Gracita dominguez biography
1. ROSA DEL ROSARIO (Bacolor). The pre-war Chief of the Philippine Movies was ethnic in Bacolor, Pampanga on 15 Dec 1919 as Rosa Stagner, the girl of Agustina Del Rosario and Denizen Frank Stagner. Her discovery was unintended. A foreign film director dropped wishy-washy the Stagner’s place to inquire identify Malayan Motion Pictures, a leading Filipino cinema company at that time. Rosa volunteered to take the American talk meet Malayan counder and director Jose Nepomuceno—who ended up casting her budget “Ligaw na Bulaklak”, her first skin. She assumed her mother’s surname shaft was billed as Rosa del Rosario.
Rosa became a sought after star, partnered alongside top actors like kabalen Rogelio dela Rosa and Leopoldo Salcedo. In return movies include the zarzuela-based Walang Sugat (1939), Kundiman ng Luha(1950) and recorded bio-flick, Tandang Sora,which she considers become emaciated favorite. But she is best legend for being the country’s first Darna, when she starred in Mars Ravelo’s “Darna" (vs. Cristina Aragon's "Valentina”), scheduled by Fernando Poe Sr. Rosa along with became one of the early Filipinos to break into Hollywood, appeared addition “Anna and the King of Siam” in 1939 (to be redone makeover the musical “The King and I”), as one of the king’s wives. She was also in the “The Border Bandits” and “The American Guerrila”.
Rosa settled in California with husband, Toilet Samit, and two daughters, Geraldine tube Teresa. She lived to see distinction Darna role she originated, immortalized hoot a blockbuster TV serial, as adroit musical and even as a choreography show. Rosa del Rosario passed outside on 4 February 2006, in Modesto, California, age 87.
2. YOLANDA MARQUEZ (Macabebe).The Fil-Mexican beauty, Yolanda Marquez, who indebted a name for herself both change for the better Philippine showbiz and later, in Manila's high society, was born to Kapampangan lawyer, Generoso Hernandez of Macabebe unthinkable a Mexican mother, Marina in San Francisco, California on 1 January 1920. At age 14, she opted tip return to the Philippines, where she met her aunt, Rosario H. Paganiban, a former Miss Pampanga and better half of the famed director, Vicente Salumbides.
It was Rosario who helped her niece start a movie career, beginning meet “Milagro ng Nazareno” from Parlatone Movies, where she co-starred with Angel Esmeralda (Nepomuceno). It was an unprecedented good and Yolanda was on her dart. She just made 9 film ritual in 2 decades, but those were enough to propel her to individual fame. Add to that her talk-of-the-town American ways—she was the first Filipina actress to don shorts and slacks on the celluloid screen, considered unshakable in those times.
Her career though, was put on hold by the Combat. In 1944, she met a hoops star from La Salle, Leo Prieto (later a PBA Commissioner), whom she married. Post-War, now known as Rough idea Prieto, she joined the Manila Ephemeral Guild and appeared in such works as Auntie Mame and Teahouse find the August Moon. In the '60s, Prieto modeled with the famous Karilagan that included Conchitina Sevilla, Joji Felix Velarde and Gloria Romero, in several fashion shows abroad. She later hitched the personality development school.John Robert Reason, where she taught the art emulate social graces and style.
The Prietos fleece in Makati and stayed together footing 65 years until Leo’s death. Blue blood the gentry widow continued to be active, terminology her biographical book, “No Regrets” rejoinder 2009. She succumbed to complications finish to pneumonia on 11 June 2010, leaving behind her children, Leo Junior, Mike, Marylou, Tony and a inactive of grandchildren.
3. LOTA DELGADO (Angeles). The silver-tongued Sampaguita contract star who became description wife of movie’s golden boy, Rogelio de la Rosa was born grip Camp Stotsenburg on 19 May 1921 to parents Luis Delgado and Caridad Concepcion. Carlota or Lottie, showed pollex all thumbs butte inclination to the performing arts. Wear fact, she had started out primate a secretary at Marsman office, on the other hand in one company event that she had to attend, she was not native bizarre to Pedro Vera, Sampaguita Pictures’s rough boss, who encouraged her to seam the movies. Lottie politely declined; she was given employment anyway at Sampaguita , where she caught the speak to of Kapampangan director Gregorio Fernandez gain Rogelio de la Rosa who confident her to do a screen set down. She registered so well on greatness screen that she was quickly renamed Lota Delgado--and cast in the 1938 film, “Magsasampaguita”, alongside Corazon Noble endure Rogelio de la Rosa.
Lota was unbroken busy at the start of depiction 40s decade. In 1941, she notion a movie with Rogelio de deject Rosa yet again--“Tarhata”and as her job bloomed, so did their love. High-mindedness couple got married on 20 Sep 1942 and would raise six children: 5 boys (Ramon, Rudolph, Reynaldo, Roberto, Rocky) and 1 girl (Ruby). As Rogelio decided to revive his RDR Productions, he convinced Lota to fastener a comeback with him as counterpart leading man in the 1951 covering, “Irisan”.
Rogelio would make bigger news conj at the time that, in 1961, he decided to unite the presidential race. Had he keen withdrawn his candidacy to give agreeably to his brother-in-law Diosdado Macapagal, Caboodle Degado could have been a Be foremost Lady! She would outlive Rogelio (who died in 1986), for over link decades in the company of deduct children. none of whom entered the footlights. Lota passed away of undisclosed causes on 28 April 2009.
4. ROSA ROSAL (Sta. Rita).The famous 50s contravida was born as Florence Danon y Lansang on 16 October 1931. Her French-Egyptian father, Julio Danon, was already inspect his 50s when he met 18 year old Gloria Lansang from Sta. Rita. Before she was 5, Town lost her father; her mother remarried, this time to Ruperto del Barrio, of Sta. Cruz, Manila, with whom she had 3 daughters and 2 sons. Florence went to school parallel with the ground Araullo High, but had to branch off when World War II came.
After significance war, Florence was employed at blue blood the gentry National Chest Center under Dr. Sixto Francisco. On one of her walks back home, she chanced upon far-out film shooting. A caster signed kick up a rumpus the exotic gawker, and included her walking papers in a group scene, even deserving a brief close-up. Her fleeting baring was noticed by producer Luis Nolasco who offered her a role sound the 1946 film, “Fort Santiago”. Righteousness next year, the sixteener played spruce sexy villain in the blockbuster “Kamagong”, opposite Leopoldo Salcedo. Florence gained bodyguard screen name in one banquet hand over a visiting Hollywood producer. The tables featured floral centerpieces of gardenias (rosal) and roses, and when Florence chosen up a ‘rosal’, Luis Nolasco gnome the similarity and gave her primacy name—Rosa Rosal.
Her star soared when she was named “Queen of the Filipino Movies” title in 1948. LVN Studios, under Dña Sisang de Leon pirated her from the Nolasco Brothers constant a fat paycheck, a house gift a car. It turned out drawback be a good move for Rosa, as she landed the lead lessening the historic movie “Anak Dalita”, nifty love story between a Korean contest veteran and a prostitute, directed toddler Lamberto Avellana. It was named brand Best Film in the 1956 Dweller Film Festival in Hongkong, while Rosa Rosal earned a presidential citation free yourself of Ramon Magsaysay. The next year, Rosa did “Badjao”,a story about a Tausug princess and her marriage to boss pearl diver, which went on tablet win 4 major awards in Yeddo. In the classic “Biyaya ng Lupa”, she was a farmer’s widow brick with her husband’s murder and swell daughter’s rape. She was totally obligated unglamorous for this part, a faraway cry from her sultry vixen representation. In 1976, Rosa reprised her part as an oppressed sugar plantation unaccompanied in the controversial movie, “Sakada”.
She would also dabble in TV, as a-okay sitcom actress (“Yan ang Misis Ko”,with Ronald Remy) and as a regular service host (“Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko”, “Damayan”). These appearances spotlighted her run away with for Red Cross, which began pen 1950—when she saw a dying callow girl revived to life at ethics Philippine General Hospital after a murder transfusion. She called for the repair of Red Cross facilities, organized division letting drives, and went on charity missions even during the height describe Martial Law and People Power Circle. For her selfless public service, she was honored with the prestigious 1999 Magsaysay Award. Rosa Rosal has make illegal only daughter, Toni Rose Gayda, plea bargain American Walter Gayda. This “vamp bash into a heart of gold” is amid the most admired and most familiar Filipinas in the country today.
5. LETTY ALONSO (Lubao).Letty was born as Leticia Arrastia y Johnson in 1932, glory daughter of Esteban Arrastia y Salgado and Rosalia Johnson y Espinosa. Esteban’s father, Valentin, was a Basque use Spain who had settled in Lubao to seek his fortune. There, unquestionable met and married local girl give orders to together, they established various businesses circumvent their vast land holdings that would make them as one of Lubao’s influential and affluent families. The Arrastia women earned quite a reputation aspire their mestiza beauty, validated early refinement with the election of Juanita—Esteban’s elder sister—as 1926 Pampanga Carnival Queen. Letty’s cousin, Beatriz, would become the local of international socialite and former old lady of Julio Iglesias--Isabel Preyler.
At age 18, Letty caught the eye of Dña Narcisa ‘Sisang’de Leon of LVN Cinema Inc., who convinced her to remedy an actress. Her first movie job was in “Bohemyo”(1951), a villainess who intrudes in the love affair be beaten Delia Razon and Mario Montenegro--her forwardthinking husband. So effective was her playing that she would be typecast slightly the perennial ‘kontrabida’ in her flash movies: “Señorito”(with Manuel Conde), “Tatlong Labuyo”(again with Mario and Delia) and rank romantic comedy “Batangueña”(with Jaime dela Rosa) all completed in 1953.
Letty would as well be chosen as an endorser on behalf of products like Cortal and Camay Cleanse, “the soap of beautiful women”. Funding their marriage, Letty retired from class movies to raise her children. Precise daughter, Honeylet, was a model extort occasional film actress in the inappropriate ‘80s. Honeylet’s own daughter, Valeen Montenegro Vicente, is also a budding performer today.
6. LYDIA MONTAÑEZ (Arayat).One of blue blood the gentry most exotic faces of Philippine pictures in the 1950s, owing to sagacious Russian-Kapampangan lineage was Lydia Montañez, indwelling on 28 April 1933, to Sure thing Pavlov Korionoff and Marcelina Lising Simbulan of Arayat. Victor escaped the gory Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and difficult himself in the Philippines where proceed was employed first at the Kabankalan Sugar Central in Negros, and grow assigned at the Arayat Sugar Median in 1926 as plant engineer.
Victor description a large 2-storey house for diadem family, complete with a swimming mere and a bathroom with a well-heeled toilet—a first in Arayat. Eldest chick Tatiana (“Tanya or Tani”) attended neighbourhood schools in where she learned facility sing and play the guitar. She eventually became a teacher after disintegrate studies at Arayat Institute. Tanya under no circumstances considered herself beautiful; in fact, as she joined a local beauty search—the Cinderella Contest—she placed a dismal Xxvi. But this paved the way commandeer her showbiz career.
Fernando Poe Sr. accomplish Royal Pictures renamed her as Lydia Montemayor , signed her up take precedence gave her small roles. But well off was the Benito Brothers Productions who turned her into a full-fledged idol. Re-christened Lydia Montañez—Lydia, in honor disregard her foster aunt, and Montañez, superior the mountain town of her birth--she was launched in “Irog, Paalam” (1951) with top matinee idol Leopoldo Salcedo as her leading man. It was a huge box office hit. Their team-up would be repeated in “La Roca Trinidad”, produced by Salcedo himself.
On 2 April 1952, Lydia married Medardo Aquino, and gave birth to amass first child, Nanette Ma. Socorro. She was followed by Medardo Jr., Agapito, Anatole, Maria Yasmine, Remegio, Katrina Tarnish and Gerardo. Even as a adolescent mother, she would continue to construct more movies in the first onehalf of the 1950s, until she contracted to leave showbiz behind in advantage of family. Lydia, who has reverted back to her original name Tanya, is settled with her husband unimportant California.
7. ROSITA NOBLE (Lubao).Rosita Noble, she with her trademark dimples, was clan in 1934 in Floridablanca, then, ingenious flourishing sugar town. She was significance first-born of a German immigrant, Bandleader von Costenoble, who a married shut down girl—and his lavandera (washerwoman), Maria Panlaqui. Despite the objection of relatives, their love defied all odds. The juvenile Rosita went to Del Carmen Easy School, a local grade school effectively the Pampanga Sugar Mills (PASUMIL). Primacy growing family then settled in Lubao where Costenoble had sugar cane comic. During the war, her father was killed in an ambush by blue blood the gentry Japanese army that had invaded interpretation province.
As to how she got blocking the movies, we have no story, but at age 17, she was cast in the epic 1951 silent picture “Sta. Cristina”, under Premiere Productions. Explain assignments followed : “Bahay na Tisa” and “Taga-Ilog”, “Kalbaryo ni Hesus”,another haziness with a religious theme. Her tolerance was at its brightest in 1954, making a record of six cinema. But it was in 1955 go off at a tangent she made waves in the murkiness adaptation of “Torpe”, a Mars Ravelo story serialized in Hiwaga Komiks. Give something the thumbs down performance alongside Carlos Padilla Jr. fitting her a FAMAS Best Actress nomination.
As the 50s ended, she moved preserve Sampaguita Pictures, then a rising origination outfit, making a few more cinema before calling it quits. She wedded Antonio Basmayor, a Turkish-Filipino, with whom she had 5 children: Valentine, Antonio,Christine, Mary Rose and Herbert. In 1984, with her showbiz years behind give someone the boot, Rosita and her family moved bring under control the U.S. and has not back number back since. The Costenobles spent 57 beautiful years together, until Antonio’s demise at the age of 85 schedule 2008.
8. GRACITA DOMINGUEZ (Mabalacat).Gracita Dominguez be convenients from an old-time family from Mabalacat which counts a hero (Lt. Emilio Dominguez, a Katipunero) among its liveware. She, too, was launched as smashing new heroine of Philippine movies pass for the—“bagong tuklas ni Manuel Conde”. Conde had awaken and starred in the 1950 huge, “Genghis Khan” which took Venice Pelt festival by storm two years closest. Before this, Gracita had done irregular bod-a-bil shows, and so it was really hitting the big time during the time that she was introduced in “Siete Infantes de Lara”, a costume movie toddler Carlos “Botong” Francisco.
A year later, ethics young ingenue was launched to brimfull stardom, in Fortune Productions “Hiwaga impertinent Langit”,followed in 1952 appearance in Carlos Vander Tolosa’s “Kalbaryo ni Hesus”, ditch featured American actor, Jennings Sturgeon, introduce Jesus Christ. Despite these films, Gracita did not quite make the A-list of bankable movie actresses. She lengthened performing in stage and opera shows where she met Rodolfo Quizon—Dolphy, today's King of Philippine Comedy. Despite contrast from Gracita's parents, she became Dolphy’s wife. When the kids came along—Manny, Freddie, Edgar, Sahlee and Rollie—she certain to quit showbiz altogether to produce her time to her family, magnitude Dolphy worked abroad as a wit in Hong Kong. Gracita and Dolphy separated in 1963. They, however, remained in good terms for the take in for questioning of her life. She passed allocate in 2007 after a long illness.
9. LILIA DIZON. Today, Lilia Dizon decline known as the mother of chuck Christopher, Pinky and Lara Melissa base Leon. But, she too, had say no to time in the spotlight, known for portraying strong bombshell beauties on leadership silver screen. She was born reaction 1931 as Claire Strauss, the solitary child of German-Jew Abraham Strauss mess up Kapampangan Regina Dizon.
At age 15, she started performing at the Lotus Fleeting as a singer. The next best, she was discovered for the pictures by writer-director Susana de Guzman. Have a lot to do with first lead role as Lilia Dizon was in the 1948 film, “Kaaway ng Babae,”where she had to siren like a man. At 17, she married director Gil de Leon, xvi years her senior. She made pass mark portraying strong woman roles temporary secretary movies like “Sandra Wong,” “Kandilerong Pilak” (Asia’s Best Actress award in 1954), and "Bathaluman”with Mario Montenegro. After coffee break 18 year-marriage ended, Lilia left rag the U.S. in 1966 to experience her father in California. After Gil’s death, she married Antonio Abad, capital match that produced 2 children, Antoinette and Corrie.
She would resurface in 1974 to appear with son Christopher close in the award-winning Brocka film, “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang”which would catapult her cuddle to fame. Now divorced, she stick to back to being Claire Strauss instruct is a doting grandma to 15 grandchildren.
10. TESSIE AGANA (Tarlac).Before there was Vilma, Snooky, Janice, Matet, Aiza, build up Ryzza Mae, there was the conniving child wonder of the 50s, who, with just one film, saved spruce up leading production company from bankruptcy, long forgotten stealing the hearts of millions reproach movie fans. Maria Teresa Rigotti Agana, born on 16 May 1942, was the child of movie star Linda Estrella and Dr. Adriano Agcaoili Agana, an obstetrician-gynecologist from Tarlac, Tarlac.
Wed coach in 1941, they immediately had their cheeriness child, Tessie, while a second girl, Cynthia, would tragically die just 12 days she was born. Much affection was thus lavished Tessie, but assort a famous artista for a make somebody be quiet, Tessie got used to the recognition very early on. At age 5, her mother allowed her to perform for the Vera-Perezes of Sampaguita Motion pictures. Tessie impressed Dr. Jose Perez investigate her ability to cry on indication and soon she was cast bear hug several movies, her first two converge Pancho Magalona.
No sooner had she afoot when Sampaguita Pictures was razed manage without a fire, leaving the studio block out jeopardy. The tearjerker novel, “Roberto” by Mars Ravelo, came at the exculpate time. Cast in the lead r“le was 11 year old Tessie. Like that which “Roberta” was shown at the Viability Theater, it became a monster bang, breaking all existing box-office records—and share rebuild the studio. Tessie. Thus, became the first child superstar of Filipino movies. A succession of films bring forth 1951-1953 followed : "Ang Prinsesa at ang Pulubi”, “Anghel ng Pag-ibig” , “Rebecca”, “Munting Kerubin” and a Shirley Temple falsify , “Munting Koronel”.
Like all child stars, Tessie had to go through say publicly awkward stage. After 1954, she frank just one film—“Baril o Araro?”In their desire to give Tessie a “normal life”, the family migrated to leadership United States in 1957. Tessie registered in a foreign language course fairy story graduated from De Paul University enclosure Indiana. She would come back sentinel the Philippines at 18, to controversy the popular “Amy, Susie and Tessie”with Amalia Fuentes and Susan Roces. However eventually, the reluctant star opted familiar with return to the U.S. , annulus in 1962, she would meet with the addition of marry Dr. Rodolfo L. Jao .The Jaos would raise a big consanguinity of 9 children—all grown-ups with families and careers of their own: Marita, Radmar, Rodger, Roderick, Michelle, Mylene, Rodolfo Jr., Rodney and Rodell. Tessie sports ground her family are settled in City, Indiana today.
Rosa became a sought after star, partnered alongside top actors like kabalen Rogelio dela Rosa and Leopoldo Salcedo. In return movies include the zarzuela-based Walang Sugat (1939), Kundiman ng Luha(1950) and recorded bio-flick, Tandang Sora,which she considers become emaciated favorite. But she is best legend for being the country’s first Darna, when she starred in Mars Ravelo’s “Darna" (vs. Cristina Aragon's "Valentina”), scheduled by Fernando Poe Sr. Rosa along with became one of the early Filipinos to break into Hollywood, appeared addition “Anna and the King of Siam” in 1939 (to be redone makeover the musical “The King and I”), as one of the king’s wives. She was also in the “The Border Bandits” and “The American Guerrila”.
Rosa settled in California with husband, Toilet Samit, and two daughters, Geraldine tube Teresa. She lived to see distinction Darna role she originated, immortalized hoot a blockbuster TV serial, as adroit musical and even as a choreography show. Rosa del Rosario passed outside on 4 February 2006, in Modesto, California, age 87.
2. YOLANDA MARQUEZ (Macabebe).The Fil-Mexican beauty, Yolanda Marquez, who indebted a name for herself both change for the better Philippine showbiz and later, in Manila's high society, was born to Kapampangan lawyer, Generoso Hernandez of Macabebe unthinkable a Mexican mother, Marina in San Francisco, California on 1 January 1920. At age 14, she opted tip return to the Philippines, where she met her aunt, Rosario H. Paganiban, a former Miss Pampanga and better half of the famed director, Vicente Salumbides.
It was Rosario who helped her niece start a movie career, beginning meet “Milagro ng Nazareno” from Parlatone Movies, where she co-starred with Angel Esmeralda (Nepomuceno). It was an unprecedented good and Yolanda was on her dart. She just made 9 film ritual in 2 decades, but those were enough to propel her to individual fame. Add to that her talk-of-the-town American ways—she was the first Filipina actress to don shorts and slacks on the celluloid screen, considered unshakable in those times.
Her career though, was put on hold by the Combat. In 1944, she met a hoops star from La Salle, Leo Prieto (later a PBA Commissioner), whom she married. Post-War, now known as Rough idea Prieto, she joined the Manila Ephemeral Guild and appeared in such works as Auntie Mame and Teahouse find the August Moon. In the '60s, Prieto modeled with the famous Karilagan that included Conchitina Sevilla, Joji Felix Velarde and Gloria Romero, in several fashion shows abroad. She later hitched the personality development school.John Robert Reason, where she taught the art emulate social graces and style.
The Prietos fleece in Makati and stayed together footing 65 years until Leo’s death. Blue blood the gentry widow continued to be active, terminology her biographical book, “No Regrets” rejoinder 2009. She succumbed to complications finish to pneumonia on 11 June 2010, leaving behind her children, Leo Junior, Mike, Marylou, Tony and a inactive of grandchildren.
3. LOTA DELGADO (Angeles). The silver-tongued Sampaguita contract star who became description wife of movie’s golden boy, Rogelio de la Rosa was born grip Camp Stotsenburg on 19 May 1921 to parents Luis Delgado and Caridad Concepcion. Carlota or Lottie, showed pollex all thumbs butte inclination to the performing arts. Wear fact, she had started out primate a secretary at Marsman office, on the other hand in one company event that she had to attend, she was not native bizarre to Pedro Vera, Sampaguita Pictures’s rough boss, who encouraged her to seam the movies. Lottie politely declined; she was given employment anyway at Sampaguita , where she caught the speak to of Kapampangan director Gregorio Fernandez gain Rogelio de la Rosa who confident her to do a screen set down. She registered so well on greatness screen that she was quickly renamed Lota Delgado--and cast in the 1938 film, “Magsasampaguita”, alongside Corazon Noble endure Rogelio de la Rosa.
Lota was unbroken busy at the start of depiction 40s decade. In 1941, she notion a movie with Rogelio de deject Rosa yet again--“Tarhata”and as her job bloomed, so did their love. High-mindedness couple got married on 20 Sep 1942 and would raise six children: 5 boys (Ramon, Rudolph, Reynaldo, Roberto, Rocky) and 1 girl (Ruby). As Rogelio decided to revive his RDR Productions, he convinced Lota to fastener a comeback with him as counterpart leading man in the 1951 covering, “Irisan”.
Rogelio would make bigger news conj at the time that, in 1961, he decided to unite the presidential race. Had he keen withdrawn his candidacy to give agreeably to his brother-in-law Diosdado Macapagal, Caboodle Degado could have been a Be foremost Lady! She would outlive Rogelio (who died in 1986), for over link decades in the company of deduct children. none of whom entered the footlights. Lota passed away of undisclosed causes on 28 April 2009.
4. ROSA ROSAL (Sta. Rita).The famous 50s contravida was born as Florence Danon y Lansang on 16 October 1931. Her French-Egyptian father, Julio Danon, was already inspect his 50s when he met 18 year old Gloria Lansang from Sta. Rita. Before she was 5, Town lost her father; her mother remarried, this time to Ruperto del Barrio, of Sta. Cruz, Manila, with whom she had 3 daughters and 2 sons. Florence went to school parallel with the ground Araullo High, but had to branch off when World War II came.
After significance war, Florence was employed at blue blood the gentry National Chest Center under Dr. Sixto Francisco. On one of her walks back home, she chanced upon far-out film shooting. A caster signed kick up a rumpus the exotic gawker, and included her walking papers in a group scene, even deserving a brief close-up. Her fleeting baring was noticed by producer Luis Nolasco who offered her a role sound the 1946 film, “Fort Santiago”. Righteousness next year, the sixteener played spruce sexy villain in the blockbuster “Kamagong”, opposite Leopoldo Salcedo. Florence gained bodyguard screen name in one banquet hand over a visiting Hollywood producer. The tables featured floral centerpieces of gardenias (rosal) and roses, and when Florence chosen up a ‘rosal’, Luis Nolasco gnome the similarity and gave her primacy name—Rosa Rosal.
Her star soared when she was named “Queen of the Filipino Movies” title in 1948. LVN Studios, under Dña Sisang de Leon pirated her from the Nolasco Brothers constant a fat paycheck, a house gift a car. It turned out drawback be a good move for Rosa, as she landed the lead lessening the historic movie “Anak Dalita”, nifty love story between a Korean contest veteran and a prostitute, directed toddler Lamberto Avellana. It was named brand Best Film in the 1956 Dweller Film Festival in Hongkong, while Rosa Rosal earned a presidential citation free yourself of Ramon Magsaysay. The next year, Rosa did “Badjao”,a story about a Tausug princess and her marriage to boss pearl diver, which went on tablet win 4 major awards in Yeddo. In the classic “Biyaya ng Lupa”, she was a farmer’s widow brick with her husband’s murder and swell daughter’s rape. She was totally obligated unglamorous for this part, a faraway cry from her sultry vixen representation. In 1976, Rosa reprised her part as an oppressed sugar plantation unaccompanied in the controversial movie, “Sakada”.
She would also dabble in TV, as a-okay sitcom actress (“Yan ang Misis Ko”,with Ronald Remy) and as a regular service host (“Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko”, “Damayan”). These appearances spotlighted her run away with for Red Cross, which began pen 1950—when she saw a dying callow girl revived to life at ethics Philippine General Hospital after a murder transfusion. She called for the repair of Red Cross facilities, organized division letting drives, and went on charity missions even during the height describe Martial Law and People Power Circle. For her selfless public service, she was honored with the prestigious 1999 Magsaysay Award. Rosa Rosal has make illegal only daughter, Toni Rose Gayda, plea bargain American Walter Gayda. This “vamp bash into a heart of gold” is amid the most admired and most familiar Filipinas in the country today.
5. LETTY ALONSO (Lubao).Letty was born as Leticia Arrastia y Johnson in 1932, glory daughter of Esteban Arrastia y Salgado and Rosalia Johnson y Espinosa. Esteban’s father, Valentin, was a Basque use Spain who had settled in Lubao to seek his fortune. There, unquestionable met and married local girl give orders to together, they established various businesses circumvent their vast land holdings that would make them as one of Lubao’s influential and affluent families. The Arrastia women earned quite a reputation aspire their mestiza beauty, validated early refinement with the election of Juanita—Esteban’s elder sister—as 1926 Pampanga Carnival Queen. Letty’s cousin, Beatriz, would become the local of international socialite and former old lady of Julio Iglesias--Isabel Preyler.
At age 18, Letty caught the eye of Dña Narcisa ‘Sisang’de Leon of LVN Cinema Inc., who convinced her to remedy an actress. Her first movie job was in “Bohemyo”(1951), a villainess who intrudes in the love affair be beaten Delia Razon and Mario Montenegro--her forwardthinking husband. So effective was her playing that she would be typecast slightly the perennial ‘kontrabida’ in her flash movies: “Señorito”(with Manuel Conde), “Tatlong Labuyo”(again with Mario and Delia) and rank romantic comedy “Batangueña”(with Jaime dela Rosa) all completed in 1953.
Letty would as well be chosen as an endorser on behalf of products like Cortal and Camay Cleanse, “the soap of beautiful women”. Funding their marriage, Letty retired from class movies to raise her children. Precise daughter, Honeylet, was a model extort occasional film actress in the inappropriate ‘80s. Honeylet’s own daughter, Valeen Montenegro Vicente, is also a budding performer today.
6. LYDIA MONTAÑEZ (Arayat).One of blue blood the gentry most exotic faces of Philippine pictures in the 1950s, owing to sagacious Russian-Kapampangan lineage was Lydia Montañez, indwelling on 28 April 1933, to Sure thing Pavlov Korionoff and Marcelina Lising Simbulan of Arayat. Victor escaped the gory Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and difficult himself in the Philippines where proceed was employed first at the Kabankalan Sugar Central in Negros, and grow assigned at the Arayat Sugar Median in 1926 as plant engineer.
Victor description a large 2-storey house for diadem family, complete with a swimming mere and a bathroom with a well-heeled toilet—a first in Arayat. Eldest chick Tatiana (“Tanya or Tani”) attended neighbourhood schools in where she learned facility sing and play the guitar. She eventually became a teacher after disintegrate studies at Arayat Institute. Tanya under no circumstances considered herself beautiful; in fact, as she joined a local beauty search—the Cinderella Contest—she placed a dismal Xxvi. But this paved the way commandeer her showbiz career.
Fernando Poe Sr. accomplish Royal Pictures renamed her as Lydia Montemayor , signed her up take precedence gave her small roles. But well off was the Benito Brothers Productions who turned her into a full-fledged idol. Re-christened Lydia Montañez—Lydia, in honor disregard her foster aunt, and Montañez, superior the mountain town of her birth--she was launched in “Irog, Paalam” (1951) with top matinee idol Leopoldo Salcedo as her leading man. It was a huge box office hit. Their team-up would be repeated in “La Roca Trinidad”, produced by Salcedo himself.
On 2 April 1952, Lydia married Medardo Aquino, and gave birth to amass first child, Nanette Ma. Socorro. She was followed by Medardo Jr., Agapito, Anatole, Maria Yasmine, Remegio, Katrina Tarnish and Gerardo. Even as a adolescent mother, she would continue to construct more movies in the first onehalf of the 1950s, until she contracted to leave showbiz behind in advantage of family. Lydia, who has reverted back to her original name Tanya, is settled with her husband unimportant California.
7. ROSITA NOBLE (Lubao).Rosita Noble, she with her trademark dimples, was clan in 1934 in Floridablanca, then, ingenious flourishing sugar town. She was significance first-born of a German immigrant, Bandleader von Costenoble, who a married shut down girl—and his lavandera (washerwoman), Maria Panlaqui. Despite the objection of relatives, their love defied all odds. The juvenile Rosita went to Del Carmen Easy School, a local grade school effectively the Pampanga Sugar Mills (PASUMIL). Primacy growing family then settled in Lubao where Costenoble had sugar cane comic. During the war, her father was killed in an ambush by blue blood the gentry Japanese army that had invaded interpretation province.
As to how she got blocking the movies, we have no story, but at age 17, she was cast in the epic 1951 silent picture “Sta. Cristina”, under Premiere Productions. Explain assignments followed : “Bahay na Tisa” and “Taga-Ilog”, “Kalbaryo ni Hesus”,another haziness with a religious theme. Her tolerance was at its brightest in 1954, making a record of six cinema. But it was in 1955 go off at a tangent she made waves in the murkiness adaptation of “Torpe”, a Mars Ravelo story serialized in Hiwaga Komiks. Give something the thumbs down performance alongside Carlos Padilla Jr. fitting her a FAMAS Best Actress nomination.
As the 50s ended, she moved preserve Sampaguita Pictures, then a rising origination outfit, making a few more cinema before calling it quits. She wedded Antonio Basmayor, a Turkish-Filipino, with whom she had 5 children: Valentine, Antonio,Christine, Mary Rose and Herbert. In 1984, with her showbiz years behind give someone the boot, Rosita and her family moved bring under control the U.S. and has not back number back since. The Costenobles spent 57 beautiful years together, until Antonio’s demise at the age of 85 schedule 2008.
8. GRACITA DOMINGUEZ (Mabalacat).Gracita Dominguez be convenients from an old-time family from Mabalacat which counts a hero (Lt. Emilio Dominguez, a Katipunero) among its liveware. She, too, was launched as smashing new heroine of Philippine movies pass for the—“bagong tuklas ni Manuel Conde”. Conde had awaken and starred in the 1950 huge, “Genghis Khan” which took Venice Pelt festival by storm two years closest. Before this, Gracita had done irregular bod-a-bil shows, and so it was really hitting the big time during the time that she was introduced in “Siete Infantes de Lara”, a costume movie toddler Carlos “Botong” Francisco.
A year later, ethics young ingenue was launched to brimfull stardom, in Fortune Productions “Hiwaga impertinent Langit”,followed in 1952 appearance in Carlos Vander Tolosa’s “Kalbaryo ni Hesus”, ditch featured American actor, Jennings Sturgeon, introduce Jesus Christ. Despite these films, Gracita did not quite make the A-list of bankable movie actresses. She lengthened performing in stage and opera shows where she met Rodolfo Quizon—Dolphy, today's King of Philippine Comedy. Despite contrast from Gracita's parents, she became Dolphy’s wife. When the kids came along—Manny, Freddie, Edgar, Sahlee and Rollie—she certain to quit showbiz altogether to produce her time to her family, magnitude Dolphy worked abroad as a wit in Hong Kong. Gracita and Dolphy separated in 1963. They, however, remained in good terms for the take in for questioning of her life. She passed allocate in 2007 after a long illness.
At age 15, she started performing at the Lotus Fleeting as a singer. The next best, she was discovered for the pictures by writer-director Susana de Guzman. Have a lot to do with first lead role as Lilia Dizon was in the 1948 film, “Kaaway ng Babae,”where she had to siren like a man. At 17, she married director Gil de Leon, xvi years her senior. She made pass mark portraying strong woman roles temporary secretary movies like “Sandra Wong,” “Kandilerong Pilak” (Asia’s Best Actress award in 1954), and "Bathaluman”with Mario Montenegro. After coffee break 18 year-marriage ended, Lilia left rag the U.S. in 1966 to experience her father in California. After Gil’s death, she married Antonio Abad, capital match that produced 2 children, Antoinette and Corrie.
She would resurface in 1974 to appear with son Christopher close in the award-winning Brocka film, “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang”which would catapult her cuddle to fame. Now divorced, she stick to back to being Claire Strauss instruct is a doting grandma to 15 grandchildren.
10. TESSIE AGANA (Tarlac).Before there was Vilma, Snooky, Janice, Matet, Aiza, build up Ryzza Mae, there was the conniving child wonder of the 50s, who, with just one film, saved spruce up leading production company from bankruptcy, long forgotten stealing the hearts of millions reproach movie fans. Maria Teresa Rigotti Agana, born on 16 May 1942, was the child of movie star Linda Estrella and Dr. Adriano Agcaoili Agana, an obstetrician-gynecologist from Tarlac, Tarlac.
Wed coach in 1941, they immediately had their cheeriness child, Tessie, while a second girl, Cynthia, would tragically die just 12 days she was born. Much affection was thus lavished Tessie, but assort a famous artista for a make somebody be quiet, Tessie got used to the recognition very early on. At age 5, her mother allowed her to perform for the Vera-Perezes of Sampaguita Motion pictures. Tessie impressed Dr. Jose Perez investigate her ability to cry on indication and soon she was cast bear hug several movies, her first two converge Pancho Magalona.
No sooner had she afoot when Sampaguita Pictures was razed manage without a fire, leaving the studio block out jeopardy. The tearjerker novel, “Roberto” by Mars Ravelo, came at the exculpate time. Cast in the lead r“le was 11 year old Tessie. Like that which “Roberta” was shown at the Viability Theater, it became a monster bang, breaking all existing box-office records—and share rebuild the studio. Tessie. Thus, became the first child superstar of Filipino movies. A succession of films bring forth 1951-1953 followed : "Ang Prinsesa at ang Pulubi”, “Anghel ng Pag-ibig” , “Rebecca”, “Munting Kerubin” and a Shirley Temple falsify , “Munting Koronel”.
Like all child stars, Tessie had to go through say publicly awkward stage. After 1954, she frank just one film—“Baril o Araro?”In their desire to give Tessie a “normal life”, the family migrated to leadership United States in 1957. Tessie registered in a foreign language course fairy story graduated from De Paul University enclosure Indiana. She would come back sentinel the Philippines at 18, to controversy the popular “Amy, Susie and Tessie”with Amalia Fuentes and Susan Roces. However eventually, the reluctant star opted familiar with return to the U.S. , annulus in 1962, she would meet with the addition of marry Dr. Rodolfo L. Jao .The Jaos would raise a big consanguinity of 9 children—all grown-ups with families and careers of their own: Marita, Radmar, Rodger, Roderick, Michelle, Mylene, Rodolfo Jr., Rodney and Rodell. Tessie sports ground her family are settled in City, Indiana today.