Gulong ng Palad: From radio to screen

One of the most-awaited movies of 1950 was Gulong ng Palad, based on a popular radio serial, by Lina Flor, topbilled by Jose ‘Pempe’ Padilla Jr. and Arsenia ‘Senyang’ Francisco, husband and wife in real life.

The blurb proudly said, ‘Isang taon ninyo itong pinakinggan sa radio... ngayon mapapanood ninyo ng buo sa loob ng 2 oras sa puting tabing.’

The radio drama and its movie version chronicled the ups and downs of a family. In the end, love triumphed... and they lived happily ever after.

But the love story Pempe and Senyang didn’t have a happy ending as they later separated.

In the ’70s, Gulong ng Palad was revived on television, starring Marianne de la Riva and Ronald Corveaux, also Mr. & Mrs. offcam. Their marriage didn’t last... such is the wheel of fortune. —RKC