BY RONALD CONSTANTINO
Lino Brocka right away comes to mind. He is the director-starmaker without equal.
Hilda Koronel is his signature actress. Lino directed Hilda when she was barely 13 years old in “Santiago,” winning a FAMAS award for best supporting actress. Hilda is the youngest FAMAS awardee in that category.
Truth to tell, it was a love-hate relationship. Lino always vowed never to work with Hilda again. But when right role came along, Lino would say, “Tawagan si Susan.” Hilda is Susan Reid offcam.
Then came Boyet de Leon, who was with sister Pinky the first time Lino saw the teener. Boyet was perfect for his movie “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang.” It was an artistic and a commercial success. Boyet was an overnight star.
Director and actor had a falling out and it would take several years before they reconciled.
Bembol Roco was a DARE (Drug Rehab) facilitator when Lino met him. He decided to cast Bembol in the film he was directing inside the rehab, “Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa.” Bembol was a last-minute replacement to Jay Ilagan in “Maynila: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag,” which turned out to be a masterpiece.
Bembol made films for Lino to the very end.
Lino heard bells ringing – or so he claimed – when he saw Phillip Salvador walking tall and proud. Then Ipe was doing so-so roles. He cast him in “Jaguar,” which competed at Cannes.
Other masterpieces followed: “Bona,” “Cain at Abel,” “Kapit sa Patalim,” “Orapronobis.”
Lorna Tolentino and Gina Alajar consider Lino their showbiz father. He directed them as child stars. Lino handled them in award-winning films as adult actresses. Sharon Cuneta considers Lino her mentor.
