315. Celebrity Endorser: LVN Pictures’ MARITA ZOBEL for Lifebuoy, Scott’s Emulsion, Buttercup and McDonald’s

 

MAGNOLIA BUTTERCUP, with endorser MARITA ZOBEL, 1975

Iloilo belle Mary Ann Blanch (b. 18 Jun. 1941)) was an avid fan of Gloria Romero which inspired her to join showbiz via a talent contest. At the height of the “troubled juvenile delinquent teens” era, LVN Pictures launch a talent search for a “Good Girl”,  to star alongside Lou Salvador Jr., touted as the ‘James Dean of the Philippines’ for his launch film, “Bad Boy”.  The Ilongga bested 300 applicants and clinched a supporting role in the 1957 movie, under the name “Marita Zobel”.  

The Manuel Silos drama bagged the Famas best picture and best story trophies. It also competed at the 10th Berlin International Film Festival in Germany, and was exhibited at the 1960 Asian Film Festival in Tokyo, Japan.

 Portraying sweet virginal types, Zobel gained the attention of critics in“Biyaya ng Lupa” (1959) directed by Manuel Silos. As Angelita, a rape victim who suffered mental trauma, Zobel was nominated for the best supporting actress award at the Famas; the film itself won Best Picture and Best Story trophies.

 Marita’s  fresh wholesome beauty snagged her a LIFEBUOY SOAP contract for a series of print ads in 1961, alongside another heartthrob, Robert Campos, with whom she was also paired and romantically linked.  

In the 1970s, she continued to appear  in at least 2 commercials—one for BUTTERCUP, a Magnolia brand of fresh, premium margarine. Her wholesome ‘young mother ‘ image served her well as she also was seen in a SCOTT’S EMULSION print series that included contemporary celebrity moms like Nida Blanca, Amalia Fuentes and Tita Duran.

LIFEBUOY AD, Marita Zobel with Robert Campos, 1961

She found more fame when she transitioned from film to TV, joining the cast of “’Naku Po!  Tatang!” in 1982, with Leroy Salvador,  Bentot Jr., and father Bentot. The sitcom enjoyed a measure of success and lasted until 1986.  During these time, she was also active in movies, many of which were Sharon Cuneta starrers for VIVA Films

SCOTT'S EMULSION Marita Zobel AD, 1971

It would be over 20 years before was seen again—this time in a grandmother role for a memorable McDONALD’S commercial that came out in 2013. In that endearing TVC, she played a granny, singing Petula Clark’s 1960s hit, “Downtown” while making herself up. All along, her little granddaughter aped was by her side, aping her every move, including her singing.

 WATCH MARITA ZOBEL IN THIS McDO TVC

DOWNTOWN TVC, 2013

Today at 79, Marita Zobel  still makes choice appearances  on TV. Her latest  was in the cast of  the telenovela “The Story of Us” (2016, Channel 2), and a recurring role in “Destined to be Yours (2017, GMA 7). She is a half-sister of 1990s singer-stage actor Jaime Blanch, and grandmother of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 1^st Runner up Ysabella Ysmael.

SOURCES:

Colored Vintage Picture of Marita Zobel: VIDEO 48

Marita Zobel, 78, urges elders in show biz to be prayer warriors by Marinel Cruz, Philippine Daily Inquirer / 12:40 AM April 14, 2020 https://entertainment.inquirer.net/371441/marita-zobel-78-urges-elders-in-show-biz-to-be-prayer-warriors

McDo Philippines TVC 2013 Lola and her little apo sing 'Downtown' [HD], uploaded by Allan Franco Ocal, 26 Sep. 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9ne2GW0MDM