Scorpio Nights: Erotic, artistic

In the ‘80s, Peque Gallaga took Philippine cinema by storm with two masterpieces. The epic set during World War II Oro Plata Mata topbilled by Joel Torre and the erotic and artistic Scorpio Nights, starring Ana Marie Gutierrez and Orestes Ojeda and introducing Daniel Fernando, then a college student and bit player in teledramas. Scorpio Nights revolves around three characters, exploring their sexual passions, set against dilapidated row of apartments.

Critics and ordinary moviegoers alike cited Scorpio Nights’ cinematic merits. It won three Urian awards for cinematography, music and sound.

Daniel Fernando and Ana Marie Gutierrez, Publicity photo of Daniel Fernando(center), Ana Marie Gutierrez with Orestes Ojeda

Daniel was billed as the most promising discovery of the year. He lived up to that promise. He won the coveted Urian Best Actor award for Lino Brocka’s Macho Dancer.

Daniel made other important films, but he is best remembered for Scorpio Nights, regarded as the most important and controversial film of its time.

He quit showbiz more than 10 years ago when he joined politics in Bulacan. He is vice governor for three terms and is running for governor in this year’s mid-term elections. — RKC