LEA SALONGA, in a fold-out print spread for Palmolive, 1990
After Lea
Salonga scored a coup by bagging the role of Kim in Miss Saigon in
West End, every ad agency in the Philippines wanted a piece of her. Previously,
she had appeared as a young child in commercials such as KLIM Milk Powder
and Johnson’s Baby Cologne. Now, as a young woman in the brink of global
stardom, she has gained more popularity, more pulling power and influence,
across a broad range of markets.
PALMOLIVE Fold-Out spread features its new 3 soaps with its own skin care system,
The stage
susperstar, however, could only accommodate a few select appearances owing to her
busy Miss Saigon schedule. In her few, short breaks , she did manage to appear
in a few, much ballyhooed commercials like AT&T, Toyota (Saatchi
& Saatchi, shot in London), and PALMOLIVE SOAP, and its new Skin
Care System, produced by Basic/FCB.
WATCH PALMOLIVE TVC WITH LEA SALONGA HERE:
The 3
new PALMOLIVE SOAPS go beyond cleaning because each has its own skin
care system –Skin Cleansing (Palmolive Vibrant), Skin Nourishing (Palmolive
Delicate), and Skin Moisturizing (Palmolive Natural)—to give exact caring
for your skin!
Like Lea
Salonga, the breakthrough star of 1990, the 3 PALMOLIVE SOAPS are touted
as the new breakthrough skin care soaps of the new 90s decade.
The beginnings of Lily’s Peanut Butter began in
1950, when the first natural peanut butter was produced in the country. It was
not until more than 2 decades later that, in 1972, home-made brand was fully
commercialized with the founding of the Newborn Food Products , Inc. to
raise the quality of the product.
In 1998, Arch. Ramon T. Pua was name President
and CEO of Newborn Food Products, Inc., and under his term, the
distribution system was improved, the management and organizational structure
of the company was strengthened, and new product line were introduced like Coco
Jam and Jelly Gem Ice Pops.
The company celebrated its 50th year in 2000
by advancing its vitamin A advocacy program and introducing product innovations:
the launch of the new 20g. peanut butter sulit pack (2007) and
new variant Chocolate-Peanut Butter
in new PET bottle packaging (2008).
More line extensions followed like the first ever healthy
variant—Lily’s Peanut ButterLite, made from real peanuts and stevia extract.
Another is Lily’s Crunchy Peanut Butter, with cracklin’ real peanut bits.
Rounding out the Lily’s line is Lily’s Choco Almond Spread, made with
real tablea and roasted almonds. The brand became more visible when it employed young hearthrob Daniel Padilla as its celebrity endorsers.
After 70 years, Lily’s Peanut Butter
has become part of the Filipino snacking tradition, with a trusted quality that
continues to grow strong with every passing year.
Back in the 1920s, half a century before the PX
business boomed in the country, popular American-made products were already
available to Filipinos—without restrictions. These were directly imported by
legitimate distributors who had offices and branches throughout the country,
and advertised in leading magazines and newspapers of their time. Here are
examples of print ads of American food products that one can pick right off a
store shelf in 1926.
******
Campbell's Tomato Soup, 1926 Ad.
CAMPBELL’S
SOUPS
Campbell's, was put up in 1869 by fruit merchant Joseph
Campbell and Abraham Anderson, which today is one of the largest processed
companies in the world. The flagship brand is Campbell’s Soups, with such
variants like Cream of Mushroom,Cream of Chicken, Tomato, Chicken Noodle, Cheddar Cheese
and French Onion Soup. John Dorrance became the company president from 1914 –
1930, and being a chemist, he developed
a commercial process for condensing soup by halving the quantity of its
heaviest ingredient: water. The success of the company enabled it to distribute
its products internationally, finding its way to the country in the 1920s, and
sold by authorized dealers.
Hershey's Cocoa Powder Ad, 1929 Ad
HERSHEY’S COCOA POWDER
Hershey’s was founded in 1894 by Milton S. Hershey in
1894 in Pennsylvania., one of the world’s largest chocolate manufacturers.
Breakfast Cocoa was one of the first products manufactured by Hershey’s, and
made its appearance in the Philippines in the 1920s. Filipinos then were
already drinking cacao-based tsokolate, so Hershey’s Breakfast Cocoa gained
patronage as the powder was also used for baking. Hershey’s Philippines
continues to sell products, including on online channels. Hershey’s Cocoa is
still available in the market today after over 100 years!
Kellogg's Corn Flakes, 1935 Print Ad
KELLOGG'S CORN FLAKES
The staple of American breakfast—Kellogg’s Corn
Flakes—involved several family members like Ella Eaton Kellogg, John Harvey
Kellogg, his younger brother Will Keith Kellogg. The wheat based product, that
was rolled into flakes that were baked, were served at a sanitarium, but demand
became heavy and so the flakes were sold thru mail-order. The contentious
Kellogg brothers had a falling out, so in 1906, and renamed it the Kellogg
Toasted Corn Flake Company in 1909 (shortened the KelloggCompany in 1922.)
Kellogg Corn Flakes were available in Manila by the 1920s, sold for its health
benefits. It was made to appeal more to the American market in the Philippines,
as Filipinos favored rice for breakfast. Today, Kellogg’s are available in the
Philippines which is part of Kellogg’s SouthEast Asia network. Fruit loops
and frosted flakes come from thei manufacturing plants in Thailand.
SUN-MAID Raisins, 1926 Ad
SUN-MAID RAISINS
In 1912, raising growers in California and banded
together to sell their common product as one, thus the California Associated
Raisin Company was born. Under the brand SUN-MAID, coined by advertising man
E.A. Berg, the California seedless raisin products, in their iconic carton
boxes featuring a bonneted woman with a basket of grapes against a yellow sun,
was launched in the market. SUN-MAID Raisins were so special in the Philippines
that they were advertised only during the holidays, as snacks or as ingredients
for candies and fruitcakes,
WRIGLEY'S Gum, 1926 Print Ad
WRIGLEY’S GUMS
The historic Wrigley chewing gum company was founded 133
years ago in 1891 by Wiliam Wrigley Jr. in Chicago, Illinois. He actually was
into selling baking powder, which he promoted by giving 2 packs of chewing gum
for every purchase.It was the chewing
gum, however, that interested consumers more. Thus began his Wrigley’s
Spearmint Gum, that would catapult Wrigley Company as the largest manufacturer and marketer of chewing
gum in the world. Wrigley’s Spearmint Gum made use of a “Spearman” mascot in
promoting the product in the Philippines. Succeeding variants were JuicyFruit,
a bestseller in the country, and Doublemint,
An unheralded singer stole the show at the 1st
ever Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (METROPOP) in 1978 when she sang the soaring “Narito
Ako", a composition of well-known composer, Nonong Pedero. MARICIRIS BERMONT,
the lovely curly-haired Filipino-French mestiza sang her heart to a commendable 3rd
place finish, after “Pagdating Mo” (Celeste Legaspi), and “Kay Ganda ng Ating
Musika” (Hajji Alejandro).
Bermont, then 30, was largely unknown, singing in limited
circles in events and muscals staged at ManilaMetropolitan Theater, Her triumph
signaled the start of a successful career in the mainstream Philippine music
industry. After her stint at Metropop, she once again represented the contry at
an international song festival in Puerto Rico, where she emerged as the Grand
Prize winner.
AT THE 1ST METROPOP FESTIVAL,with Nonong Pedero
She was sought after for television shows and was even
recruited for the movies, appearing in at least 2: “Dyesebel” (1978), “Nognog”
(1980).
In 1979, LA GERMANIA, leading maker of gas ranges, ovens
and other appliances, tapped the young mother (she was married to Gerardo C. Garcia +) to appear in a series of print
ads, with a TV version wher she sang the memorable “La Germania generates
love..” jingle. Beauty queen Consuelo Escalambre had appeared in an earlier,
similar version, singing and strumming a guitar.
The ad agency kept the same formula and soon,
guitar-playing Bermont was heard all over the airwaves, and seen in many versions
of LA GERMANIA print ads.
Eventually, the Bermonts became a born again Christian family in the
early 1980s. Maricris Bermont shifted to singing songs of faith and inspiration and, to this day, continues
to perform and make guest appearances in many Christian fellowship
events, TV and radio shows. Regine Velasquez would turn her 1978 hit song "Narito Ako", into another retro-bestseller in 1990. The Bermonts are a part of the Word Community (Wordcomm) of Makati; her son, is in fact, a pastor of that gospel-centered church.
In the mid 70s, a new face burst into the local modeling
scene with the homecoming of Filipina-Polish international model Jolina
Wyrzykowski-Zandueta. She was the daughter of Jolyon Wyrzykowski, a Polish and
opera singer Maria Nina Zandueta, a Filipina, whose contemporaries included
IrmaPotenciano and Conching Rosal. Nina Zandueta took her daughter in tow when
she returned to Manila to joina twin bill production of I Pagliacci and Cavalleria
Rusticana.
HARPER'S BAZAAR COVER GIRL, JOLINA ZANDUETA,1970
Jolina’s presence in Manila created quite a stir as she
was the first Filipina model to be featured on the cover of Harper's Bazaar,
June 1970 issue. She, along with Ping Valencia, were the precursors of today’s
‘supermodels’, the only Filipina beauties to have modeled abroad.
JOLINA ZANDUETA,for PONDS' Philippines, 1976
POND’s snapped her immediately, and Jolina appeared in a
print ad—part of a “Secrets of a Beautiful Face” series, actually—that saw
print in local magazines. She became the toast of Manila, and made the rounds
of exclusive fashion shows and local media.
PAUL MITCHELL--The Man Behind the Brand
At that time, she was already married to Paul Mitchell, a
successful hairstylist at 16, who built
his fortune as a co-founder (along with John PaulDejoria) of the John Paul
Mitchell Systems. The company that developed and sold hair care products that would become famous
global brands.
JOLINA AND ANGUS, FB Page, Angus Mitchell
Jolina and Paul had an only child, Angus Mitchell, born
in 1970. Their son inherited the business in 1989 upon the death of Paul from
pancreatic cancer in 1989. He would expand the company by operating hairdressing
schools in 2000.
Today, Jolina Zandueta Mitchell is a passionate advocate
in the fight against pancreatic cancer, climate change, and in the promotion of
clean energy, and wildlife conservations.
The versatile actor RONALD REMY, was born in 1937 as Ronald
Kookooritchkin, of Filipino-Russian parentage. His father, Russian Army soldier Eremes, had fled the Bolshevik Revolution He was introduced in the movie “Condenado”,
under Sampaguita Pictures, then moved to Premiere Productions, which was the
studio of his wife, Lily Marquez or Dinah Jean Rogers-Remy, in real life.
Oftentimes, Remy was cast in a variety of roles—from a contrabida, a soldier of
war, to a costumed hero.
RONALD REMY, AT THE TOP OF HIS TV CAREER, IN 1975
Because of his facility with the English language, Remy appeared
in many American and U.S.-Filipino produced English films. Some of these
include movies that have now become cult classics like No Man is an Island (1962,
as Chico Torres), Blood is the Color of the Night (1964, as Dr. Marco), Flight
of the Sparrow (1967), and perhaps his best known film, The Longest Hundred
Miles (1967). As a wartime guerrilla, he co-starred with Hollywood stars like
Ricardo Montalban, Doug McClure, and Katherine Ross, who, in that same year,
earned an Oscar nomination for “The Graduate”.
(L) REMY in 'The Longest Hundred Miles"
The multi-talented Remy also tried directing, and his
chance came with the suspense-thriller film,“Zigzag” (1963), where he directed
actor George Nader and Sylvia Lawrence.
LA GERMANIA AD WITH THE REMYS, 1982
In the 70s, he reinvented himself as a sitcom actor,
appearing as husband of Rosa Rosal in the TV comedy series,“Yan Ang Misis Ko”. He also became a TV host
and emcee for “Lucky 13” Game Show on Channel 13. He and his wife became active leaders of a popular Born Again Christian Family movement, until his passing. The Remys have a daughter, Jackie
Kookooritchkin, who also did print ads, and appeared on TV and films, who has
also passed away in 2021.
SOURCES:
Ronald Remy info, wikipedia.org, Screen grabds from various Ronald Remy movies,
" GEE YOUR HAIR SMELLS TERRIFIC" Product Ad, 1989-90
The popular shampoo that uses an effusively kilometric
sentence as its brand name---"GEE YOUR HAIR TERRIFIC”—was sold in the
Philippines in the late 1980s in very mod plastic bottles that came in bold primary colors—red,
yellow and blue. The shampoo brand was manufactured by Andrew Jergens Co, in
the 70s. I only reached the Philippines a decade later, after a successful run
in the U.S. Jergen’s lincesed the shampoo’s formulation to Vibelle
Manufacturing Corp. in Malabon, which also markets Caronia and Bioré, both
cosmetic brands. Which is why, even with the death of he brand in the U.S. it was
still around in the early 1990s
WATCH THE U.S. "GEE YOUR HAIR SMELLS TERRIFIC" 1976 TVC HERE:
The product is now defunct, but during its shortlived appearance
on market shelves in the Philippines, "GEE YOUR HAIR TERRIFIC” was advertised
in full color magazine ads using plain product shots that were unimagitive and not at all-- well, terrific. OnTV, a U.S.-produced ad was briefly aired. The
novelty of the brand name made it popular with the youth market back in its time, and
was referenced in sitcom scripts, quoted in stand-up comic acts and used in everyday
jargon.
FROM MISS SAIGON TO MISS AVON, Lea Salonga, ca.1999-2000
By the new millennium, LEA SALONGA was already an
established star of the musical theater stage, having conquered Broadway
when Cameron MacKintosh’sMiss
Saigon opened in 1991, after her West End stint. She again played
the role of Kim in the U.S., winning the Drama Desk,Outer
Critics Circle, and Theatre World awards—and the most coveted of
them all, a Tony Award, the first actress of Asian descent to be so honored.
Salonga would return to Broadway again sometime in
2000, to rehearse with the cast, for the closing of the Miss Saigon production
in 2001. While there, she was contacted by AVON, the direct-selling American-British
multinational cosmetics, skin care, perfume and personal care company.
AVON was in the midst of pitching the promotion of
its cosmetic products. In the end, the company decided to produce in-house their
first-ever global advertising campaign,
under the banner “Let’s Talk”. The ads focused on AVON’s
relationship with women and its latest beauty innovations.
LEA SALONGA was one of the celebrities handpicked
by AVON to talk to women everywhere in ways they understand. A simple
format was used to accommodate the busy schedule of the Broadway sensation. A representative from Jimenez DMB&B,
the Makati-based agency that was handling the AVON business in the
Philippines, flew over to New York, during the quick shoot, using an
all-American production crew.
AVON PHOTOBOARD, "LET'S TALK" TVC 30s
The campaign was rolled out internationally in 2000, at a
cost approximately $90 million in 2000, 50% more than the over 1999 budget allocation.
Salonga’s slick, fashion-forward AVON Commercial was aired in the
Philippines for a brief period, another addition to her portfolio of major advertising
accomplishments that was driven by her historic
international success on the world stage, which remains unequalled to this day.
12 YEAR OLD CARMINA VILLAROEL, in her debut JOLLIBEE TVC
Many actors
and actresses have taken the “commercial route” to a career in showbiz, going
to casting auditions conducted regularly by ad agencies in the hope of snagging
any role for a TV appearance. One of those who made it in her early try was
CARMINA VILLAROEL, who was just 12 when she was cast by Basic FCB for a
Jollibee Commercial in 1988.
CREATIVE GUILD'S TOP ADVERTISING MODEL, 1988
Caster
and future ad director Mario Sarmiento put her up for a lead role in the "Jollibee Good- Girl” TVC, that called for pre-teen talent with an angelic,
innocent face, capable of demonstrating hopefulness, disappointment, surprise,
and then sheer enjoyment and gratefulness, all in 45 seconds
The
Jollibee clients approved Sarmiento’s talent recommendation and that’s how Carmina came to star in a Jollibee ad that shows her being left out by his
“kuya” and his gang, who were out to paint the town red. She sits down,
dejected and alone. But her “kuya” –after seeing her sad as they drove
away—realized his little sister’s disappointment. He turns back, collects her
and brings her to Jollibee along with his gang, where she had the most
delightful moment –with all the good things she was hungering for—attention,
acceptance, inclusion, and yes, food that pleases!
JOLLIBEE GIRL CARMINA, 1988
The
Jollibee not only caught the attention of many TV viewers but also the members
of the jury of the Creative Guild who were tasked with selecting the Top 10 Ad
Models for 1988.Carmina Villaroel
easily got a place among the winners (that included RJ Ledesma, Michael Alfers,
Ricky Francisco, who all tried showbiz) who were awarded during that year’s Ad
of the Year finals held on 30 Aug. 1988 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.
COVER GIRL CARMINA, with Robert Ortega of "That's Entertainment" MR & MS. Magazine Cover, 1989
Influential
movie producer Lily “Mother Lily” Monteverde, head of Regal Entertainment, also saw Villaroel in the commercial and
sought her out, trained her, and set her on a showbiz career that would propel
her to stardom—churning out hit movies of all genres like ”Tiyanak”, “Regal Shocker”,
“Dyesebel”, “Shake, Rattle and Roll II“, Hindi Kita Malilimutan”, “Kahit
Mabuhay Kang Muli”, “Hanggang sa Huling Hininga”, among others. Villaroel also had a flourishing career on TV beginning with "That's Entertainment", sitcoms "Palibhasa Lalake", "Chika Chika Chicks", and the noontime show, "Eat Bulaga".
CARMINA and husband ZOREN LEGASPI, in a Jollibee commercial.
When she
came of age, she married Rustom Padilla, her love team partner in such movies
as “Maruja” and “Hindi Magbabago”. Their marriage was annulled in 2002, and in
2012, Villaroel married actor Zoren Legaspi in 2012. They have twin kids, Mavy
and Cassy, who are currently, both young showbiz personalities.
WATCH THE LEGASPI FAMILY IN A JOLLIBEE TVC HERE:
Villaroel
would be inextricably associated with Jollibee, such that when the twins came
of age, Jollibee signed up the whole Legaspi Family in 2014 for a series of
commercials beginning with one that alluded to Villaroel’s past iconic commercial.
They also starred in other Jollibee product and seasonal ads (Jolly Spaghetti,
Chickenjoy, Magbigay ng Joy). Villaroel’s Jollibee adventure had come full
circle with her return to these ads.
CARMINA VILLAROEL with hsuband Zoren, children Mavy and Cassy.
The passing of retailer billionaire Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco
on 8 February 2024 brings to a close another chapter in the charmed history of
RUSTANS’-the shopping empire founded by her parents, Bienvenido "Benny"Tantoco Sr. of Malolos, and
Gliceria “Glecy” Rustia-Tantoco. As the eldest daughter, Nedy took over the helm of the enterprise with the same visionary approach espoused by her parents,
RUSTAN’S introduced Filipinos to the finer things in
life, raising their shopping experience to a whole new level.
The couple’s store began in their own living room where
they sold trinkets brought home from their European jaunt. This led to their first
shop in Manila, along San Marcelino St., which evolved into Rustan’s Department
Store. It began carrying signature brands like Dior and YSL, and enjoyed brisk
growth and success in the 60s. By 1970, their flagship store with its distinctive
blue geometric façade was the shopping place to see and be seen, selling lifestyle
brands that represented “the true, the good, and the beautiful”. No, that was
not Imelda’s mantra—but Glecy’s motto.
RUSTAN'S MAKATI, 1970
By that time, their association with the Marcoses was
well-known, and the Rustan’s empire expanded to include another giant branch in
Cubao (1973) and Cebu.
All the major designer brands were sold in Rustan’s: Lacoste,
Lanvin, Gucci, Marks & Spencers, The Gap, Banana Republic, Zara, Calvin Klein,
and many more.
WHEN YOU THINK PHILIPPINES, THINK RUSTAN'S. 1976
Rustan’s was also known for its wide array of Filipiniana
products, and of course, its Supermarkets. The ouster of the Marcoses in 1986,
the death of Glecy in 1994, and patriarch Bienvenido (age 100, in 2021), did
not affect the Rustan’s business as it continued to move forward--it would
operate Starbucks, Duty Free shops and real estate developments (Sta. Elena
Realty).
Rustan’s continue to lead the way in revolutionizing the retail industry, and in uplifting Filipino
taste for goods and merchandise of the highest order, style, and quality. Nothing has
changed after over 70 years of Rustan’s , and that is, to indulge only in what
is true, what is good and beautiful.
BANCO FILIPINO, The First Bank, and its iconic logo.
BANCO FILIPINO was founded in 1964 in Plaza Sta.
Cruz by Tomas Aguirre, whose fortune was built on his successful pawnshop
business.The finance industry was
stunned by its phenomenal growth, and by 1966 was considered a major player in
the banking field.
BANCO FILIPINO....Bank Anytime! 1966 Ad
By the 1970s, it had attracted over a million patrons,
and in the 80s, had 89 branches nationwide. It parlayed its early success into
a sprawling real property development project-- BANCO FILIPINO HOMES, or
B.F. Homes, located in Las Pinas and Paranaque, the largest gated
residential community in Asia.
B.F. HOMES, Print Ad. 1967
It touted itself as the FIRST BANK, as it indeed,
it was the first bank to pay interest on savings deposit, and the first to pay
interest in advance to those with time deposits. BANCO FILIPINO built
its string financial base by accepting small peso deposits, including coin
deposits from small entrepreneurs and unique products like Happy Savers Club
promoted with children in mind.
ARAW-ARAW INTEREST NG INTEREST! 1965-66 Print Ads
BANCO FILIPINO further strengthen its position of
advantage through advertising.The campaign of BANCO FILIPINO was also first in
the industry, in that it used consumer language in Pilipino as early as 1968—“interest
last month, interest this month, interest next month, interest araw-araw!”.
This kind of advertisement was alien to those in the
banking industry—most banks then had been using abstractads such as “Your Partner in Progress”, or
“Place your Future in our Hands”. Then, a year later, when there was a bank run
and BANCO FILIPINO survived it, the slogan “Subok na matibay,
subok na matatag”—to indicate the bank’s stability and strength, was
employed and eventually became a by-word.
WATCH BANCO FILIPINO'S 'Interes ng Interes' TVC HERE:
The campaign is attributed to Ace-Compton, and the
slogan to copywriter Frankie Lacambra (he also created the Bank of Asia “Madaling
lapitan”campaign), which was used
for many years in the bank’s TV and print ads.
BANCO FILIPINO’s amazing run ended in 1985, when
the bank went insolvent and was ordered closed by Central Bank. But after the
Supreme Court declared its closure illegal, the bank reopened in 1994, using
the same communication platform thatmade it famous---“subok na matibay, subok na matatag”.But business was never the same after that. BANCO FILIPINO was
closed again in 2011 by Central Bank for its massive liabilities that exceeded
its assets, leading to its permanent demise.
SOURCES:
4 As Philippines, youtube channel
De la Torre, Visitacion. Advertising in the Philippines :
its historical, cultural, and social dimensions,Tower Book House, 1989
1964-1971, Special Supplements, Banking Institution,
Sunday Times Magazine.
McDo's Most Memorable "Karen/Lolo" TVC, Hemisphere-Leo Burnett, 2001
In 2001, Hemisphere-Leo Burnett produced a
TV commercial for its client McDonald’s that departed from the usual “good
time, great place, great taste” executions that depicted happy folks,
delightful kids, smiling customers in a fun-looking place, with a memorable
jingle to match.
The 45 seconder “Karen/Lolo” ad touched millions just by showing a quiet, simple
interaction between an aging grandfather and his favorite granddaughter Karen.
Slightly peeved for being called by a different name by the grandfather with a
failing memory, Karen’s attitude changed when the grandfather wraps half of the
burger to save it “para sa paborito kong
apo….Karen”.
WATCH McDO'S "KAREN/LOLO" AWARD-WINNING TVC HERE:
(TVC courtesy of 4 As Philippines' youtube channel)
The iconic commercial was one of the most
multi-awarded ads in history. In 2002, it earned a PILAK AWARD from the 4As Philippines, as one of the Top
25 Classic Ads from the last 50 years.
KAREN/ LOLO, PILAK Awardee, 2002
At the 1st Kidlat Ads of the
Decade presented by the Creative Guild of the Philippines in 2010, McDonald's "Karen"TV by Leo
Burnett, shared honors along with Philippine Daily Inquirer "Volcanic Ash" print ad by Ogilvy & Mather and Lotus Spa "Traffic
Therapy" radio ad by JWT. The ads were chosen from the Ads of the Year,
from 1999 to 2009.
Internationally "Karen/Lolo” was the first Philippine ad
to win a Gold Lotus in the ADFEST. This
unique award is given to works that embody local values whether in terms of
culture, religion, beliefs, traditions, language, insights, or context.
CREDITS:
CLIENT: McDONALD's Philippines
AGENCY: Hemisphere-Leo Burnett
Creative Director: Richard Irvine / Edsel
Tolentino
Copywriter: Sheila dela Cuesta/ Art Director: Mike dela Cuesta / Joel
Eudela
Producer: Irene Chingcuangco / Talent Caster: Abbey Young/ Jonathan Herr
PRODUCTION HOUSE: Production Village
Director: Thierry Notz / Cinematographer: Larry Manda
"KAREN” AND “LOLO”, Then and Now
Karen de los Reyes. The character “Karen” was played by a fresh-faced
17 year old talent, GlomiroseAmor de los Reyes (b. 29 Sep.1984), a St. Benilde
student. Glomirose was lured by GMA Networks to join its roster of talents and
it was no surprise that she adapted the screen name Karen delos Reyes”.
She was first signed up for the youth
series “Click”, and went on to bigger projects, joining the reality show
“Survivor Philippines” and appearing as Savannah in the blockbuster fantasy,
“Mulawin”.
Now 39, she is a single mom with a son,
Gabriel Lucas, and continues to be active on TV.
Rudy Francisco. The grandfather role was essayed by 79 year
old lawyer and actor Rudy Francisco (b. 4 Sep. 1922), younger brother of
matinee idol, Fred Montilla. While still a Far Eastern University law student,
the younger Francisco moonlit as an actor, making abiut 10 movies during his
short showbiz stint (1951-54). He was known for “Teniente Ramirez”, “May Araw
Pang Darating” (with Gloria Romero) , “Buhay Pilipino”and Binibining Kalog
(with Lolita Rodriguez). He later lawyered for Sampaguita Films.
Rudy’s son is the businessman, commercial
director, film-tv-stage actor Raymond Francisco, better known as RS Francisco. Lolo
Rudy passed away on 8 May 2019 in Manila, at the venerable age of 96.
SOURCES / CREDITS:
Photo of Karen delos Reyes, GMA Network
Bios of Karen delos Reyes and Rudy
Francisco, Wikipedia
The breakthrough Filipina actress who was the first to
win acclaim internationally was CHARITO SOLIS (b. 6 Oct. 1935/ d. 9 Jan, 1998).
In 1967, she won Best Actress at the Asian Film Festival held in Tokyo, Japan for her role in “Dahil
sa Isang Bulaklak”, of Nepomuceno Films.
Manila-born Rosario Violeta Solís Hernández was
introduced in LVN Pictures’“Niña
Bonita” (1955) with Jaime dela Rosa. Her maiden film was such a hit, paving the way for a career that spanned over
4 decades.
DAHIL SA ISANG BULAKLAK, Print Ad, 1966
Her stint with Nepomuceno Films was most memorable. From
1967 to 1971, she starred in some of the most critically acclaimed movies of
her career, starting with “Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak”, which became the country’s
1st entry to the 40thOscar Awards, and for which she got invited to attend the awards night.
Solis next
appeared in “Igorota” (1968), daring because of her barebreasted appearance.
She scored a FAMAS Best Actress for this film. The next year, she did “Ang
Pulubi”, released internationally as “The Beggar”. She would win an
unprecedented 5 FAMAS Best Actress nods,
the other 4 being for Her other
four FAMAS Best Actress wins were for “Kundiman ng Lahi “(1949); Emily (1960);
Angustia (1963); and Don't Cry for Me, Papa (1983). For this, Solis was
enshrined in the FAMAS Hall of Fame.
ANG PULUBI, print ad. Courtesy of Arch. Gerard Lico
She extend her career in television, beginning with “The
Charito Solis Show” (1966-68) , ABS-CBN) and “Obra Mestra” (1973). But it was
in the comedy sitcom “Okay Ka Fairy Ko”(1987) as the flamboyant and meddlesome fairy Ina
Magenta, that she found newfound fame in the 1980s.
CHARITO SOLIS FOR CAMAY, 1955
CHARITO SOLIS was tapped by a few, but well-known beauty
products of international companies. She was an early CAMAY beauty when the
best-selling Procter & Gamble PMC soap was launched, that used the
country’s biggest movie stars in its promotional ads.
CHARITO SOLIS FOR POND'S, 1975
Twenty years after, in 1975, she became a celebrity model
for POND’s, then from Chesebrough Manufacturing Co. affiliated with PRC (Phil.
Refining Co.). Solis’s testimonial ad was one of a series, that included teen
personality Jackie Lou Blanco, beauty queen Charina Zaragoza, and international
model Jolina Zandueta, among others.
CHARITO SOLIS died of a heart attack in Calamba, Laguna, age 62.
Her last appearance was for an episode in GMA Telecine Specials aired in 1998,
entitled “Iguhit mo sa Alaala”.
