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.

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

41. DR. R. FELICIANO'S 14 FAVORITE LENTEN IMAGES IN PAMPANGA

DR. RAYMUND FELICIANO is a clinical pathologist who currently teaches pathology subjects at St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City. A resident of Angeles, his roots are in Mabalacat. He, however, is a doctor  with a unique passion. For over three decades now, he has been taking pictures of our Holy Week traditions--santos, religious processions, churches, Lenten exhibits--all over the Islands, from back in the days of analog photography to the age of digital cameras. 

A photography buff since his high school days at Chevalier School, Dr. Feliciano was inspired to travel  by watching Susan Calo-Medina’s TV show “Travel Time”.  He started in 1987, and began toting his instamatic cameras to interesting places where he took pictures of provincial scenes. But when he got hold of Ricky Jose’s book, “Simbahan”, he decided to focuse on religious subjects—and has not stopped since. The results of this lifetime undertaking are hundreds of santo photos compiled in over 50 albums and donated to the Center for Kapampangan Studies of Holy Angel University in Angeles City. 

After having seen thousands of processional santos, he has come up with a list of his 14 favorite, best-looking Semana Santa images that he shares with us, in this blog.

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The San Pedro statue of Lubao rides a spectacular carroza of the chariot-type. 

Arayat's antique "Manalangin" features a chalice-bearing angel dressed in short pants.

Angeles' "Macagapus" was carved in 1834 with Valentin Tuason as the original owner. It was passed on to his Nepomuceno heirs.

The Senor Desmayado  of Guagua was commissioned by one of the town’s leading citizens, Don Tiburcio Dyco. It was carved in 1882 by the accomplished sculptor, Sotero Dionisio Garcia of Quiapo, Manila.

The small Paciencia image of Guagua is owned by the Familia Cabrera and is a certified antique. 

Porac's Tercera Caida (Third Fall of Christ) comes from the Santa Catalina Parish of this old Kapampangan town, and is known for its complete, well-proportioned character images.

The antique image of Sta. Rita's La Veronica is owned by the Familia Pineda, a prominent family of the town, which also owns a Third fall of Christ paso.

"Macapacu Qng Cruz" or the Crucifixion is also known as Santa Misericordia. It was commissioned in 1907 by Dna. Francisca Evangelista. It was inherited by Leonora Panlilio, and passed on to her present descendants.

Angeleños take pride in their own “Apung Mamacalulu”, or the Lord of Mercy, depicting the image of the dead Christ. It was commissioned by Fr. Macario Paras between 1828-1838, carved by an artisan named Buenaventura.

The spectacular calandra of Sasmuan that contains the body of the dead Christ is owned by the Mercado family. 

Mabalacat's Sta. Maria Jacobe is an antique image that was transported to Pampanga from the Visayas, by a family member when he came to work here, where it was known as Sta. Salome.

The Sta. Salome of Angeles is a transformed image of La Veronica--which is equipped with two heads-- made in 1835 for Vicente Dison. It is still with the Dison descendants.

The antique image of Sta. Maria Magdalena of Arayat is from the prominent Santos-Medina-Samia family.\,who own a host of other processional images like San Juan and Santo Entierro.

The century-old San Juan of San Simon in Pampanga is a short, stocky image that is a fixture in the Good Friday procession of the town.

Hailed as one of the most beautiful Dolorosas in the country, the antique ivory Dolorosa of the Limson Family of Guagua.  Its earliest could be traced to Diego Limson (ca. late 1850s-early 1860s) who married Severina Jingco.

PHOTO SOURCES: 

Tercera Caida: Reichardt Dino, (flickr name: asky)

Paciencia: courtesy of Jerry Punsalan Sagmit

Magdalena: courtesy of Arwin Lingat, (flickr name: pampanga)

Dolorosa: courtesy of Dr. Dindo Limson Juco

Crucifixion, Sta. Jacobe: Alex R. Castro

All others: courtesy of Dr. Raymund Feliciano (flickr name: emongfeliciano)

16. 14 VINTAGE FILMS WITH KAPAMPANGAN THEMES

Long before the triumphs of recent films with distinct Kapampangan themes like Brillante Mendoza’s “Kaleldo” (Summer Heat, 2006) ,Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Magkakabaung” (The Coffin Maker, 2014),  Bor Ocampo’s “Dayang Asu” (Dog Nation, 2015) and Carlo Enciso Catu’s “ARI: My Life with a King” (2015), there were a few  films that dealt with matters of Kapampangan interest. Here are a few of them from the post-war era to the 1980s period:

The Golden Years:Memorable Tagalog Ads, 1946-56.
from the collection of Danny Dolor.

1. CAPAS (1949)
Plot: An action picture set during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. The story centers around characters that survived the infamous 'Death March' in Bataan, and ended up in a concentration camp in Tarlac, Camp O'Donell.

Cast:  Leopoldo Salcedo, Celia Flor, Teody Belarmino, Inday Jalandoni, Nela Alvarez, Tony Santos Sr., Jose Cris Soto, Oscar Obligacion

Directed by: Dr. Gregorio Fernandez

The Golden Years: Memorable Tagalog Ads, 1946-56.
from the collection of Danny Dolor.

2. CANDABA (1950).

Plot: Action-drama film about agrarian conflict in a Huk-infested Pampanga town.

Cast: Tessie Quintana, Teody Belarmino, Tony Santos, Lila Luna

Directed by: Dr. Gregorio Fernandez

The Golden Years: Memorable Tagalog Ads, 1946-56.
from the collection of Danny Dolor.

3. HUK SA BAGONG PAMUMUHAY (1953)

Plot: Based on the DZFM radio drama serial and produced by LVN Pictures to aid the government's propaganda effort against the spread of communism in the country. It is the story of Carding, the anti-Japanese guerrilla turned Huk when his family's land is taken over by the greedy landlord.

Cast: Jose Padilla Jr., Celia Flor, Leroy Salvador Jr., Joseph de Cordova

Directed by: Lamberto V. Avellana

Picture: VIDEO 48http://video48.blogspot.com

4. MARIANG SINUKUAN (1955)

Plot: An LVN fantasy-romance picture based on the age-old legend of the mysterious Arayat maiden, Mariang Sinukuan of Arayat, who is pursued by a mortal.

Cast: Mario Montenegro, Cecila Lopez, Milagros Naval

Directed by: Richard Abelardo

The Golden Years: Memorable Tagalog Ads, 1946-56.
from the collection of Danny Dolor.

5. PAMPANGGENYA (1956)

Plot: A professor teaches a Kapampangan lady lilting “Mekeni”melodies in a comedy-drama that will captivate your hearts.

Cast: Rogelio de la Rosa, Luis Gonzales, Linda Estrella, Barbara Perez, Dolphy

Directed by: Jose de Villa

6. MEKENI, ABE (1959)

Plot: A Kapampangan, a Batangueño and a Visayan throw in the riots in this romantic comedy.

Cast: Zsaldy Zshornack, Lauro Delgado, lani Oteyza, Chiquito

Directed by: Nemesio E. Caravana

Source: www.video48.blogspot.com

7. MEKENI’S GOLD (1969)

Plot: The title is taken from the movie western, “McKenna’s Gold”, starring Gregory Peck and Omar Sharif. This spoof comedy centers on the search for the elusive “Mekeni’s Gold”.

Cast: Dolphy, Panchito, Rod Navarro, Verna Gaston, Rosanna Marquez

Directed by: Luis San Juan

Pix of Ramon Revilla: www.waytofamous.com

8. LEON NG CENTRAL LUZON (1980)

Plot: A an action-packed biopic of military man, Major Diosdado De Leon, who actively defended the region from NPA attacks.

Cast: Ramon Revilla, Boots Anson-Roa, Rez Cortez

Directed by: Leonardo Garcia

Source: www.pelikulatabp.blogspot.com

9. KUMANDER ALIBASBAS (1981)

Plot: Based on the true-to-life story of Cesario Manarang, no. 3 man in the Huk hierarchy, from Concepcion, Tarlac.

Cast: Joseph Estrada, Perla Bautista, Suzette Ranillo, Paquito Diaz, Dave Brodette

Directed by: Augusto “Totoy” Buenaventura

10. PEDRING TARUC (1982)

Plot: Biopic of the Huk leader, Pedro Taruc. The showing of this movie was bocked by the Marcos regime,citing that no outlaw should be made into a hero for a film.

Cast: Joseph Estrada, Ronaldo Valdez

Directed by: Augusto “Totoy” Buenaventura

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym-b2xl1QMg

Apr 13, 2015 - Uploaded by tarptart

11. KILABOT NG PAMPANGA (1984)

Plot: Agrarian unrest, exploitation of peasants by greedy landlords.

Cast: Alex de Leon, Laarni Enriquez, Nina Sara, Charlie Davao, Myra Manibog, zandro Zamora, Nick Romano

Directed by: Dante Pangilinan

Source: www.pinterest.com

12. VIRGIN FOREST (1985)

Plot: The movie is set during the Philippine Republic. Macabebe soldiers are trying to capture Aguinaldo. Alfonisto and Chayong are caught up in this pursuit and in a love triangle. In the end, Aguinaldo is captured and the Macabebe soldiers are killed.

Cast: Sarsi Emmanuel, Miguel Rodriguez

Directed by: Peque Gallaga

13. MARUSO, ROBIN HOOD NG ANGELES (1987)

Plot: Romeo Maruso, the notorious burglar of Angeles City, robs the rich to help the poor. Always eluding the authorities, the slippery Maruso always left clues of his crime like unwashed plates and food leftovers—as he always ate in the home he broke into.  

Cast: Lito Lapid, George Estregan, Angela Perez, Charlie Davao, Romy Diaz

Directed by: Augusto “Totoy”  Buenaventura

14. KUMANDER DANTE (1988)

Plot: Biopic of Bernabe Buscayno, leader and founder of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Cast: Philip Salvador, Laarni Enriquez, Paquito Diaz

Directed by: Ben Yalung

EXTRA:

www.movieposter.com, "Huk", 1956

HUK (1956)

Plot: This U.S.-made movie tells of an American’s return to the Philippines to sell his dead father's plantation, which he soon discovers, has been overrun by Huks,  one of whom was the rebel leader who killed his father. One of the characters in the movie bears a distinct Kapampangan surname, Major Balatbat (which  means “assault’ or ‘attack’), played by Filipino actor, Teddy Benavidez.

Cast: George Montgomery, Mona Freeman, Cindy Rogers, John Baer, Teddy Benavidez, Ben Perez Directed by: John Barnwell