478. LUX GIRL: Actress, Singer HELEN ALBENT GAMBOA, 1969

HELEN ALBENT GAMBOA, LUX LADY, 1969 PRINT AD

One of the most popular, multi-facetted celebrities from the 60s, HELEN ALBENT GAMBOA (b. 7 May 1946), daughter of Kapampangan parents Domingo Gamboa and Eusebia Pangilinan Albent, made a name for herself first as a beauty queen, then became a singer of note, joined the movie bandwagon and became an icon of the ‘shing-aling’ decade.

She gained fame when, as a 15 year old, she placed 2nd to winner Cynthia Ugalde at the Miss Philippine Press Photography pageant, a contest conceived by an association of Philippine photographers in 1961. She was a Liberal Arts student at that time and before she knew it, Helen was swamped with movie offers and chose to sign up with Larry Santiago Productions. 

HELEN GAMBOA at the Miss PPP 1961, candidate # 13.

She was introduced in “Gorio and his Jeepney “ with Chiquito in 1962, based on a hit comic strip drawn by Larry Alcala for Manila Times. Directed by Pablo Santiago, the movie was an instant hit and Helen was on her way.

She followed this up with “Hugo, the Sidewalk Vendors” (with Berting Labra) and “Sakay and Moy” (with Oscar Obligacion and Cris de Vera), whose main characters were drawn from Philippine ‘komiks’. From her initial PhP 1,000 talent fee, she commanded Php 40,000 in her next films, a princely sum in the mid '60s.

She recorded many hit albums, doing covers of the popular songs of British singers, Petula Clark, Mary Hopkins, and Lulu. 

LA GAMBOA, at the peak of her song 'n dance career.

In 1969, Helen, at the peak of her career was tapped by J.Walter Thompson advertising agency to appear as an endorser for their blue chip account, LUX Beauty Soap, relaunched “with a new kind of luxury---now with nourishing cream”.  The LUX campaign featured a television commercial and a centerspread colored ad.

Centerspread ad of LUX, now with Nourishing Cream, 1969

Helen eloped with band musician Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, of the Tiltdown Men, a future senator and politician. Their children include Romina, Diorella, Gian and Ciara. Helen Gamboa is still active in the entertainment scene today, and continues to make appearances in productions produced by major TV channels. She also has done guestings in select music events that showcase her at her best--singing and dancing to the delight of her fans.

SOURCES:

Photo and Info: Views from the Pampang, '60s Singing Star: Helen Albent Gamboa of Sta. Ana, http://viewsfromthepampang.blogspot.com/2011/08/264-60s-singing-star-helen-alvent.html