The greatest stars of the 1990s

The 1990s was a period of revived but predictable slapstick comedies, horror flicks, and massacre films. It could be observed also that most movies produced actually sacrificed quality in return for financial success, specifically in fitting these films with the taste of the masses. Indeed, it could be said the 1990s was the decade wherein the quality of Filipino films have sagged. Nevertheless, there are still actors and actresses who gained not only commercial success but also critically acclamation for there performances.

ACTORS

Richard Gomez

A sportsman, political activist, and actor, Richard Gomez is one of the most recognizable faces in the Philippine Showbiz industry. He started out as a teen matinee idol during the 1980s in such films as Blusang Itim, Impaktita, and Kapag Langit ang Humatol. Eventually, he attained mainstream success and during the 1990s, he emerged as one of the tops actors in the country. His films, Hihintayin Kita sa Langit, Ngayon at Kailanman, Iisa Pa Lamang, Kapantay ay Langit, Iskapo, and Saan Ka Man Naroroon were box office hits, as well as beloved as by critics. He won the Famas and Film Academy Awards for Best Actor for Dahas and Urian Awards for Hihintayin Kita sa Langit, Saan Ka Man Naroroon, and Waiting.

Gabby Concepcion

Just like Richard Gomez, Gabby Concepcion started out his career with his boy-next-door film roles. His on-and-off screen romance (and later marriage and annulment) with Sharon Cuneta solidified his image and his films, Dear Heart, P.S. I Love You, Una Kang Naging Akin, Makiusap Ka Sa Diyos, and Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigan were some of the most popular during his era. However, his career crashed with his involvement in the scandal during the 1994 Manila Film Festival. In 1996, he left the Philippines only the come back with a bang in 2007 with the success of his teleserye, Iisa Pa Lamang. He won a Famas for Best Supporting Actor for Sinungaling Mong Puso, and Urian Awards for Makiusap Ka Sa Diyos and Narito and Puso Ko.

Aga muhlach

Aga Muhlach is one of the most commercially successful actors up to date. Starting out as a matinee idol in the 1980s, he eventually emerged as one of the best dramatic actors of the 1990s with a slew of hit films. He won Best Actor awards from the FAMAS for Sinungaling Mong Puso (1992) and the Gawad Urian for Sana Maulit Muli (1996). He was likewise famously linked with Puerto Rican Miss Universe Dayanara Torres. He later married beauty queen Charlene Gonzales.

Cesar Montano

Cesar Montano started out his showbiz career in the 80s as a stuntman, as well as in minor roles in B features. Come the 1990s and he began to gain momentum as a starrer in several action movies. With the success of his TV sitcom, Kaya ni Mister, Kaya ni Misis (1996-98$29, Montano eventually gained mainstream popularity. With his performance as the national hero in Jose Rizal (1998), Montano became one of the country’s biggest leading men. He won the Brussels Film Festival Award for Best Actor in Panaghoy sa SUba (2004). Likewise, he also won the Urian and Luna Awards for best actor and director for the said film and was cast in Hollywood films, The Great Raid and Another Deep Breath. He won three Famas awards for Best actor for his performance in Rizal, Muro Ami, and Ligalig.

Christopher de leon

One of the most prolific actors in Philippine showbusiness, Christopher de Leon is hailed as one of the finest actors of all time. In four decades, De Leon was able to star in more than 120 films, the best of which include Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang, Tatlong Taong WAlang Diyos, and many more. He has also won 11 awards including 6 Famas Awards for Best Actor.
Actress

Sharon Cuneta

The Mega Star of Philippine Cinema, Sharon Cuneta has indeed made a long travel and has eventually made her mark in the Philippine entertainment industry. Beginning in the late 70s, Sharon became a successful teen actress with a slew of box office worthy films with partner Gabby Concepcion. She eventually transitioned into serious roles and with the success of Bukas Luluhod ang Mga Tala, and the likes, she eventually became the country’s new queen of movies. For her critically acclaimed performance in Madrasta (1997), Cuneta achieved the rare distinction of being a grand slam actress for winning the Famas, Urian, FAP, and Star Awards for Best Actress. She has earlier won a Famas for Best Actress in Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin.

Maricel Soriano

Maricel Soriano, the country’s Diamond Star, was launched in the 1980 film Underage. Her performance has indeed stole the scene and her star shone the brightest among the film’s stars. With her tandem with William Martinez, she was propelled to superstardom and at the same time made her one of the biggest box office attractions, especially in comedy films. Through the 80s and 90s, Maricel continued to be the one of the country’s moneymaking stars. Her recent movie, T2 was a box office success, a feat not most of her contemporaries are able to achieve. She won Famas Awards for her performances in Saan Darating ang Umaga, Dahas, and Nasaan ang Puso.

Lorna tolentino

Perennially billed as the Grandslam Actress of Philippine Cinema, Lorna Tolentino started her career in the 1960s as a child actress, eventually winning a Famas for Best Child Actress Award for her role in Lumuha Pati mga Anghel (1971). She eventually gained success after she transitioned into mature, dramatic roles and for her role in Divina Gracia, she was propelled to the upper echelon of stardom. Her most lasting performances where in her Famas Award-winning roles in Nakagapos na Puso (1987), Maging Akin Ka Lamang (1987), Nagbabagang Luha (1988), Narito and Puso Ko (1992, for which she won Famas, FAP, Urian, and Star Awards for Best Actress), Abakada Ina (2000), and Magnifico (2003).

Dawn Zulueta

Originally a toothpaste endorser, Dawn Zulueta broke out into showbusiness after she delivered a telling and catching performance in Pangarap na Ginto (1990). With her intense dramatic acting skills and angelic looks, Zulueta attained success in Kasalan Bang Sambahin Ka (1990), Una Kang Naging Akin (1991), Hihintayin Kita sa Langit (1991), Akin ang Pangarap Mo (1992), Apoy sa Puso (1992)l, The Maggie dela Riva Story (1994), and Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara (1995). She won the Famas Award for Best Actress for Hihintayin Kita sa Langit and Best Supporting Actress for Una Kang Naging Akin in 1992, the only actor to win two awards in any film award giving body in the country. She again won the Famas in Kung Mawawala Ka (1993).

Donna cruz

Donna Cruz is a scion of a clan of actors in the Philippines. During the 1990s, she was considered one of the most popular and visible female celebrity in the Philippines, proof of which were her string of number 1 radio hits, multi-platinum albums, box-office successes in films, top-rating and award-winning TV shows, and million-peso endorsement deals. Her films, Kadenang Bulaklak, Pangako ng Kahapon, Love Notes, Muling Umawit ang Puso, for which she earned a Famas nomination, DoReMi, and Isang Tanong, Isang Sagot were box-office winners during their release.

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OMG, MJ was murdered!

I was checking the online version of the Daily Inquirer and as I clicked on the entertainment section, I was shocked to learn that he was actually murdered. That was according to La Toya Jackson, Michael Jackson’s sister. According to Inquirer, Jackson was actually killed by “by a band of greedy hangers-on.”

“I believe Michael was murdered,” said La Toya, “I felt that from the start.”

La Toya divulged that Michael was killed not just by one person, but by a group of people. And mind you, it was a conspiracy – just like a gang of bad guys wanting to kill the king.

“Less than a month ago, I said I thought Michael was going to die before the London show begins,” said La Toya. According to her, they didn’t physically murdered Michael. They killed him bit by bit.

La Toya accused a “shadowy” group of people forced Michael out of contact from her siblings and families by signing him up to a series of 50 concerts at the 02 Arena in London. The shows were billed This is It.

"I am not going to stop until I find out who is responsible. Why did they keep the family away? It's not about money. I want justice for Michael. I won't rest until I find out what -- and who -- killed my brother,” she further said.

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The Ten Greatest Stars of the Philippines - Series 1

The movie industry in the Philippines has been here for more than a century. And for this, it is simply fitting to give honor to some of the greatest stars who each did their share in molding this industry, for making us laugh, cry, giggle, and even go under our seats.

The 10 Greatest Stars of Today

Back off muna sina Kim, Gerald, Marianne, o Dingdong. Though they shine the most right now, I consider only those who have been in the showbusiness for at least five years and gained considerable staying power. I also gave consideration to their awards, number of projects, and most of all, box office allure. I have eventually chosen five actors and five actresses to come up with this list. And here they are:

ACTORS

Piolo Pascual


Having risen from obscurity, this hunky-tunk managed to get enough attention with his powerful performance in the long-running soap opera Esperanza in the late 1990s. Paring up with Judy Santos in Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka (2001-2003), Pascual became one-half of the most recognizable love team of Philippine Showbusiness, with box-office success from their films Kahit Isang Saglit (2000), Bakit ‘Di Totohanin (2001), and Don’t Give Up on Us (2003). Going solo from the Piolo-Juday tandem, he still managed to attain success, especially in Dekada 70 (2002) and Milan (2004), the latter becoming one of the highest-grossing Filipino films of all time. For his performance in Dekada 70, Pascual won best supporting from FAMAS, FAP, Star, and URIAN Awards, making him one of the very few people to have won four major film awards in the country. He again won the FAMAS for Best Actor for Milan.

John Lloyd Cruz

Hailed as one of 2009’s Most Powerful Celebrity by Yes! Magazine, John Lloyd Cruz successfully transitioned from his boy-next-door image into becoming one of the most critically acclaimed and bankable actors of his generation. Named as 2009’s Box Office King, Cruz was renowned for his on-screen partnership with Bea Alonzo. Their films, My First Romance (2003), Now That I Have (2004), Close to You (2006), All About Love (2006), and One More Chance (2007) made him a fixture in the Philippine Showbusiness. He was also partnered with Sarah Geronimo in A Very Special Love (2008) and You Changed My Life (2009), the latter becoming the highest grossing Filipino film of all time at P230.44 million. Cruz won the Famas Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Aga Muhlach’s brother in Dubai (2006).

Richard Guttierez

One of the most recognizable faces of the decade, Richard Guttierez is the son of 60s matinee idol Eddie Guttierez and talent manager Annabel Rama. He is the younger brother of fellow actor Ton-Ton Guttierez, beauty queen/talk show host/model/actress Ruffa Guttierez, and twin of celebrity host Raymond Guttierez. Casting himself out from the shadows of his already-established family, Guttierez earlier gained fame in television as the lead in the top-rating Mulawin, opposite Angel Locsion. The series’ popularity eventually paired them together in its movie version. After Mulawin, Guttierez followed up his success with Sugo (2005), Captain Barbell (2006-2007), Lupin (2007), Kamandag (2007-2008), Asero (2008), and Zorro (2009). He also top-billed financially successful films, like Gua Ai Di (2006), and For The First Time (2008).

Jericho Rosales

Though Jericho Rosales’ career is full of hits and misses, his image in the Philippine showbiz industry is still strong enough to make him one of the decade’s biggest stars. His appearance opposite Kristine Hermosa in the astonishingly successful soap opera Pangako sa Yo, which became the country’s highest rating drama series ever, established him as one of the primetime princes of Philippine television. With Hermosa, he also starred in Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas and in films like Forevermore and Ngayong Nandito Ka. Though his career spiraled down after his break-up with Hermosa, he successfully rebounded with Kahit Isang SAglit and I Love Betty Betty La Fea. For his performance in Nasaan Ka Man, he tied with Piolo Pascual for Best Actor during the Star Awards and earned a Famas nomination. Dennis Trillo Dennis Trillo’s meteoric rise to fame is one of the rarest in Philippine entertainment industry. He became an overnight star with his critically acclaimed performance as a crossdressing homosexual in the World War II saga Aishite Imasu (2004), which won him the Famas Award for Best Supporting Actor. He eventually found success as the leading man in Mulawin (2004), Darna (2005), Etheria (2005), and Zaido (2007).

ACTRESSES

Judy Ann Santos

Dubbed as the Philippines’ Young Superstar, Judy Ann Santos started her career as a child actress in such films as Silang mga Ligaw na Sisiw (1988) and Nasaan Ka Inay (1988). She later gained nationwide recognition in the long-running Cinderella/Prince-and-the-Pauper-like soap opera, Mara Clara (1991-1996). With he role as the eponymous heroine in Esperanza (1996-1999), Santos, became one of the most promising actresses of her generation. Eventually, she gained popularity and success with her television and movie performances, making her one of the most bankable stars in the Philippines. Her films Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko (with Fernando Poe, Jr, 1998),Esperanza The Movie (1999), Kahit Isang Saglit (2000), Bakit Di Totohanin (2001), ‘Til There Was You (2003), Aishite Imasu (2004) and Don’t Give Up On Us (2006), were all winners at the box office. The record-breaking success of Kasal, Kasali, Kasali (2006) spawned a sequel in 2007 and won Santos numerous awards, including the Famas for Best Actress (she was the only actress other than screen legend Gloria Romero to win a Famas for a comedy performance).

Claudine Barretto

Known as the Teleserye Queen of the Philippines, Claudine Barretto’s career illustriously began in the early 90s, often appearing as a teen actress in a number of television series and films. Her big break came after she was cast as the struggling heiress in the hit TV drama, Mula Sa Puso (1996-1999). Her triumph continued with like Saan Ka Man Naroroon (1999-2001), Sa Dulo ng WAlang Hanggang (2001-2003), and Iisa Pa Lamang (2008). She appeared in numerous financially and critically lauded films, including Anak (2000), opposite Vilma Santos, Got to Believe in Magic (2002)opposite Rico Yan, Milan (2004) with Piolo Pascual, and Dubai (2005), with Aga Muhlach and John Lloyd Cruz. She was crowned box office queen of the Philippine in 2003 and again in 2006, after she co-starred with Kris Aquino in Sukob, the highest grossing Filipino horror movie. She won consecutive Famas Awards for Milan (2004) and Nasaan Ka Man (2005), a rare feat for a Filipino actress.


Ai Ai delas Alas

The Comedy Concert Queen of Philippine showbusiness never fails to keep her audience rolling and laughing. After more than a decade of appearing in supporting yet scene-stealing roles, Ai Ai gained ultimate success with her first starring role in Tanging Ina (2003). She ultimately followed it up with her hit album Ang Tanging Ina Nyo, and sold out concerts. She also appeared in commercially successful comedy films, like Ang Cute ng Ina Mo (2006) and Ang Tanging Ina Niyong Lahat (2008), the latter becoming the second highest grossing Filipino Film and highest grossing Filipino comedy film of all time.

Kris Aquino

The indomitable Queen of All Media, Kris Aquino has been a successful talkshow/gameshow host, actress, celebrity endorser, and recording artist. She is Yes! Magazine’s second most powerful celebrity in the country for 2009 and was thrice crowned box office queen of Philippine Cinema for her roles in Pido Dida: Sabay Tayo (1990), Feng Shui (2004), and Sukob (2006). She was a fifteen-time winner of the Star Awards for Television and winner of Famas Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Mano Po (2002). For her television efforts, she appeared in top rating TV programs like Hiram (2004) and Patayin sa SIndak si Barbara (2008). She is also the long-running host of The Buzz.

Kristine Hermosa

Considered one of the modern goddesses of Philippine showbusiness for her fair beauty and composed acting, Christine Hermosa successfully moved from teeny-bopper roles into serious drama at the turn of the decade. She became an instant star after she portrayed Ina in the phenomenally successful drama Pangako Sa ‘Yo (2000-2002) opposite heartthrob Jericho Rosales. The success of their tandem eventually paired them again in Sana’y Wala Nang WAkas (2003-2004). Hermosa also starred in memorable films like Forevermore (2002) and Ngayong Nandito Ka (2003). Perhaps, her most enduring film role to date is Faye, the fairy wife of Vic Sotto in the Enteng Kabisote film series (2004-2007).

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