(Second of Three Parts)
Local showbiz in the ‘80s had different facets and I attribute that to the varying state of censorship of that era: The early parts had a lot of senseless films about the youth, some worthless comedies and action films. The great films of that time — City After Dark (Manila By Night), Kisap-mata, etc. — were exhibited only after bitter struggles with the censors.
During the political unrest after the assassination of Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., the Marcos administration allowed sex films to flood the market (a political ploy to divert attention away from the government). Eventually, the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines (ECP) of Imee Marcos was established. Then shortly before the ouster of Marcos in 1986 was chaos: There were the so-called penetration movies that continued even during President Cory Aquino’s early months in office. Sex films stopped from 1987 till the end of the decade, but for some reason, local films lost their passion and soul from that time on.
In contrast, television was so full of mediocrity in the early part of the ‘80s, but more than made up for that in the latter half of the decade with award-winning public affairs programs, documentaries and even comedies with political undertones.
Below is the continuation of my nostalgia piece on the ’80s. And so whatever happened to:
Yehlen Catral —A former Mutya ng Pilipinas winner, she was known for both beauty and brains (she graduated with honors from the University of Santo Tomas). One of Dolphy’s Angels, a film released sometime in 1979, Yehlen continued doing films till the early ‘80s. The Best in the West (also with Dolphy), Mr. One, Two, Three with Tito, Vic & Joey, Dancing Master 2, Macao Connection (still with Dolphy), etc.
Mackoy Symaco — He appeared in Hello, Young Lovers with Snooky Serna and Gabby Concepcion, but later turned businessman. In 1993, he produced a movie talk show with Lolit Solis, Mario Hernando and the late Oskee Salazar as hosts.
Jenny Ramirez — A girl with a pretty face who often appeared in Regal movies.
Wendy Villarica — Yet another pretty face, who co-starred with Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces in Manedyer si Kumander.
Ada Alberto — Wasn’t she the one who went bald (or was that prosthetics?) in her role as an alien in Mad Warrior? Earlier, she also came out in Assault Squad Scorpio.
Susan Bautista — The product of some lesser-known beauty pageants, she is the younger sister of accomplished actress Beth Bautista. Come to think of it — what is Beth Bautista (an Urian winner for Hindi sa Iyo ang Mundo Baby Porcuna) doing now? Supposedly we have been living in the same building for 10 years now (veteran movie journalist Letty Celi once told me so), but not once have I bumped into her in the elevator or the lobby.
Roy Rustan — An action star and one of his films was Krus sa Bawa’t Punglo.
Nina Sara — One of her early films was the 1983 Target: Batang Sindikato. In 1986, she was allegedly molested by a gang of lesbians and was in the tabloids for a while. Several months ago, Case Unclosed contacted me to do research on her case. I told them I didn’t know her personally, but gave some names that could lead to her whereabouts. I think they were able to trace some people involved in the case, but no one wanted to talk anymore.
Edgar Mande — One of the pretty boys of his era, he just disappeared as the decade wore on. Maybe his former manager, Alfie Lorenzo would know where he is now.
Greggy Liwag — Didn’t he marry a Miss Philippines winner? In time, when sex films were at their peak, he got involved in a lot of these projects.
Irma Alegre — A true kayumanggi beauty, she was very sexy. She was launched by Artemio Marquez in Lukaret. Later, she gained respect as an actress when Peque Gallaga cast her as the manananggal in the final episode of the first Shake, Rattle & Roll series.
Albert Eugenio — Another young actor of the ’80s who was cast mostly in sexy roles.
Leni Santos — Although she will forever be identified with the movie D’ Punks, which is the most maligned local film of all time, she redeemed herself when she appeared in a short, but memorable role as a mistress in Lino Brocka’s Miguelito: Ang Batang Rebelde with Aga Muhlach in the lead. Leni was also effective in her other roles both on TV and in the movies. But she was so miscast in D’Punks. Her leading man there by the way was Rey “PJ” Abellana, father of current TV sweetheart Carla Abellana of Rosalinda. In due fairness to PJ Abellana, he also developed into a fine actor in later years.
Maria Montes — An early film of hers was Ligaw na Bunga, which was forgettable. But in 1985, she was cast in an important role as Ronnie Lazaro’s girlfriend molested in his presence by Lito Anzures in Misteryo sa Tuwa.
Coca Nicolas — One of the softdrink beauties, we still saw colleague Sarsi Emmanuelle given a second chance on TV some years back and we all know the tragic fate that awaited Pepsi Paloma (she authored her own death at such a young age). But what happened to Coca Nicolas?
(To be concluded)