Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer, By Nestor U. Torre
The impending end of the 20th century prompts us to look back and cite the most significant achievers in various areas of the entertainment scene within the past 100 years. It's our hope that the exceptional people honored here will inspire younger practioners to similarly aim high in their own work, despite the negative persuasions that pervade the world of show business.
This week, we start off by honoring 10 actresses who have done the best work in Filipino films. Since there are many achievers in this category, we've spent a long time analyzing and discussing the likely contenders.
Significance of Achievement
As we discussed and analyzed, we realized that exceptional acting talent wasn't the only factor that was relevant to the selection process. It became more apparent that significance of achievement was an important element, and this was affected by the consistency of the actresses' high achievement and the number of challenging roles they essayed.
In other words, if an actress was specially gifted but acted only occasionally, her cumulative achievement would pale in comparison to another actress was tapped by the best directors to do consistently exceptional work in numerous films. By this yardstick, even some of our personal favorites couldn't get into the top 10.
And now, our honorees (in alphabetical order):
GINA ALAJAR
Even as a child star, Alajar already stood out with her uncloying, straightforward and yet sensitive performances. After some erratic career choices in her adolescence and early teenage years, she recovered in the 1980s with exceptional performances in films like Brutal, Salome, Kapit sa Patalim, Biktima, Ano Ang Kulay ng Mukha ng Diyos, and Orapronobis. One of Lino Brocka's signature talents, Alajar's body of work benefited greatly from the challenging roles that the acclaimed director assigned to her.
NORA AUNOR
A box-office superstar and exceptional actress, Aunor starred in a number of "for the fans" quickies, but important directors sensed her inborn sensitivity and also cast her in a number of significant roles, the total worth of which more than makes up for her "commercial" vehicles. Her outstanding films include Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Atsay, Ikaw ay Akin, Fe, Esperanza, Caridad, Banaue, Bona and Himala.
Overwhelming popularity: Aunor's other important contribution: due to her overwhelming popularity with the mass audience, she was able to (for a while, anyway) put an end to the reign of mestizo-looking stars on the local film scene.
NIDA BLANCA
Originally "just" a musical-comedy star, she soon served notice that she could also do exceedingly well in drama when she won a best supporting actress award for her performance in Korea. She was also outstanding in Miguelito, Ang Batang Rebelde, Magdusa Ka and Sana, Pag-ibig Na.
RITA GOMEZ
She made such a good impression in her bit role in Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo that director Gerardo de Leon enlarged her part, thus enabling her to clinch a best supporting actress nomination. Gomez' spirited and stylish characterizations are also evident in films like Tatlong Magdalena, Gamitin Mo Ako, and Pagdating sa Dulo, Ishmael Bernal's first film.
HILDA KORONEL
Film buffs can't forget her introductory shot in Brocka's Santiago: from the ashes of a burned building, her dazed visage appeared, enchanting everyone with her youthful beauty (she was only 13 at the time). Later, viewers discovered to their delight that she was talented as well as beautiful.
Exceptional work: Koronel went on to do exceptional work in Insiang, Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag, Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang, Stardoom, Hello, Soldier (an episode in Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa), Angela Markado and Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising.
ANITA LINDA
She played the title role in Gerardo de Leon's Sisa to great acclaim, and followed up with similarly outstanding performances in Buhay Alamang, Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo, Apat na Kasaysayang Ginto, Itanong Mo Sa Buwan, Gumapang Ka sa Lusak, Jaguar and Hello Soldier. Her performances are characterized by exceptional strength, range and dramatic sensitivity.
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