Postwar to Early 50’s Actresses
By Tante de Ramos


Just two weeks ago, FAPweb movie trivia expert Tante de Ramos regaled us with his catalogue of Filipino movie actors from the postwar era up to the first Golden Age of Philippine Cinema in the 1050s. He now listed down 33 actresses who graced Philippine movies during the same period in our history.

Here is Tante’ roll of enduring names of actresses who once carved their names in local moviedom:

Carmencita Abad—She came from a family of movie performers. She was the younger sister of Corazon Noble (the wife of Angel Esmeralda). She was an aunt of Jay Ilagan. Some of her movies included Tatlong Kumando (with Pancho Magalona, Leroy Salvador, Robert Campos and Luz Valdez), Bayanihan (with Nestor de Villa, Manding Claro, Bernard Bonnin, Perla Bautista, Caridad Sanchez and featuring Bayanihan Dance Troupe), Kumander 13 and No Money No Honey (both with with Jaime dela Rosa), Hiyasmin, Karnabal, Panyolitong Bughaw and Kidlat Ngayon. All of these films were produced by LVN Pictures.

Emma Alegre—Another LVN contract star, she appeared in Dalaginding (which was directed by Manuel Silos), Everlasting and Basta Ikaw (both directed by Manuel Conde).

Nida Blanca—She was half of one of the most popular acting-and-dancing team in Philippine movies. In tandem with perennial partner Nestor de Villar, she and Nestor appeared in numerous LVN films like Ganyan Ka Pala, Amor Mio, Waray-Waray Handang Matodas, Darling Ko, Ikaw Kasi and Hiyasmin. She also partneered with other actors in such films as Korea (with Jaime de la Rosa) where she won a FAMAS Best Supporting Actress award. She also appeared in Tia Loleng with another LVN love team, Tessie Quintana and Armando Goyena.

Nena Cardenas—She won the Maria Clara (forerunner of FAMAS) award as best actress for her performance in Doble Cara, a film directed by first National Artist for Film Gerardo de Leon. She also appeared in El Indio with Cesar Ramirez and Van de Leon for Sampaguita Pictures, Inc. She was married to Arturo Lerma, a contract star of Premiere Productions, Inc.

Olivia Cenizal--She starred in Pandanggo ni Neneng, an early 50’s musical produced by Premiere Productions, Inc. She is married to musical direcor Preof. Josefino Cenizal, the composer of Hindi Kita Malimot.

Erlinda Cortez--She appeared in films produced by LVN Pictures and Lebran Productions, like Sigfredo (with Manuel Conde and Elvira Reyes), Prinsipeng Hindi Tumatawa, May Isang Tsuper ng Taksi, Romeo at Julieta (with Oscar Moreno), Itanong sa Bulaklak (with Carlos Padilla Sr.) and Tinig ng Tagumpay.

Mryna Delgado—A Sampaguita Pictures contract star, she appeared in such films as Sa Dulo ng Landas, the box-0ffice hit Bondying (with Fred Montilla), Recuerdo, Tres Muskiteras and Menor de Edad. She appeared In one episode of Gabi ng Lagim (with Cielito Legaspi, Amado Cortez and Dencio Padilla) which was produced by Larry Santiago Productions, Inc.

Lilia Dizon—The mother of actor Christopher de Leon and actres Pinky de Leon, she starred in Engkantada (with Jaime dela Rosa , Lilian Velez, Pugo, Togo and Alfonso Carvajal), Bathaluman and Kandelerong Pilak (with Teody Belarmino) where she won Best Actress in the Cambodian Film Festival under the direction of Lamberto Avellana. All films were produced by LVN Pictures, Inc. She was married to actor-director Gil de Leon.

Tita Duran—Comprising another successful love team with reel and real life hudband Pancho Magalona, they appeared in films like Huwag Ka Nang Magtampo, Umaga Na Giliw, Sa Isang Sulyap Mo Tita, Kasintahan sa Pangarap, Maharlika and Sa Isang Halik Mo, Pancho, Kapilya sa Daang Bakal, and Dahil sa Ina (with Fred Montilla, Oscar Moreno and Maria Christina under the direction of Octavio Silos. She also starred in Anak ng Dagat (with Oscar Moreno). All films were produced by Sampaguita Pictures. Her son Francis Magalona is also in showbusiness.

Linda Estrella—The actress mother of child prodigy Tessie Agana, she appeared in such films as Mayamang Balo, Labintatlong Hakbang (with Fred Montilla), Kerubin (with daughter Tessie Agana), Batas ng Daigdig and Kerubin at ang Tulisang Pugot (with Tessie Agana and Fred Montilla). These films were produced by Sampaguita Pictures. She als made a film for X-Otic Productions, Sunset Over Corregidor (with Teddy Benavidez, Mona Lisa, Fernando Royo, Bimbo Danao and Serafin Garcia under the direction of Carlos Vander Tolosa.

Celia Flor—She starred in Pasiya ng Langit (with Mario Motenegro and Priscilla Celona under the direction of Susana de Guzman). This film was produced by LVN Pictures, Inc.

Pacita Francisco—A Miss Luzon beauty contest winner, she appeared in such films as Ang Limpia Bota, Bulakenyo, Kami ang Sugatan, Dahon Palay (with Leopoldo Salcedo), Hihintayin Kita and Ang Vengador (with Rogelio dela Rosa and Sigrid Gurie).

Rita Gomez—Regarded as one of the finest actresses in Philippine cinema, she played the memorable leading lady in Jose Padilla Jr.-starrer Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo which was directed by Gerardo de Leon for Premiere Productions, Inc. Her long list of memorable films included Reyna Bandida (with Cesar Ramirez), Ito Ba ang Aking Ina?, Society Girl, Kidnapped, Tatlong Magdalena and Kamandgad.. She was once married to Ric Rodrigo with whom she starred in several Sampaguita Productions films like Maldita and Diyosa. In Talipandas, she garnered Best Actress trophies from three different award-giving bodies. In Bakit Ako Pa?, she won the FAMAS and Metro Filmfest Best Actress awards. Her other films include Gamitin Mo Ako, Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita? (with Lorna Tolentino) and Bomba Queen (with Sarsi Emmanuel). One of her sons, Ronald Bregendahl, also entered showbusiness and was married to Chona Castillo, also an actress.

Sylvia La Torre—Dubbed as the soprano comedienne, she appeared in such films as Gorio at Tekla and Takas sa Bataan which was directed by Olive la Torre, her father. She also appeared in Yantok Mindoro, Sebya Mahal Kita and O Sendang with Pugo, Rosa Aguirre and Bentot .

Lilian Leonardo--She appeared in Ang Aking Kahapon with real brothers Jose Padilla Jr. and Carlos Padilla Sr. Made in the early 50’s, it was produced by Tamaraw Pictures. She was also in the cast of La Paloma with Paraluman, Fred Montilla and Eddie del Mar under the direction of Tor Villano and produced by Sampaguita Pictures, Inc.

Letty Liboon—Another singer-actress, she appeared in Nasaan Ka Irog? (with Mario Montenegro as a pianist and Val Castelo as a guitarist). She was a soprano of the Conservatory of Music of the University of Santo Tomas. In Lady Be Good, she played opposite Rene Antonio and backed up by the Manila Little Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. She was the wife of poet Rolando Carbonell, famous for his book of poems, Beyond Forgetting.

Anita Linda—Usually the partner of Efren Reyes Sr. in the action films of Premiere Productions, she appeared in Sa Huling Patak ng Dugo, Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo (with Jose Padilla, Jr. and Rita Gomez) and Sisa. In television, she delineates the role of Tandang Sora in the Bayani series of ABS-CBN Channel 2. Like Gloria Romero, she is still appearing in the roles of grandmopther in today’s films. She appeared in new films like You Are The One (starring Toni Gonzaga and Sam Milby). She was married to Fred Cortez Sr. whose son Fred Cortez, Jr. also entered showbiz for a time.

Cecilia Lopez—She appeared in Anak ng Berdugo (with Armando Goyena and Johnny Reyes), Gintong Pangarap (with Rogelio dela Rosa) and Pintor Kulapol (with Mario Motenegro). She also appeared in one episode of Gabi ng Lagim with Ramon Revilla, Rodolfo Cristobal and Myra Crisol for Larry Santiago Productions, Inc.

Lydia Montanez—She appeared in Irog, Paalam opposite Leopoldo Salcedo. It was directed by Domingo Prinsipe for Benito Brothers Productions.

Virgina Monte--The wife of Efren Reyes and mother of Cristina Reyes and Efren Reyes Jr., she in Bandido (with Carlos Padilla Sr. and husband Efren Reyes, Sr.). She played the wife of Lopito in the komiks cartoon series Kenkoy and Rosing which was produced by Premiere Productions, Inc. She became a producer through the film Banda Uno which Helen Gamboa, and her children Efren Reyes, Jr. and Cristina Reyes.

Lelia Morena—She starred in the Pedro Penduko series with Efren Reyes Sr. as her leading man. Another movie series was Og and its sequels like Si Og sa Maynila which also had Mr. Philippines titleholder Jesus Ramos in the title role. She played the leding woman’s role in the classic Ifugao (with Efren Reyes , Sr., Johnny Monteiro and Leticia Ojeda) which was directed by Gerardo de Leon. She produced for jher own company (Consuelo Productions) the film Salome.

Tita Munoz--She appeared in Tulisang Pugot (with Fred Montilla), Ang Kasaysayan ni Rudy Concepcion and Texas, Ang Manok na Nagsasalita which we all produced by Sampaguita Pictures. She also appeared in Rosalinda (with Rodolfo Ruiz), whose main story was story based on the recording and radio industry as produced by Philippine Artists’ Management.

Rosita Noble--She was cast in Kapitan Berong with Efren Reyes , Sr. in the title role. In DI-13, a komiks character as played by Jose Romulo Jr. she appeared with Arsenia Francisco, L0pito, Ramon d’Salva and Vicente Liwanag under the direction of Cesar Gallardo and produced by Larry Santiago Productions. She appeared opposite Manuel Conde in Molave and opposite the King of Philippine movies, Fernando Poe, Jr., in his first ever title role as Palaris.

Lelicia Ojeda--She appeared and starred in Tampalasan (with Leopoldo Salcedo), a film produced by LGS Productions. She played the Caucasian role in Ifugao opposite Efren Reyes, Sr.--who won as Best Actor in the Asian Film Festival-- Leila Morena and Johnny Monteiro

Tessie Quintana--She was a singer-dancer in Life Theater’s stage shows when the Japanese invaded the country. She appeared in Dawn of Freedom, an action movie directed by Gerardo de Leon. She and her loveteam partner Armando Goyena appeared in Prinsesang Basahan, Hawayana, Tia Loleng, Virginia and Isabelita for LVN Pictures, Inc. She also starred in Krus na Banal and Candaba (withTeody Belarmino), Bayan o Pag-ibig (with Rogelio de la Rosa), Dalawang Panata (with Jaime dela Rosa), Limang Punglo and Singsing na Tanso (with Nestor de Villa), Dalagang Nayon and Abarinding (with Carlos Salazar).She was a miansta in the Juan Tamad series with Manuel Conde which his own film outfit, MC Productions Inc., produced. She also did Sarah Sollente and Tokyo 1960 (with Eddie de Mar and Zaldy Zshornack under the direcion of Teoderico C. Santos for C. Santiago Film Organizations released thru Peoples Pictures, Inc. She won the FAMAS Best actress for Alaala Kita. She was married to actor Johnny Reyes.

Delia Razon—With her loveteam partner Maro Montenegro, she starred in such films as Lapu–Lapu, Banal o Makasalanan, Prinsipe Tiñoso, Higit sa Korona, Balae, Rebelde, Rodrigo de Villa, Pusong May Lason, Dose Pares and Tatlong Labuyo (with Mario Montenegro). In Prinsipe Amante she starred opposite Rogelio dela Rosa and Rosa Rosal.

Elvira Reyes--She was introduced in Orasang Ginto which featured Mila del Sol, Bimbo Danao and Domingo Prinsipe under the direction of Manuel Conde, She appeared in three Manuel Conde masterworks like Doon Pa Sa Amin (with Carlos Padilla, Sr. Leopoldo Salcedo and Ester Magalona) for Mabuhay Pictures’ initial offering, Prinsipe Paris, Walang Kaparis, Siete Infantes de Lara and Sigfredo. She was the unforgettable hawk-woman who fought the superheroine Darna as played by Rosa del Rosario in Darna at ang Babaing Lawin which was directed by Carlos Vander Tolosa for Royal Productions.

Gloria Romero—One of the most durable queens of Philippine movies, she starred in films like Parung-Parong Bukid, Sinisinta Kita, Teresa, Depatsadora, Bakasyonista , Colegiala, Pagdating ng Takipsilim, Artista, Palaboy, Ang Rosario at Ang Tabak, Hootsy–Kootsy and Ikaw ang Aking Buhay, all opposite her loveteam Luis Gonzales. Her other movies included Palasig (with Cesar Ramirez), Mister Kasintahan (with Ramon Revilla), Cofradia (again with Ramon Revilla and Myrna Delgado), Pagona (with Barbara Perez), Miss Tilapia and Ang Inyong Lingkod, Gloria Romero (with Mario Motenegro, Ric Rodrigo, Luis Gonzales and husband Juancho Gutierez). All films were produced by Sampaguita Pictures. She also appeared In Iginuhit ng Tadhana, the President Ferdenand Marcos bioflick with Luis Gonsalez for 777 Films. She is still acting and has garnered awards for tanging Yaman and Magnifico. Her daughter Maritess Gutierrez also tried acting for several years.

Rosa Rosal—Regarded as the ultimate kontrabida, she starred in such memorable and award-winning films as Biyaya ng Lupa and Anak Dalita. The latter film, which also starred Tony Santos the Golden Trophy in the Asian Film Festival held in Hongkong. It was directed another National Artist for Film, Lamberto Avellana. She was the leading lady in Badjao (again with Tony Santos, Vic Silayan and Joseph de Cordova) which was also directed by Lamberto Avellana. She also appeared in Sakada, again with Tony Santos, Pancho Magalona, Gloria Romero, Alicia Alonzo and Hilda Kolonel.

Charito Solis—Another consistent best actress winner, she won the FAMAS Best Actress trophies for Kundiman ng Lahi and Emily. Her other pictures included Malvarosa, Sandata at Pangako (with Fernando Poe, Jr.) Tiririt ng Ibon (with Leroy Salvador) and Black Beauty (with Bernard Bonnin). All films were produced by LVN. Pictures , Inc. In her latter years, she appeared in Pieta (with Ace Vergel) and Tuklaw (with Richard Gomez). She was the main star of Nepomuceno Productions, appearing in Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak and Igorota which won awards in the Asian Film Festival. She also appeared in Buddha with Japanese actor Rojiro Hongo, in a film produced by Daie Motion Pictures Productions. She starred in Teresa, Mariposa, Luha ng Birhen, Kilabot sa Makiling and Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig.

Lilian Velez--Some of her films included Binibiro Lamang Kita (with Norma Blancaflor, Ely Ramos and Narding Anzurez), Engkantada (with Lilia Dizon, Pugo,Togo and Alfonso Carvajal), Estudyante (with Narding Anzurez, Pugo and Togo) and Sa Kabukiran (with Narding Anzurez). Her sensational killing by her own co-star Narding Anzures was made into a film, The Lilian Velez Story, which starred Sharon Cuneta as Lilian Velez, Cesar Montano and Joel Torre under the direcion of Carlo J. Caparas. She was a native of Cebu whose father, Manuel Velez was a composer for movies .

Alicia Vergel—She played the jungle woman in Diwani. She also starred in such films as Dumagit, Ukala and Bernardo Carpio, all opposite her reel and real husband Cesar Ramirez. She also appeared in MN (with Carmen Rosales, Oscar Moreno and Cesar Ramirez).and Basahang Ginto. Her son Ace Vergel and daughter Beverly Vergel also entered showbiz, together with granddaughter Tracy Vergel.