Thursday, November 30, 2023

Francisco V. Coching

Francisco V. Coching - celebrated komik author and illustrator, and often poster artist for the films adapted from his works. 

His work has been praised for its vivid characters, and dynamic portrayal of action scenes.

My photos from Makati's Ayala Museum exhibition of his works in November 2018 are HERE.

A COMPLETE LIST OF HIS FILM ADAPTIONS IS COMING SOON!

1951 – Satur (LVN Pictures)
[Release date 20th February 1951]
Director Lamberto V. Avellana Story Francisco V. Coching Screenplay Fred Daluz Executive Producer/LVN Pictures President Dna. Narcisa Vda. de Leon Music Josefino Cenizal    
Cast Manuel Conde (Satur), Jaime de la Rosa (Sendong), Delia Razon (Cristina), Alfonso Carvajal, Rosa Aguirre, Florentino Ballecer, Joseph de Cordova [as Jose de Cordova], Diana Recto, Andres Centenera, Pelagio Balmori        
HORROR/COSTUMED ADVENTURE/ROMANTIC DRAMA

1952 – Barbaro (Sampaguita Pictures)
[Release date 25th January 1952; sometimes listed as “Sabas Ang Barbarao”]
Director Eddie Romero [as Enrique Moreno] Based on the Pilipino Komiks serial by Francisco V. Coching
Cast Pancho Magalona, Tita Duran, Tessie Martinez, Bert Olivar, Tony Cayado, Jose de Villa, Chichay, Pedro Faustino, Totoy Torrente, Martin Marfil, Olive La Torre
ACTION/COSTUMED ADVENTURE

1952 - Palasig (Sampaguita Pictures)
[Release date 15th April 1952]
Director Artemio B. Tecson Story Francisco V. Coching based on his Liwayway Magazine serial
Cast Cesar Ramirez (Palasig), Gloria Romero (Florinda), Aruray, Tony Cayado, Totoy Torrente, Pedro Faustino, Dolores Crescini
COSTUMED ADVENTURE

1953 – Agilang Itim (Premiere Productions)
[Release date 10th May 1953; released in Hong Kong in 1956]
Director Teodorico C. Santos Writer Francisco V. Coching Based on his Liwayway Magazine serial Producer Cirio H. Santiago
Cast Anita Linda (Medea), Eduardo Del Mar (Namir), Fernando Royo (Lurik), Oscar Keesee (Tornak), Patria Plata (Sigrid), Elena Mayo, Maria Norma, Johnny Monteiro (Voltar), Rita Gomez, Ruben Rustia (Hassan), Tony Tolman, Edna Luna (Nadia)
COSTUMED ADVENTURE

1953 – El Indio (Sampaguita Pictures)
[Release date 20th May 1953]
Director/Screenplay Eddie Romero [as Enrique Moreno] Based on the Pilipino Komiks serial by Francisco V. Coching Music Tito Arevalo
Cast Cesar Ramirez (El Indio), Nena Cardenas, Van De Leon, Boy Alano, Tita Muñoz (Blanquita), Tony Cayado, Myrna Delgado, Bert Olivar, Martin Marfil, Totoy Torrente, Eddie Garcia, Olive La Torre, Conrado Conde, Ely Nakpil
COSTUMED ADVENTURE

1953 – Maldita (Sampaguita Pictures)
[Release date 2nd October 1953]
Director Eddie Romero [as Enrique Moreno] Screenplay Conrado Conde Based on the Pilipino Komiks serial by Francisco V. Coching Music Pastor de Jesus
Cast Pancho Magalona, Boy Alano, Rita Gomez, Tony Cayado, Bella Flores, Aruray, Martin Marfil, Aring Bautista, Panchito Alba, Ching Tello, Eddie Garcia, Jose Salameda, Citas Javellana, Dolphy [as "Dolphey Quizon"], Horacio Morelos, Conrado Conde
DRAMA

1954 - Pedro Penduko (People’s Pictures/Premiere Productions)
[Release date 21st December 1954]
Director Gerardo de Leon Story Francisco V. Coching Based on his Liwayway Magazine serial Screenplay Ding M. de Jesus Producer Cornelio Hermoso Cinematogaphy Tommy Marcelino Music Tito Arevalo Orchestration Manuel G. Franco Editor Victoriano Calub Sound Supervisor Demetrio de Santos In Charge Of Production Demetria Flores Art Director Vicente Bonus Associate Director Nestor Reyes Special Effects Santos Hilario Makeup Artists Tony Artieda, Rene Sayno Laboratory Fred Lopez Sound Willie Arce Assistant Cameraman Justo Paulino Sound Recordist Crispia Herrera Assistant Editor Armando G. Lopez Chief Artist Jose de los Reyes
Cast Efren Reyes [Sr] (Pedro Penduko), Edna Luna, Lopito, Ramon D'Salva, Ruben Rustia, Lito Anzures, Nello Nayo, Paquito Salcedo, Purita Alma, Dely Atay-Atayan [as Dely Atayatayan]. Felisa Salcedo, Venchito Galvez, Max Alvarado, Juanito Lindo, Francisco Cruz, Francisco Martin, Tony Palomer, Jose Monasterial, Bino Garcia, Benny Panganiban, Onching Balibol, Nina Morales, Renato Robles [both IMDB and Wikipedia also – incorrectly? - list Leila Morena and Vicente Liwanag]
FANTASY/ACTION/COMEDY/KOMIK ADAPTATION

1955 - Lapu-Lapu (LVN Pictures)
[Release date 15th January 1955]
Director [Lamberto V.] Avellana Story Francisco V. Coching Screenplay Donato Valentin, Jesse Ramos, Jose V. Avellana Jr Executive Producer Dña. Narcisa B. Vda. de Leon Cinematography Remegio Young Music Francisco Buencamino Jr Arranger Restie Umali Choreography Perla Garcia Supervising Editor Enrique Jarlego Editors Gregorio Carballo, Teofilo de Leon, Ananias Francisco, Leandro German Sound Director Ben P. Patajo Recordist Juanito Corpus In Charge of Production Jose P. Generoso Chief Administration Department Gumercindo Buencamino Art Director Teody Carmona Assistant Director Jose V. Avellana Jr Fencing Instructor Jesse Baltazar Makeup Artists Pacita, Corpus Loreto Reyes Wardrobe Bernardo Fernandez Assistant Camera Fortunato Bernardo Printing Honorio Calma Laboratory Atilano Corpus       
Cast Delia Razon (Miraha), Mario Montenegro (Lapu-Lapu), Priscilla Cellona (Yumi), Oscar Keesee     (Magallanes), Johnny Reyes, Ven Medina, Vic Silayan (Arturo), Jose Vergara, Eusebio Gomez, Oscar Obligacion (Enrique), Sim Pajarillo, Dan Masinas, Miguel Lopez, Zeny Garcia, Arturo "Bomber" Moran, Monang Carvajal, Mario Roldan, Ricardo Llorin, Miniong Alvarez, Jose [de] Castro, Loida Morales, Victor Aguilar, Leonardo Fernandez, Ramonroy, Emilio Valdez, Francisco Quintana, Basilio Cerdon, TNT Boys, The LVN Stuntmen       
HISTORICAL DRAMA/ACTION/BIOPIC

1956 – Gigolo (Sampaguita Pictures)
[Release date 11th October 1956]
Director Olive La Torre Story Francisco V. Coching Based on his Pilipino Komiks serial Screenplay Conrado Conde, Tommy C. David Executive Producer Mrs Jose O. Vera Cinematography Cesar Silos Music Nestor Robles Editor Jose H. Tarnate Sound Director Joseph Straight Rerecordist Nestor Tanquintic Recordists Felimon Berba, Vicente Tarnate Assistant Director Gerardo Alano Cameraman Francisco Sanchez Art Director Benjamin Resella Associate Art Director Honorato de la Paz Makeup Andy Mariano, Apolonia Francisco Coiffeurist Jessie Lopez Assistant Editor Federico Arroyo Laboratory Technician Vicente Aquende
Cast Ric Rodrigo (Virgilio Labrador), Dolphy, Barbara Perez, Paraluman, Bella Flores, Eddie Garcia, Zeny Zabala, Venchito Galvez, Herminia Carranza, Pablo Raymundo, Jaime Javier, Patty Maceda, Leleng Isla, Vic Guevarra, Nick Estacio, Pablo Guevarra, Terry Campillo, Juanito [Jun?] Aristorenas, Cecilio Chico
ROMANTIC COMEDY/MUSICAL

1957 – Pusakal/“Fugitive” (People’s Pictures)
[Release date 26th October 1957]
Director Cirio H. Santiago Writers Francisco V. Coching, Fedrico Javinal   
Cast Max Alvarado, Lauro Delgado,     Leonor Vergara, Cynthia Zamora, Zaldy Zshornack
ACTION       

1958 - Pulot Gata (Sampaguita Pictures)
[Release date 10th March 1958]
Director Jose de Villa Story Francisco V. Coching based on his komik serial
Cast Dolphy (Choy), Carlos Salazar (Primo), Barbara Perez (Nona), Tony Marzan (Gallo), Marlene Dauden (Betsy), Panchito (Don Camillo)
COMEDY

1958 – Laban Sa Lahat/“Against Everybody” (Premiere Productions)
[Release date 7th October 1958]
Director Cirio H. Santiago Based on the Uwayway serial by Francisco V. Coching Music Tony Maiquez
Cast Fernando Poe Jr, Leonor Vergara, Lauro Delgado, Oscar Roncal, Elvira Reyes, Belen Velasco, Bruno Punzalan, Jose Garcia, Francisco Cruz, Dencio Padilla, Bino Garcia, Paquito Diaz, Jess Lapid Sr [as Jesus Lapid]
ACTION

1960 – Sa Ibabaw Ng Aking Bangkay (Premiere Productions)
[Release date 20th December 1960]
Director Cirio H. Santiago Screenplay Cesar Amigo Based on the Liwayway Magazine serial by Francisco V. Coching Cinematography Felipe Sacdalan Music Tony Maiquez
Cast Ronald Remy, Aura Aurea, Carlos Padilla Jr, Quiel Segovia, Carol Varga, Rolando Liwanag, Francisco Cruz, Vic Andaya, Blackie Francisco, Dencio Padilla, Jess Lapid Sr [as Jesus Lapid], Rosa Santos
ACTION

1961 - Harangan Man Ng Sibat (Sampaguita Pictures)
[Release date 9th April 1961]
Director/Screenplay Conrado Conde Story Francisco V. Coching Based on his Espesyal Komiks serial Music Dick Zamora
Cast Paraluman, Luis Gonzales, Van de Leon, Barbara Perez, Daisy Romualdez, Tito Galla
ACTION/ADVENTURE

1961 - Vengativo (Premiere Productions)
[Release date 6th September 1961]
Director Danilo H. Santiago Story Francisco V. Coching Based on his Liwayway Magazine serial Screenplay Cesar Amigo Cinematography Tommy Marcelino Music Tony Maiquez Layouts "de los Reyes"
Cast Cesar Ramirez, Van de Leon, Myrna Delgado, Eddie Mesa, Ruben Rustia, Vicente Liwanag, Anna Marie, Paquito Diaz, Lito Anzures, Marilou Munoz, Carol Varga, Teresita Mendez, Vener Vizconde, Edward Gomez, Juliet Pardo, Lucita Soriano, Jun Rosales
ACTION/MODERN WESTERN

1962 – Thor (People’s Pictures)
[Release date 14th August 1962]
Director/Screenplay Teodorico C. Santos Story Francisco V. Coching Based on his Liwayway Magazine serial Music Josefino Cenizal Layouts Eddie Domer
Cast Mario Montenegro (Thor), Olivia Cenizal (Isolde), Bob Soler (Angor), Carlos Padilla Jr (Jamal), Lauro Delgado (Valkhan), Carlo Varga (Singred), Ruben Rustia (Mobak), Africa dela Rosa (The Queen), Jose Garcia (Blakan), Bert Olivar (The Minister), Pablo Vertuoso, Juliet Pardo, Lucita Soriano, Jun Rosales, Marvin Molina, Paquito Salcedo, Poleng Mendoza, Andres Centenera, Resty Sandel
COSTUMED ADVENTURE

1962 - Masikip Ang Daigdig/“The World Is Too Small” (People’s Pictures)
[Release date 6th October 1962]
Director Cirio H. Santiago Story Francisco V. Coching Based on his Pilipino Komiks serial Screenplay Augusto Buenaventura Music Tito Arevalo Layouts Eddie Domer
Cast Fernando Poe Jr, Aura Aurea, Mina Aragon, Lauro Delgado, Ramon D’Salva, Oscar Roncal, Eddie Fernandez, Bruno Punzalan, Jose Garcia, Rolan Montes, Francisco Cruz, Tommy Romulo, Cesar Leyson
WAR

1964 – Duwag Ang Sumuko/“Only Cowards Surrender” (People’s Pictures)
[Release date 9th April 1964]
Director Cirio H. Santiago Screenplay Teodorico C. Santos Based on the Liwayway Magazine serial by Francisco V. Coching Music Tito Arevalo
Cast Cesar Ramirez, Mario Montenegro, Leonor Vergara, Maggie de la Riva, Lauro Delgado, Ramon D’Salva, Bruno Punzalan, Paquito Salcedo, Felisa Salcedo, Johnny Long, Tommy Romulo
WAR

1964 – Mga Batikan (People’s Pictures)
[Release date 28th August 1964]
Director Danilo H. Santiago Story Francisco V. Coching Based on his Liwayway Komiks serial Screenplay Ruben Rustia Music Tito Arevalo Layouts Eddie Domer
Cast Eddie Fernandez, Carlos Salazar, Maggie de la Riva, Lito Anzures, Celia Rodriguez, Lauro Delgado, Ruben Rustia, Johnny Long, Tommy Romulo, Bando Berroya, Paquito Salcedo, Lope Policarpio, Nancy Roman
WESTERN

1965 – Mga Espada Ng Rubitanya (Sampaguita Pictures)
[Release date 19th June 1965]
Director Conrado Conde Story Larry Toledo, Joe Strait Screenplay Bert Duenas Jr Music Pastor de Jesus Layouts Francisco V. Coching
Cast Vic Vargas, Liberty Ilagan, Dindo Fernando, Jean Lopez, Bert LeRoy Jr, Blanca Gomez, Edgar Salcedo, Shirley Moreno, Sarah Calvin, Boy Alano, Rodolfo "Boy" Garcia, Elizabeth Bankhead, Nestor Rosales, Romeo Rivera, Richard Merck
ACTION/COSTUMED ADVENTURE

1966 – Pistolero (People’s Pictures)
[Release date 17th April 1966]
Director Cirio H. Santiago Writer Ruben Rustia Based on the komik serial by Francisco V. Coching Music Ariston Avelino
Cast Jess Lapid [Sr], Gina Alonzo, Nancy Roman, Juliet Pardo, Paquito Diaz, Jose Romulo, Ruben Rustia, Alex Froilan, Eddie Feist, Larry Silva, Tommy Romulo, Tony Moreno, Nick Cayari, Paquito Salcedo, Felisa Salcedo, Benny Pestano
WESTERN

1966 – Kardong Kaliwa/“Left Handed Kardo” (Larry Santiago Productions)
[Release date 12th July 1966]
Director Cirio H. Santiago Screenplay Ruben Rustia Based on the komik serial by Francisco V. Coching Music Tito Arevalo
Cast Jess Lapid [Sr], Lourdes Medel, Nancy Roman, Martin Marfil, Eddie Feist, Rocco Montalban, Jose Padilla Jr, Lito Garcia, Dindo Fernando, Mary Walter
WESTERN

1966 – Tiagong Lundag/“Jumping Tiago” (People’s Pictures)
[Release date 25th November 1966]
Director Cirio H. Santaigo Screenplay Ruben Rustia Based on the Liwayway Magazine serial by Francisco V. Coching Music Tito Arevalo
Cast Jess Lapid [Sr], Gina Alonzo, Nancy Roman, Paquito Diaz, Alex Frolan, Ruben Rustia, Mona del Cielo, Eddie Feist, Ruven D'Jesus, Tommy Romulo, Rocco Montalban, Tony Moreno, Paquito Salcedo, Benny Pestano, Nick Cayado, Sammy Sarmiento, Robert Ruez?
ACTION

1967 – Ang Limbas At Ang Lawin/ “The Falcon And The Hawk” (People’s Pictures)
[Release date 4th January 1967]
Director Cirio H. Santiago Screenplay Cesar Amigo Based on the komik serial by Francisco V. Coching Music Polding Silos
Cast Jess Lapid [Sr], Charlie Davao, Daisy Romualdez, Eva Montes, Nancy Roman, Ruben Rustia, Ramon d’Salva, Sammy Sarmiento, Roberto Rios, Paquito Salcedo, Benny Pestano, Oscar Leyson, Nick Cayari, SOS Daredevils, PMP Boys, Francisco Cruz, Dolores Pobre, Hospicio Pregonero, Larry Esguerra, Larry Silva, Johnny Long, Martin Marfil, Fred Param
ACTION/ADVENTURE

1967 – Marko Asintado/“Sharpshooter” (Regina Productions/Cirio Santiago Film Organization)
[Release date 25th January 1967]
Director/Producer Cirio H. Santiago Screenplay Ruben Rustia Based on the Pinoy Komiks serial by Francisco V. Coching Music Tito Arevalo
Cast Jess Lapid, Johnny Long, Rebecca, Fred Param, Eva Montes, Tony Moreno, Rosario del Pilar, Tommy Romulo, Paquito Diaz, Benny Pestano, Jose Romulo, Cesar Leyson, Ruben Rustia, Nick Cayari, Alex Froilan, Manolo Miranda, Larry Silva, Vic Matela
WESTERN

1967 - Sibad/“The Fast One” (Regina Productions)
[Release date 1st November 1967]
Director/Producer Teodorico C. Santos Screenplay Ruben Rustia based on the Liwayway Magazine komik serial by Francisco V. Coching Music Tito Arevalo
Cast Jess Lapid [Sr], Rocco Montalban, Divina Valencia, Paquito Salcedo, Ramon D’Salva, Nick Carayi, Ruben Rustia, Jose Garcia, Alex Froilan, Gina Lafortesa, Bruno Punzalan, Larry Silva
WESTERN

1969 – Panagupa (Larry Santiago Productions)
[Release date 6th June 1969]
Director Cirio H. Santiago Screenplay Ruben Rustia Based on the Liwayway Magazine serial by Francisco V. Coching Producer Dr Larry Santiago Music Restie Umali Layout Artist Francisco V. Coching
Cast Eddie Fernandez, Josephine Estrada, Van de Leon, Paquito Diaz, Eva Marie, Jose Garcia, Joaquin Fajardo, Steve Alcarado, Tiva Lava, Manding Rino, SOS Daredevils
WESTERN

1970 – Dimasalang/“Garden” (Junar Productions)
[Release date 12th July 1970]
Director/Producer “Junar”/Jun Aristorenas Screenplay Ding M. de Jesus Based on the Liwayway serial by Francisco V. Coching Music Virgie Gaerlan
Cast Jun Aristorenas (Dimasalang), Robin Aristorenas (Selmo), Cesar Ramirez (Don Braulio), Van de Leon (Brahman), Lauro Delgado (Gaton), Rod Navarro (Malco), Merle Fernandez (Tania), Melissa Mendez (Ella), Tintoy, Efren Montes (Lito), Lemi Esguerra (Dino), Venchito Galvez (Padre Salvo), Tony Villar, Larry Silva, Ben Dato, Steve Alcarado, Leon Pajaron, Rudy Dominguez, Romy Nario, Greg Lansang, Ernesto Rivera, Ben Bernal, Jack Montes, Jimmy Reyes, The Thunder Boys, Joe Cunanan
WESTERN

1971 – Bella Bandida (Valor Productions)
[Release date 5th May 1971]
Director/Screenplay Leody M. Diaz Based on the Liwayway Magazine komik serial by Francisco V. Coching Cinematography Jose Batac Jr Music Restie Umali
Cast Rosanna Ortiz (Bella Bandida), Tito Galla, Eddie Garcia, Gina Lafoteza, Danny Rojo, Vicky Sandoval, Larry Silva, Jaime Javier, Lope Policarpio, Rudy Gamboa, Tony Villar, Rocco Montalban, Jose Villafranca, Roderick Paulate, Ernesto Rivera, Jimmy Reyes, Ben Bernal, Pons de Guzman, Lito Frnacisco, Kent Gonzales, Bert Garon, Eddie Tagalog, Nardy Medina, Lope Villar, Eddie Castro, Feling Cudia, Thunder Boys, Max Rojo
BOMBA/ACTION

1972 – El Vibora/“The Viper” (Topaz Film Productions)
[Release date 18th June 1972; also listed as “Vibora”]
Director Ishmael Bernal Story Francisco V. Coching Based on his Liwayway magazine serial Screenplay Manuel Pichel Producer Catalino T. Dominguez Cinematography Delfin A. Carretas Music Ernani Cuenco Theme Singer Ric Manrique Lyrics Levi Celerio Editor Teofilo de Leon Sound Supervision Luis S. Reyes Soundman Demetrio “Ninoy” Carianga General Manager/Treasurer Luzviminda Dominguez Assistant Director Roger Vivero Assistant Director Soc Jose Production Manager Abelardo Toledo Production Coordinator Isagani Ricarte Fencing Instructor Mario Escudero Special Effects/Props/Costumes Totoy Torrente, Danny Torrente Makeup Artist Gene Garcia Assistant Editors Benigno de Leon, Jun Elazigue Color Laboratory Consultant Romy Fornoles Assistant Cameraman Lito Craft Laboratory Technician Peping Fornoles Printers Lito Fornoles, Severino Baladad Stills Salanga Schedule Master Dionisio Perez
Cast Vic Vargas (Geron, El Vibora), Boots Anson-Roa (Cecilia), Eddie Garcia (Alvaran), Max Alvarado (Gulimbat), Leopoldo Salcedo (Gismundo), Roderick [Paulate] (Anton), Cristina Reyes (Loretta), Andres Centenera (Padre Pantas), Leon Pajaron, Sancho Tesalona, Francisco Cruz, Raul Salvador, Richard Upton, Wendy Green (Rodelia), Pons de Guzman, Pete Pearson, Jack Munstz, Dick Nelson, Don Goines, TNT Boys
WESTERN/KOMIK ADAPTATION

1973 – Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig Ni Pedro Penduko/“The Mystical World Of Pedro Penduko” (Topaz Film Productions)
[Release date 17th June 1973]
Director/Writer Celso Ad. Castillo Based on the Liwayway Magazine serial by Francisco V. Coching Executive Producer/President Catalino T. Dominguez Jr Cinematography Loreto U. Isleta Music Ernani Cuenco Lyrics Levi Celerio Editors Nonoy Santillan, Jun Martinez Sound Engineer Demetrio de Santos Sound Effects Tony Gozalves Treasurer/General Manager Luzviminda V. Dominguez Assistant Director Jose "Boy" Aguilar Production Manager Isagani "Boy" Ricarte Production Coordinator James Dominguez In Charge Of Production Abelardo Toledo Special Effects Czar Abejuela Special Cinematographic Effects Richard Abelardo Makeup Gene Garcia Set Director Dading Urbano Propsman Joe Ganaban Assistant Cameraman Arnold Alvaro Assistant Editors Boy Santillan, Boy Calayag PRO Ross F. Celino Sales Manager Frank Ocampo Legman Aquilino Ilano Ads/Titles Designer Marvin B. Panginiban Assistant Titlists Mauro H. de la Rosa, William Panganiban Art Assistants Zech, Rrinni, Khormann, Marion Stills Fred Guevarra
Cast Ramon Zamora (Pedro Penduko), Jeanne Young, Lotis Key, Eddie Garcia, Panchito Alba, Jingle, Roberto Talabis, Vic Varrion, Mario Escudero, Belo Borja, Subas Herrero, Cris Buddha Cruz, Dolores Pobre, Dan Zaragoza, Rod Francisco, Johnny Ramirez, Edgar Garcia, Mary Martin, Juanita Rodriguez, Boy Caoile, Teody Baldomaro, Mando Mangarin, Joe Kelly, Fidel Tiongson, Conchita Felipe, Mary Rive Diaz, Adelfa Lim, Jimmy Cruz, Jess Haruta, Czar Bakal, Johnny Thor, Ben Javier, Tomas Luciano, Gregorio Intal, Dominador Manalastas, Augusto Banaag, Ronnie Dominguez Children Natalie Roxas, Andy Roxas, Teresita dela Cruz, Nemencio Dimasupil, Rene Gecana [poster also lists Tony Gozalves, Lorna Locsin]
FANTASY/ADVENTURE/MUSICAL/KUNG FU 

1984 - Ang Pagbabalik Ni Dimasalang/"The Return Of Dimasalang" (Emperor Films)
[Release date 6th August 1984; sequel to "Dimasalang" (1970), also starring Jun and Robin Aristorenas]
Director "Junar"/Jun Aristorenas Story/Screenplay Totoy Empaynado Based on the komik characters created by Francisco V. Coching Cinematography Danny Bustos Music Pablo Vergara Art Director Mario Carmona
Cast Jun Aristorenas (Dimasalang), Robin Aristorenas (Selmo), Marilou Bendigo, Janice Jurado, Rowena Ruiz, Jenny Ramirez
WESTERN














Francisco V. Coching exhibition (2018)

My November 2018 visit to Manila timed perfectly with Ayala Museum's Francisco V. Coching exhibition of komik art and writing. Getting up close to the originals, and seeing the works-in-progress, really gives you a sense of why the Philippines has declared him one of its greatest artists, komik or otherwise. The accompanying book, "The Life And Art Of Francisco Coching", is well worth tracking down for the sheer deluge of full-colour komik panels alone! Our bio and gallery of Coching's film-related works are HERE. 


 


Poster Artists

The BAMBOO GODS LIST of MOVIE POSTER and AD LAYOUT ARTISTS

Here at Bamboo Gods HQ we celebrate the often neglected work of the poster and layout artists. Much of their work before the early 60s went unsigned, so we can only identify those signatures from the end of the Studio System and the rise of the independent producers, whose pulp westerns, war films, parodies, pop musicals and urban actioners became the inspiration for the poster artists' fevered and sometimes lurid fantasies. 

The list is certainly not exhaustive and we'll keep adding more names as we stumble upon them. Once again, a thousand thanks go out to Simon Santos and his Video 48 blog, from which many of these images come from - more than anyone else on the planet, Simon is keeping the art of these forgotten illustrators alive!

Eileen Albayda

F.M. Alberto

Alfredo P. Alcala

"A/Antonio"

Tony Bathilpido

Franz Bejec

 Fred Belleca

B.L. Biscayda

Val Aleta Calaouian

Hannibal/Solomon Cambel 

 Deo Careza

Rene Carmona

"Centenera"

Francisco V. Coching - considered one of the finest komik authors and illustrators in the business; my bio and gallery is currently under construction

Edd'j Contreras

Lito S. Cortez

Nonong de Andres - also a ubiquitous bit-player often known as "Bankay" due to his cadaverous appearance, de Andres was also a professional layout artist specializing in hand-lettering, often working with illustrators such as Eddie Domer

Mauro H. de la Rosa

"de los Reyes"

Dave de Vera

R. Dizon

Eddie Domer - my biography and extensive poster gallery is HERE

"Edjes"

Mayong Flores

"Fraterna"

Jorge Gatmaitan

Jes Garola

Rico M. Liwanag

"Manansala"

L.A. Marquez 

Rudy Marquez

Bert R. Mendoza

Bert Nepomuceno

Alex Ngo

Reuben Arthur Nicdao - also writer and production designer

"Nick" and "Henry"

Marvin B. Panganiban - along with Eddie Domer, his designs dominated Sixties and early Seventies pulp cinema ads, always signing them "Panganiban, Marvin B." He later moved into writing and directing via Luis San Juan Productions (while doing their posters of course!)

Tony Raymundo

Vicente V. Reyes

Rodin Rodriguez

"Saint Edward"

I. Sangalang

Bing P. Santos

Ed Santos

Joe Sison - also a popular actor in the Sixties and Seventies, Sison's basic yet effective layout designs graced many a newspaper at the same time

 "Tiger"

 

 



Monday, November 27, 2023

Hantingan (1981)

1981 - Hantingan (Kinavesa Productions)

[Filipino/South Korean co-production, release date 10th April 1981. Filmed back-to-back with Attack And Destroy (1981). Korean title “Sa-hyang-ma-kok”, or “Sahyangmagog”, roughly translated as “The Treasure Hidden In A Valley”, and listed in English on South Korean ads as “Hunting Gun” (a phonetic transcription of the Filipino title)]

Director Francis “Jun” Posadas, Kwon Young Soon [Korean spelling “Gwon Yeong-Sun”] Story Clem T. Santiago Producer Kim Yong Lim Cinematography Jun Rasca Editor Joe Mendoza Layout Artist Eddie Domer

Cast Ace Vergel, Ruby Anna, Eddie Garcia, Azenith Briones, Rocco Montalban, Baldo Marro, Romano Kristoff

ACTION

NOTES: This film is currently Missing In Action in any form, so if anyone has a copy, PLEASE get in contact!

Part of the Kinavesa/Silver Star Project


 

 

THEATRICAL

PHILIPPINES - 10th April 1981

SOUTH KOREA - Korean title “Sa-hyang-ma-kok”, or “Sahyangmagog”, roughly translated as “The Treasure Hidden In A Valley”, and listed in English on South Korean ads as “Hunting Gun”, a phonetic transcription of the Filipino title [distributor unknown]



Attack And Destroy (1981)

1981 - Attack And Destroy (Kinavesa Films International)

[Filipino/South Korean co-production, Philippines release date 13th March 1981. Filmed back-to-back with Hantingan (1981); translated Korean title “Guerrilla In The Philippines”. Released in Spain as “Ataca Y Destruye” and in Turkey as “Saldir Ve Yok Et”]

Directors Kwon Young Soon [Korean spelling “Gwon Yeong-Sun”], Noli Villar Producer [uncredited] Kim Yong Lim Music Totoy Nuke Editor Joe Mendoza Sound Supervisor Bimbo Chong Production Coordinator Robert Cheng Assistant Director Shin Dong Cruz Effect Man Santos Gallardo Makeup Artist Koun-Ho An Setman Nick Lagame? Propsman Dionisio Reyes? Utility Man Tony Amoto? Schedule Master Ador Cuaresma Production Assistant Luz Aquino Assistant Editors Mario Mendoza, Cecar Baltazar Stills Rudy Castillo Layout Artist [uncredited] Eddie Domer

Cast Dante Rivero (Orly Ramos), Jess Lapid Jr (Miguel), Azenith Briones (Maria Ramos), Marissa del Mar, Romano Kristoff (American Captain), James Gaines [Jr] (Sgt James Brown), Hee Yuen Kang, Joung Han Kook, Ken Watanabe (General Oh), Tae Joung Kim, Jimmy Cruz, Burt Rivero, Frank Lapid, Joe Baltazar, Leo Curay, Frank Ramos, Rene Carbon, Ramon Vista, Josie Mijoranda, Tessie Mendoza, Carmen Shing, Hermie Yazon, Shara Gambao’s Genesis Dancing Models, SOS Daredevils, Golden Bullets Stuntmen, [uncredited] Eddie Garcia (Major Escudero)

WAR

Part of the Kinavesa/Silver Star Project



 

MINI-REVIEW by Andrew Leavold: Attack And Destroy (1981) has a sizeable foreign presence, judging from its South Korean co-director and two leads, but in reality is no better than the hundreds of by-the-numbers Tagalog language action films of the period. Eddie Garcia, the veteran actor whose roles as cheating husband and charming rapist far outnumber his hero ones, leads the multinational cast as a Filipino Major fighting with guerrillas Orly (Dante Rivero) and Miguel (Jess Lapid Jr) in territory occupied by Korean-Japanese General Oh (Ken Watanabe) and the treacherous Colonel Imaguchi, a cackling psychopath more interested in claiming for himself the gold he's entrusted to bury. His underling, the similarly Korean-Japanese Lieutenant Kim, defects to the guerrillas' side along with the General's daughter, and feeds information to Orly's sister Maria (Azenith Briones), an exotic dancer and mole at the Japanese Officer's Club, and specialist in sending her basket of trained cobras to do her killing. Also present are an American Captain (Romano Kristoff) and Sergeant (James Gaines Jr) to boost its export chances, evidently limited to theatres in Greece and Egypt, and perhaps a few other minor territories; but with its complete disinterest in period detail, rancid English dubbing worse than most cheap kung fu flicks, and an earnestness bordering on sanctimonious, Attack And Destroy remains little more than a footnote in the Kinavesa saga. In its defence, however, Jim Gaines' big torture moment with Colonel Imaguchi, in which he blurts out his name "Sergeant… James… Brown!", renders the scene, and with it the rest of the film, just that slightly bit more memorable.



 Dante Rivero (Orly Ramos)
 Jess Lapid Jr (second from right - Miguel)
 Azenith Briones (Maria Ramos)
Romano Kristoff (American Captain)
James Gaines [Jr] (right - Sgt James Brown)
Ken Watanabe (General Oh)
 Eddie Garcia (middle - Major Escudero)

 

 

THEATRICAL

 PHILIPPINES - 13th March 1981
 
SOUTH KOREA
- title translates to “Guerrilla In The Philippines”, distributor unknown
 GREECE - title transposes into English as "Kapste... Skotoste Alypita!...", distributor unknown
 TURKEY - as "Saldir Ve Yok Et" via OzenFilm 

EGYPT - distributor unknown

VIDEO

 SPAIN - VHS/Betamax as "Ataca Y Destruye" via KEOPS/Video Club
 GREECE - VHS/Betamax via VEP
 EGYPT - VHS/Betamax via Gamal Elleissi Films

DIGITAL

 SPAIN - possible bootleg release as "Ataca Y Destruye", label unknown


 

 

Greek VHS