114. 9 TAMBAY SPOTS IN PAMPANGA

Pampanga has been on the tourist map staple for a long, long time. Known for the majestic cooking of its people and its astonishing mix of country and cityscapes, the province also offers casual hangout spots perfect for the chill days, may it be for tourists or even locals.

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1. PORAC BAYWALK PARK, Porac

The serene Porac river view plus the fresh breeze of air is the perfect equation of a “tambay” spot. Porac Baywalk Park, also known as Porac Babo Robot, turns into a lively night market by sunset that offers the local flavors of Pampanga. With both tourists and locals enjoying the delicate Porac riverscape, various activities by the local government of Porac are held in this place throughout the year.

Photo from: Porac Government Page

2. MINALIN SUNSET PARK, Minalin

Situated between Minalin’s proud vast fish ponds, Sunset Park is an up and coming destination in the north of Pampanga. If you’re looking to spend the afternoon lazing around, watching the sunset and mingling with people, Sunset Park is a must visit. With expansion plans from the government, Minalin is looking to expand this beautiful stretch into an entertainment hub for the locals and tourists to enjoy in the future.

                                  Photo from: Sunstar 

3. CAPITAL TOWN, City of San Fernando

Capital Town is the best hang out spot if you want to experience both tradition and modernity at once. Situated along Capitol Boulevard in the heart of San Fernando, Pampanga. One of the most famous places to visit in Capital Town is the largest McDonald's branch in the Philippines; more importantly, this branch accommodates parks with traditional carriage, food carts selling low-cost street foods, and more. This hangout spot is undoubtedly among the best options for those on a tight budget. All you need to do is bring your picnic blanket and enjoy the fun experience at Capital Town.

                                 Photo from: Mega World

4. THE ORCHID GARDEN RESORT, City of San Fernando

The Jewel of San Fernando is only a short drive away from Capital Town and is one of the must-visit destinations when the ber-months approach. The Christmas Village Pampanga, which is part of The Orchid Resort, brings holiday fantasies to life with displays including nativity scenes, Santa's workshop, lights illuminating every corner, and special activities that can create cherished memories with your family. During the regular days, The Christmas Village turns into a resort and a recreational park that offers scenic dining experiences with its wide range of restaurants and establishments inside.

                                  Photos from: The Orchids Gardens

5. CLARK PARADE GROUNDS, Mabalacat

A place full of historical upbringing and a symbolic reminder of Philippines-United States friendship over the years, now serves as a park with natural scenery for families to enjoy. Clark Parade Grounds has made significant strides and now provides ideal leisure activities like jogging, biking, strolling, and picnics. The greenery and abundance of open spaces at Clark Parade Grounds made it one of the greatest places to unwind and chill out with your loved ones.

                                 Photo from: Feliix Inc.

6. BAMBOO HUB ECO PARK, Lubao

The Bamboo Hub Eco Park in Lubao, Pampanga serves as a hub for bamboo cultivation with its unique and environmentally-focused design to promote sustainable practices. Visitors can learn about the different species of bamboo, its ecological benefits, and how it can be used for various purposes. The park plays a part in reforestation efforts, encouraging the use of bamboo as a sustainable alternative to deforestation practices. Bamboo's ability to quickly grow and stabilize the soil makes it ideal for preventing erosion and improving biodiversity.

                                 Photo from: Pelago

7. CLARK GLOBAL CITY / WEST AERO PARK, Clark Freeport Zone

This area looks like a normal gasoline station full of car dealerships, but at night, this is where the car enthusiasts or “tambay” near Clark hang out. Clark Global City was a go-to place for Gen z’s, millennials, and even boomers when they wanted to chill out with their Barkadas, flexing their cars while drinking beer on their open trunks and camp chairs.

                                 Photo from: Skyscraper City Forum

8. NORTHWALK CLARK / SF2, Clark Freeport Zone

If you want to witness planes take off and land while drinking beer with your friends this tambay spot is for you. Due to its spacious parking lots, it’s been a go-to chill spot for different generations. The illuminating lights at night give a serene and comforting place for barkadas to sit, drink, and have deep conversations.

                                  Photo from: Foursquare

9. TABNUAN CULTURAL CENTER, Mabalacat, Xevera

Just February of last year, another hangout or chill spot in the outskirts of Pampanga emerged. Tabnuan Cultural Center is not only a heritage spot to visit but also a tambay must-see as it houses a magnificent view of Mabalacat City and offers a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city scene. Tabnuan is quite literally tambay-material with wide space and the fact that the name literally means “meeting place.” Various food stalls, local merchandise and affordable coffee hosted by Cafe Municipio will surely make your tambay more worthwhile. While you’re there, Balacat Tea is a must try!

                                            Photo from: Mabalacat City News Facebook

They introduce a new concept of these places may not be your usual tourist spots but they introduce a new concept of relaxation, not only for the locals but tourists as well.

P.S: This was made by Center for Kapampangan Studies interns who love to tambay.

113. 7 ANCESTRAL HOUSES OF GUAGUA: A LIST BY JERRY PUNZALAN SAGMIT

Guagua—or uaua--meaning “mouth of a river”, has been called as such since 1590 owing to its location along the river which played a role in turning it early into one of Pampangan’s most prosperous towns. The affluence of the twon led to the erection of some of the most stunning ancestral residences in the province.

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1. ARRASTIA-GONZALES HOUSE 1929, San Roque, Guagua

2. DE MESA HOUSE 1935, San Isidro, Guagua

3. DR. GALICANO CORONEL HOUSE 1925, San Nicolas II, Betis

Former vice mayor of Guagua in 1928. The symmetrical looking Victorian house or "gingerbread", is notable for its lace-like fretwork carvings, and its graceful steps that lead to a gated open porch. The house sits on a well-kept, manicured garden.

4. GONZALES-ARAULLO HOUSE 1928, Sto. Nino

 5. OCAMPO HOUSE 1928

Former residence of Mayor Isidro Ocampo.

6. SANTOS-OCAMPO HOUSE 1920

Now occupied by the Jiao Family

7. LOPEZ MANSION 1929, San Nicolas 1^st

One of Guagua’s most spectacular landmarks is the Lopez Mansion, an imposing concrete residence built by the sugar magnate, Don Alejandro Lopez (b. 16 May 1883). Done in the  Greek revival style, the façade is dominated by Grecian columns accented with reliefs of foliate swags. Sandwiched in between are glass-paneled openings that lead to individual room balconies. During the war, Japanese Col. Gempachi Sato, commander of the 61st infantry took over the house in 1942. The Alejandros reclaimed the house in 1945. Severely damaged by the Pinatubo eruption in 1991, it was restored in 2016 by an heir, Jose Ronrico “Rico” Vitug Gueco. The house is open for social events and for various functions.

ABOUT OUR CONTRIBUTOR.  JERRY PUNZALAN SAGMIT originally hails from Guagua, but now resides in Porac. He operates Funeraria Punzalan, a memorial service company founded by his ancestor Pedro Manalili Punzalan in Arayat in 1930. He is also interested in heritage and local culture and history.

112. 5 REPUTATIONS THAT KAPAMPANGANS WERE WELL KNOWN FOR IN THE 1700s.

By Robby P. Tantingco

Kapampangans today are known for their pride, vanity, culinary skills, loud voice, love for the good life and entrepreneurial skills. But what was their reputation back in the early days? Bergano's Kapampangan dictionary (1729) provides us with clues:

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KAPAMPANGAN VANITY

Our female ancestors were magale ("wearing formal dresses outside proper occasion") while our male ancestors were maticas ("good looks, good form in size, waist, figure, shape of legs and calves"), masanting ("handsome"), maticmus ("good figure"), matingquis ("well-dressed"). You can differentiate between a Tagalog and a Kapampangan by putting them on a slippery road: the Tagalog falls while the Kapampangan "very, very rarely falls," according to Bergano.

KAPAMPANGAN PERFECTIONISM

 Our ancestors always insisted on accuracy and excellence, were never satisfied, for example, with grazing a moving target, unlike most Filipinos. "The Pampango," Bergano said, "would say, E me tiran, atambisan mea mu ("You did not hit it, you only grazed it"). Our ancestors had many synonyms for perfection and excellence: sampat ("beauty at its peak;" "the greater perfection"), pauit ("excellence"), liclic ("excellence in writing, debate, running")

KAPAMPANGAN BRAVERY

Bergano wrote, Sagan ya, pablasang indio ya ("He is weak, because he is an indio"), paqui Tagalog ya, nun e talaralit, talaterac ya ("Being a Tagalog, if he is not fond of singing, he is fond of dancing"), paqui Capampangan ya, magmatapang ya ("Being a Kapampangan, he is brave").

KAPAMPANGAN PARIOTISM

Ancient Kapampangans felt a strong attachment to their land and fellow Kapampangans. Bergano observed that our ancestors were proud pablasang daya lang Capampangan ("for they belong to the Pampango nation"). Kapampangans, he wrote, were misangdaya ("you are my countryman," "we have the same blood," "we are all Pampangos") and cadaya ("We are of the same blood even if we are not relatives... we are of one nation").

KAPAMPANGAN ACCENT

Kapampangans were maitad ("They speak with a lilt, with their peculiar accent").

SOURCE:
Reposted from Robby Tantingco's FB Page

111. 6 ANCESTRAL HOUSES OF MAGALANG: A LIST BY LOUIE ALDRIN L. BARTOLO

KAPLISTORIAN EXCLUSIVE! Magalang is one of Pampanga’s most historic towns, and its old houses—if they could only speak—could tell endless tales of,  not only strifes and struggles, but also of progress and plenty. These 5 ancestral houses, selected by historian and teacher LOUIE ALDRIN LACSON BARTOLO, reflect the spirit of those times, when Magaleños, like all Kapampangans, built their residences as big and as grand as their dreams.

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LUCIANO HOUSE (Marbea Subdivision, San Nicolas I)

This Spanish style mansion is located behind the Magalang Municipal Hall. It was

constructed in 1925 by Dr. Andres J. Luciano. This house is marked with woodcarved designs  derived from the Spanish style and motifs. During the American period, the house, with its spacious surroundings, was a favorite venue of lavish parties sponsored by social clubs like Mountain Side Club and El Circulo Magaleño. During the Commonwealth period, President Manuel L. Quezon, a friend of Don Andres, also visited this house during his trips to Magalang. In World War II, this house was occupied and looted by the guerillas. When Don Andres died in 1959, the house was passed on to his daughter, Maria Elvira L. Luciano. In later years, it continued to be a shooting site for such films as Lino Brocka’s masterpiece, Ina, Kapatid, Anak (1979), starring Rio Locsin, Lolita Rodriguez and Charito Solis. In 2004, the horror movie, Pa-siyam, directed by Erik Matti, was also filmed in the Luciano house.

FELICIANO HOUSE (San Pedro I)

A few steps from Magalang Public Market is the beautiful Feliciano house, constructed in 1935 by the couple Don Andres Feliciano and Doña Maria Paras. The house features a  mix of Spanish and American architectural styles. During the liberation of Magalang in 1945, the house was made into a rest house of US Army Officers. When Don Andres passed away in 1947, the house was inherited by  his son, Jose P. Feliciano. This house was later used as a meeting place of elite and youth groups, like  the U-N-I Club,  composed of young Magalang professionals. When Jose passed away in 1962, the house was inherited by his American-educated son, Engr. Rodolfo L. Feliciano. The huse was restored and brought back to its former glory.

ORDOÑEZ-CALMA HOUSE (Luciano St., Sta. Cruz)

This multi-story house was built in 1929 by carpenters and artisans from Betis, commissioned by Hilariona Ordonez Calma. The house was commandeered by the Japanese military  during the war. A post-war bakery was put below and its cooking facilities are still operational to this day.  The house retains its original decorative grills and capiz windows. The historic house in a busy commercial of Magalang is now under the care of Juliet Calma Dizon.

RIVERA HOUSE (Ayuyao St. San Nicolas I)

This house with distinctive Spanish influences was built around 1893, by the couple Don Cayetano Rivera and Doña Julia Rita Dizon. The house has rich woodcarvings that feature a signature star motif, that is revealing of  Don Cayetano’s affiliation with masonry and later, with the  Katipunan. Don Cayetano’s played a key role in the early formation of the First Republic of the Philippines, being one of the signatories of Pact of Biak –na-Bato. After the Revolution, he returned to farming, and acquired vast tracts of land in Concepcion, Tarlac. He also founded one of the first sugar mills in Tarlac—the Azucarera de Rivera. In the Commonwealth years, Don Cayetano’s friend, President Manuel L. Quezon was a regular visitor to this Magalang home. During World War II, the house was made into Japanese Military Headquarters, along with the neighboring Magalang Elementary School, which was converted into a Japanese military garrison and later,  execution grounds. When the Japanese occupied the house, they looted and destroyed much of the valuables. After Don’s death, he passed on the house to his nephew, Eliseo Rivera. At present, the house is under the care of  Eliseo’s daughter-in-law, Nimfa Rivera.

LACSON HOUSE (Lacson St., San Nicolas I)

Behind the majestic San Bartolome Church, stands an ancestral house with an architectural style reminiscent of old Spanish homes. This is the Lacson House, constructed in 1923 by the couple, Don Daniel O. Lacson and Doña Lucia David. The craftsmanship of the house reflects the high level of artistry of Kapampangan artisans who worked on this fine structure. During World War II, this house served as one of the Japanese military garrisons. When Don Daniel passed away in 1948, the house was inherited by his  two daughters, Lucila and Rosario Lacson, both spinsters. When Rosario passed away in 1991, she bequeathed the house to her sister-in-law, Evangelina Hilario Lacson, the  well-known Kapampangan academician and writer. In 1995, National Historical Institute (now National Historical Commission of the Philippines), placed a historical marker in front of the house for its cultural and historical significance. After Evangelina’s death in  2008, his son, Ariel H. Lacson became the new owner, but in 2014, he, too, passed away, leaving the house to nephew, Eduard V. Lacson. The house was acquired by Mayor Maria Lourdes P. Lacson, now the present owner.

AYUYAO HOUSE (San Nicolas I)

This house that is just a next-door neighbor of the  Magalang Municipal Hall, was built in 1915 by the couple, Isidoro Ayuyao, Sr., Municipal Secretary during the American regime  and his wife, Ana David, one of the pioneers of Magalang’s sweets industry. Its  flooring or “lande” was originally made of bamboo slats, and the house topped with a roof of nipa.  In later years, it was reconstructed and made entirely of wood with ornamental carvings, galvanized roofing and concrete foundations. When Ana passed away, her son, Dr. Claro Ayuyao inherited the house, which he later expanded to include his dental clinic. During 1950s, this house was visited by prominent personalities who were invited as guest speakers during the closing exercises of Magalang Institute, founded by Atty. Isidoro Ayuyao. Among these  are future Philippine president Diosdado P. Macapagal, and brother-in-law, movie actor Rogelio de la Rosa. In 1965, the house underwent minor repairs. At present, this house is owned and maintained by the children of Dr. Claro Ayuyao.

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ABOUT OUR CONTRIBUTOR: LOUIE ALDRIN LACSON BARTOLO. Teacher, Writer, Historian and a Magaleño, Bartolo is the author of “The Magalang Book: The Historical Life and Culture of a Kapampangan Town 1605-2015”, published in 2015 by Center for Tarlaqueño Studies of Tarlac State University, made possible through an NCCA grant. He also keeps a blog,”Amlat Magaleño”, that aims to promote the local history of Magalang. Bartolo finished his Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies at Holy Angel University (HAU)

SOURCES:

INTERVIEWS:

Luciano House; interview with Mrs. Teresita Suba, one of the former caretakers of Luciano house, June 25, 2019.

Rivera House: interview with Mr. Sean Rivera, a descendant of Don Cayetano Rivera, June 26, 2019.

Ayuyao House: interview with Dr. Nunilon G. Ayuyao and Mr. Amante M. Ayuyao; both grandchildren of Isidoro Ayuyao, Sr. and Ana David, June 26, 2019.

Lacson House: interview with the late Mr. Ariel H. Lacson (way back August 4, 2012); grandson of spouses, Don Daniel O. Lacson and Doña Lucia David.

BOOK SOURCES:

Bartolo, Louie Aldrin L. and Dizon, Lino L. (2016), The Magalang Book: The Historical Life and Culture of a Kapampangan Town (1605-2015), National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

PHOTOS: All photos from wikimedia commons, unless otherwise noted. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Old_houses_in_Magalang,_Pampanga

110. 10 KAPAMPANGAN MOVIE ACTRESSES AND THEIR ORIGINAL NAMES, part II

1. ROSA DEL ROSARIO

The pre-war Queen of the Philippine Movies was born in Bacolor (b. 15 Dec. 1919) as Rosa Stagner, the daughter of Agustina Del Rosario and American Frank Stagner. Her discovery was purely accidental. Rosa accompanied a foreign film director to Malayan Motion Pictures who was looking to work with a local  movie production  outfit. The wife of the owner of Malayan —Mrs. Jose Nepomuceno—saw her and convinced her husband to cast her in “Ligaw na Bulaklak”. She took her mother’s surname and was billed as Rosa del Rosario. Thus began her long, and successful career.  She starred with the major leading men of her time, but she is best known for her role as “Darna”, a comics super heroine created by Mars Ravelo that was made into a movie in 1951, and directed by Fernando Poe Sr.

2. LILIA DIZON

Born in 1931 as Claire Strauss, the only child of German-Jew Abraham Strauss with Kapampangan  Regina Dizon, Lilia Dizon began her showbiz career at age 15 as a singer at Lotus Theater. She was discovered for the movies by writer-director Susana de Guzman and was cast in her first lead role in  “Kaaway ng Babae,” (1948). At 17, she married director Gil de Leon, sixteen years her senior. She made her mark portraying strong woman roles in movies like “Sandra Wong,” “Kandilerong Pilak” (Asia’s Best Actress award in 1954), and "Bathaluman” with Mario Montenegro. After her 18 year-marriage ended, Lilia left for the U.S. in 1966 to join her father in California. She resurfaced in 1974 as the reel-and-real life mother of Christopher de Leon in the award-winning Brocka film, “Tinimbang Ka, Nguni’t Kulang”.

3. CHERIE GIL

Evangeline Rose Gil Eigenmann (b. 21 Jun. 1963), known in the movie world as  Cherie Gil was born to a showbiz family. Her mother, Rosemarie Gil, comes from the old Spanish family of Gils who settled in Porac. Cherie's father is 60s matinee idol, Eddie Mesa. She started her  career as actress-singer at age 9. As a singer, she scored a hit song with “(I Love You) Boy”, later covered by the Nailclippers. In films, she may be best known as Lavinia Arguelles in “Bituing Walang Ningning” (1985), Sharon Cuneta’s tormentor. She often appears as a movie villainess and still makes appearances in TV soaps, movies and in reality TV programs.

4. HILDA KORONEL

Born in Plaridel, Angeles City (b. 17 Jan. 1957) to Marina Higum and David Reid, Hilda was launched at age 13 in the movie “Haydee” (1970). Her acting skills were honed by renowned director Lino Brocka who transformed the teen sensation into to an actress of international repute. She was the youngest recipient of the FAMAS Best Supporting Actress award when she won for “Santiago” that same year. She took Cannes by storm with her intense portrayal of a daughter scorned in the 1975 movie, "Insiang". Formerly married to actor Jay Ilagan, Koronel now resides in the U.S.with second husband Ralph Moore.

5. LIZA LORENA

The Kapampangan actress who rose to stardom via a beauty pageant was born Elizabeth Ann Jolene Winsett y Luciano (b. 31 Oct. 1949) to American George Winsett and Magaleña, Josefina Luciano. She had been the first runner-up in the 1966 Bb. Pilipinas. This paved the way for movie offers. Nepomuceno Productions gave her a screen test, which she passed. She was cast as Esperanza in a major film headlined by  Charito Solis and Ric Rodrigo.  As Liza Lorena, she appeared in the critically acclaimed ”Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak” (1967),  the first Philippine movie in color by De Luxe. Her career spans 4 decades, with more than 185 movies and television shows to her credit. Her son with Eddie Gutierrez,Ton-Ton Gutierrez, is also an actor.

6. LYDIA MONTAÑEZ

Tatiana Korionoff (b. 1933) was the daughter of Russian Victor Paul Korionoff and Marcelina Simbulan of Arayat, Her father had fled his country at the height of Bolshevik revolution. From China, Korionoff  moved to the Philippines where, in 1926,  he found work as an engineer at the Arayat Sugar Central. He married the 18-year old Simbulan and settled in Arayat permanently. Tatiana was the eldest girl in a brood of 9. She was discovered for the movies by Leopoldo Salcedo. She took the screen name Lydia Montanez from her foster aunt named Lydia, and Montanez--from the mountain town where she was born. Lydia became a contract star for Fernando Poe Sr.'s Royal Productions, doing movies like "Lihim ni Bathala"."Maria Bonita", "Isinanlang Pagibig" and "Mona Lisa".

7. ALMA MORENO

Moreno (b. 25 May 1959) was the child of Frank Laxamana of Macabebe, with Jean Moreno. Named Vanessa (or Venesa) Moreno Laxamana, she shortened her name to Alma Moreno for her first movie, ”Urduja”. Her first starring role was in Ishmael Bernal’s “Ligaw na Bulaklak” Part 2 (1976), which turned her into a star. For portraying sexy, Lolita-type girls on screen, she was dubbed the  "Sex Goddess of Philippine Movies" of the 1970s-80s. Other noteworthy films: ” Eva Fonda, 16” (1976), “ City After Dark”(1980), and “Mga Bilanggong Birhen”. On TV, she was famous for her dance moves in The Other Side of Alma and LoveliNess.  She had relationships and children with Rudy Fernandez and  Dolphy. Moreno was also previously married  to Joey Marquez and Sultan Fahad Salic of Marawi. 

8. ROSITA NOBLE

The bedimpled Rosita Costenoble (b. 1934)  was the  first-born of  German immigrant, Herman von Costenoble, who a married local girl from Floridablanca, Maria Panlaqui. In 1951, at age 17, she was cast in the epic movie “Sta. Cristina”, under Premiere Productions. Before long, she became one of the hottest stars on the silver screen, known for her costumed action movies like “Ibong Adarna”, “Siete Infantes de Lara” and “Prinsipe Amante”.  She had the distinction of being the first leading lady to be paired with an up-and-coming young star—Fernando Poe Jr.—in “Anak ni Palaris” (1955). Rosita married Turkish-Filipino Antonio Basmayor Tani from Albay, with whom she had 5 children.

9. PATSY

The loveable, laughable Patsy Patsotsay was born (b. 12 Apr. 1916) as Pastora Mateo. Her father hails from Lubao. She started as a bodabil song-and-dance girl who performed alongside such veterans as Katy de la Cruz, Tugo, Pugo and Amanding Montes. Patsy was also part of the celebrated group of seven bungling househelps ( with Aruray, Chichay, Menggay, Elizabeth Ramsey, Dely Atay-Atayan, Metring David) in the blockbuster movie “Pitong Atsay” (1962). But she is perhaps most well-known as a co-host (with Lopito) of the greatest talent search in Philippine TV history--Tawag ng Tanghalan.

10. ROSA ROSAL

Florence Danon y Lansang  (b. 16 Oct. 1931) of  Sta. Rita, Pampanga, was discovered by film producer Luis Nolasco and was introduced in “ Fort Santiago” (1946). She became an  LVN Pictures star, most famous for her role as a vamp with the heart of gold in the award-winning “Anak Dalita” (1956) directed by Lamberto Avellana. Other notable movies: "Sonny Boy" (1955) for which she won a FAMAS Best Actress award), "Badjao"(1956) and "Biyaya ng Lupa" (1959) .Rosal is also well-known for her charitable and humanitarian  work with “Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko”, and the Red Cross. For her selfless efforts, she received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service. Married to Walter Gayda with whom she has a daughter,  Toni Rose.

109. 12 KAPAMPANGAN MOVIE ACTORS AND THEIR ORIGINAL NAMES

As an actor’s name, Ronald Kookooritchkin seems a tad too long, so the artista wannabe shortened it and became Ronald Remy. Meanwhile, Augusto Valdes Pangan wanted to be a comedian, but his name was anything but funny, so he became known  as “Chiquito”.  In more recent times, the career of aspiring actor Richard Faulkerson Jr  was going nowhere until the studio changed his name to Alden Richards.  See what a name change can do!  Let’s take a look at the original names of Kapampangan movie stars, before they became famous!

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1. BENTOT

Born Arturo Vergara Medina (b.1928/d. 1986) in San Simon, Benton began his showbiz career in 'bodabil' shows. At age 19, he made his first movie under Sampaguita Pictures, "Maria Kafra" (1947) billed as Ben Cosca. He was cast in the radio program, “Sebya, Mahal Kita”, along with Sylvia La Torre and Pugo,  where h used his screen name “Bentot” for the first time. In 1961, "Tang-tarang-tang", a spin-off of "Sebya" started on DZRH, which became so popular , it was turned into a TV series. His “Bitoy” character made him a household name. He remained active through the 70s, passing away in 1986 due to heart failure. His son, Bentot Jr.,also became a comedian.

2. MANUEL CONDE

The son of an Italian mestizo, Dionisio Urbano, and Lucia Pabustan of San Fernando,  Manuel Urbano was born in  Daet, Camarines Norte on 9 Oct. 1915. After high school in 1931, Urbano left for Manila to enroll in engineering at Adamson University, but got sidetracked by the movies, where he worked in production.  After his studies, he joined Marsman & Co., got married,  and moonlit with  Borromeo Lou’s repertory group using the screen name “Manuel Conde”.  He passed up an opportunity to work abroad by assisting Carlos Vander Tolosa  in directing the 1939 film,”Giliw Ko”.  Thus began a directing career highlighted by “Genghis Khan”, a historical costume movie that was accepted to the prestigious Venice Film festival in 1952, where it became a sensation. After his return, he did more LVN hit movies and started the popular “Juan Tamad”film series. Manuel Conde passed away at age 69 on 11 August 1985.

3. APENG DALDAL

This Kapampangan motormouth was born as Serafin Gabriel in San Luis, Pampanga on 12 October 1928. After ditching his job as a cargador in Divisoria, he discovered bod-a-bil, formed a comedy group called “Top Three” which performed at the Manila Opera House. His stage success paved the way for a TV and movie career. His non-top gabbing gave him the name “Apeng Daldal”.  He was third-billed in 1964 production “Magic Bilao” after Rosemarie and Dindo Fernando, which became a certified hit. His next flick,”Walis ni Tenteng”, was an even bigger  blockbuster. Now an A-lister, Apeng Daldal worked nonstop on films  like “Tatlong Mabilis” (1965), “Mistiko Meets Mamaw” (1966), “The Pogi Dozen”(1967), and  “Baticobra at Flying Salakot”(1974). The final decades of his life were spent working in different capacities for TV, radio and films. Afflicted for years with emphysema, he passed away on 9 February 1992.

4. BEN DAVID

Deep-voiced Bienvenido Parungao was the son of Enrique Parungao and Raymunda David, both Kapampangans. He had a deep, baritone voice which led to  jobs in the budding radio industry  of the country. He made his mark on air with his overly dramatic signature quips: “O, hindeeee!” and “Hangaaal!”. He joined DZAQ as announcer in 1966, an apt host for the program,”Ginoong Mananakot”. Taking on “Ben David” as a screen name, he was cast in “Da Best Show”, “Tang-Tarang-Tang” and “Buhay Artista”. Most famous character role: playing Hudas Iscariote to the hilt. He was nominated for a FAMAS Best Supporting Actor for “Alamat ng Sandaigdig” (1961), adapted from a DZAQ radio serial. On TV, David had recurring roles in “Rosemarie-Pepito Show” and “Oras ng Ligaya”. In the 80s, David managed a male entertainment club in Manila, until he passed away.

5. EDDIE DEL MAR

The actor best known for portraying Jose Rizal on the silver screen was born in Candaba on 13 Oct. 1923 as Eduardo Magat, the son of Albino Magat and Benigna Sangalang. During the war, he became a guerilla fighter. A classmate of his, Lucas Usero, introduced him to the Veras of Sampaguita Pictures which led to a screen test with director Gerry de Leon. Passing that, he was introduced as “Eduardo del Mar” in "Kapilya sa May Daang Bakal" starring Oscar Moreno and Tita Duran, where he left quite an impression. When director de Leon began his 1951 hit movie, “Sisa”, he remembered del Mar, and cast him as Crisostomo Ibarra. It was his 1956 film, “Ang Buhay at Pag-ibig ni Dr. Jose Rizal” that would change his showbiz career forever. He essayed the role of the national hero so perfectly that he won the 1956  Best Actor Award. He would make another Rizal movie, the film adaptation of “Noli Me Tangere”, which won “FAMAS Best Film” in 1961. To showcase his versatility in portraying roles of opposing characters, he appeared as the revolutionary hero, Bonifacio, in the 1964 epic, “Andres Bonifacio (Ang Supremo)”. Eddie del Mar died on 8 Nov. 1986,

6. TONY FERRER

Antonio Laxa (born June 12, 1934) of Macabebe went by the screen  name “Tony Ferrer”, and earned the reputation as the Philippine James Bond with his Agent X-44 character. The award winning actor-director was the younger brother of Atty. Espiridion Laxa, of Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions. Most of Ferrer’s films were action movies including “Kilabot Sa Barilan “(1960),  Suicide Commandos (1962), and “Marcong Bagsik” (1964), and “Sabotage (1966) where he originated his Tony Falcon persona. He also co- starred with Ramon Revilla in Nardong Putik (1972), Lito Lapid in Back To Back (1979), and  Rey Malonzo in Deadly Fighters (1979). Ferrer was married to   Mutya ng Pilipinas Alice Crisostomo , with whom he had two kids, actress Mutya Crisostomo and Falcon. He has a daughter with actress Imelda Ilanan, Maricel Laxa.

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7. DICK ISRAEL

The movie villain that you love to hate from the ‘70s to the 2000’s,  as  Ricardo Vizcarra Michaca (b. 10 Dec. 1958), the son of a Spanish father and Kapampangan mother from Porac.  As Dick Israel, he found his groove as a kontrabida who made life miserable for many movie heroes and heroines.  He was most active in the 1980s nd 90s where he was either a terrorist, gangster, rapist, sidekick, gunman, mercenary, or a cold-blooded killer in such movies as Misson: Terrorize Panay, Magno Barumbado (1980), Pepeng Shotgum (1981), Sumuko Ka Na, Ronquillo (1983), Dongalo Massacre (1986), Asiong Salonga: Hari ng Tondo , Tapos na ang Lahi Mo, Hadji Djakiri, Anak ni Baby Ama (1990), Alyas Pogi , Shabu Distributor  (1991), The Vizconde Massacre Story (God Help Us!) (1993) and Boy Golden (2013). In later years, he appeared in telenovelas in father and character roles. He was last seen in Channel 2’s “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo” in 2012. The multi-awarded Israel passed away unexpectedly on 11 Oct. 2016, months after his house was burned. A week later, wife Marilyn tragically passed away too.

8. COCO MARTIN

Rodel Pacheco Nacianceno (b. 1 Nov. 1981), traces his roots from Lubao, where his father comes from. His screen name, Coco Martin, was borrowed from the surname of ex-Menudo Ricky Martin who was already a famous singer then. While he waited for movie roles, he worked as a waiter. He was planning to work abroad when he was cast in “Masahista”, a gay-themed indie movie that won international acclaim. For his performance, he was given the2006 Young Critics Circle Best Actor Award. Martin became associated with indie films, like “Kinatay”, which gave him a FAMAS nomination for Best Actor. He found wide popularity with his hit TV series “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” (2011), and “Walang Hanggan” (2012), for which he was called the "Prince of Philippine TV Series". In  2015, Martin starred in the TV version  of  Fernando Poe Jr.'s film “Ang Probinsyano”. The TV series became a monster hit and continues to this day.

9, 10. PUGAK and TUGAK

Pugak was born in 1924 as Conrado Piring and was the other half of the well-known comedy team “Pugak and Tugak” in the 1950s-1960s. Tugak was played by Perfecto Piñon, from Guagua (b. 10 May 1917) who had to shave his head to match the bald pate of Pugak. Together, they were known for their  60s  slapstick movie spoofs, “Pogi Dozen” (1967), “We Only Live Wa-Is”(1968) and “Crazy 8 at Walong Dyango” (1969).  Theirs was an on-and-off partnership that was many times threated with split-ups, until Tugak called it quits in 1960. Pugak went full-steam ahead as a solo comedian, and dabbled as a director. Pugak is best remembered for his “mukhasim” appearance in the Datu Puti Vinegar,“ 80s commercial. Tugak, on the other hand, became a successfull painter. As Peck Piñon , he had galleries all ver Manila.He moved to the U.S. with his family where he continued painting until his death on 7 Jan. 2006.

11. DANTE RIVERO

The actor formerly known as Luisito Ramos Meyer Jr. was born in 1946, in Floridablanca town. His American mestizo looks were good enough for the movies and in 1966, became an actor. His performance in the 1969 film, “Adriana” gave him a FAMAS Best Actor nomination. LEA Productions signed him up in the film adaptation of  Mars Ravelo’s  popular comic serial ”Wanted: Perfect Mother”. With Boots Anson Roa as his leading lady, and with Lino Brocka directing, Rivero rose to the occasion and bagged another FAMAS nomination for his performance. Another LEA opus, “Villa Miranda” earned him his 3^rd FAMAS nomination. Rivera also dabbled in teevison in his later years and appeared in many ABS-CBN telenovelas. He was also  seen in the 1018 indie film, “Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon" (2018), where he gave another sterling performance as an aged man in the twilight of his years.

12. ROI VINZON

Roi Vinzon traces his roots to the David family of Mexico. Christened as Mark Angelo Vinzon (b. 20 Sep, 1953), he took the screen name Roi Vinzon and became a film actor kown for his many action and villain roles like Lucas Abelardo, Adan Lazaro, Baby Paterno, Jesus Salonga alyas Boy Indian, Antonio Cuervo - Police: Walang Pinipili Ang Batas, Kapitan Tumba: The Capt. Jose Huevos Story and Sunugin si Antero Castro. He also took on  the role of Retired General Armando Soriano in the controversial drama. “My Husband's Lover”. Still active on TV and indie films, Vizon keeps a homestead in Mexico.