LAST year was the centennial of Philippine cinema. The celebration continues until this year. In this regard, I nominate – if I may – Fernando Poe Jr. as the Actor of the Century.
Poe Jr. is a National Artist, the only actor to be so honored.
*
OUTSTANDING FILMS – Let’s start with Eddie Romero’s epic “Aguila,” supported by Boyet de Leon, Amalia Fuentes, Eddie Garcia, Elizabeth Oropesa, Charo Santos, Daria Ramirez, Orestes Ojeda, Celia Rodriguez, Jay Ilagan, Sandy Andolong, Conrad Poe, Joonee Gamboa.
Celso Ad. Castillo’s “Asedillo” and “Ang Alamat.”
With “Asedillo,” Poe Jr. acquired the image that was to set him off as a legendary gunslinger, a defender of the poor and oppressed.
“Ang Alamat” pictured Poe Jr. as a reluctant hero who battles a whole private army all by himself to defend his townfolks.
*
OTHERS – His other outstanding films.
“Kamay Ni Cain,” “Mga Alabok
sa Lupa,” “Durugin Si Totoy Bato,” “Umpisahan Mo, Tatapusin Ko,” “Muslim Magnum 347,” “Padrino,” “Tatak ng Tundo,” “Perlas ng Silangan,” “Zamboanga,” “Ang Panday,” “Ako ang Katarungan,” “Lihim ng Guadalupe,” “Patayin si Mediavillo,” “Sanctuario,” “Eseng ng Tundo,” “Santo Domingo,” “Ang Dalubhasa,” “Hindi Ka Na Sisikatan ng Araw,” “Kapag Puno Na Ang Salop,” “Ang Daigdig Ko’y Ikaw.”
He has five best actor awards, not counting the coveted “Natatanging Gawad Urian.”
Fernando Poe Jr, the King of Philippine Movies,” loved and admired and respected by all. The Actor of the Century.
