Advanced search
- TITLES
- NAMES
- COLLABORATIONS
Search filters
Enter full date
to
or just enter yyyy, or yyyy-mm below
to
Only includes names with the selected topics
to
or just enter yyyy, or yyyy-mm below
to
1-48 of 48
- The 1981 Manila International Film Festival was designed by First Lady Imelda Marcos as an elaborate showcase of Filipino culture. To everyone's horror, the only film that sold to the world was a midget spy film - a miniature mockery of Western pop iconography, and a joyously naïve celebration of Filipino Goon Cinema - called For Y'ur Height Only. Its star, a two-foot nine primordial dwarf named Weng Weng, became the most famous Filipino celebrity of his generation both inside the Philippines and abroad, yet curiously, less than 30 years later, the real Weng Weng story has all but been forgotten even by those who worked alongside him. Blame faulty or selective memories, or a fad-driven culture that never pauses long enough to ask "who?", "what?" or "why?" - truth is, the story of Weng Weng has become one of the Philippines' greatest urban legends, and the wildest and woolliest of stories fill in the gaps. Stand-up comedian married to a porn actress, real-life secret agent, hit karaoke chanteur with Imelda, the flow is endless. Once the horsecrap hardens, it's almost impossible to extricate truth from fiction, the right from the rot.
It's taken me over a year, three visits to the Philippines and more than 40 interviews with the people closest to him, including his only surviving relative, brother Celing de la Cruz, to glean the following information. There are still enormous gaps, but this is the most detailed portrait of Weng Weng I am able to put together; my documentary The Search For Weng Weng is as complete as it ever will be.
Weng Weng was born Ernesto de la Cruz, the youngest of five brothers, on 7th September 1957 in Balacaran, a district of Pasay City (now part of the sprawling 17-city Metro Manila). A condition known as primordial dwarfism caused him to be born, in the words of his brother Celing, "no bigger than a coke bottle", and he spent the first 12 months of his life in an incubator. He was not expected to live. Naturally, it was declared a miracle when he did, and in a country that venerates miraculous acts of faith, it is no surprise that Weng Weng was dressed as the Christ-child figure at the head of Baclaran's yearly Santo Nino parade.
A cheerfully mischievous child, his family nicknamed him Weng Weng, an epithet usually reserved for toy dogs. He was obsessed with martial arts and trained almost daily, until his instructor contacted film producer Peter Caballes and said, "You just have to see THIS." Peter and his wife, the successful businesswoman Cora Ridon Caballes, took Weng Weng on the rounds of film producers, including Bobby A. Suarez, whose novelty kiddie films The Bionic Boy (1977) and Dynamite Johnson: The Bionic Boy Part 2 (1978) were already international hits. Suarez turned down the idea of Weng Weng as a midget Superman, but successful indie producer/director Luis San Juan, who specialized in kung fu films for the export market, cast Weng Weng in a cameo in a film whose name is now lost to the sands of time. Peter Caballes then introduced Weng Weng to the King of Philippines Comedy, Dolphy, who cast him as his kung-fu kicking sidekick in his spy caper The Quick Brown Fox (1980) and western parody Da Best In Da West (1981).
Weng Weng, meanwhile, was a frequent visitor of the Marcos family at the Presidential Palace, where he was made an honorary Secret Agent by future President General Ramos, and was presented with a badge and a 25-callibre pistol. This act may have been the direct inspiration for Weng Weng's first starring role as Agent OO in the James Bond parody For Y'ur Height Only, produced by Peter and written by Cora Caballes for their company Liliw Productions. Eddie Nicart, renowned stunt director for the SOS Daredevils, trained Weng Weng every day for three months to be a professional stuntman, and was given his first opportunity to direct.
It's hard to pin down the appeal of For Y'ur Height Only - whether it's the inadvertently genius deconstruction of both Western action films and their Pinoy counterparts, surreal pot-addled dubbing by American expats (and Apocalypse Now survivors) Jim Gaines and Nick Nicholson, or inspired casting of every Bad Guy (or "Goon") still alive at the time, and the James Bond of the Philippines himself, Tony Ferrer aka Agent X44, as Weng Weng's boss. It all adds up to an absurdist masterpiece of gloriously bad cinema, one which was sold all over the world and became one of the Philippines' most successful exports.
Weng Weng became an instant superstar, appearing on TV and at parties, film festivals, movie openings. Liliw Productions quickly cranked out a much less successful Agent OO sequel, The Impossible Kid (1982), and a modern Pinoy western D'Wild Wild Weng (1982), starring Weng Weng as a government agent known as "Mr Weng", which doesn't appear to have made it beyond the Philippines borders. There may be other Weng Weng film appearances, including a starring role in Agent OO (c.1981) and a guest cameo alongside the stick-thin Palito's character "James Bone", but even in the Philippines information is sketchy at best, if not non-existent.
As the profits diminished, Cora Caballes moved on to a political career and Liliw Productions folded. As a result, Weng Weng found himself no longer flavour of the month and without a film career. According to his brother, his family was poor before he became famous, and afterwards remained as poor as ever. In a bizarre twist of fate, General Ramos decided to put Weng Weng through paratrooper training; this time he was given a genuine Agent badge and was sent on infiltration missions where his size would been used to its maximum advantage. Thanks to the Caballes' connections at Manila Airport, Weng Weng was seen patrolling the Arrivals Lounge in the mid-Eighties in his blue uniform as the unlikeliest "Welcome To Manila" banner.
He continued to live in the family home in Baclaran, gained weight and, according to some reports, drank heavily, and developed hypertension after a severe reaction to eating crabmeat. His health declined steadily over the next twelve to eighteen months, and he died of heart failure on 29th August 1992, just short of his 35th birthday.
The Philippines' tiniest film icon is buried in a modest white marble tomb with his parents, grandparents and great-grandmother in Pasay City Cemetary. - Actress
- Soundtrack
Cherry Pie Picache was born on 27 May 1970 in Metro Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Foster Child (2007), Kaleldo (2006) and Manay po! (2006).- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Rhian Ramos was born on 3 October 1990 in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for Ang panday (2009), Silong (2015) and Ouija (2007).- Actor
- Writer
- Camera and Electrical Department
Ping Medina was born on 23 July 1983 in Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines. He is an actor and writer, known for Etheria (2005), Transit (2013) and Ang pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (2005).- Cristine Reyes was born on 5 February 1989 in Marikina City, Metro Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for UnTrue (2019), El Presidente (2012) and Kristine (2010). She has been married to Ali Khatibi since 27 January 2016. They have one child.
- Director
- Producer
- Writer
Marilou Diaz-Abaya was born on 30 March 1955 in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. She was a director and producer, known for Muro-ami (1999), New Moon (2001) and José Rizal (1998). She was married to Manolo Abaya. She died on 8 October 2012 in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines.- Actor
- Soundtrack
Ian Veneracion was born on 7 February 1975 in Metro Manila, Philippines. He is an actor, known for Nanahimik ang gabi (2022), Block Z (2020) and The Iron Heart (2022).- Dexter Doria was born on 16 April 1955 in Metro Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Mulawin vs Ravena (2017), Memories of Forgetting (2020) and Please - Care (2017).
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Luis Manzano was born on 21 April 1981 in San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines. He is an actor, known for In My Life (2009), Pilipinas Got Talent (2010) and All About Love (2006). He has been married to Jessy Mendiola since 27 February 2021.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Belinda Angelito Mariano, better known by her screen name "Belle Mariano" is a Filipina actress and singer. Belle Mariano started her showbiz career at an early age of 9 years old, appearing on television commercials, playing young supporting roles, and starring in the comedy-themed kids show Goin' Bulilit as a part of the regular cast.
She made her acting debut in Lorenzo's Time, a television series starring Zaijian Jaranilla. She has since consistently appeared in various Maalaala Mo Kaya episodes, often portraying the young roles of the main cast. She also played supporting roles in various films including Rekorder (2013), Can't Help Falling In Love (2017), Love You To The Stars And Back (2017), and Yours Truly, Shirley (2019).
Belle later on gained popularity through her first ever leading role as Maxpein/Max of He's Into Her', an iWantTFC original series directed by Chad Vidanes adopted from a popular wattpad novel of the same name written by Maxinejiji. She is also known for portraying the role of Gabbie Salazar in the film Four Sisters Before The Wedding (2020). Mariano is set to team up with her He's Into Her on-screen partner Donny Pangilinan again in the upcoming film Love Is Color Blind where she takes up the role of the female lead, Cara Arevalo.- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Hero Angeles was born on 8 December 1984 in Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines. He is an actor and director, known for Stockroom (2007), Can This Be Love (2005) and Paano ba ang mangarap? (2009).- Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr., commonly referred to by the initials PBBM or BBM, is a Filipino politician who is the 17th and current president of the Philippines. Marcos is also the secretary of agriculture, holding the post in concurrent capacity. He previously served as a senator from 2010 to 2016.
- Hazel Hernan-Tabulinar was born on 29 September 1982 in Marikina City, Metro Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Boys Over Flowers (2009), Battle Spirits: Shounen Gekiha Dan (2009) and Jet and the Pet Rangers (2020).
- Tito Sotto was born on 24 August 1948 in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Luzon, Philippines. He is a producer and composer, known for Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After (The Ungasis and Escaleras Adventure) (2008), Naku...Ha! (1984) and Iskul bukol (1980). He is married to Helen Gamboa.
- Director
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Script and Continuity Department
Frasco Mortiz was born on 31 December 1978 in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Luzon, Philippines. He is a director and assistant director, known for Pagpag: Nine Lives (2013), La luna sangre (2017) and Luv U (2012). He has been married to Ellen Angeles - Mortiz since 4 January 2007. They have one child.- Actor
- Special Effects
Ray Ventura was a resident of Poblacion, Makati City. He was a stage, film and television actor and director who gained recognition from playing various supporting yet memorable roles. Born in Makati on Jan 3, 1944, Raven passed away on October 24, 2001 in his home in Makati City due to complications brought about by liver and bone cancer. He was married to Amelia Leaño, with whom he had three children, and six grandchildren.- Actress
- Producer
Chynna Ortaleza was born on 6 December 1982 in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Luzon, Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for Sana ay ikaw na nga (2012), Migrante (2012) and Mulawin vs Ravena (2017).- Armando Goyena was born Jose Goyena Revilla, Jr., in Manila. His parents, Jose Revilla, Sr. and Florentina Goyena, were from high society. Goyena married model and socialite Paquita Roces in 1951, and they sired 8 children, three of whom entered show business after their father (Maritess Revilla, Tina Revilla, and Johnny Revilla). The eight children have married into illustrious names, including Palanca, Araneta, Yabut and Araneta. A graduate of De La Salle College where he took up commerce, Goyena proceeded to manage a soda fountain in Manila, where one day playwright Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero walked in to have coffee. Guerrero then invited Goyena to join a production of Filipino Players. He found himself performing before army veterans in an open-air benefit performance of 'Wanted: A Chaperone' (1946). Guerrero cast him in other productions, such as 'Condemned' (1946), and 'Wow! These Americans' (1947), and even created a one-actor play for him entitled 'What a Guy!' (1948). He also acted for Lamberto V. Avellana and his Barangay Theater Guild, appearing in 'Joan of Lorraine' as Dunois, in 'Summer and Smoke' as John, and in 'A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino' as Tony Javier. Goyena approached Doña Sisang (Narcisa de Leon), LVN producer who was his mother's friend, so he could enter the movies. After a long wait, he was finally given the role of an army lieutenant, a second lead to Leopoldo Salcedo in 'Puting Bantayog' (1948). After several more second-lead roles, he was given his first starring role in Maria Beles (1949). After his next movie, 'Prinsesang Basahan' (1949), LVN firmed up his loveteam with Tessie Quintana. Together they made 15 films in all and the movies were all hits: Sa Tokyo ikinasal (1948); Ibigin mo ako, lalaking matapang (1949); Virginia (1949); Tenyente Carlos Blanco (1952); Tiya Loleng (1952)_; Amor mio (1951); and Damong ligaw (1954). Goyena was the first Filipino counterpart to Captain Marvel, in the original 'Kapitan Kidlat' (1953), with Evelyn Villar; this was followed by a sequel the following year, Kidlat... ngayon! (1953). Goyena had made a total of 44 movies before he decided to quit in 1958. His last film was Casa grande (1958), alongside a powerhouse cast like Nida Blanca, Nestor De Villa, Manuel Conde, Perla Bautista and Vic Diaz. After a 30-year hiatus, Goyena agreed to appear in the film Mahal kita, walang iba (1992) starring Kris Aquino and Christopher De Leon. He also agreed to appear in 'Pagdating ng panahon (1998)_, directed by Eric Quizon and starring Quizon and Aiko Melendez. Goyena played a crucial role in the film Yamashita: The Tiger's Treasure (2001), and Indiana Jones-type adventure with Albert Martinez and Bb Gandanghari. After a storied career with masterful performances, he finally got nominated and won the FAMAS award for Best Actor, a fitting tribute to a leading man everyone called "Golden Boy of Philippine Movies." Goyena's last film appearance was in the semi-musical Annie B. (2004), a remake that lacked the box-office success of its original Nora Aunor starrer. Goyena died in March 10, 2011, reported cause of death Pulmonary Embolism. He left behind a family of eight illustrious children and 29 grandchildren.
- Producer
- Actress
- Writer
Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios "Imee" Romualdez Marcos is a Filipina politician and former actress serving as a Senator since 2019. She is the daughter of Ferdinand Marcos and former first lady Imelda Marcos and the older sister of the current president, Bongbong Marcos. She previously served as governor of Ilocos Norte from 2010 to 2019 and as representative of Ilocos Norte's 2nd district from 1998 to 2007.- Actor
- Producer
- Additional Crew
Alfred Vargas was born on 24 October 1981 in San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines. He is an actor and producer, known for Supremo (2012), ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh (2006) and Bridal Shower (2004).- Gabriel Roxas was born on 18 February 1999 in Metro Manila, Philippines. He is an actor, known for Bahay mo ba 'to (2004), Kilig... Pintig... Yanig... (2004) and I Will Always Love You (2006).
- Moymoy was born on 17 July 1983 in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines. He is an actor, known for Ang huling henya (2013), KontrAdiksyon (2019) and Diva (2010).
- Actress
- Soundtrack
Yasmien Kurdi was born on 25 January 1988 in Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Saan darating ang umaga? (2008), Pati ba pintig ng puso? (2007) and Babangon ako't dudurugin kita (2008).- Say Alonzo was born on 6 August 1979 in San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh (2006), Stairway to Heaven (2009) and Nandito ako... Nagmamahal sa 'yo (2009).
- Music Department
- Composer
- Actress
Jonalyn Viray was born on 15 November 1989 in Marikina City, Metro Manila, Philippines. She is a composer and actress, known for Ngayon at kailanman (2018), Mulawin: The Movie (2005) and Darna (2005).- Actor
- Soundtrack
Enzo Almario was born in Manila but raised in Santa Rosa, Laguna where his talent was discovered by his parents. He trained under different vocal coaches to hone his talents and started joining singing competitions at the age of 8. Almario joined Pop Star Kids where he ended up as part of the Top 5, and soon became a member of the kiddie singing group, SugarPop. He was regularly doing TV shows with the group for two years. After three years, SugarPop was officially disbanded in 2009. In 2018, Almario joined Tawag Ng Tanghalan where he became the Daily Winner and where he also proclaimed himself as genderqueer. He later joined Idol Philippines in 2019 and became a semi-finalist. He was one of the members of the openly gay group called, iDolls(2019-2022). He aims to leave a mark by inspiring people through wisdom and voice.- Andres Bautista was born on 28 March 1964 in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
- Bobby Gonzales was born on 15 January 1935 in Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines. He was an actor, known for Bakasyon grande (1957), Close to You (1967) and Titong Robinhood (1965). He died on 5 October 2002 in the Philippines.
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Edgardo Santos in Real life, a Filipino bit player from 1991 up to the present 2015. Born in Proj. 3, Quezon City. He studied high school at Roosevelt Memorial High School in Cubao and Feati University and Philippine School of Business and Arts taking up Commerce and Majoring Manangement.
Ebro was a Best Boy or a Utility Man in the Philippines for almost 2 years. after his for movie contract as a best boy he choose to be a bit player for almost 24 years.
Although he is fond of collecting some articles about Classic Movies and Music Ebro tagged as an imitator of several legendary singers from local and abroad in the likes of Diana Ross, Bee Gees, Bread, Willie Nelson, Michael Jackson to name a few.- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Cris Jason Santos, better known as Jack Logan, is a Filipino YouTuber, content creator, filmmaker, writer, producer and actor. He is known for his life commentaries and comedy reviews on Facebook and YouTube. He has been nominated for several awards in film and documentaries, including the Breakthrough Vlogger of the Year 2023 and the 28th Asian Television Awards. His ability to consistently engage and inspire his followers has cemented his position as one of the most influential social media personalities in the Philippines.- Additional Crew
- Editor
- Cinematographer
James Lacsina was born on 5 January 1982 in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. James is an editor and cinematographer, known for He's No Focker (2006), Juvies (2007) and Yao in the NBA (2005).- Visual Effects
Giovanni Nakpil was born on 12 July 1976 in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. Giovanni is known for Star Trek (2009), Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) and Dreamcatcher (2003).- Anna Cristina was born on 25 August 2003 in Metro Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for The Storyteller Series (2020), VALENCE (2020) and I Married a Monster on a Hill.
- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Roadfill was born on 28 August 1985 in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines. He is an actor and director, known for Nothing But the Bests! (2017), Ang huling henya (2013) and Overtime (2014).- Arianne Caoili was born on 22 December 1986 in Metro Manila, Philippines. She was married to Levon Aronian. She died on 30 March 2020 in Yerevan, Armenia.
- Art Department
- Set Decorator
- Art Director
Francisco Balangue was born on 25 April 1919 in Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines. He was a set decorator and art director, known for Platoon (1986), Born on the Fourth of July (1989) and Missing in Action (1984). He died on 18 June 2013 in Belleville, New Jersey, USA.- Christian Baranda was born on 10 November 2001 in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Luzon, Philippines. He is an actor, known for Stop the G: KND - Part 1 (2015).
- Nacio Samonte is a theater actor and voice actor who started his career at Reportory Philippines, Suessical the Musical at August 2011. And from then on he kept on acting and working hard.His next play was the "King and I" where he played as one of the children and was understudy for the role of chulalongkorn. and that play started at September 2012 - May 2013. He did the play "Bluebird of Happiness" where he was the lover of the girl when tultyl and mytyl went to the father of future. In 2014 Nacio was part of a BBC radio drama called a "Kidnapping" where he played as the character Paolo, a young innocent kid that was 10 years old. Kidnapped by teachers so they can get easy money from the father, who the father of Paolo is a Filipino politician. During this year he also played the role of Basilio in the Ophera "Noli Me Tangere".
- Daniel Nicholson was born on 20 November 1983 in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Luzon, Philippines. He is an actor, known for Dune Warriors (1991), Heated Vengeance (1985) and Barbaro Santo (1987).
- Visual Effects
- Editorial Department
Aya Dorado was born on 22 December 1992 in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Luzon, Philippines. She is known for Islands (2013), Sana dati (2013) and Momzillas (2013). She has been married to Brian Dorado since 10 August 2017.- Ricardo T. Jose was born on 29 October 1957 in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Luzon, Philippines.
- Forsythe Cordero was born on 11 November 1980 in Metro Manila, Philippines. He is an actor, known for Hesus, rebolusyunaryo (2002), Wagas (2013) and Anak ng tinapa (2005).
- Camera and Electrical Department
- Cinematographer
- Actor
Michael Edillor was born on 8 March 1982 in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. He is a cinematographer and actor, known for Hard Drive 13 (2010), The Manila Marauder (2008) and After Tomorrow (2005).- Actress
Chx Alcala was born on 29 June 1981 in Caloocan City, Metro Manila, Luzon, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Condo (2008), Signos (2007) and Maalaala Mo Kaya (1991).- Lyn Guevarra was born on 25 November 1958 in Metro Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Isprakenhayt (1973).
- Camera and Electrical Department
- Cinematographer
- Additional Crew
Mara Benitez was born on 14 October 1983 in San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines. She is a cinematographer, known for Minsan pa (2004), Ikaw pa rin: Bongga ka Boy (2008) and Now That I Have You (2004).- Joanna Joy Ong was born on 12 July 1992 in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Luzon, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Mahal kita: Final answer! (2002). She has been married to Kristoffer Beltran since 21 October 2020.
- Alex Eala was born on 23 May 2005 in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.