Cover Megastar Sharon Cuneta for Tatler Philippines (formerly Philippine Tatler)
Megastar Sharon Cuneta for Tatler Philippines (formerly Philippine Tatler)
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Through the help of these veteran actresses, Philippine cinema flourished with so much colour and attention
In the Philippines, there are women who have captured the public's attention through their personal gifts; they have the charm, grace, beauty, and talent that go beyond the cinema and the roles they have given life to. It is through these that they were able to summon a wide variety of fans who, up to this day, continue to lavish them with so much attention.
For this list of veteran film actresses, Tatler presents names that are forever etched in the hall of the country's most sought after talents.
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1. Jaclyn Jose
Above Veteran actress Jaclyn Jose (Photo: Drama Wiki)
Veteran actress Jaclyn Jose (Photo: Drama Wiki)
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Jaclyn Jose (born Mary Jane Santa Ana Guck) is an actress who earned critical acclaim for her roles in Ma' Rosa (2016), White Slavery, and Private Show.
Jose is popular for her works with actor Juan Rodrigo. She has stepped into the shoes of the iconic 'Maganda' in the TV and film adaptations of the primetime soap opera Mula sa Puso and the 1980s movie Hati Tayo sa Magdamag.
In 2016, Jose broke the internet when filmmaker Brillante Mendoza's Ma' Rosa got nominated for a Palme d'Or, the coveted prize at the Cannes Film Fest. In the end, the film was not able to bag the said award, but the fest has given Jose a Best Actress nod, making her the first Southeast Asian actress to accomplish this feat.
2. Elizabeth Oropesa
Above (Photo: Elizabeth Oropesa)
(Photo: Elizabeth Oropesa)
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The mesmerising beauty of Elizabeth Oropesa, the Miss Luzon of the Miss Republic of the Philippines in 1972, was not the only reason why she enjoys the limelight in the Philippine show business.
Known as La Oropesa or 'Boots' to her friends, the star was a Grand Slam Best Actress winner for Bulaklak ng Maynila in 1999. Her most notable movies include Alupihan Dagat (1975) and Aguila (1980) with the late action star Fernando Poe, Jr.; Si Rafael at Raquel (1976) and Hide and Seek sa Manila, Makati (1977) with Christopher de Leon; Mother and Daughter (1975) with Paraluman and Vic Vargas.
She also gained so much respect and attention through her roles in Katawang Lupa (1975) with Eddie Gutierrez; Uhaw na Dagat (1981) with Gloria Diaz and Isabel Rivas; Iking Boxer (1975) with Chiquito; and Palabra de Honor (1983) with Eddie Garcia. In 2016, Oropesa won the prestigious Best Supporting Actress for her I America role in the Cinemalaya film festival.
3. Vilma Santos
The young Vilma Santos (Photo: Juls Haglund/ Pinterest)
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In the '70s and '80s, if you are not a Nora Aunor fan, you most likely belong to Vilma Santos' troop of devoted 'Vilmanians'.
Santos is considered one of Philippine cinema's best actresses and she has enough trophies and recognitions to show for it. The celebrity started as a child actress at the age of nine in Trudis Liit (1963); the same movie that let her win her first FAMAS.
Since then she has stepped into a variety of iconic roles in Ikaw ay Akin (1978), Darna and Ding (1980), T-Bird at Ako (1982), The Child (2000), and more.
Santos, who is now in her late sixties, continues to devote her life to public service. She is dubbed the 'Star For All Seasons' as she continues to reap more acting awards and box office successes.
4. Nora Aunor
The young Nora Aunor (Photo: Nora Aunor Blogspot)
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If there are 'Vilmanians', there are most certainly 'Noranians' who rally behind their favourite star, Nora Aunor.
Aunor, who is dubbed the 'Philippine Cinema Superstar,' was once the muse of another veteran artist Tirso Cruz III. The loveteam, who fans enjoyed calling 'Guy and Pip,' were a popular pair until they professionally parted ways.
The star bagged several international awards including the 1995 Cairo International Film Festival Best Actress, Asian Film Awards, and the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Actress.
Some of her most famous movies were Himala (1982), Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit (1989), Bona (1980), and T-Bird at Ako (1982) with Vilma Santos.
5. Maricel Soriano
Above Veteran actress Maricel Soriano (Photo: Phil News PH)
Veteran actress Maricel Soriano (Photo: Phil News PH)
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Dubbed as the 'Diamond Star' of Philippine cinema, Maricel Soriano is arguably the best actress of her time. She is known for giving life to films like Inday Bote, Tulak ng Bibig, Kabig ng Dibdib, Dinampot Ka Lang Sa Putik, Mano Po (2002), and more.
For her unparalleled talent, Soriano was able to garner recognitions such as Best Actress in the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) awards, two Golden Screen Awards for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Cinemanila International Film Festival for Best Actress (2006), and more.
6. Eugene Domingo
Above Eugene Domingo was born on July 23, 1971 as Eugenia Roxas Domingo. She is an actress, known for Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa kiyeme (2009), The Woman in the Septic Tank (2011) and Ang tanging ina mo: Last na 'to! (2010). (Photo: IMDB)
Eugene Domingo was born on July 23, 1971 as Eugenia Roxas Domingo. She is an actress, known for Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa kiyeme (2009), The Woman in the Septic Tank (2011) and Ang tanging ina mo: Last na 'to! (2010). (Photo: IMDB)
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Leave Eugene Domingo in a very crowded room and she will still captivate the crowd through unparalleled presence and personality. The sought-after star, who used to be part of Dulaang UP during her college days, won several awards including Best Actress in Theater Role Award at the 25th Aliw Awards.
Some of her most famous films are Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (The Woman in the Septic Tank) trilogy and Katas ng Saudi (2007).
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7. Sharon Cuneta
Megastar Sharon Cuneta for Tatler Philippines (formerly Philippine Tatler)
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Sharon Cuneta, dubbed 'Megastar,' has got to be the biggest star of her time considering the fact that she remains a relevant icon among much younger audiences today.
The celebrity started in show business at the tender age of 12 when she recorded Tawag Ng Pag-Ibig. In May 1978, Cuneta followed up with a song by Rey Valera entitled Mr DJ, a popular hit that eventually gave her the moniker 'DJ's Pet'.
It is no secret that Cuneta was linked to some of Philippine show business' most famous leading men including Albert Martinez, Gabby Concepcion, Richard Gomez, Robin Padilla, and more.
Her most iconic characters were in the movies Nang Iniwan Mo Ako (1997), Sa Hirap at Ginhawa, Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat sa Akin, Bukas Luluhod ang Mga Tala, Madastra, and Bituing Walang Ningning (1985).
Tatler Trivia: Sharon Cuneta was Philippine Tatler's (now Tatler Philippines) cover for its fifth-anniversary issue in 2006.
8. Gina Alajar
Above Veteran actress Gina Alajar (Photo: IMDB)
Veteran actress Gina Alajar (Photo: IMDB)
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Gina Alajar's range in acting is the reason why fans still see her in various contemporary TV series today. The veteran actress used to be a member of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) which was headed by her mentor and good friend Lino Brocka.
Among her most famous movies was Donata (1968), where she played the titular role of the girl who grows up to be Gina Pareño. She also Narda to Gina Pareño's Darna in the 1969 film Si Darna at ang Planetman (1969).
9. Gloria Sevilla
Above Veteran actress Gloria Sevilla (Photo: Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino)
Veteran actress Gloria Sevilla (Photo: Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino)
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Renowned Filipina actress Gloria Sevilla earned the title she rightfully deserved—"Queen of Visayan Movie Land''. In the '50s and '60s, Sevilla starred in several Visayan-made movies.
Sevilla gave life to her roles in Dyesebel (1978), Guhit Ng Palad (1988), Matud Nila (1991), The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995), Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay (2002), Lapu-lapu (2002), Bida si Mister, Bida si Misis (2002), and El Presidente (2012).
She received her first FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress through her film Madugong Paghihiganti (1962).
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
