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

158. Miss No. 1: AMALIA FUENTES, Celebrity Endorser of the 1950s-60s-70s

AMALIA FUENTES AS LUX LADY, 1969

Along with Susan Roces, Amalia Fuentes (b. 27 Aug. 1940) was one of the first true  superstars of the Philippine silver screen of the 60s decade. Naga-born Fuentes was the daughter of Alvaro Muhlach Sr., a Filipino of German-Spanish blood, and Concepcion Amador. Her father had died during the war, so when she came of age, Fuentes decided to find work to support the family.

 

MR. & MISS NO. 1: Juancho and Amalia

Adopting  her stepfather’s surname, she thus became Amalia Fuentes,and at  age 16, the teen beauty entered the search for Sampaguita Pictures’ talent search for Mr. & Miss Number One.

She topped the contest, along with male winner, Juancho Gutierrez, and their careers were launched via their debut film, “Movie Fan”.

It was an instant success and she went on to make more blockbuster hits with Juancho like “Sonata” (1957) and “Pakiusap” (1959). Eventually, she was paired with Romeo Vasquez (“Pretty Boy”, “Ako ang May Sala”), who would become her husband, and father of their daughter Liezl.

AMALIA FUENTES for Mantrade's Fairlane

But it was in the 1960s that her star shone the brightest, beginning with the “Ako ang May Sala” (1960), and the 1963 romantic comedy “Ang Senyorito at ang Atsay”. Her intense screen rivalry with Susan Roces further heightened her fame. They had appeared together in “Amy, Susie, Tessie” (1960). When Roces did the popular “Susanang Daldal”, Fuentes countered with “Amaliang Mali-Mali”, and the competition was on.

SLIM, SLEEK AND BEAUTIFUL AS THE CAR, Mantrade Ad, 1965

As a an actress of superstar status, Fuentes was squired by many companies to endorse their products. The largest Ford dealer in the country, manila Trading & Supply Co. or MANTRADE, signed her up in 1965 to appear in print ads for their latest car model—Fairlane 500.

FUENTES IN REVE D'OR Ads. 1965

She also became an endorser of REVE D’OR,  a premium line of cosmetics (Lotion, Face Powder, Perfume)  distributed by Oceanic Commercial Inc. in 1965.

Fuentes became the face of LUX Beauty Soap in 1969, a casting coup for the brand which had signed up Susan Roces earlier as one of their Lux ladies.  She did a TV commercial that showed her at her most beautiful.

She supported her daughter with Vasquez, Liezl Sumilang, when she,too, became a child star and a commercial model, most notably for SCOTT’S EMULSION in 1974.

The checkered career of Fuentes included not just acting, but she also forayed into movie producing, screenplay writing and directing. But no doubt, it was the pulling power of her beauty that she will be remembered for, earning admiration from three generations of fans who have dubbed her as the Philippine answer to Elizabeth Taylor.