A Gallery of Sampaguita Stars

The "Gallery of LVN Stars" published by Funfare (courtesy of "the other beauty expert" and avid movie fan Celso de Guzman Caparas) a few issues ago elicited enthusiastic-nostalgic reactions. As per readers’ request, Funfare asked Celso to do a "Gallery of Sampaguita Stars." Here it is (feast your eyes on the stars of a memorable bygone era):

"Touted as the home of glamorous and debonaire stars, Sampaguita Pictures, Inc. (SPI) was established in 1937 by then Rep. Pedro Vera and Judge Jose Vera with a circle of friends. Its first offering was Bituing Marikit, topbilled by Elsa Oria (the Singing Sweetheart of the Philippines), Rogelio dela Rosa, Ely Ramos and megged by Carlos Vander Tolosa. SPI has been regarded as the oldest and most prestigious movie outfit. Its significant contributions to our movie industry spanned nearly five decades covering three historical eras: pre-war, post-war to early ’50s until the early ’80s. Not only did it produce acclaimed and entertaining films, but also certified movie queens, drama divas, a comedy king and a superstar. Carmen Rosales, Gloria Romero, Susan Roces and Nora Aunor reigned supreme during the ’40s, ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, respectively. Dolphy, is of course, the undisputed King of Comedy and La Aunor, the phenomenal superstar.

Here is a gallery of 20 vintage photos of Sampaguita Stars and their memorable movies:

• Alicia Vergel – First Maria Clara Awards Best Supporting Actress, Mapuputing Kamay (1950) and First FAMAS Best Actress, Basahang Ginto (1952)

• Carmen Rosales – Simpatika (1949), 1953 FAMAS Best Actress, Inspirasyon and Maalaala Mo Kaya (1954)

• Gloria Romero – 1954 FAMAS Best Actress, Dalagang Ilokana and Alaala Ng Lumipas (1965)

• Lolita Rodriguez – introduced in Pilya (1954) and 1956 FAMAS Best Actress, Gilda

• Paraluman – Awit Ng Bulag, 1948 and 1957 FAMAS Best Actress, Sino Ang Maysala?

• Miss Rita Gomez – Society Girl, 1956 and 1958 FAMAS Best Actress, Talipandas

• Marlene Dauden – 1958 and 1959 FAMAS Best Supporting Actress, Anino Ni Bathala and Kamandag

• Susan Roces – Kulang Sa 7 (1956, first starring role) and Debutante (1959)

• Amalia Fuentes – introduced in Lydia (1956, billed as Miss Number 1, winner of Prince Charming contest), and Bilanggong Birhen (1960)

• Nora Aunor – introduced in Around The World (1967) and third Quezon City Film Festival Best Actress, And God Smiled At Me

• Ramon Revilla – Mister Kasintahan (1953) and Sa Dulo Ng Landas (1955)

• Fred Montilla – introduced in So Long America (1946) and 1954 FAMAS Best Actor, Bondying

• Dolphy – Jack & Jill (1954) and Mambo Dyambo (1955)

• Eddie Arenas – introduced in Iyung-Iyo (1955) and Kundiman Ng Puso (1958)

• Pancho Magalona – Huling Patak Ng Dugo (1950) and 1958 FAMAS Best Actor, Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Daigdig

• Eddie Garcia – 1957, 1958 and 1959 FAMAS Best Supporting Actor for Taga Sa Bato, Condenado and Tanikalang Apoy

• Romeo Vasquez – Pretty Boy (1957) and 1958 Asian Film Festival Best Actor, Ako Ang Maysala

• Ric Rodrigo – Gigolo (1956) and Anino Ni Bathala (1958)

• Eddie Gutierrez – Batas Ng Alipin (1959) and Ang Pangarap Ko’y Ikaw (1967)

• Tirso Cruz III – 1970 Quezon City Film Festival Best Supporting Actor, For You, Mama, and 1972 Quezon City Film Festival Best Actor, And God Smiled At Me

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E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph