Rica Peralejo

Rica Peralejo (born Regina Carla Bautista Peralejo on March 7, 1981) is a Filipina actress, singer, and television host. She is a member of ABS-CBN's circle of homegrown talents collectively known as Star Magic.

Biography:

Peralejo began her career in show business as a child actress in the ABS-CBN children's variety show Ang TV. She eventually moved on to teen-oriented programs such as T.G.I.S. and Gimik. She was co-currently educated at the all-girls' School of the Holy Spirit.

Growing into adulthood, Peralejo began acting in movies and through the years she has gained popularity by periodically shifting into different movie genres. She starred in comedies such as Banyo Queen (with rapper Andrew E.) and action movies like Ex-Con. This was followed by her roles in "sexy" movies such as Balahibong Pusa, earning her the title "Bold Queen". More recently, Peralejo became well-known for her roles in horror movies such as Malikmata and it was because of these movies that the Philippine media alternately dubbed her "Horror Queen" and "Scream Queen". She is reportedly filming a new horror movie titled Matakot Ka Sa Karma which will be shown at the 2006 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Between making movies, Peralejo also appeared in television programs such as the sitcom Ok Fine Whatever and the weekly variety program ASAP. She was recently in the drama series Sa Piling Mo, which is currently available on video, and Pangarap na Bituin.

Ever the performer, Peralejo also found time for her singing career. In the late 1990s she released the album Ikaw Pa Rin At Ako which produced the hit single "Fallin'". She was also featured on the soundtrack of the movie Sa Huling Paghihintay, where she sang three songs: "Maghihintay Ako", "Can We Just Stop And Talk A While" and "Bakit Mahal Kita". Her current album is titled Bollywood Fever.

Trivia:

• Rica Peralejo is 5' 4" tall.
• She is the elder sister of former actress Paula Peralejo.
• Though she is 26 years old, at the time of this writing she is an incoming freshman at the Ateneo de Manila University, taking up creative writing.
• Actor Piolo Pascual admitted that he is still in love with her
• Bernard Palanca was once her boyfriend for a couple of years

Angelika Panganiban

Angelica Panganiban (born on November 4, 1986 in the Caloocan City, Philippines) is a television and film actress, commercial model and product endorser working in ABS-CBN. Angelica is now preparing for her newest teleserye in ABS-CBN entitled Iisa Pa Lamang with Gabby Concepcion and Claudine Barretto.
Biography:

Angelica's parents separated when she was two years old. She has no memories of her father. In her childhood, Angelica had thought that her grandfather, Alfredo Panganiban, was her real father.

Career:

Panganiban is a famous actress among of her credits are Mangarap Ka with Piolo Pascual, Vietnam Rose, Maging Sino Ka Man, Rounin, Ysabella and Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik.

Trivia:

• She admits that people have always remarked on how much she looked like Julie Vega(one of the first Filipino soap opera icons).
• Angel on Earth:Angelica Panganiban's debut title which was aired on ABS-CBN.
• The movie Santa-Santita was Angelica Panganiban's launching movie under Unitel Pictures last 2004.
• She is currently in a relationship with model and actor Derek Ramsay.
• She currently plays golf and ultimate frisbee.

Ely Buendia

Eleandre Basiño Buendía, popularly known as Ely Buendia, and also once adopting the stage name, Jesus "Dizzy" Ventura, (born November 2, 1970) is a Filipino writer and musician, who gained fame as guitarist, songwriter, and lead vocalist in the popular Pinoy rock band, The Eraserheads. His gift in songwriting, in which he contributed heavily to the band, has earned him a reputation as one of the most respected icons in the country. He currently performs as guitarist and lead vocalist for the band, Pupil.

The Eraserheads:

In December 1989, Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Marcus Adoro and Buddy Zabala formed the Eraserheads in their collegiate school, the University of the Philippines, Diliman. The band found that they weren't good at covering other people's hits, so they concentrated on writing their own materials instead. "After all, if we committed a mistake no one would recognize it since they don't know the song, right?," Buendia explained. Performing their original songs live soon earned them a cult following in the University, which gradually spread outside the campus. One of the songs, a pop song entitled, Pare Ko, which Buendia wrote, became very popular, partly because of the lyrics which included a few swear words.

The Eraserheads eventually signed a three-year deal with BMG Pilipinas. Their debut album, "UltraElectroMagneticPop!" featured no less than Pare Ko and a host of other novelty pieces that had people listening and discovering more about the quartet. The album also brought the underground college rock scene into public awareness. 1993 saw the emergence of "Eraserheadsmania" because of successive hit singles, sold-out concerts and thousands of fans.

Buendia continued to write songs for the band, many of which became hit singles and classics. The Eraserheads' lasted for ten years before finally breaking up with Buendia and Adoro's departure. During those 10 years, the band produced eight studio albums along with other EPs and singles. Their gigs took them out of the country, with tours in the U.S. and other countries. One album, "Aloha Milkyway, was released in the Asian region. The Eraserheads were also the first ever Filipino artists to receive the "Moon Man" trophy for winning the 1997 MTV Asia Viewer's Choice Award for the video of their song, "Ang Huling El Bimbo." This hit was also written by Buendia, like many others that the band produced.

The Eraserheads had one of the most influential runs in OPM history. Their prolific contributions to the OPM repertoire backed by remarkable sales led their record company, Sony-BMG to dub them "The Beatles of the Philippines". Buendia had correspondingly been dubbed the John Lennon of OPM. Ely remarked, however ,that he does not relish being a "John Lennon of OPM" as he craves for his own identity and to be known as "Ely Buendia of OPM."

Leaving the Eraserheads:

After weeks of speculation, it was confirmed that Buendia had left the band in mid-March 2002 for "reasons unknown". However, in subsequent interviews, Buendia pointed to business matters as the cause of the band's break-up.

In an interview, Marasigan said he was eating in SM Megamall, a local shopping mall, when he heard of the news (how he heard of it, was not clear). He said he was "semi-surprised" and wondered if Zabala already knew about it. Adoro told of the story now famous among Eraserheads fans about Buendia's cryptic text message. He said Buendia stated in the text message that he had already "graduated." Adoro quipped in the same interview that Buendia being the first to graduate was natural, since he was in batch '87 in their school (UP, Diliman), while they were in Batch '88.

Zabala confesses in an interview that disbanding had not been that far away from the members' minds. He said that there were so many occasions where they could have disbanded but they did not. Adoro expressed the belief of some people that the band was getting too old and that it was "selfish" for the band to continue, likely referring to comments about how it's time for other bands besides the Eraserheads to shine. The band made it clear, though, that Buendia's departure from the band wasn't in any way violent and there was no shouting (sigawan) or any confrontation.

Without giving up, the three remaining original Eraserheads decided to continue on. Within just a few weeks, the "new" Eheads debuted at Hard Rock Cafe in Makati City on April 19 featuring a female singer-guitarist, Kris Gorra-Dancel from the band, Fatal Posporos. However after a few months, Adoro also quit the band. The remaining members of the Eraserheads added Diego Mapa and Ebe Dancel to their lineup and renamed their band, "Cambio."

The Mongols:

After leaving the Eraserheads, Buendia formed the band, The Mongols. It was composed of guitarist J. Astro (also known as Jerome Velasco) (of The Teeth), bassist Yan Yuzon, drummer Bogs "Boga Man" Jugo (of the indie pop band Daydream Cycle), and Buendia on guitars and vocals, under the stage name Jesus "Dizzy" Ventura. The band was managed by Buendia's wife, Diane Ventura.

The Mongols released a self-produced underground EP in CD-R format with factory-printed sleeves in April 2003, "A Fraction of A Second". It contains five tracks, "Case Logic", "No", "Tomorrowland", "KSP" and "Abstraction of A Second". It was released under "Redrum Records".

After a few months, the Mongols decided to have their self-produced album distributed by Neo Records Inc. under the major label VIVA Records. The result is a thirteen-track album called "Buddha's Pest" (tracks are: "Keeper," "Bulakbol," "Bakit Nga Ba?," "Pony," "Teka Muna," "Candy Flip," "Heroine," "Wig Out," "It's Over," "Irish Spring," "Odd Even," "Your Bushido" plus an instrumental album filler). It was produced by "The Genghis Klan" under "Criminal Records".

Pupil:

Shortly after The Mongols' guitarist, J.Astro, left the band, the remaining members renamed their group "Pupil." Buendía chanced upon the band name while reading a medical book. The band is enjoying more mainstream popularity, in contrast to the Mongols.

Solo Acts:

Buendía had a solo project, even before leaving the Eraserheads. He recorded ten tracks in his home studio, "Suite 16 Studios." The album was called "Wanted: Bedspacer," and it comprised of the tracks "Wanted Bedspacer," "Monday Mundane," "Kakaiba," "Santo," "Over 18," "Tapos Na," "Acid Tongue," "Oras," "Shallow Breathing," and "Hotchik".

The cassette version of the album has a bonus track titled "In the Midnight".

In mid-2008, Buendía commenced a series of solo gigs. He mostly sang Eraserheads songs accompanied by indie bands or sessionists, without his band Pupil. First he had a local performance with the Oven Toaster band in the Mag:net Cafe, the Fort. Then he performed an all-Eraserheads number in Manning Bar, Sydney, Australia (dubbed "The closest to an Eraserheads reunion" ). Apparently, most fans have been intrigued by these events as there were no issued press releases or announcements regarding his recent solo performances. He also made a new version of "Ang Huling El Bimbo" with FILharmoniKa orchestra for Kumpas compilation.

Eraserheads Reunion:

Buendía will join Marasigan, Adoro, and Zabala for a one-night only reunion show on August 30, 2008 at the CCP Open Grounds between Manila and Pasay City.

Newspaper Columnist:

Ely Buendía had a broadsheet column, entitled "CURSOR," published weekly (every Saturday) in the Entertainment Section of the Manila Bulletin. Some entries are “Cloning Music,” “Crude Little Robots,” “Biocast Entry No. 13,” “A Dystopian Holiday,” “Event Horizon,” “The Answer,” “Misguided Tours,” “A Well-Documented Review,” “Parking and Flying,” “Soaking Up the Bar,” “Mental Floss,” and his final article, “A Cause for Elevation.” Due to Buendia's busy musical career, CURSOR had ended and was last published during the first Saturday of September 2006.

Health:

On Sunday, January 7, 2007, Ely Buendia suffered a heart attack or acute myocardial infarction secondary to arterial blockage. It began when Buendia complained about finding it a bit hard to breathe while they were on the way to a gig in Laguna. But he dismissed it as mere heartburn. After some time, Buendia was reportedly in the middle of a song during a gig in Calamba, Laguna when he felt a sudden pain in his chest and left arm. He was rushed to an Intensive Care Unit at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa. "It turns out that he'd been having a heart attack for the last five hours." according to ex-eheads manager Jessica Zafra. Doctors performed an angiogram on the frontman and it confirmed the heart attack as two of his arteries were blocked. Buendia's condition was confirmed stable after an emergency angioplasty operation headed by Dr. Benjie Luna during the same night. According to Dok Sergio, “Ely is fine, successful yung surgery last night. (Last night's surgery was a success).”

Doctors pointed out that the cause of the heart attack was stress. Buendia's band was booked solid during the holidays. "The first operation addressed only one arterial blockage, There's another one that requires immediate attention." according to Ms. Day Cabuhat. Ely Buendia was transferred to The Philippine Heart Center on the evening of Tuesday, January 9, 2007 for his second angioplasty. "It was Ely's first heart attack and it could have cost him his life, One of his major arteries was 100 percent clogged and the other, 95 percent." says Diane. The doctor said that Ely was genetically predisposed to heart attacks as few of his family members and relatives also suffer from the same ailment. However, when he was transferred to The Philippine Heart Center, Doctors found a third arterial blockage.

The second angioplasty operation conducted on Ely Buendia on January 10, 2007 was successful and is secured from having heart attack recurrence. “The operation was a super success. He is totally out of danger and heart attack recurrence is not expected.” according to Buendia’s attending physician and cardiac surgeon, Dr. Wilfred Dee. Diane, Ely's wife, is a capillary-carcinoma survivor who's now free from cancer cells during the past two years.

On behalf of Pupil, Ms. Day Cabuhat and Diane Ventura gave thanks to everyone who called, visited and expressed their concerns to Ely's condition such us fans, writers, editors, media, sponsors, networks, producers, and most especially to local musicians such as Yael Yuzon, Japs Sergio, Francis Magalona, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Kiko Machine, Menaya, Rico Blanco, Urbandub, Buddy Zabala, Marcus Adoro and many others.

Buendia was finally released from the Hospital and was allowed to stay at home and rest by his doctors on the night of January 15, 2007. "I’ve got a bionic heart now," joked by Buendia.

This event prompted rap artist Francis Magalona, a longtime friend of Buendia and the other Eraserheads, to state the following in his personal blogsite: "Fast forward to right now, 9:58 am, Jan. 9, a lot of what ifs scenarios pop in my head. What if the E-heads members are back, like long-lost blood brothers? What if "the most significant OPM band of Pinoy Rock" would be in one room, what would happen?" And in postscript he adds, "Para sa akin panahon na para mag-reunite ang E-heads. Sugod na mga kapatid...rock & roll na hanggang umaga." which roughly translates, "For me, it's time for E-Heads to reunite. Let's go brothers...rock & roll until the morning comes."

Ely’s first on-stage public appearance after his heart attack was on Saturday, February 10, 2007 as his band, Pupil, performed at The Music Hall in SM Mall of Asia, in an Animax event called “Love Is In The Air”. The event featured a Speed-dating event as a welcome celebration for Valentine’s Day and live performances from other local artists such as Callalily, and Amber. Pupil is also part of “Super Proxy Jam”. It is an event that is hoping to spread awareness for the importance of Cardiovascular Health and for the benefit of The Heartist Foundation Inc. Francis Magalona & The Hardware Sydrome, Parokya Ni Edgar, Gloc-9, Dicta License, PiKaSO, and Dice & Mobbstar are also participants in the said event. Heartist Foundation Inc. is another collaborative effort between Ely Buendia and Francis Magalona.

Fund-raising Concert:

Musicians from the OPM industry gathered at Eastwood City on Sunday, January 28, 2007, for "LivELY: A Fundraising Concert for the Benefit of Ely Buendia." The concert, began at 3:00 PM at the Eastwood Central Plaza, and featured Filipino artists including Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Kitchie Nadal, Rivermaya, Itchyworms, True Faith, Cynthia Alexander, Sponge Cola,Hale,Dicta License, Francis M., Chicosci, Greyhoundz, Up Dharma Down, Paramita, Ciudad, Moonstar 88, Join the Club, Lahi, Oprressed, Makatha, Salindiwa, Rocksteddy, Swissy, and Julianne. The project was organized by local radio station, Magic 89.9, former Eraserheads road manager, Julie Pacañas, director Joyce Bernal, PMX Audio, PhilMusic.com, and friends of Buendia, to raise funds to cover his hospital bills and medical expenses as he recovers from his recent heart attack. The event was open to the public and cash donations were accepted at the event. A huge part of the collected funds was also used to set up Heartist Foundation, Inc.

Notable in the event was the surprise appearance of former Eraserheads lead guitarist, Marcus Adoro who played reggae renditions of classic Eraserheads songs. There were also other special guests, such as Yan Yuzon of Pupil who played guitars for Sponge Cola.

Personal Life:

Ely Buendia is married to Pupil's manager, Diane Ventura. He has two children, Una Aurea (from an early relationship), and Eon Drake (with Diane). Buendia was once romantically connected with She Elgar, who is now married to Mike Elgar of Rivermaya.

In several interviews, such as in the local music magazine, Pinoy, he has expressed a fondness for Stephen King books and history. According to a local television show, Pipol, he wanted to be an architect in his youth. He also loves movies, comics and especially videogames; from classic Nintendo systems up to next-gen consoles as he declared on recent interviews.

Other Works:

* Ely Buendia co-produced Sugar Hiccup’s “Oracle” album with Raimund Marasigan.

* Ely Buendia and his sister, Lally Buendia wrote the songs “Black Whole," “Sucker” and “Marble” for Domino's Fair Tales album. His wife, Diane played Glockenspiel on “In Your Arms and Pedalpitch on “Provocatrice”. Fair Tales was co-produced by Ely (together with his sister), and was mixed by him as well (together with Lazyboy). Domino was fronted by Lally Buendia and the album was released commercially under Viva Records in 2003.

* He composed True Faith’s “Kung ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw” with Lyrics by J. Bacasmas and arranged by Ron Soriano for OctoArts International. Bacasmas is the vocals behind Ultraelectromagneticpop's “Ganjazz.”

* "Magasin" which he wrote was sampled for the track “Girl On Da Magazin” by Legendary Flip-Hop group, Legit Misfitz.

* He wrote the songs “Mga Babae” and "Something Always Brings Me Back To You" sung by the female funk, R&B, rap, and soul music group, Novia under BMG Pilipinas.

* Buendia wrote a song called "Stone's Throw" for Sponge Cola's debut album "Palabas".

* He also collaborated with Pinoy Rap artists in the song “Private Diane” with Francis Magalona and Death Threat. It was released under Sony Music.

* He used the codename “MH Hesus” when he sung back-up vocals for Parokya Ni Edgar’s “Hosanna Ngayong Pasko” Christmas song in the “Jingle Balls Silent Night Holy Cow” album. MH actually means Maalalahanin, it is the street somewhere in Teachers Village, Quezon City where Ely Buendia used to live.

* Ely played a cameo role in Rufa Mae Quinto’s movie entitled, “Masikip Sa Dibdib” where he was playing and singing “Keeper” by The Mongols in a live stage set with audiences going wild and enjoying the music.

* Buendia also sang "Suntok Sa Buwan", an APO Hiking Society original. It was included in the OST of 2000 Viva Films movie "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw", starring Regine Velasquez and Robin Padilla.

* Ely Buendia was included in a commercial project for San Miguel Beer's Red Horse product line, alongside various Filipino Rock icons: Karl Roy from Kapatid, Marc Abaya from Kjwan, Reg Rubio from Greyhoundz, Basti Artadi from Wolfgang and Pepe Smith from the Juan Dela Cruz Band. He also became a top endorser of the Red Horse Muziklaban. During the 2007 Muziklaban, he performed "Nasaan Ka?" with Kjwan as his ad hoc band.

Text LUK4:

As early as January 2006, there were reports that some of Pupil’s fans have been hearing a new song called “Luk4 Jingle”, as it was played on some radio stations and also during the ending credits video of the original episodes of Studio 23’s Barkada Trip. Although due to lack of indications and confirmations from the band and related organizers that time, it was quite unclear if the song was actually from the band or was an old solo project of Ely or the vocals of the said song just sounded like Ely. Until recently, the song was finally confirmed, heard and witnessed when the band played it (titled "Text LUK4") live during the finale of DPC Yellow Pages' "Luk4 The Million - City Adventure Challenge" held on December 8, 2006 at the Metrowalk. Although Pupil plays it during live performances, the song itself was a side project of Ely's.

Fernando C. Amorsolo

FERNANDO C. AMORSOLO
(1892-1972)

Fernando C. Amorsolo, National Artist, was born on May 30, 1892 in Paco, Manila. He spent the first 13 years of his youth in Daet, Camarines Norte.

Already a promising artist at an early age, he busied himself in the midst of rice fields and abaca plantations sketching animals, seascapes, and landscapes. He spent time copying pictures from calendars and sitting by a wharf drawing ships at sea.


During the revolutionary period, he was attracted to the guardia civil in the streets of Daet: he took them as subjects for his painting and drew them well.


While in Daet, Fernando and his brothers studied in a public school and were tutored on how to read and write in Spanish at home. Unfortunately, his father's death left the family destitute and Fernando had to stop studying after only three years of formal schooling.


Two years after his father's death, in 1895, the family returned to Manila and stayed with the painter Don Fabian dela Rosa who was his mother's first cousin. Under Don Fabian's guidance, Fernando learned to mix paints and to wield the brush as his uncle's apprentice.


Amorsolo's first triumph was the second prize he won for his painting Levendo Periodico at the Bazar Escolta organized by the Asociacion Internacional de Artistas in 1908. This was also his first recorded prize in a competition with established artists.


At 17, Amorsolo enrolled at the art school of the Liceo de Manila where, aside from being a scholar, he excelled in drawing and other subjects, and won prizes in several design contests. Later, he graduated from the U.P. School of Fine Arts in 1914.


His most notable work as a student was his painting of a young man and a young woman in a garden. That won for him the first prize in the art school exhibition in his graduation year.


Before graduating, he found a well-paying job at the Pacific Commercial Company. Shortly after his graduation, he was taken as an instructor in fine arts. At the same time, he also took a parttime job as draftsman in the Bureau of Public Works.


From among the professors under whom Amorsolo studied at the Liceo de Manila and at the University of the Philippines, Rafael Enriquez, Miguel Zaragosa, and Toribio Herrera influenced him most.


Amorsolo started to be known outside the country when he joined the Exposicion de Panama in 1914. His entries were a large portrait of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson and an intriguing piece entitled La Muerte de Socrares.


Fortune smiled brightly upon him. In 1919, he caught the attention of Don Enrique Zobel, a wealthy businessman and father of the modernist painter Fernando Zobel. He was sent as a scholar to the well-known Academia de San Fernando, then under the directorship of Jose Moreno Carbonero and Cecilio Planas, two of Madrid's distinguished painters.


While abroad, he was attracted and influenced by the bright colors of the impressionists Sorolla, Zorn, Monet, and Renoir. At the same time he took up the Velasquez technique, the so-called "vision of the moment." However, his line was still classic and his colors of tonal values, an aspect learned from Fabian dela Rosa.


After a year in Spain, he returned to the Philippines and began teaching at the state university.



The whole decade of the twenties was Amorsolo's creative peak. During this period, he developed his interpretation of Philippine sunlight and landscapes which remain his greatest contribution to Philippine painting. During this time, he reached the height of his power and virtuosity. Thereafter, art lovers and collectors began seeking out his works.


His first masterpiece in 1920 was "My Wife, Salud." It was regarded as a masterpiece of portraiture by his fellow painters, most notably by his uncle Fabian dela Rosa. His El Violinista stamped him as an impressionist.


In 1922, "Rice Planting," a serious genre painting was completed. That same year, he obtained first prize at the Commercial and Industrial Fair in the Manila Carnival.


As an illustrator, Amorsolo's best work was done for Iñigo Ed. Regalado's Madaling Araw (a Tagalog novel). He also illustrated Pasion and textbooks for public school children.


At the Grand Central Gallery in New York City in 1925, Amorsolo held a one-man show which attracted many Americans who were interested in the Philippines.


A newly appointed director of the U.P. School of Fine Arts, his painting “Noonday Meal of the Rice Workers” won first prize at the New York's World Fair in 1929. A few years after, in 1931, Amorsolo also exhibited one of his anecdotal paintings, "The Conversion of the Filipinos" at the Paris Exposition.


At home, Fernando Amorsolo was awarded a grand prize when he exhibited his paintings at the Manila Carnival's Commercial and Industrial Fair in 1927.


For his distinguished achievements in art, he was named Outstanding Alumnus of the University of the Philippines in 1940.


The Japanese Occupation was generally difficult for painters but it did not seem to affect Amorsolo. He stayed in Manila and keenly observed the destruction of the city. The ravages of war were the

subject of Amorsolo's strong paintings like: "The Rape of Manila" and "The Bombing of the Intendencia" (1942); "The Explosion" (1944); and "The Burning of Manila" (1945).


On November 6, 1948, Amorsolo held a one-man retrospective exhibition at the National Museum in Herran, sponsored by the Art Association of the Philippines. In 1950, he exhibited two of his histo-

rical paintings entitled "Faith Among the Ruins" and "Baptism of Rajah Humabon" at the Missionary Art Exhibit in Rome.


To devote himself full time to painting, Amorsolo retired from the directorship of the U.P. School of Fine Arts in 1952. He confined himself to his studio, painting from sunrise to sunset. His paintings became so popular that he could hardly meet the demand for commissioned works, especially portraits.


Amorsolo's works can be classified as color studies, genre pieces, anecdotal paintings, portraiture, and the paintings of the last war.


In recognition of his artistic prowess, awards came one after the other. These were the Gold Medal from UNESCO National Commission in 1959; the Pro-Patria Award; the honorary doctorate in Humanities from the Far Eastern University in 1961:the Diploma of Merit from the University of the Philippines in 1963; and the Republic Cultural Heritage Award in 1967.


At the age of 70, Amorsolo underwent a cataract operation. The operation, however, did not stop him from producing great works. An exhibit of his works was mounted at the Art Center of the Manila Hilton in 1979.


In 1971, Amorsolo underwent an ear operation. He also came to suffer from diabetes, arthritis, headache and occasional dizziness. He became weak, but he would still paint whenever he felt a little better.


Once after an interview, he was asked by the interviewer to rest. He replied calmly that if he could have his way, he would prefer to die while he was painting. That wish, unfortunately, was not granted him.


On April 14, 1972 he died of heart failure at St. Luke's Hospital at the age of 79. Four days after his death he was conferred the First Philippine National Artist award at the Cultural Center of the Philippines by President Ferdinand E. Marcos.


Amorsolo was married twice. His first wife was Salud Jorge whom he married in 1916 and by whom he had six children. Widowed fifteen years later, he married Maria del Carmen . The couple had eight children.



Tagalog / Filipino Version

Fernando C. Amorsolo
(1892-1972)

BANTOG sa pagiging pambansang pintor si Fernando Amorsolo. Kilala siya sa lumikha ng hindi na mabilang na obra-maestra sa larangan ng pagpintura.

Isinilang si Amorsolo sa Paco, Maynila noong Mayo 30, 1892. Mula pagkabata ay kinakitaan na si Fernando sa pagkahilig sa pagguhit ng kung anu-anong bagay. Nakapukaw-pansin ito sa kanyang ina na si Bonifacia Cueto Amorsolo.

Naging huwaran ni Fernando ang kanyang tiyuhin na si Fabian de la Rosa dahil sa magaling din ito sa nasa-bing larangan. Kaya naman, pinag-aral siya ng nasa-bing tiyuhin sa Liceo de Manila.

Talagang sinubaybayan siya ng kanyang Tiyo Fabian sa pagguhit kaya rito siya nakilala sa Pilipinas at maging sa ibang bansa.


Kauna-unahan si Amorsolo na nagtapos ng Sining sa Pagguhit sa Pamantasan ng Pilipinas, taong 1914. Nagtamo siya ng maraming karangalan at hindi katagalan ay pinagkalooban siya oportunidad ng pilantropong si Enrique Zobel na nakapag-aral nang libre sa Espana. Si Zobel mismo ay labis na humanga sa mga nilikha ng pintor.

Karaniwan sa kanyang mga iginuhit ay ang makasaysayang pangyayari at iba't-ibang larawan ng mga tao tulad ng isang mayuming dalagang nayon. Dahil sa kahanga-hangang pagguhit, si Amorsolo ay tinanghal na pinakamagaling na pintor noong taong 1920.

Naging direktor siya ng School of Fine Arts ng Pamantasan ng Pilipinas hanggang sa pagreretiro noong 1957. Sa kanyang pagpu-punyagi, tinanghal siyang na pambansang pintor.

Yoyoy Villame

Yoyoy Villame (November 18, 1932 - May 18, 2007) born Roman Tesorio Villame, was a Filipino singer, composer, lyricist, and comedian. Villame was a native of Calape, Bohol and was the father of singer Hannah Villame. He died of cardiac arrest at the Las Piñas Medical Center in Metro Manila on May 18, 2007.

Early Life:

Before getting his break in the music industry, Villame was at one point a jeepney driver and at another, an army draftee who fought in the government’s anti-insurgency campaign in Central Luzon. He went back to Bohol to become a bus driver, and there he formed a rondalla combo with his fellow bus drivers as band mates. The owner of the bus company took notice of Villame’s efforts, setting up a music studio named Kinamay Records just for him. Villame's first recording was in 1972 and entitled Magellan. It was the beginning of a long list of albums and recordings of his politically inspired songs in Sugboanon, Tagalog and English.

Notable Works:

Among his notable works include Butse Kik, a song written from made-up Chinese-sounding words which Villame allegedly came up with by writing down the names of Chinese stores while waiting for a mechanic to fix his broken-down jeepney in Manila's Chinatown. He also wrote Philippine Geography, which lists 77 major islands, provinces, cities, municipalities, and towns in the Philippines from north to south. His long list of hits and his entertaining style of music has earned him the title of "King of Philippine Novelty Songs".

Villame began making movies in the early 1970s, and was noted for his role in the 1974 suspense thriller Biktima. In 2004, Yoyoy played a Visayan troubadour in the critically acclaimed movie, Babae sa Breakwater (Woman of the Breakwater).

Rey Valera

Reynaldo Valera Guardiano (better known as Rey Valera) (born May 4, 1954 in Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines) is a singer, songwriter, music director and film scorer from the Philippines. He wrote and produced songs that were recorded by various singers, most notably Sharon Cuneta.

Personal Background:

Reynaldo Valera Guardiano is the second of three siblings, and the surname Valera was derived from his mother's maiden name.

He still lives in Meycauayan, Bulacan with his family. He has a son and three daughters.

Career:

Rey Valera started his recording career in 1977 after becoming a band member from a group called Electric Hair Band for seven years. He waxed his first single as a solo singer - songwriter with the song Ako si Superman, which he created supposedly for Rico Puno. His former boss at Vicor Records gave him the opportunity to sing his song and at the same time hired him as one of Vicor’s in-house producers.


Rey also made songs for other artists such as Rico Puno's Sorry Na, Pwede Ba, Daigdig Ng Ala-ala; Geraldine’s Pangako; Pol Enriquez’ Ayoko na Sa ‘Yo and many more. While he made songs for his peers, he made albums for himself such as Naaalala Ka, Rey Valera Vol. 2, Walang Kapalit, Hello, The Rey Valera Christmas Album, Gabay Mo Ako, Rey Valera’s Greatest Hits Vol. 1,Rey Valera’s Greatest Hits Vol. 2, Pirapirasong Ala-ala, Sa Kabila Ng Lahat, Kung Sakaling Iibig Muli, FM Ka, AM Ako, Home Sweet Home, Ang Mahalaga, etc. Most of these albums made golds and platinums.


In July 2005, Rey Valera released the "Panghabangbuhay" album, with his children's band called "Saling Ket", and they have been performing together ever since.

Recently, Vicor Music Corporation compiled all of Rey Valera's recorded songs in their library in a 4 disc set album entitled, "Walang Kapalit" as part of Vicor's 40 year anniversary.

Mr. Dj and Sharon Cuneta:

One of his initial projects was to make a song for a twelve-year-old mayor’s daughter named Sharon Cuneta (who later became known as the "Mega Star"). It was a daunting challenge, as Rey initially could not figure out what kind song would be fitting for her; she was too young to be taken seriously to be given a love song, and a bit too old to be given a nursery rhyme.

It dawned upon Rey to write a song about the people who were responsible for playing songs on the radio; the DJs. Wherever radio station the song would be submitted in, it was almost always guaranteed that it would be played and continue to play because it is their song. The song happens to be Mr. DJ, followed by Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko. It made remarkable sales on the chart.

Sharon states in a recent interview by Deborah Kan in Star News Asia, that she has been always thankful for and grateful to Rey, for writing her first hit song. "Mr. DJ".


The two have been friends ever since, and in 1992, Sharon paid tribute to her favorite composer when she recorded Sharon Sings Valera.

When Sharon Cuneta and her then husband Gabby Concepcion separated, Rey composed the song, "Kahit Wala Ka Na" (Even When You're Gone). When Sharon and Rey met at Cinema Audio, she asked, why wasn't he writing songs for her anymore. Rey replied that he did wrote one for her, and submitted the song to VIVA for it to be an inspiration or a battleground for Sharon. Both of them found out that the song has been shelved for two years at VIVA. Sharon immediately recorded the song, and used it in her movie, "Single Mother"(former title). It was retitled to "Kahit Wala Ka Na".

Sharon’s biggest blockbuster movies were lifted from popular songs of Rey, thus Sharon singing Valera is an always-tested winning chemistry.

Rey Valera's Impostor:

In 1983, Rey faced one of the worst challenges of both his career, and personal life; an impostor was using his name and was committing crimes, among them were car-napping and rape. The list even extended to marrying numerous women, and even petty crimes like "borrowing" money and personal items, all under Rey Valera's name. Rey made numerous newspaper statements announcing that there is an imposter posing as him. Rey also wrote and released a song entitled, "My Fans Are in Trouble" to warn his fans through the medium of music, with the lyrics depicting his helplessness to stop this impostor. What Rey feared most wasn't the money, but the physical harm people the impostor had fooled might do to him. Ultimately in 1984, Rey decided to quit show business at the peak of his career to protect his fans and also to make up for the time he lost with his family during his fame. When Rey made a comeback in 1988, he wore his hair long so that his impostor (who had kinky hair), would have a harder time posing as him if the impostor ever resurfaced. The impostor has never been heard from ever since.

Theme Songs for Soap Operas:

Valera ‘s songs are also favorite titles and theme songs of soap operas like “Ula, Batang Gubat” (Malayo Pa Ang Umaga), “Te Amo, Maging Sino Ka Man”, “Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako”, and the two year running soap series, “Pangako Sa'yo”, from ABS-CBN.

Recently, Rey Valera's song's have been revived as theme songs for soap operas with the same title. They are: Maging Sino Ka Man ( which has spawned a second book,Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik ) and Walang Kapalit from ABS-CBN, and Sinasamba Kita from GMA Network.
Writing Music for Songs and Movies:

Rey was film scoring movies during his singing career, but after the trouble his impostor has caused, Rey focused on his musical directing career. He particularly liked scoring music for action films, giving fight scenes and chase sequences fast paced, rock-themed music, which reflects his roots as a rock band member.

Rey's songs made marks also as theme songs and movie titles. These includes several Sharon Cuneta movies such as Maging Sino Ka Man, Pangako sa 'Yo, Kahit Wala Ka Na', Tayong Dalawa; Vilma Santos’ Sinasamba Kita, Romansa, Hiwalay; Robin Padilla’s Carnap King, Barumbado, and Baby Ama; Romnick Sarmenta’s Pasong Tirad, The Gregorio del Pilar Story, Aleck Bovick's Tampisaw and most of her earliest films.

There are very few people are aware that Rey wrote music for movies, even fewer are aware that he also wrote music for R-18 "Bold" films. He accepted making music for movies and considered it an opportunity, as these projects usually pitted his songwriting skills to follow fresh and often unusual themes and topics, often deviating from pop love songs which he was usually typecasted into.

The Theme song, "Ambon" ( Raindrop ) from the filme, "Tampisaw" emphasizes on the singer's hunger and depravation of love, and that a single "raindrop" of love would be enough for her to live on.

The theme song, "Nagpapanggap" ( Pretending/Deceiving ) from the film, "Kerida" ( The Mistress ), depicts a person's awareness that her lover is only pretending to love her, and yet she has this pragmatic acceptance and is even thankful that she was loved, no matter how false that love may be.

The theme song, "Sa Gitna ng Buhay Ko" ( In The Middle of My Life ), from the film "Naglalayag" ( Silent Passage ) follows the movie's theme of a middle aged woman falling in love with a man half her age. The song relates to her life as the times of the day, asking questions such as, "why did love arrive at only NOON?"

The Greatest Hitmakers:

In 2002, Rey reunited with his contemporaries Rico J. Puno and Hajji Alejandro in a series of concerts called "Greatest Hits", highlighting the music of their own time. They also launched a VCD recording of their concert. Nonoy Zuñiga and Marco Sison joined the group in the following year. The group continues to perform both locally and internationally

Although they were formally named "The Greatest Hits", the group felt that using the name "The Greatest Hitmakers" was more proper, as the former referred to the 'songs' and not the group members themselves. The group has successfully performed even with the absence of one or two members, usually concentrating on a core trio group ( e.g. Rey, Hajji, Rico / Rey, Hajji, Marco / Rey, Rico, Marco ) and varies between concert to concert, depending on each member's availability. This flexibility of the group's roster combined with miscommunication with the each show's promoter and other reasons has often led to various names for the group such as "The Hitmakers", "The Greatest Hits", "The Great Hitmakers" "GH5", "GH4" and such.

Induction to Bulacan's Walk of Fame:

In November 9, 2006, Rey was inducted to Bulacan's own "Walk of Fame", in the "Hardin ng Mga Bayani at Sining" ( The Garden of the Heroes and Arts/Artists), Malolos City, Bulacan.

Rey was among the few Bulakeños who was given the title of "Alagad ng Sining at Kultura ng Bulacan", loosely translated as "Disciple of the Arts and Culture of Bulacan", or simply put, Great Artist of Bulacan.

An inductee was given a tile with his/her name on it, and a small pile of a then wet cement to leave a hand print. The names on the Walk of Fame embody the Bulakeños who have brought pride to Bulacan in the fields of arts and culture.

Trivia:

* Rey Valera doesn't have any formal music background. When he submitted his song at Vicor in Raon Manila, he was an accounting student at the Far Eastern University.

* it was former Record Producer Adel Ardaza and former Vicor Executive Chito Ilacad was the first to give Rey his chance for his song "Ako Si Superman"(I am Superman), to be recorded. Chito was also the one who decided that Rey be the one to sing his own compositions.

* the song, "Ako Si Superman" was originally composed by Rey in the English Language with the title, "I Will Try To Make You Smile" for his sweetheart.

* the song "Mr. DJ" was composed in a jeepney while Rey was commuting from the office.

* the first song that Rey used in a movie was "Tayong Dalawa" (Both of Us) for the movie "Stepsisters" that Lorna Tolentino and Rio Locsin starred in 1979.

* the song "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako" (If You Need Me) was first used in a movie that was starred by Vilma Santos and Edu Manzano, "Romansa" (Romance)

* the song "Maging Sino Ka Man" (Whoever You May Be) was composed by Rey for women who worked in bars and nightclubs.

Chronology:

1977

Wrote and sung "Ako Si Superman"

November: wrote the song 'Mr. D.J." and 'Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko" for Sharon Cuneta. Both songs received Gold Record Awards.

1978

October:Received his first Gold Record Award for single entitled "Naaalala Ka". He wrote the song "Sorry Na, Puwede Ba" for Rico Puno while doing his first album that same year.

1979

Joined Blackgold Records, a sister company of Vicor Music Corporation, as a record producer. He rose to the position of assistant Vice President for Research and Composition.

That same year he waxed his record album with hits such as Maging Sino Ka Man, Malayo Pa Ang Umaga, etc.

Tried to venture in music directional jobs.

1980

Rey Valera started writing songs for other singers again, this time for Geraldine with the song "Pangako", and Lirio Vital's "Naniniwala Ako Sa Iyo".

1981

February: he was awarded the Gold Record Award for the hit single "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako".

June: he received the Gold Album Award from a compilation of his past hits titled "Rey Valera's Greatest Hits".

October: he represented the Philippines as a songwriter in the first Asean Song Festival held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

he was also awarded the Gold Record Award for the album entitled, "Walang Kapalit".

November: bagged the title "Juke Box King of the Year".

1982

Received "The King Of Tagalog Songs" award.

Tried the movies via Annie Sabungera

1983

March: He sang the song "Gabay Mo Ako", as one of the finalist in the Metro Manila Pop Music Festival. It was in March also when his long playing album "Hello" became another Gold Record.

April: Received the title "Entertainer of the Year".

May: Held the title, "King of Tagalog Songs" for the second time.

December: Rey Valera's Greatest Hits" album became Platinum Record.

This was also the year that an impostor used Rey Valera's name to his disastrous advantage.

1984

Transferred to Wea Records and waxed his last album. He wrote another gold hit song entitled, "Pirapirasong Alaala" for another female singer.

Dropped show business. Went back to his family to make up for lost days.

He joined the movie industry now as a musical director.

1985-1986

The country saw the economic crisis that led to the downfall of the local music industry. During these times, Rey Valera relied heavily on his movie scoring works, devoted his time to his promotion business, while anticipating the comeback for the Golden Era of the Philippine Music Industry.

1988

TV Personality, comedian, and fellow Bulakeño Bert Marcelo persuaded Rey to make a comeback in live performances and join him in a series of concerts called "Hatid Saya" in Europe and Middle East.

1989

Began training and introducing aspiring composers to professional songwriting and studioworks.

1992

Joined Sharon Cuneta in her Mega concert in U.S. and Japan.

1993-1994

Member of the Board of Directors - FILSCAP

1994

Nominee, Best Original Song Category - "Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo".

2000
Joined forces with Freddie Aguilar, Mike Hanopol, Vehnee Saturno, and formed the group, SAGA (Songs And Generations After). The group recorded one album, and performed one major concert in Canada. It was their first and last concert as SAGA, and the group disbanded months later.
2002

Merged with Rico J. Puno and Hajji Alejandro, in a series of "The Greatest Hits" concerts.

2003

The group "Greatest Hits 5" or "GH5" was formed with Rey Valera, Hajji Alejandro, Rico Puno, Marco Sison and Nonoy Zuñiga which continues to perform locally and internationally.

Recipient, Lifetime Achievement for Music 8th Tinig Awards from The National Press Club

2004

Participant, Travel Advocacy Campaign, Department of Tourism, "Biyahe Tayo", WOW Philippines.

Winner, Best Song Category, "Sa Gitna Ng Buhay Ko" for the movie "Naglalayag", Metro Manila Film festival

2005

July: Released the "Panghabangbuhay" album with his children's band called "Saling Ket".

Awardee, 18th Awit Awards Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino - Lifetime Achievement Award, given by The Philippine Association of Recording Industries

2007

November 9: Inducted to Bulacan's own Walk of Fame, in the "Hardin ng Sining at Bayani", Malolos Bulacan

Lito Camo

Lito Camo is a Filipino songwriter known for his commercially-successful novelty songs, which are mostly made up of catchy melodies interspersed with witty lyricisms. Notable compositions include "Ms Flawless", "Ye Ye Vonnel", "Sumunod Sa Galaw ng Ilaw(Gamo-gamo)", "Spageti Song", "Bulaklak", "In or Out" and "Otso-Otso".

He has received criticism for not taking songwriting seriously and being low-class and uncouth. He claims "Sometimes, my friends would tease me saying that while they put a lot of hard work into their compositions, it’s my ‘nonsense’ songs that become hits".

Career:

Before songwriting, Lito Camo was a family diver and domestic helper.

In 1997, he released his debut album entitled Sino Camo Baduy?, ayos ka ah!, featuring the hit song Kung Ikaw, and the follow-up single "Hey Babe". However, his follow-up album, Ano Camo?,leche ka ah!, sold poorly. Following this, he wrote jingles for commercials and television shows.

He had a breakthrough hit in 2001 with the song Bakit Papa, tawag mo ako?, and was credited for ushering in the novelty genre in the country's music industry. This was followed by the release of the novelty song Otso-Otso.

He has released a solo album titled Ako Naman, Kanina Kapa Eh.

He also wrote songs for Manny Pacquiao.

Discography:

* ADoo Doo Doo Ada dada ahhaahhaa
* Alog Alog
* Bakit Papa, tawag mo ako?
* Boom Tarat Tarat
* Boom Tarat Tarat (Christmas Version, Halloween Version)
* Scent of Borat
* Bulaklak
* Ms. Flawless
* Puppy Mo Ako
* Spaghetti Song
* Sumunod Sa Galaw ng Ilaw
* Totoy Bebot
* Otso-otso
* Wowowee
* Ye Ye Vonnel
* Don't Matter
* Bartender
* Girlfriend
* Elevator
* I Kissed A Girl
* Sulutera
* Buhay ng Gangsta