Mike Parsons: Passionate friend of local movies

In the mid-’60s, Philippine cinema had a passionate friend in the person of Michael ‘Mike’ Parsons. He received the Dr. Ciriaco Santiago Memorial Award for ‘pushing local motion pictures to greater heights and mould them into a major Philippine industry with international significance.’

He is best remembered for producing and starring in The Passionate Strangers, written and directed by Eddie Romero. Sharing stellar billing with Mike were American actress Valora Noland, Celia Rodriguez, Vic Diaz and Mario Montenegro. It was released internationally.

Mike earlier appeared with Van Helfin and Rita Moreno in To Be a Man, Hollywood co-production filmed in the Philippines.

After The Passionate Strangers, Mike appeared in other joint ventures, usually directed by Gerry de Leon, Cirio H. Santiago and Romero.

His concern with the country was not surprising as he was born in Manila, the son of longtime American resident in the Philippines ‘Chick’ Parsons, famous as an active guerilla leader during the Japanese occupation and one-time publisher of a major Manila daily.

Mike was quoted as saying, ‘We must let the world know that there is a Philippine movie industry,’ adding we should gain a foothold in the international market. He believed in the talent of Filipino filmmakers.

The actor-producer introduced to local movies socialites like Maria Luisa Matute, Arabella Harmon and Ditas de Ubago.

Mike is a graduate of Yale Drama School.

He admired then First Lady Imelda Marcos for supporting the arts, including cinema. The premiere showing The Passionate Strangers was for the benefit of Madame Marcos’ artistic projects.

When not busy with his film commitments, Mike was an executive of several corporations.

On this page are still photos from The Passionate Strangers, including Mike’s solo photo taken in 1972.— RKC