boys' harvest work. In 1938 and 1941, Gründgens staged opera works in Berlin and Vienna. He achieved a personal success in 1941 with the new production of Goethe's tragedy "Faust I", in which he also played Mephistopheles. The following year he was a member of the troop support team in Norway and in 1943 he took part in the service in the replacement department as a private.
After the end of the war, Gründgens spent nine months in a Soviet internment camp. In the denazification process, he was exonerated by, among others, Ernst Busch. In 1946 he played at the Deutsches Theater in Berlin. His first role was that of Christian Maske in "The Snob" by Carl Sternheim. From 1947 to 1955, Gründgens headed the Düsseldorf Municipal Theater as general manager. He was then general director of the Deutsches Schauspielhaus Hamburg. His production of "Faust I," which he performed in Moscow and New York, became world-famous. The play was made into a film in 1960. After the 1962/63 season he resigned from the position of director.
Gustaf Gründgens died of a stomach hemorrhage in Manila on October 7, 1963, during a trip around the world.- Actress
Mona Lisa was born on 22 June 1922 in Manila, Philippines. She was an actress, known for Insiang (1976), Cain at Abel (1982) and Huwag mong salingin ang sugat ko (1991). She was married to Abelardo Guinto. She died on 25 August 2019 in Manila, Philippines.- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Director
- Actor
Ricky Rivero was born on 7 May 1972 in Manila, Philippines. He was an assistant director and director, known for Eva Fonda (2008), Magdusa ka! (1986) and Bakit may kahapon pa? (1996). He died on 16 July 2023 in Manila, Philippines.- Writer
- Additional Crew
Lualhati Bautista was a writer, known for Bulaklak sa City Jail (1984), The Seventies (2002) and Bata bata paano ka ginawa? (1998). Lualhati died on 12 February 2023 in Manila, Philippines.- Dorothy Acueza Jones was born Jan 6 1936, the only child of Inocencia Acueza and American national John William Jones II. She finished high school at the Adamson University and took up Pre-law at the University of Sto Tomas (UST). She has a daughter, Kay Torres, by estranged husband Victorino Torres. Blanca was only 13 when she joined an amateur singing contest in Manila. Film star Delia Razon brought her to LVN matriarch Doña Sisang (Narcisa de Leon), who immediately cast her in Reyna Elena (1951). This was followed by Amor mio (1951), her first film appearance opposite Nestor de Villa, costarring Armando Goyena. Since then, she has appeared in numerous films, in various genres, but mostly with de Villa as a romantic and dancing partner. See Tumbalik na Daigdig (1953), Hijo de familia (1953), Waray-Waray (1954), the film which popularized her tomboyish, knife-wielding, man-battling persona; Ikaw Kasi (1955), Talusaling (1955), Darling Ko (1955), Ganyan Ka Pala (1956), Handang Matodas (1956), Bahala Na (1956), Turista (1957) and Tingnan Natin (1957). Still perpetuating her image as a tomboyish but lovable screwball, she also made Galawgaw (1956) opposite Jaime de la Rosa, who had earlier played leading man to her knife-wielding gamin in Batangueña (1953). Ms Blanca early on in her durable career could easily switch from screwball comedy to drama, as in Babaing Hampas-Lupa (1952), Rosalina (1957) and Limang Dalangin (1958). When LVN Studios stopped producing, Ms Blanca free-lanced, proving her mettle in a variety of films such as Shake, Baby, Shake (1966), Pag-Ibig, Masdan ang Ginawa Mo (1969), Forgive and Forget (1982), in which her popular love team with Nestor de Villa had a comeback, and My Heart Belongs to Daddy (1982), among many others. All in all, Ms Blanca made some 50 films with the dashing de Villa. Television proved to be very viable for Ms Blanca too. The "Nida-Nestor Show" and "John 'en' Marsha" became two of the longest-running sitcoms on Filipino television. In Fifty-Carats, O Di Ba? (1993), she shared top-billing with veterans Gloria Romero and the late Charito Solis. She also appeared in the television soap Mana-Mana. Ms Blanca has won 16 awards for her film work. She won the very first Best Supporting Actress award from the Film Academy of Movie Arts & Sciences (FAMAS) for her role as a tragic Korean woman, Lee Ming, who falls in love with Filipino soldier Boni Serrano in the film Korea (1952). She also won the best supporting actress award at the Metro Manila Film Festival for Batu-Bato Sa Langit (1975); Best Actress awards simultaneously from Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Gawad Urian Awards and Catholic Mass Media Awards for Miguelito, Ang Batang Rebelde (1985); Best Supporting Actress awards from FAP and FAMAS for Magdusa Ka (1986); and Best Supporting Actress awards from FAP, FAMAS and CMMA for Kid, Huwag Kang Susuko (1987). She was also twice winner of the Citizens' Award for Television (CAT) for Best Female TV Performer for the Nida-Nestor Show; and three-time winner of the Pambansang Akademya ng Telebisyon sa Agham at Sining (PATAS) award in 1975, 1976 and 1978, as Most Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series, for John 'en' Marsha. In 1997, she won Best Supporting Actress for Babae (1997), from the FAP and the Metro Manila Film Festival. Two years later, still proving her timeless mettle, she won Best Actress at the FAMAS ceremonies for her work in Sana, Pag-Ibig Na (1998). She was top-billed for this film-- no mean feat, considering she was 62 years old. In 2000 and 2002, the Gawad Urian Awards and the FAP, respectively, honored her with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ms Blanca was horrendously murdered in a parking lot in November 7, 2001. Her gruesome murder remains unsolved to this day.
- Actress
- Producer
Susan Roces was born on 28 July 1941 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. She was an actress and producer, known for Maligno (1977), Gumising ka... Maruja (1978) and Patayin mo sa sindak si Barbara (1974). She was married to Fernando Poe Jr.. She died on 20 May 2022 in Manila, Philippines.- Writer
- Soundtrack
Jose Rizal was born on 19 June 1861 in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines. He was a writer, known for El filibusterismo (1962), Sisa (1951) and Noli me tangere (1930). He died on 30 December 1896 in Bagumbayan [now Luneta], Manila, Philippines.- Actor
- Art Department
Lito Legaspi was born on 10 September 1941 in the Philippines. He was an actor, known for Sinong kapiling? Sinong kasiping? (1977), Ilustrado (2014) and Ang probinsyano (2015). He died on 8 September 2019 in San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines.- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Eddie Rodriguez was born on 23 August 1932 in Zamboanga City, Philippines. He was an actor and director, known for Mahalin mo sana ako (1972), Lalaki, kasalanan mo (1973) and Babae... Ikaw ang dahilan! (1972). He died on 12 September 2001 in Metro Manila, Philippines.- Actress
- Casting Director
- Additional Crew
Angie Ferro was born on 4 August 1937 in Baleno, Masbate, Philippines. She was an actress and casting director, known for Lola Igna (2019), Pagputi ng uwak... Pag-itim ng tagak (1978) and Evolution of a Filipino Family (2004). She died on 17 August 2023 in Manila, Philippines.- Mark Gil was born on 25 September 1961 in Manila, Philippines. He was an actor, known for Zuma (1985), Palipat-lipat, papalit-palit (1982) and Agaw armas (1986). He was married to Maricar Jacinto-Eigenmann, Irene Celebre, Jaclyn Jose and Bing Pimentel. He died on 1 September 2014 in Manila, Philippines.
- Chinggoy Alonzo was born on 22 July 1950 in Manila, Philippines. He was an actor, known for Etheria (2005), Ikaw naman ang iiyak (1996) and Anna Karenina (1996). He died on 15 October 2017 in Manila, Philippines.
- Mico Palanca was born on 3 February 1978 in the Philippines. He was an actor, known for Bituing walang ningning (2006), Ang probinsyano (2015) and Yamashita: The Tiger's Treasure (2001). He died on 9 December 2019 in San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Manila born with solid theater training from the University of California, Santa Barbara where he graduated with a Master of Arts Degree, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts under a British Council grant. An established name on stage, TV and film, he proved adept at drama, comedy and musicals in English and starred in numerous productions of Repertory Philippines. He also essayed critically-acclaimed roles in Tagalog for Tanghalang Pilipino. He won Best Actor for the role of Manay in Ishmael Bernal's _City After Dark, Manila by Night (1980)_, but his popularity zoomed with his Steve Carpio character in ABS-CBN Channel 2's long-running sitcom, "Home Along da Riles", opposite Filipino Charlie Chaplin, Dolphy. Through the years, he has appeared in Japanese, Chinese, French-Italian and American co-productions filmed in the Philippines.- Actor
- Composer
Pablo Virtuoso was born on 18 November 1921 in the Philippines. He was an actor and composer, known for Rufo Magtanggol (1965), Zatoduling (1969) and The Man from A.N.K.L.A. (1970). He was married to Victoria Calapan. He died on 8 November 1972 in Manila, Philippines.- Vic Silayan was born on 31 January 1929 in Manila, Philippines. He was an actor, known for In the Wink of an Eye (1981), Diligin mo ng hamog ang uhaw na lupa (1975) and Of the Flesh (1983). He died on 30 August 1987 in Metro Manila, Philippines.
- Actor
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Diomedes Maturan was an actor, known for Faithful (1958), Franco Maderro (1966) and Botika sa baryo (1960). He died on 8 April 2002 in Manila, Philippines.- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Leopoldo Salcedo ("Pol" or "Poldo"to his family and close friends) was born in Cavite Puerto (now Cavite City ) on 13 March, 1912 to Juan Salcedo y Mayobre and Basilia Red Ganal. He was the 2nd child and had 5 siblings, Magdalena (the eldest who later became a nun and took the name Sor Agustina), Virginia (a former businesswoman now living in New York), Milagros, Delfin (who died at the tender age of 14) and Salvador.
His father, Juan Salcedo, was born in the Philippines but whose family originally hailed from Spain . The Salcedos were aristocrats. They were descendants of Juan de Salcedo, grandson of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.In fact, Juan Salcedo's paternal grandfather was Don Juan Salcedo y Mantilla de los Rios,the famous Spanish politico military governor of Cavite (1880-1886). A carpenter by profession and a gifted musician,Juan refused to return to Spain with his parents and 2 siblings (also named Leopoldo and Magdalena). Later ,he met and married Basilia Red Ganal, a pretty lass from Binakayan ,Cavite during the early 1900s. She was a fisherman's daughter and sold fishes and fruits in the market.
Leopoldo Salcedo's family was very poor when he was young.But his was a family that stuck together due to the kindness and guidance of his mother.His father was very strict.This strictness was tempered by his mother's gentle and loving ways. Unfortunately, she died in 1933 due to a liver illness.She didn't live to see his son become a famous actor. He was a naughty lad prone to mischief. He was not a good student.In fact, he dropped out and never finished. But he had many friends and was popular among the ladies. He claimed to have lost his virginity at 14.
In his youth, he performed in school plays. Later, he worked as a "ballyhoo man", the prewar term for people who wore placards to advertise products. He also would ride a horse wearing a king or sultan's costume to announce the coming attraction in movie theaters. In those days when stage shows were the rage, he acted or sang in "prologo" or front act for the main act of the show. He had a good singing voice and started out as a singer before becoming a full pledged actor.
He got his first break as second lead to Rogelio dela Rosa in "Sawing Palad" in 1934. Actress Alma Bella saw him and introduced him to producer Nepomuceno who immediately cast him in this film. His first lead role was in "Santong Diablo" .But it was in the film,"Gamugamong nagging Lawin" where he became a superstar. During the war, he acted on stage shows mostly as a guerrilla, his fine acting shining through and giving hope of freedom for the Filipinos. However, these stage shows were scripted subtly in order not to enrage the Japanese conquerors.
In 1950, Salcedo set up his own movie company LGS Films (Leopoldo Ganal Salcedo Films) and came up with such good films as ,"Highway 54","La Roca Trinidad "(the name of his home) and "Tampalasan".
Salcedo went on to make films for a span of 60 years (1930s to 1990s). His was a splendid career ,winning several awards and recognition of his fine acting ability.He also directed and co directed a few of his films, mostly uncredited.
He was a ladies' man and ,as the saying goes,"had a girl in every port!" He fathered several children and had 6 significant women in his life. Although his personal life left little to be desired (he was neither a good father nor husband), the same can not be said of him as an artist for he was an excellent and talented performer (stage or screen).
He died on 10 June, 1998 due to complications from heart attack. He was 86 years old.- Actor
- Stunts
- Production Manager
Danny Labra was born on 4 January 1950. He was an actor and production manager, known for Ooops, teka lang... Diskarte ko 'to! (2001), Super Mouse and the Roborats (1989) and Lucas Abelardo (1994). He died on 4 April 2017 in Metro Manila, Philippines.- Ace Vergel was born on 22 January 1952 in the Philippines. He was an actor, known for Pieta (1983), Anak ng cabron (1988) and Basag ang pula (1984). He was married to Maya de la Cuesta. He died on 15 December 2007 in Sta. Cruz, Manila, Philippines.
- Benigno Aquino was born on 27 November 1932 in Tarlac Province, Luzon, Philippines. He was a writer, known for Korea (1952) and West Wing Week (2010). He was married to Corazon Aquino. He died on 21 August 1983 in Manila, Philippines.
- Actor
- Composer
- Writer
Eddie Peregrina was born on 11 November 1944 in Manila, Philippines. He was an actor and composer, known for Mardy (1969), What Am I Living For (1970) and Make Laugh, Not War (1971). He died on 30 April 1977 in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines.- Actor
- Producer
- Director
The young Poe, only 16 years old, had dropped out of second year high (the farthest he got in school) to work as messenger for a film exchange at php18 a week,. Some friends of his at Everlasting Studio thought of him during a scene where a knife had to hit on a tree. Knives are usually wired for such scenes; but Ronnie was called in when the director heard he could hit the target with an unwired knife. He did - and got treated to a beer blowout by the crew. Markmanship and horsemanship were really got him into the movies. Those childhood summers in Baguio when he rode the ponies on Burnham Park, all the riding lessons he ever had, stood him in good stead when he turned movie "double." It started when lead star Lilia Dizon, who was doing Simaron (1956) with co-star Johnny Moreiro, sprained an ankle and couldn't do a riding scene, Asked to do it for her, Ronnie put on a shirt, tied on a bandana, made like a girl on a horse, and exhibited such riding skill. He became a regular stuntman st Everlasting, where he doubled in riding and other action sense.- Tessie Quintana was born on 17 July 1931 in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines. She was an actress, known for Alaala kita (1961), Batas ng puso (1958) and Sa Tokyo ikinasal (1948). She died on 25 February 1969 in Manila, Philippines.
- Juancho Gutierrez was born in 1932 in Manila, Philippines. He was an actor, known for Tres Cantos (1963), 7 gabi sa Hong Kong (1966) and Historia de un amor (1963). He was married to Gloria Romero. He died on 2 October 2005 in Manila, Philippines.
- Nestor De Villa was born on 6 July 1928 in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. He was an actor, known for Mga yapak na walang bakas (1961), Naku... Yabang! (1963) and Saan darating ang umaga? (1983). He was married to Marilou Cacho. He died on 21 February 2004 in Metro Manila, Philippines.
- Bernard Belleza was an actor, known for The Sky Divers (1970), Pussy Cat (1969) and Alexander Bilis (1967). He was married to Divina Valencia. He died on 7 March 1970 in Quezon City, Rizal [now in Metro Manila], Philippines.
- Armando Goyena was born Jose Goyena Revilla, Jr., in Manila. His parents, Jose Revilla, Sr. and Florentina Goyena, were from high society. Goyena married model and socialite Paquita Roces in 1951, and they sired 8 children, three of whom entered show business after their father (Maritess Revilla, Tina Revilla, and Johnny Revilla). The eight children have married into illustrious names, including Palanca, Araneta, Yabut and Araneta. A graduate of De La Salle College where he took up commerce, Goyena proceeded to manage a soda fountain in Manila, where one day playwright Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero walked in to have coffee. Guerrero then invited Goyena to join a production of Filipino Players. He found himself performing before army veterans in an open-air benefit performance of 'Wanted: A Chaperone' (1946). Guerrero cast him in other productions, such as 'Condemned' (1946), and 'Wow! These Americans' (1947), and even created a one-actor play for him entitled 'What a Guy!' (1948). He also acted for Lamberto V. Avellana and his Barangay Theater Guild, appearing in 'Joan of Lorraine' as Dunois, in 'Summer and Smoke' as John, and in 'A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino' as Tony Javier. Goyena approached Doña Sisang (Narcisa de Leon), LVN producer who was his mother's friend, so he could enter the movies. After a long wait, he was finally given the role of an army lieutenant, a second lead to Leopoldo Salcedo in 'Puting Bantayog' (1948). After several more second-lead roles, he was given his first starring role in Maria Beles (1949). After his next movie, 'Prinsesang Basahan' (1949), LVN firmed up his loveteam with Tessie Quintana. Together they made 15 films in all and the movies were all hits: Sa Tokyo ikinasal (1948); Ibigin mo ako, lalaking matapang (1949); Virginia (1949); Tenyente Carlos Blanco (1952); Tiya Loleng (1952)_; Amor mio (1951); and Damong ligaw (1954). Goyena was the first Filipino counterpart to Captain Marvel, in the original 'Kapitan Kidlat' (1953), with Evelyn Villar; this was followed by a sequel the following year, Kidlat... ngayon! (1953). Goyena had made a total of 44 movies before he decided to quit in 1958. His last film was Casa grande (1958), alongside a powerhouse cast like Nida Blanca, Nestor De Villa, Manuel Conde, Perla Bautista and Vic Diaz. After a 30-year hiatus, Goyena agreed to appear in the film Mahal kita, walang iba (1992) starring Kris Aquino and Christopher De Leon. He also agreed to appear in 'Pagdating ng panahon (1998)_, directed by Eric Quizon and starring Quizon and Aiko Melendez. Goyena played a crucial role in the film Yamashita: The Tiger's Treasure (2001), and Indiana Jones-type adventure with Albert Martinez and Bb Gandanghari. After a storied career with masterful performances, he finally got nominated and won the FAMAS award for Best Actor, a fitting tribute to a leading man everyone called "Golden Boy of Philippine Movies." Goyena's last film appearance was in the semi-musical Annie B. (2004), a remake that lacked the box-office success of its original Nora Aunor starrer. Goyena died in March 10, 2011, reported cause of death Pulmonary Embolism. He left behind a family of eight illustrious children and 29 grandchildren.
- Augusto Victa was an actor, known for Missing in Action (1984), Eskapo (1995) and Heatseeker (1995). He was married to Elisa. He died on 18 March 2019 in Manila, Philippines.
- Mario Montenegro was born on 25 July 1928 in Pagsanjan, Laguna, Philippines. He was an actor, known for Venganza (1958), Anak ng supremo (1986) and Rebelde (1958). He was married to Letty Alonzo. He died in August 1988 in Manila, Philippines.
- Actor
- Writer
Rogelio de la Rosa was born on 12 November 1916 in Lubao, Pampanga, Philippines. He was an actor and writer, known for Higit sa lahat (1955), Veronica (1957) and Tarhata (1941). He was married to Lota Delgado and Dolores 'Lolita' Z. Bayot. He died on 26 November 1986 in Manila, Philippines.- Actor
- Director
Rudy Robles was born on 28 April 1906 in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines. He was an actor and director, known for Across the Pacific (1942), Princesa sa Tawi-Tawi (1950) and South of Pago Pago (1940). He died on 4 July 1970 in Manila, Philippines.- Actor
- Make-Up Department
- Costume and Wardrobe Department
Fanny Serrano was born on 1 February 1948 in the Philippines. He was an actor, known for Tarima (2010), Dirty Affair (1990) and Babangon ako't dudurugin kita (1989). He died on 10 May 2022 in Manila, Philippines.- Music Department
- Composer
- Actor
George Canseco was born on 23 April 1934 in Naic, Cavite, Philippines. He was a composer and actor, known for Dapat ka bang mahalin? (1984), Pagputi ng uwak... Pag-itim ng tagak (1978) and I Will Wait for You in Heaven (1991). He died on 19 November 2004 in Manila, Philippines.- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Jun Urbano was born on 8 June 1939 in the Philippines. He was an actor and writer, known for Juan Tamad at Mr. Shooli: Mongolian Barbecue (1991), M.O.N.A.Y (Misteyks obda neyson adres Yata) ni Mr. Shooli (2007) and Vontes V (1977). He died on 2 December 2023 in Manila, Philippines.- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Efren Reyes was born on 18 June 1924 in the Philippines. He was an actor and director, known for Albano Brothers (1962), Singing Idol (1958) and Dugo ang kulay ng pag-Ibig (1966). He was married to Virginia Montes. He died on 11 February 1968 in Manila, Philippines.- Director
- Writer
- Actor
Mario O'Hara was born on 20 April 1946 in Zamboanga City, Philippines. He was a director and writer, known for Babae sa breakwater (2003), Pangarap ng puso (2000) and Sisa (1999). He died on 26 June 2012 in San Juan de Dios Hospital, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.- Boyong Baytion was a director and actor, known for Lagot Ka... Isusumbong Kita (2004), Ang TV (1992) and Sa kabilugan ng buwan (1997). He died on 8 March 2019 in Manila, Philippines.
- Actor
- Producer
Charlie Davao was born on 7 October 1934 in Iloilo City, Philippines. He was an actor and producer, known for The Killing of Satan (1983), Pamilya Banal (1989) and Deo Dador: Berdugo ng Munti (1993). He died on 8 August 2010 in Manila, Philippines.- Writer
- Producer
- Director
Roberto A. Suarez, commonly referred to as "Bobby", hailed from a poor descent necessitates his living in the temporary refuge known as the `Manila Boy's Town'. From being a nobody, he was able to get a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Far Eastern University, while being employed as janitor-messenger for the Philippine Branch of Arthur Rank Film Distribution, Inc. He was able to prove dependability and resourcefulness, and through sheer labor and persistence, he was promoted to various capacities, until he was given the post of Asst. Sales manager for the company in 1963. In 1965, he became Sales and Marketing Director for Fortune Films, owned by one among the most respected movie industry in the Philippines then, Gen. Mariano Peralta, until he ventured on with other friends and colleagues in the business, to establish Intercontinental Film Distributors (HK) Ltd. of Hong Kong.
In Hong Kong, he showed his innovativeness and vision for the Asian Film industry and produced several Chinese version movies, dubbing them in English and marketed these movies all over the world. He also produced many movies in their original English version to be marketed all over the world.
He became very close to Sr. Don Antonio Isasi, then among the most renowned and respected Spanish movie producer-directors, whose movies were sold all over the world with no less than the American major movie companies acquiring the rights. During this time, Bobby took this opportunity to learn the rudiments of movie production from this man who industry players refer to then as a master.
He also developed close friendships and associations with Messrs. Digby Davidson, then Far-East Marketing Supervisor for Warner Brothers, Herb Fletcher, International Marketing Director of Avco-Embassy Pictures, and Bobby Meyers of Orion Pictures, Inc. From these motion picture marketing luminaries, he was able to hone and expert his marketing expertise.
In 1977, Bobby came back to the Philippines to establish Bobby A. Suarez Film (Basfilm) Production, Inc., and, armed with the valuable directorial knowledge passed on to him by film director Isasi, produced, directed more than two dozen movies and sold all the rights over the world, including the highly sophisticated and hardest to penetrate North American theatrical market.
He has also written the story and screenplay of more than a dozen of movies he produced and directed. His experience and mastery in the art and science of international movie production, direction, and marketing of commercial movies, is evidenced by his membership of Writers' Guild of the Philippines (WGP), Directors' Guild of the Philippines (DGP), Writers' Guild of America (West), Movie Producers Distributors Association of the Philippines (MPDAP) and Philippine Motion Picture Producers Association (PMPPA).
His consistent exposure and experience in the film industry has molded him into a versatile personality which gave rise to numerous professional accomplishments in the world of film production, distribution exhibition and international marketing.
In 1990, Bobby was given the prestigious award given by the European publishers as the Asian movie producer and director whose movies were shown in Europe, and are at par with European movie standard of quality. The visionary in him inspired once again, he established Basfilm Production, Inc. in the USA, to handle the world's sales and distribution and international market of the movies produced and acquired by Basfilm Production, Inc. in Manila, Philippines. He was also awarded the Gregorio Valdez Memorial Award by the FAMAS, the Philippines counterpart of the Oscars in the United States. This award was given Bobby for his contribution to the upliftment of the standard of Filipino-produced movies.
In further recognition of his dedication to the Philippine movie industry, he was bestowed with the Ciriaco Santiago Memorial Award for introducing Filipino-produced movies in the international market. In 1996, he ventured into the importation of movies, TV-movies and other TV-programs and established 21st Century Entertainment, Inc., which handled the television and video rights local distribution of Basfilm Productions' acquired programme.
A year later, he established yet another company, Platinum Multimedia Entertainment, Inc. to handle the theatrical distribution of the movies acquired by Basfilm Production, Inc. At present, he serves as President of Basfilm Production, Inc., in Manila and the U.S.A., 21st Century Entertainment, Inc., and Platinum Multimedia Entertainment, Inc.