When Elvis meets Bond

Swinging Jet-Age, circa 1968, saw the meeting  of the Philippines’ Elvis Presley (Eddie Mesa) and James Bond (Romano Castellvi). They play go-kart racers in the movie filled with music (singing and dancing) and action to suit the images of Eddie and Romano.

In the late ‘50s and ‘60s, Eddie starred in musical romances and comedies, while Romano topbilled action films in the mold of James Bond, skilled spy and ladies’ man.

In his adult years, Eddie tackled serious roles, but he quit showbiz and migrated with his wife (Rosemarie Gil) to the US, where he turned religious pastor.

Romano settled in Canada with his wife Jean Lopez. —RKC