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.

106. 12 SIGNIFICANT EVENTS THAT HAPPENED IN CLARK

Clark Air Base’s history is intertwined with the history of the Philippines since that fateful day when the United States established its presence at the turn of the 20^th century—1902 to be exact--that was to last a hundred years. Here are some significant moments that happened in “Pampanga’s piece of America”.

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THE BOMBING OF CLARK, 8 December 1941

After the attack of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese forces, airstrikes against the U.S. were planned  on its military bases in the Pacific to prevent intervention of the the Far East Force (FEAF). Also, the capture of the Philippines was necessary to control the shipping routes between Japan and Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, which consisted of Japan-occupied countries during World War II. At Takao Naval Air Base, 27 Mitsubishi G4M Type 1 land attack bombers  of the Takao Kokutai took off  on 8 December 1945, at 9:30 a.m. with Clark Field as their target. At 12 noon, Clark Field received warning of the approaching airstrike. Thirty five minutes later, 53 Japanese bombers dropped down bombs on Clark Field, followed by the Zero pilots descending to strafe the field thoroughly. While a few American P-40’s were airborne, they could not provide counter attacks as they were poorly positioned.  Twelve of Clark Field’s seventeen   B-17 planes were destroyed, while 34 P-40s were destroyed on the ground and in aerial combat.

Earlier, 11 B-17s had been flown to safety to Mindanao before the attack, while 2 remained unscathed as they were on reconnaissance missions. The American forces regained Clark Filed on 31 January 1945.

THE FATAL CRASH OF PILOT CAPT. COLIN P. KELLY. 10 December 1941

 Capt. Colin Purdie Kelly Jr. (b. 11 July 1915/10 Dec. 1941) was a B-17 pilot who died in action against the Japanese forces in 1941. The Madiosn, Florida native was a West Point 1937 graduate  how as the first Army officer to fly the Boeing Flying Fortress in the Far East. On 10 Dec. 1941, Kelly took off from Clark Field in his B-17 plane with his bombardier, Sgt. Meyer Levin, to engage the Japanese in a bombing run. He managed to damage the Japanese cruiser Natori. Returning to Clark,  the Tainan Air Group A16Ms that were patrolling Vigan followed Kally’s plane and attacked it. Nearig Clark, his damaged aircract caught fire. Kelly ordered his crew to bail out but the plane blew up, killing him. Capt. Kelly was declared America’s first hero of WWII by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross For "extraordinary heroism" and "selfless bravery". The Kelly Theater in Clark, converted from an old gymnasium in 1947 was named after him. A memorial statue of the hero was inaugurated on the Kelly Theater grounds on 10 Dec. 2007—the 66th year of his passing.

PRES. MANUEL A. ROXAS DIES IN CLARK, 15 April 1948

On 15 April 1948, upon the invitation from Maj. Gen. E. L. Eubank, Pres. Manuel A. Roxas, along with Sen. Pres. Jose Avelino, Speaker Eugenio Perez and Gen. Rafael Jalandoni, visited Clark Air Base. His tour was capped by a speech he delivered at the Kelly Theater. He felt faint after his speech, and so he was talen to the residence of Maj. Gen. Eubank to rest. It turned out that his condition was a prelude to a series of heart attacks that led to his death at 9:23 in the evening. The president’s body was brought to Manila the following day on a special train that reeached Malacañang at 9:20 a.m.

CLARK AS A LOGISTICS HUB DURING THE VIETNAM WAR, 1964-75

During the second phase of the Cold War, Clark grew into a major American air base, serving as an important logistics hub during the 20 year Vietnam War. Clark joined the war effort in March 1964; its  KC-135 tankers refuelled fighters enroute to Laos. Injured American soldiers were evacuated and flown weekly from the Saigon airport to Clark Air Base, to be treated or operated on at the Clark Air Base Hospital. Touted as “Asia’s Military Medical Center” when it opened in 1964, the hospital was the savior of thousands of American military men and their families, recognized for its exceptional medical services and treatment of soldiers. At the height of the War, 70% of the patients at the Clark hospital were soldiers who sustained varying degrees of injuries in the battlefields. The Clark Air Base mortuary also served as the place for the processing of Vietnam War casualties,  headed by a mortuary officer, who help ensured the dignified transfer of the body to a team of military personnel for conveyance to the port mortuary and finally to his family. In 1975, after the end of the ground combat, Clark Air Base was also used for the massive evacuation of Vietnamese orphan children, dubbed as   Operation Babylift. The operation expanded to include evacuation of adult refugees from Saigon, Phnom Penh, and Vientiane, and the humanitarian effort became known as “Operation New Life”.

BOB HOPE’S USO SHOWS IN CLARK AIR BASE, 1966, 1967, 1972, 1987

From 1964 to 1972, the famous stand-up comic Bob Hope entertained U.S. troops in Southeast Asia, in his annual Christmas USO (United Services Organization) shows. The one-man moral booster machine took his shows to Vietnam, Laos, Guam, Thailand. Diego Garcia, Wake Island, and Clark Air Base in the Philippines, which he described as the “Country Club of the Pacific”. In January 1966, Hope arrived in Clark and was welcomed by the base commander Lt. Gen. James Wilson. His show that year featured Phyllis Diller, Chris Noel, Joey Heaherton and regulars Les Brown and his Band of Renown. By Christmas 1967, the number of American military in Vietnam had reached almost 500,000, resulting in massive crowds  and making Hope’s appearances even more important for boosting morale. He was welcomed by gen. Benjamin O. Davis in Clark where his shows featured Raquel Welch , Barbara McNair, Phil Crosby and Miss World, Madeleine Hartog Bell. His last stop in Clark was for his 1987 USO show which was taped for TV entitled “'Bob Hope`s USO Christmas from the Persian Gulf-Around the World in Eight Days”.   Guests included Barbara Eden, Lee Greenwood and Connie Stevens.

POWs HOMECOMING,  12 February  1973

In 1968, RichardM.Nixon was elected as the new U.S. president and he began move to end the conflict in Vietnam. The number of American forces in Southeast Asia was also substantially reduced. His policy was to give continued support to non-communist SEA  countries, while lessening military presence in the areas. One immediate U.S. demand to North Vietnam was for the full release of American POWs and an accurate accounting of  servicemen missing or killed in action. It was in 1972 that an agreement was reached for the repatriation of prisoners, and Clark Air Base as designated as the point of the POWs return from Hanoi.  “Operation Homecoming” thus began on 12 February 1972 when  a C-141A Starlifter transport jet took off from Hanoi and the first flight of 40 U.S. prisoners of wars began their journey home. Arriving at Clark at around 4:15 P.M., the POWs returned to a hero’s welcome, received by Adm. Noel Gayler, Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Command; Lt.  Gen. William G. Moore, 13th  Air Force Commander; and Air Force Sr. Master Sgt. Homer E. Henderson, Joint Information Bureau Asst. Non-comm. O-I-C. A second group followed on February 18, until all the 591 POWs were returned home by late March 1973. On 6 April 1975, the Clark Air Base Peace Garden was dedicated to the memory of those who died or were declared "missing in action" in Southeast Asia.

THE PHILIPPINE ADMINISTRATION OF CLARK AIR BASE, 7 January 1979

A pivotal period in Clark Air Base history began in the year 1979, when the government of the Philippines began assuming administration of the Asia’s biggest American military base. When the revised 1947 Military Bases Agreement was ratified on January 7, it was put into effect immediately and on February 16,  the command and security command and security of Clark and other American bases was officially turned over to to the Philippine government. The size of the Clark reservation was also trimmed from 156,204 acres to 131,000 acres, while the base size remained the same at 9155 acres. On March 25, Clark's third major labor strike occurred.

PRES. FERDINAND MARCOS FLEES THE COUNTRY VIA CLARK, 25 February 1986

When the People Power street rallies turned into a nationwide revolution, the desperate Marcos called the office of the U.S. president, and managed to talk to Senator Paul Laxalt. He asked the senator if the State Department’s advice for him to step down was valid, further asking if there was a way for him to share power with Mrs. Cory Aquino, whom he beat by rigging the snap elections. When Sen. Laxalt told him it was time “to cut and cut cleanly”, the embattled Marcos agreed to give up the presidency to avert further violence and possible bloodbath. Marcos was given a safe passage with helicopters from Clark Air Base's 31 ARRS picking him up at his Presidential palace, and flying him to the Clark airport. There, he and his retinue transferred to a C-9A and were flown first to Guam’s Hickam Air Force Base enroute to Hawaii

FILIPINO EMPLOYEES’ STRIKES ROCK CLARK, 1971, 1983,  22 March 1986

The first time that Filipino employees went on strike in Clark was when they stage a walk-out on 3 March 1971. This came a time when ant-American sentiments was at its most high. The strike was ended after 3 days, but only 4 months later, on July 25,  a bigger strike followed that lasted for 25 days. Another strike happened in October 1983, when thousands of Filipino workers went on indefinite strike today over demands for wage increases. Pres. Reign was due to visit that year, but the trip was called off. But the most serious civilian employees strike was stage on 22 March 1986. Thousands of Filipino workers  blockaded the gates of both Clark and Subic on 25 March in a

MT. PINATUBO ERUPTION ENDS AMERICA’S PRESENCE IN CLARK

As early as April, pilot in Clark have reported seeing ominous smoke emanating from Mount Pinatubo, a volcano that has not erupted in 500 years. When it was clar that an eruption was imminent, Clark mounted a massive evacuation  of 15,000 U.S. personnel and their dependents on June 10. The major June 12 eruption dumped tons of ash on Clark.  But another eruption in June 15, exacerbated by passing typhoon Yunya, further cause massive damages, and all but buried the military base in a sea of ash, mud, pyroclastic materials and lahar. About 2,500 servicemen and women stayed on to provide security and try to maintain basic services. Meanwhile, the extension of the Military Bases Agreement was rejected by the Philippine Senate, and was due to expire on September 16. Driven by budgetary realities (it would tae $500 million to rehabilitate Pinatubo-damaged Clark)  and nature's explosive whims, the U.S. did not renegotiate anymore and agreed to leave Clark Air Base in 1992 but keep the sprawling Subic Bay Naval Base for 10 more years. The U.S. Air Force formally transferred entire Clark to the Philippines on 26 November 1991, ending its 100 years in the Philippines. On 24 November 1997, the last U.S. forces left the Philippines.

THE CLARK AIRPORT BEGINS COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS, 1995

The airport was rehabilitated from the damaged US Clark Air Base that was  closed in 199. After two years of cleaning up debris and lava, the Clark Special Economic Zone was opened on the site with the airport at the center. In 1995, the Clark International Airport Corporation was established to manage the airfield facilities. In 1996, limited air service from Clark to Hong Kong began, signaling the first international flight. Renamed Disodado Macapagal Airport by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2003  to honor her father, it reverted back to Clark International Airport in February 2012. Today, Clark hosts 490 flights per week (332 Domestic flights, 158 International flights), with  19 local and 11 international destinations, as of June 2018.

CLARK HOSTS APEC MEETING 2015

The Philippines hosted the year-long Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2015. It was held against the backdrop of Chinese intrusion f islands in the South China Sea, contested by several countries, like Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The First Senior Officials' Meeting and Related Meetings were held at the Fontana Leisure Park, Clark Freeport, Angeles City and Subic Bay, Zambales, from 26 January to 7 February 2015. Kapampangan DFA-Undersecretary Laura Quiambao-del Rosario was chair of the summit.

SOURCES:

CLARK BOMBING: https://bataancampaign.wordpress.com/2014/12/08/the-japanese-juggernaut-unleashed/

CRASH OF CAPT. KELLY: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_Kelly

ROXAS DIES: https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1431/today-in-philippine-history-april-15-1948-president-roxas-died-of-heart-attack-in-clark-air-force-base

CLARK AS LOGISTICS HUB:

THE STARS AND STRIPES ARCHIVES “Vietnam wounded go 1st class on air ambulance (1965), U.S. SOLDIERS IN VIETNAM”: https://www.stripes.com/news/vietnam-wounded-go-1st-class-on-air-ambulance-1.292349

Operation baby Lift Affects Wagner: http://wagner7580.blogspot.com/2016/02/operation-babylift-affects-wagner.html

BOB HOPE: Bob Hope, The USO One Man Morale Machine https://www.uso.org/stories/154-bob-hope-the-uso-s-one-man-morale-machine

Bob Hope Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLLP0D3gLfk

Bob Hope Special January 19th, 1966: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75jUL2E6tEQ&t=4120s

AMERICAN POWS: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/109716/operation-homecoming-for-vietnam-pows-marks-40-years/

PHILIPPINE ADMIN OF CLARK: : http://www.clarkab.org/history/

MARCOS FLEES PHILIPPINES: https://www.apnews.com/25ef78113ad707b046226114a25c037d

CLARK EMPLOYEES’ STRIKE: http://www.clarkab.org/history/

The Washington Post, “Filipinos Strike at U.S. Base” https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1983/10/04/filipinos-strike-at-us-base/6a003fd0-acc3-423d-84d2-9a0d680b7e9e/?utm_term=.11cff6a0866d

MT. PINATUBO ENDS AMERICA’S PRESENCE: http://www.clarkab.org/history/

CLARK AIRPORT: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_International_Airport
Photo: I Remember Clark Air Base FB page

CLARK HOSTS APEC MEET:

Photo courtesy of Mick Basa/Rappler.

https://ph.news.yahoo.com/apec-2015-senior-officials-meeting-000000371.html

88. 5 KAPAMPANGAN BEAUTIES WHO COMPETED IN THE MISS INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT

Miss International Beauty Pageant  is a Tokyo-based international beauty congress  first held in 1960. It is considered as one of the "Big 4" pageants in the world. The Philippines has won the crown five times.

MIMILANIE LAUREL MARQUEZ, Winner, Bb. Pilipinas-International 1979

Miss International 1979

Born b. 16 July 1964), daughter of director Artemio Marquez and Marilou Laurel. Studied at the Holy Angel College and later was discovered by couturier Renee Salud. 3rd place, Maid of Cotton. At age 17, won Bb. Pilipinas-International. Named as the country’s 3rd Miss International.  Her court included:  Anna Maria Rapagna (U.S., 2nd)  , Elisabeth Schmidt (Austria, 3rd) , Kate Elizabeth Nyberg (Finland, 4th) , Hideko Haba (Japan, 5th) . Winner, Kumamoto Festival Award, Best National Costume. Won Face of New York 1986. 1st Runner-up, Supermodel of the World and Clairol Award winner. Voted as the Most Beautiful Miss International by Global Beauties, an internet group of beauty aficionados. Semi-finalist, Mrs. World 2005.

CATHERINE JANE DOUCETTE DESTURA BRUMMITT,Bb. Pilipinas-International 1984

Catherine grew up in Balibago and went to Wagner High and Holy Family Academy. was named Bb. Pilipinas-International in 1984 but at 23, failed to compete in the Miss International pageant due to the pageant's age limit of 22. She was replaced by Miss Maja Philippines, Maria Bella Nachor. Catherine competed in the Maja International pageant placing as one of the semifinalists. She joined showbiz and became aTV actress, where she joined the  cast of the sitcom “Chicks to Chicks”. Now a flight stewardess in US Air.

MARIA LOURDES DIZON ENRIQUEZ, Bb. Pilipinas-International 1987

Daughter of Marcelino Enriquez and Monica Dizon y Hizon, whose mother was Miss Pampanga 1933, Corazon Hizon. As Miss San Fernando, she placed third in the Mutya ning Kapampangan 1987. Later joined the national pageant and copped one of the major crowns at stake. Went to Japan for the international pageant, won by Puerto Rico’s Laurie Tamara Simpson.

MARIANNE BIANCA GARCIA GUIDOTTI, Bb. Pilipinas-International 2014

Marianne Bianca Garcia Guidotti's maternal grandfather was born and raised in Mabalacat, Jose T. Garcia, Jr. son of Dr. Jose Garcia, former town mayor. Bianca was raised in Manila, The Netherlands, and Brazil because her Lolo, Uncle Peping was in the Foreign Service. Born September 5, 1989, Guidotti graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in European Studies while majoring in International Relations. She speaks four languages fluently: English, Filipino, Spanish, and Portuguese. . She lived in Brazil for six years while her grandmother was a diplomat for the Department of Foreign Affairs, and when her mother, Gela,  married a Brazilian citizen, Osmar Guidotti. Prior to her beauty pageant commitments, she was working as a technical assistant at a non-governmental organization, CSFI (Community and Family Relations International), which is engaged in the humanitarian response to the widespread devastation, as well as loss of life and livelihood.

MARIA ANGELICA ANDOLONG DE LEON, Bb. Pilipinas-International 2017.

Mariel de Leon won one of the Bb. Pilipinas crowns on her second try. Her parents are actors Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong. Her grandparents were well-known stars of the 1950s; father Gil de Leon was a noted actor-director while her mother, Lilia Dizon was Pampanga-born, the daughter of Kapampangan Regina Dizon with American Abe Strauss.

PLUS! A BB. PILIPINAS-INTERNATIONAL ANGELES CITY RESIDENT..

MELODY ADELAIDE MANUEL GERSBACH, Bb. Pilipinas-International 2009

Top 15 Semifinalist, Miss International 2009

Melody was born on 18 November 1985 in Daraga, Albay to Wolfgang Gersbach, a German national and Marina Manuel. She, however, was raised in Angeles City, where her parents operated a German restaurant business in Clark. She went to school at the Chevalier School until 1995.  She finished Management from the Univeristy of Asia and the Pacific. At age 23, she was crowned Bb. Pilipinas International and represented the country in the Miss International tilt in Macau that same year, placing among the semifinalists. On 21 August 2010, while en route to a meeting for Miss Bicolandia 2010 in Naga City, the car she was riding was hit by a passenger bus. The head-on collision resulted in her death and two others. After her wake at Heritage Park in Taguig, her remains were brought to Angeles City where she grew up. Her final memorial mass was held there. Melody was interred at the Holy Mary Memorial Park in Angeles City.

SOURCES:

Melanie Marquez: veeztars.com, c/o Tony Paat

Catherine Brummit: c/o Tony Paat

Lourdes Enriquez: Mr. & Ms. Magazine, 1987

Bianca Guidotti: missosology forum, http://missosology.info/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=269600&start=630

Mariel de Leon: Interaksyon, https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=mariel+de+leon+binibining+pilipinas+international&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiiycvf5qTcAhURfd4KHd7ZBKcQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=662#imgrc=ZwbfXoSPnc2gGM:

Melody Gershbach: http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/regions/08/21/10/bb-pilipinas-titlist-gersbach-2-others-die-camsur-road-crash

68. 12 GIANT SAN FERNANDO LANTERN TRIVIA

COLORFUL 'SAMPERNANDU' LANTERN, Magazine Cover, Esso Silangan, 1965

The famed San Fernando giant lantern is a product of Kapampangan innovation, creativity and tireless effort. So the next time you witness their spectacular display of lights, color and dazzle, do appreciate the hard work put into each of these works of art that can be considered truly Kapampangan. Here are vintage photos and trivia about this Christmas parul that put Pampanga in the world map.

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EARLY LANTERN PHOTO, SAN FERNANDO.  Taken 26 Dec..1909.
Luther Parker Collection.

1.This predecessor of the modern day Giant Lantern Festival was actually a religious activity which we know today as “lubenas.” The lanterns measured just two feet in diameter, created in each barrio from bamboo and other locally available materials. During the nine-day simbang gabi novena before Christmas, these paruls were brought around each barrio in procession to their visita. Before the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, the lanterns were brought to the town church together with the barrio patrons. This tradition gradually evolved as the lanterns became bigger and the designs more intricate. Later, one big lantern was made for each barrio, which was created through a cooperative effort.

 

TYPICAL SAN FERNANDO PROCESSIONAL LANTERN,1960,

2. The first documented lantern maker was Francisco Estanislao, active ca. 1908, from Barrio Sta. Lucia, San Fernando. “Apung Isku”, aided by his wife, crafted paruls in the 1900s using bamboo sticks, cotton, string, satin and coco fabric panels, which were glued to the framework using gelatinous rice paste. The back is left uncovered to accommodate the ‘kalburo’ (carbide) lights.

 

DEL PILAR GIANT LANTERN, 1940s

3. The San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival, which is held every December, finds its roots in Bacolor where a much simpler activity was held. Following the transfer of the provincial capital from Bacolor to San Fernando in August of 1904, this parul event followed as well.

STO.NINO GIANT LANTERN, in 1956

4. The earliest mention of a lantern procession that culminated in a lantern contest, was reported in the religious publication  in a 1930 issue of,“Ing Misyonero”, (year 4, no. 11) that was won by brgy. Del Pilar, followed by Sto. Niño. The next year,  it was reported in the same magazine that eight  barrios participated in the Christmas pageant  that was highlighted by lively band music and a colorful lantern competition with Del Pilar achieving a back-to-back win.

LANTERN PARADE IN SAN FERNANDO, 1960

5. It is believed that electricity was introduced to the San Fernando lantern in 1931. At this time, the lights were controlled by individual switches that were turned on and off following the beat of the music. Pioneer participants included the barangays of Del Pilar, Sta. Lucia and San Jose.

GIANT LANTERNS, from 1960

6. According to another version claimed by old folks, the Giant Lantern Festival started during the time of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon. At that time, Quezon was trying to make Pampanga a model province. In fact, he made Arayat his vacation place and converted the legendary mountain into a tourist resort. As a show of gratitude to Quezon, the people of San Fernando held a Christmas lantern contest to honor the first family. Quezon himself donated the prize for this lantern contest, which was personally awarded to the winner by First Lady Aurora Aragon Quezon.

SAN FERNANDO LANTERN EXHIBIT, Luneta. 1961

7. Severino David, married to Fortunata Estanislao (daughter of Francisco) is credited with introducing the battery-operated giant lanterns in the 1940s. Great strides in the 1950s made the San Fernando Giant Lantern more visually impactful. Steel wire was introduced in 1950 by Mario Datu and Susing Manalang for use in making the framework of the lantern, thus making it stronger.

INTRICATE LANTERN DESIGN, 1965

8. In 1957, Rodolfo David  invented the rotor system that used ordinary hairpins, attached to the end of the wires leading to each individual bulb. Masking tape strips are placed on the rotor to serve as light switches. As the rotor is turned, the hairpins brushes the tape strips, thus cutting off the current flow that lit the bulbs. When that particular hairpin regains contact with the steel rotor, the bulbs are again lit. Thus, the placement of the tape on the rotors determines the interplay of lights on the lanterns and can spell success or disaster for each entry.

SAN FERNANDO LANTERNS used in a San Miguel Beer Ad.1969

9. The lanterns gained national prominence in 1960, when, the Board of Travel and Tourism Industry and the Philippine Tourist and Travel Association sponsored the San Fernando lantern parade in front of the Luneta Grandstand. Beginning in 1964,  San Fernando lanterns became available for sale to the public, giving birth to the commercial lantern industry.

SAN FERNANDO LANTERNS, 1969

10. The Giant Lantern Festival, which was already an established San Fernando institution was cancelled for two years (1978-1979) by Mayor Armando Biliwang  because of Martial Law. It was revived in 1980. In 1987, Former San Fernando Mayor Virgilio “Baby” Sanchez started producing Capiz lanterns for the export markets, with MAKVEL Enterprises. These lanterns followed the traditional San Fernando design and were developed with the assistance of the Design Center of the Philippines. The next year, the first fiberglass lanterns were installed at the Pampanga Convention.

SAN FERNANDO LANTERN, 1979

11. The new 90s decade saw the transfer of the annual Giant Lantern Festival to the Paskuhan Village. The lanterns made international appearances at the World Expo in Seville (1992), and at the Hollywood Christmas Parade (1993). The festival venue was relocated to the open parking grounds of the SM City Pampanga at the turn of the new millennium.

LANTERN MAKER, Jesus Maglalang. 1979

12. The best-performing barangays in the Giant Lantern Festival Competition include Del Pilar, which had an incredible 9-year winning streak in the 1980s. before that, Sta. Lucia was a perennial champion. Brgys. San Felipe and Telabastagan almost became Hall of Famers (3 championships in a row) in the first decade of the 2000. In recent times, Brgy. Dolores has bagged the championship 4 times in a span of 10 years.

BONUS!

Double Take: LANTERN LOOK-ALIKES

TRADITIONAL MEXICAN WREATHS, have designs that mimic that of the famed San Fernando lanterns. Could these have been design inspirations as we also have a history of Mexican-Philippine relations? Or just plain coincidence?

VERY ENGLISH, VERY SAMPERNANDU. A giant lantern of English make has a striking similarity with the giant San Fernando lantern of San Jose. Taken at the Covent Garden, London, 1965.

SOURCES:

Henares, Ivan Anthony S. (2001). HOW TO MAKE A GIANT LANTERN: The story Behind the Giant Lanterns of San Fernando. School Project. University of the Philippines.

HISTORY OF GIANT LANTERN-MAKING IN SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA (Estanisla-Davido-Quiwa Clan), by Landlee Quiwa

HISTORY OF THE LANTERN INDUSTRY : Its Contribution to the Local Economy and Tourism, Oct. 4, 2016, Makati City

http://www.mapabcdf.com.ph/documents/presentations/Countryside%20Development/Tourism,%20Travel%20and%20Homesteads/Lantern%20industry%20in%20San%20Fernando%20-%20Copy.compressed.pdf

Giant Lantern Website: http://www.giantlantern.ph/index.php/about/history

Thanks to: Ching Pangilinan, CSF Tourism, Ken Gardiner