KIPOJACK&CO.'s gods & goddesses of Davao City pageant launched at Rizal Promenade last October30 and emerging as winners of cash prize of 10,000 pesos each plus jewelry collections courtesy of GoodFaith Network Marketing INc. (Davao Branch) are the first Lord and Lady winners. They are Lord Apollo, Mr. Lu...isReyna II and Lady Artemis, Ms. Ann Claudine Andres who were also hailed as Mr. and Miss Fit & Shape by GOODFAITH NETWORK MARKETING INC. We shall all see you in Tagum for the gods & goddesses of Davao del Norte leg (November screening will be held at GoodFaith office Tagum City please contact Maki Antalan Sapul for submission of c/v and pictures at0908-768 8887 or email skipojack_co@rocketmail.com)

Julie Vega Remembered

Should I say “Happy Halloween everyone?” Oops, not so good to blurt out if you are still grieving over a loved one's physical departure so to speak. Though it is but fitting to remember our departed ones, this season should remind us to make the best and the most of what we can share with those we love and care for while they are still alive and kicking.

I wish to reminisce with you especially those who find kicks in discerning what could have been when their favorite stars were still alive. I know a lot of you can identify with the following facts I have gathered about a soap opera icon who could have been 36 years old this year had she not died at the height of her tv and movie career.

She was already there even before Judy Ann Santos, Claudine Barretto, Kristine Hermosa and Bea Alonzo. Yes! Julie Vega, one of the first Filipino soap opera icons died on May 6, 1985- a day of grieving for her fans she touched with her talents both as an actress and singer.

One writer said, “Born Julie Pearl Postigo, Julie Vega started her at the age of three. At this age, she already did her very first TV commercial. While her parents had misgivings of the career she was in, Julie turned out to have a natural talent for acting, something she showed beyond doubt when she won the title role in the film Mga Mata ni Angelita. This was after a very exhaustive nationwide search.

Julie's potential for fame was sealed when soap stardom came at the age of 11 through her starring role in Annaliza, which was why her sudden death shocked the entire country.”

Charo Santos-Concio remembers her as such a sweet, quiet child with so much potential. Charo played Julie's mother in a Fernando Poe, Jr. action-drama starrer, "Durugin si Totoy Bato."

What do Julie Vega's fans, young and old, have to say about her? Here are just a few:
"She was born JULIE PEARL APOSTOL POSTIGO. Her family gave her the nickname DARLING obviouly because she was the only girl and the youngest in the brood of 6. She went to St. Joseph"s College in QC and was supposed to go to UP for her college education, but death came at a very young age of 16. She was born on May 21, 1968 by Julio and Pearl Postigo. She died May 6, 1985 just 15 days before her 17th birthday"
-Dimple

"Julie Vega is probably the only Filipino actress that I really like. I grew up watching her movies and listening to her songs. I was only in grade school when she died and yet I cried and felt a great loss. Perhaps, she was just too good to be true---almost like an angel"
-Joy

Some of her fans are even looking for copies of her songs and movies on cd, vcd and dvd.(Fortunately, some are already in stores)

"I'm only 21, and never able to see Julie alive, I'm so impressed with her talent and angelic face. Can you tell me where can I buy her movies or tapes email me at sophia_arellano@yahoo.com. I have searched all the record bars everywhere and found nothing"
- Sophia

"Julie did her films sa movie productions like Larry Santiago that doesn't exist anymore. FPJ Productions only released Roman Rapido which is available now on VCD last March. Regal Fims in which Julie did 6 movies unfortunately have not released her old movies especially the one's made in the 80"s! But siguro we can email them and ask for it! Pero dapat marami magrequest! If there is anyone who knows Janice de Belen- sya ang kumpleto sa collection esp. their movies together pati nga mga pictures nila used for promotions and even mga candid shots nila even off cam,si Janice kasi mahilig magdala ng own camera nya before. MMK naman, request lang kayo sa ABS-CBN or mas mabuti siguro pag sumulat tayo esp. malapit na Todos Los Santos!
- Anonymous

"Angel said it right. Sana magkaroon ng VCD's or DVD's and CD's of Julie Vega's songs and movies. Marami po siyang fans na until now ay gustong makita ang movies nya. Isa na po ako doon. Don't you think it's a lucrative thing to do. FPJ Productions, Regal Films, calling ur attention."
- Joy Fernan

Darna

After a long time duelling with the hermit in me, welcome me back...or is it welcome to yet another retrospective account of your favorites in the world of music and movies. Get updated still with the latest hits as of January 2005 courtesy of My Only Radio For Life in Davao City. I haven't got enough of the 70-90's stuff enumerated some weeks back. But I am going to travel a little further backward this time if only to be considerate of my mother's feelings and her contemporaries'. So, read on:

I think my mother Carmen is very happy to know that somebody was born on the 9th of October, 1916 and he was named Mars Ravelo. Good thing he was born here in the Philippines. If you don't know it yet, "this cartoonist-writer made a major contribution to the Filipino art world" mentions his website, "and is responsible for bringing to life a super-heroine to be called, DARNA." A few notes about the Pinoy counterpart of Wonder Woman:

1. There was DARNA (1951), directed by Fernando Poe, starring Rosa del Rosario as Darna, Cristina Aragon as Valentina, Mila Nimpa as Narda and Manuel Ubaldo as Ding.
2. Darna at ang Babaing Lawin (1952), directed Carlos Vander Toloso, starring Rosa Del Rosario as Darna, Elvira Reyes as Babaing Lawin, Mila Nimpa as Narda, Manuel Ubaldo as Ding
3. Si Darna at ang Impakta, (1963), directed by Danilo Santiago, starring Liza Moreno as Darna, Gina Alonzo as Roma Paquito Salcedo as the evil twin and Jose Padilla Jr.
4. Isputnik Vs. Darna, directed by Natoy Catindig, starring Nida Blanca as Sputnik,Liza Moreno as Darna, Tony Ferrer and Dencio Padilla.
5. Darna at ang Babaing Tuod directed by Cirio H. Santiago, starring Eva Montes as Darna, Gina Alonzo as Lucila, Anita Linda, Ruben Rustia with Tito Galla and Nancy Roman with Coney Angeles as Narda
6. Darna at ang Planetman, starring Gina Pareno as Darna/Daria Boy Alajar as Ding Gina Alajar as Narda and Bella Flores w/ Vic Vargas
7.LIPAD, DARNA, LIPAD! directed by Maning Borlaza, Elwood Perez and Joey Gosiengfiao starring Vilma Santos as Darna/Narda, Angelito as Ding, Gloria Romero as Impakta, Celia Rodriguez as Valentina, and Liza Lorena as Babaing Lawin with Ernie Garcia.
8. Darna and the Giants directed by Maning Borlaza starring Vilma Santos as Darna/Narda, Don Don Nakar as Ding, Helen Gamboa as X3X, and Divina Valenciawith Max Alvarado, Ike Lozada, Florence Aguilar, and Kathy de la Cruz
9. Darna vs. the Planet Women directed by Armando Garces, starring Vilma Santos as Darna, Bentot Jr as Ding, Rossana Ortiz as Elektra, Zandro Zamora, Eva Linda and Lita Vasquez.
10. Oops, my research of sort (thanks to Mars Ravelo's website esp. for the picture) just reminded me that before Darna, there was Varga, a female superhero that already existed long before Darna did.

Trivial Ride

THERE are many ways to enjoy life. Go to Paris. Take a long hiatus from work. Chat. Watch "The Sound of Music". Binge on your favorite snack (okay, in moderation though). Reminisce the good ol' days. Listen to the "Carpenters" albums or simply be all ears to the soundtracks of your life.

There are many things that will bring about "deja vu" and a lot can be remembered through a song, and once a familiar tune is played that old funny familiar feeling comes back. The nostalgic feeling surges you feel your spirit lifted and think you can rest in peace.

I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic, but I am hopeful that you feel the same way when I take you for a trivial ride (songs and artists) and get you to a place where you once were, so brace yourselves. Here are a few questions that will truly be a great refresher, again!

1. Sissy Spacek starred in "Carrie" the theme song of which was sung by Kathy Irving. What's the 11-word love song called?

2. The soundtrack "You Light Up My Life" was crooned by gospel singer with initials D.B.! Who's the artist?

3. Ryan O' Neal and Ali McGraw topbilled this movie, soundtrack composed and orchestrated by Francis Lai. The song is a videoke favorite and was immortalized by Andy Williams via the line "Where Do I Begin?" What's the title?

4. Robert Downy co-starred with Cybil Shepherd in this romantic movie. The soundtrack of the same name was sung by Johnny Mathis. Clue: 2 words

5. Remember Connie Reyes on Camera? Diana Ross sang the OBB (read: Opening Billboard) song of the afternoon drama. Sharon Cuneta sang the same song in "Bituing Walang Ningning". What was the heart-rending love song's title?

6. The movie is told of a teacher and his students set either in late 50's or early 60's. Singer LULU, who was also in the cast, sang the movie theme. Clue: T.S.W.L.

7. What was the love theme of the movie "Ice Castles"? Melissa Manchester singing.

8. Julie Vega's ANNA LIZA regularly featured a Roberta Flack hit especially in its CBB (read: Closing Billboard). What's the title of that very sad song?

9. What's that Richard Clayderman's signature instrumental hit featured in Lovingly Yours, Helen? It's a song with a name in it.

10. Shelby Flint delivered beautifully the lines of the song in Walt Disney's "The Rescuers" a film about a girl named Polly who was maltreated by her aunt. Lea Salonga did a version of the song too, what is its title? Clue: 4 words. Another clue: Always keep a little prayer in your pocket...."

11. The movie based on the novel "Bid Time Return" starred Jane Seymour and the late Christopher Reeve. The soundtrack is composed by John Barry, what the music and title called? Clue: I like the clue I almost want to stand up- S. I. T.

12. Which one is a movie soundtrack sung by Jam Morales? a.) Even If b.) I Love You and I Always Will c.) Laruan

13. Still on OST's, what's the love theme of the movie "Butcher's Wife"? Singer: Julia Fordham.

14. Which one is not a song of Raymond Lauchengco? a.) Farewell b.) So It's You c.) Growing Up d.) Shadow of Time

15. Working Girls (part 1) was topbilled by Rio Locsin, Carmi Martin, Gina Pareno and HIlda Koronel in the 80's. Who sang the movie theme, "Working Girls"? Clue: She sang the song "You Turn Me On"

16. Romnick Sarmenta, as a kid, once starred in a teleserye with Caridad Sanchez. The title of the series and the song are the same. The song was originally sung by Eugene Villaluz.

17. Can you name this one? The song is by the Hotdogs and was always used in the late Inday Badiday's showbiz talkshow. What's the song?

18. Remember Romeo Miranda? He co-starred with Vilma Santos in Darna and the Giants and in one movie where he was leading man and the voice behind the soundtrack. What's the movie, which happens to be the title of that song?

19. For extra points, name the guy: Elvis Presley's Teddy Bear was remade in the 70's by this child singer-actor who played Ding (kid brother of Darna) in Darna and the Giants.

20. For the oldies but goodies, name the Filipino singers who crooned or remade a.)"Door To Paradise", b.) the remake of "Kiss Me, Kiss Me" c.)" Mississippi" d.) Ah, Ewan! e) Mother of Mine

The answers:
1. I Never Dreamed Someone Like You Could Love Someone Like Me
2. Debbie Boone
3. Love Story
4. Chances Are
5. It's My Turn
6. To Sir With Love
7. Looking Through The Eyes Of Love
8. If Ever I See You Again
9. Ballade Pour Adeline
10. Someone's Waiting For You
11. Somewhere in Time
12. c) Laruan
13. Love Moves In Mysterious Ways
14. Growing Up (by Gary V.)
15. Chona Cruz
16. Gulong Ng Palad
17. Careful Careful
18. Dyesebel
19. Dondon Nakar
20. a.)Julius Obregon, b)Efren Montes
c) Arnold Gamboa d) Maribel Aunor e) Florence Aguilar

Bakekang

IF SURFING the net and downloading song favorites were crimes, I would willingly serve my time. When I checked on some blogs, I could not help but think of all the possibilities, considering that of late Pinoys get bombarded by a number of local and foreign teleseryes on the boob tube. So, what about some less ugly talk on "ugly" probabilities?

Talks once had it that Jolina Magdangal would essay the role of Bakekang, which Nora Aunor did in 1978. Fans are really going to be excited at this development, which happened at the height of ABS-CBN's plan to revive Kampanerang Kuba into a teleserye.

The role was supposedly offered to Claudine Barretto who I think could have also fared well doing it but she never accepted.

Can you just imagine the future Mrs. Raymart Santiago transform into Andang or Simang. (Andang was Vilma's name in the original KK and Simang, well, everybody knows). And picture Jolina as Bakekang. I think, it's cool!

Some reports say Madam Violet Sevilla of Violett Films is venturing on making the movie if Star Cinema will let go of the idea.

Ai-ai is their choice for the role. It can be remembered that just before the expiration of her contract with Star Cinema, Ai-ai was mouthing she'd love to do Bakekang.

This one is taken from the latest Kapamilya blog, which really caught my interest. Ai Ai to play Bakekang? Yes, if plans push through, Ai Ai de las Alas will play the role of Bakekang in the TV series that ABS-CBN is reportedly intending to produce.

"Bakekang," made into a movie 29 years ago with superstar Nora Aunor in the title role is, like "Panday," another Carlo J. Caparas Jr. creation.

First, it was reported that GMA Entertainment was thinking of doing the "Bakekang" TV series and among those they had in mind to play the title role were Sunshine Dizon and Jolina Magdangal.

But it seems ABS-CBN has beaten GMA to the draw because the former reportedly is the one who has bought the rights to do "Bakekang."

Truth of the matter is the Kapuso camp said they never intended to produce "Bakekang" either as a movie or a TV series. It's almost certain ABS-CBN is doing "Bakekang," there's no doubt the network will again tap Carlo J. Caparas Jr. to be consultant for the project. Carlo is senior consultant for "Panday." Kris Aquino was being considered to reprise Ms. Aunor's role.

What really preposterous is this report about ABS-CBN borrowing Sunshine Dizon or Jolina Magdangal in the event Kris Aquino or Ai Ai de las Alas won't be available.

*****

SunStar reader Mark Guillermo had this to say in one email I received a few days ago. "Hi. I just wanted to you to know that I enjoyed reading your article today. I have fond memories of the eighty's--college days, barkada, vacations, etc. Most of these memories are always associated with songs. That's why your trivia 1 & 2 have brought back a lot of fond memories of the 80's again. Remembering the 80's--boy was life much, much better back then. Thanks for your article. It was a good break from the monotony of office work and the seemingly endless (sic) redundancy of what others refer to as "NEWS" on TV and print. Hope to see more of these types of contributions in the future. More power to you and may God Bless you always." Melts my heart! (picture courtesy of wikipedia)

Afternoon Delights

WE CAN'T avoid feeling gushy once in a while and find ourselves thinking about the times when as kids we had no qualms about environmental concerns like the ozone layer, the air, and other posers. TV programs like Savage Earth and the like were years away from that time.

Due to its unavailability or its remote access, cable was then a reason you had to head downtown to catch live basketball playoffs, boxing bouts, and figure skating competitions.

In the early 90's, Plaza (along Bolton Street in Davao City) was one of the best places to have fun with long before the "berks" and "jologs" were coined.

There's so much to enjoy during those years even if we had our eyes turn red (what with Eye-mo ready inside the medicine cabinet) feasting on programs, thanks to free TV.

Our Hitachi set -- an heirloom with wooden casings and speakers now collecting dust -- served it purpose for quite awhile, it deserves a place in our hearts and our home.

TV watching while chomping on a 1-peso worth Chippy with one family size Pepsi at P2.40 was a cool diversion which only glitch was when a line crawls below the screen and went: IT'S NOT YOUR SET FOLKS! and you'd go nuts!

We never liked sleeping in the afternoon because before MMK and Magpakailanman, there was "Lovingly Yours, Helen" and its very familiar theme and hard to find background tunes. The late Helen Vela (I know that you know, she's Princess Punzalan's mother) was a refreshing sight and a soothing sound on those hot afternoons.

But Helen's angelic voice, which can be likened to that of the late Karen Carpenter's, gave our Sundays a different feel.

Coney Reyes Mumar Drama Studio was a staple for Saturday viewings, which brings to mind Eddie Ilarde's "Kahapon Lamang" lording the evening with his letter reading on Mondays. Not to mention "Damdamin" (with Tina Loy) and "Gulong ng Palad" (which starred Caridad Sanchez and the young Romnick Sarmenta) which were dominant TV soaps that made the seventies unforgettable.

In between, I remember my cousins having a date with komiks following the adventures of Zuma and Galema. If you remember keping copies of Tagalog Klasiks, Aliwan, Pinoy Komiks, Happy, Espesyal, Hiwaga, Darna, Lovelife, Horoscope and TSS komiks. (I chuckled when on Game KNB, Kris grimaced when one contestant mentioned "Tapusan" instead of "Wakasan" in answer to her komiks trivia quiz.)

My mother used to rent out those komiks for 25 cents. At the Panacan Public Market komiks stall, I'd remember the "No Free Reading" sign either telling or testing whether you can read or not.

But I'm sure it's to tell you to read for a fee while enjoying the serialized stories of Darna, Captain Barbel and Panday, enjoying the novels and short stories altogether of Mars Ravelo, Jim Fernandez, Carlo Caparas, Gilda Olvidado and then neophyte KC Cordero.

Of the illustrators, we have loved the "dibuho" of Mar T. Santana, Louie Celerio, Nestor Malgapo, Clem Rivera and Vincent Kua.

I also recall the time when "Kambal Sa Uma" (which movie version starred Ms. Rio Locsin) and "Cara" (that story about sisters whose three heads shared one body. Literally!) were serialized, if I remember it right, in Kislap or in another big-sized mag.

****

Let's not skip the mail: We have a mom online and this is what she wrote: Hi Skipojack, thanks for your informative column at Sun.Star.

I like your trivia, its very helpful. You featured Dj Monica last week and I am glad to know a little about her, she's just a year older than my eldest son and I like her shows.

Even before I accidentally entered this radio talent thing, I loved listening to all radio stations here in Davao until now. I also listen to dzRH, (laughs). Nabasa ko rin from you that you used to work here at dxSS and you'll gonna have a sort of reunion, please write what transpired in your party. I've seen you once at Lucy's Kainan (where was that? -- jack), matagal na yon..Thanks...P.S. I also like your story on Dj Sweet. She's really sweet. Regards! -- MomSue

Trivia: Screen Names versus real names -- Francisco Dumagoso (Iskho Moreno), Dorothy Jones (Nida Blanca). Aurora Villamayor (Nora Aunor), Gina Alitiit (Gina Alajar), Pablieto Sarmiento (Babalu), Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino (Kris Aquino)

Roxanne Abad Santos of Miracle of Love

FIRST the hi's and hello's from across the globe. We have a lady who emailed and this is what she said. "Hi there, I'm Lanie and I'm an avid reader of your articles. I'm presently working here in New Zealand. I wonder how old you are coz it seems that your fave music are the same as mine...you know, Junior's "Yakap", etc. Hayyy, 'kakainlab! Sana mainlove uli ako. Don't forget the greatest hit of all time...Against All Odds by Phil Collins...daming luhang tumulo sa 'king face d'yan! Thanks for nice articles, keep writing!"

Well, you just brought last week's shortcoming though. Remember when I said Junior's other love track? DJ Andrew of MOR was very kind to share its "Excuse Me". Well, what else can I say?

Quite a few good artists, especially in the 80's make it to the daily really. So, it's an honor for me to do this retrospective thing as my beat. It's kinda self-fulfilling, too. Nothing beats the feeling of sharing old pictures, reminiscing the good old days, recounting unforgettable scenes from movies and remembering the stars that played them.

Just unfortunate some of these stars come and don't stay long. Not long enough for the now generation to see them shine, only to be remembered once in a blue moon. This is just one of those instances. This may interest buddies Anton and Ronald (we met at Gimmix with City Information Officer Noel D of Samal in one of his endeavors of late), since these two, Ronald especially, were loading me with feedbacks about this column.

Word for today: REMINISCING! Enough reason why the Little River Band came up with one appropriate title for a bouncy yet song.

If you remember decades ago, the movie world saw the emergence of one promising celebrity who would have made her mommy proud because of her wits and courage. Showbiz caught up with her very briefly though.

Yet she made a tremendous impact on everyone particularly those who believed in her and sympathized with what she was going through. She would be rearing children by now or still doing the catwalk or even making movies.

That, of course, could have been pluses to the equation that's Roxanne minus leukemia.

She is known to all and sundry in showbiz as Roxanne Abad Santos. Well, I won't force the issue whether the name rings a bell or not. She is best remembered for her spoken English and the way she graciously spoke it.

Fans knew her as a model and a promising flight stewardess (this idea occurred to me suddenly as if I heard her say it). In her interviews, she oozed with beauty and confidence. She was a good actress on her film debut and she could have made it internationally as a model or a beauty queen. But then again, God wanted her for Himself early.

Roxanne left a legacy to proud parents and kins, memory to fans and friends and a beautiful movie called "Miracle of Love" produced by Gabby Concepcion under his own GC Films.

The movie was shot abroad. Europe for sure, but it was in Venice where they had most of the scenes. Tell me, the pairing was great and the film bordered on the ideal: frail girl meets sturdy boy.

Boy gets shooed and girl shying away because she feels they are not meant to be. The film also bordered on reality: Roxanne, in real life, was actually ill. She was dying.

There were scenes that I myself find very hard to handle like falling hair because of cancer treatment. Roxanne effortlessly played that part, although she did not have to. She was just being herself in that movie. Wonder if the bleeding part was real or not. Can't really tell.

Gabby, as co-actor and producer was very supportive, so was Snooky Serna. In the film, Snooky played the daughter who was vowed by her parents to the monastery life. Bad, her life got complicated when she fell in love with Gabriel. Worse is, they parted ways and Gabby left the country, and once abroad, he met the sick Roxanne who was no longer in fine form when she met Gabriel (played by Gabby). Her ways showed not a hint of malignancy in her and what not.

In the end, love conquers all. Gabby was reunited with Snooky. So what happened to Roxanne? Love moves in mysterious ways as God does. Roxanne did not die in the movie though. She became a nun. I was very happy the movie had a happy ending!

Unfortunately, Roxanne passed away before she could even watch the movie herself. "Miracle of Love" was her first movie and it was also her last.