Trovador Ramos

Roy Luarca and Lito Cinco, "The Incomparable Craft Of Bruce Lee's Teacher" 

[originally published in The Inquirer, 23rd January 2007, reprinted on the Tapa Talk forum]

He sparred with Bruce Lee and left a deep impression, meriting an invitation to appear with the late martial arts superstar in the blockbuster movie Enter The Dragon.

But Filipino Trovador Ramos, then based in Hong Kong teaching martial arts and leaving audiences in awe by breaking granite stones with his bare hands, declined Lee's offer.

Not because the pay was small. In his supposed "Dragon" role, he would lose a fight and die, something which Ramos felt did not suit him.

Lee, however, was able to persuade Ramos to become one of his coaches and off-camera fight instructor. Were it not for Lee's early death, Ramos would have joined him in a Hollywood movie.

Ramos moved on, returned to the Philippines and continued to propagate his unique brand of martial arts -- a mix of judo, aikido and American combat judo -- through his The Ramos Academy of Consolidated Martial Arts, or Tracma.

Now 69, Ramos is a 14th-degree red belter. A heart attack five years ago slowed him down, but he has never stopped.

"I would like to pass on to our instructors a lot more things that I know," Master Ramos, as he is called by his disciples, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer. "I want to develop my system further."

The movie bug did bite Ramos a bit in the late 70s. He made several local films, the biggest of which was The Red Belt Master [1974].

It was through those times that his stature grew. There was a story about Ramos killing a carabao with one blow during a film shoot.

Had he wanted to, Ramos could be living a luxurious life now, but he opted to share his skills, which he believes were God-given, to others.

In the late 80s, Libyan strongman Muammar Khadafi sent a representative to Manila to convince Ramos to teach hand-to-hand combat to Khadaffi's bodyguards.

But Ramos, after conferring with his Iglesia ni Cristo adviser, declined the name-your-price offer.

Ramos no longer dreams of earning millions. What he wants is to elevate his Tracma system into the national consciousness.

He also intends to write a book about his life, just to separate the facts and the myths about Trovador Ramos. 

What does TRACMA mean and when did it start?

TRACMA started in 1957 with the name IRCJK, which means International Real Combat Judo Karate. Later on it was changed to TRACMA when master (Trovador Ramos) was in Singapore. TRACMA stands for Trovador Ramos Consolidated Martial Arts and was registered in Singapore. When he came back here in the Philippines in the 1970s, it was registered here as TRACMA but with a new meaning - Trovador Ramos Asian Consolidated Martial Arts. This was after he (Trovador Ramos) fought Bruce Lee. Many foreigners were asking what kind of a martial art is TRACMA and we always say that this is an original Asian martial art founded by Master Trovador Ramos. Then in 1999, we incorporated (the school) with my brother and sisters and changed the meaning to Trovador Ramos Academy of Consolidated Martial Arts. The former incorporators of TRACMA are no longer active and some have passed away

Among the modern ones, I have included the art developed by Trovador Ramos, TRACMA, because the practitioners make a unique public claim that the founder once sparred with Bruce Lee and beat him. They even have a picture that I have not seen. I have asked several old-timers about this and they are divided in opinion whether this actually happened or not. I have seen Tracma techniques, and they look very effective. Trovador Ramos was a strong man, and a student told me he crushed a bamboo rod with a grip. It is not as exposed as the other arts because the club caters mostly to the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) sect. They join full-contact matches and have done pretty well in the ring.

TROVADOR RAMOS Filmography

1973 - A Tooth For A Tooth/The Japanese Connection [Hong Kong, directed by Joseph Velasco for Goldig Films]

1973 - The Opium Trail/Deadly China Doll [Taiwan, starring Angela Mao]

1973 - Kung Fu King [Hong Kong, directed by Joseph Velasco for Filmline Enterprises]

1974 - The Chinese Mack/Martial Arts/Fists Of Betrayal [Hong Kong, starring Bruce Le and produced by Black Cat Film Co]

1974 - Red Belt Master [Philippines, co-starring Rommel Valdez]

1975 - Sandugo [Philippines]

1975 - Gambling For Head/Savage Barbarian [Hong Kong, produced by the Hong Kong Alpha Motion Picture Co.]

1976 - Big Fist [Philippines]

*1976 - Shaolin Master [Philippines, co-starring Rey Malonzo]

1979 - Suspect No. 1 [Philippines]

1979 - Showdown Of Martial Arts [Philippines, co-starring Rey Malonzo]

1980 - Marahas ... Maganda ... Matatag ...! [Philippines]

2000 - Burador (Ang Babaing Sugo) [Philippines]

2002 - Walang Iwanan... Peksman! [Philippines]

Shadow Of The Dragon (1973)

1973 - Shadow Of The Dragon (Topaz Film Productions)  

[Release date 1st December 1973; released in France as "Il Etait Une Fois Bruce Lee"/"Once Upon A Time Bruce Lee"]  

Director Jun Gallardo Story/Screenplay Ka Ikong Producer Jun Dominguez Cinematography Jojo Sangco Music Tito Sotto   

Cast Ramon Zamora, Jeanne Young, Elfe Brandeis, Eddie Garcia, Panchito Alba, Max Alvarado, Michael Murray, Ike Fernando, Rayvann  

KUNG FU 

 

THEATRICAL

PHILIPPINES - released 1st December 1973

FRANCE - dubbed into French and released by Audifilm as "Il Etait Une Fois Bruce Lee" {"Once Upon A Time Bruce Lee"]; also released under the same title by a second distributor

CANADA - released to French-speaking cinemas as "Il Etait Une Fois Bruce Lee"

PAPUA NEW GUINEA - released as "Shadow Of The Dragon", June 1976

  

Mantis Boxer (1980)

1980 - Drigo Asero (Saturn Films International) - PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

[Release date 25th January 1980; export version released as "Mantis Boxer"]

Director Ronaldo P. San Juan Story/Screenplay Deo Careza Producer Ruben “Che” Guevarra Cinematography Joe Tutanes Editor Joe Solo Advisor Jun Molina Layout Artist Marvin B. Panganiban

Cast Ulysses Tzan [listed in the export version as "Ulyssess Chan"] (Diego), Tony Bernal, Dinah Dominguez, Larry Silva, Ruben Ramos (Mr Algado), Robert Talby [as Robert Talvy], Bong Benitez, Polo Chi, Roland Falcis, Jaye Fabello, Niele Lee, Jess Bonzo, Angel Confiado, Francisco Cruz, Jun Rivas, Mando Mangarin, Ike Amata, Teddy Vito, Tony Lao, Jack de la Cruz, Rudi Lopez, Jun Matagay

KUNG FU

 

 

REVIEW by Andrew Leavold (coming soon!)

 

Ulysses Tzan [listed in the export version as "Ulyssess Chan"] (Diego)

Tony Bernal

Dinah Dominguez

Larry Silva

Ruben Ramos (Mr Algado)

Robert Talby [as Robert Talvy]

Bong Benitez

Polo Chi

Roland Falcis

Jaye Fabello

Niele Lee

Jess Bonzo

Angel Confiado  

THEATRICAL

PHILIPPINES - 25th January 1980 as “Drigo Asero” [in its original Tagalog]
 

HONG KONG – released as “Mantis Boxer” via Ngai-Kee & Sons [language unknown]

GREECE – distributor unknown [English-dubbed with Greek subtitles]

TURKEY – released as “Super Karateci” via Renkli Turkci [possibly English-dubbed with Turkish subtitles]

VIDEO

 UK – VHS release as “Mantis Boxer”, via IFS (Iver Film Services) [English-dubbed with Mandarin subtitles]

AUSTRALIA - VHS/Betamax release as “Mantis Boxer” via King Of Video, circa 1982 [English-dubbed with no subtitles]

 GREECE - VHS release as “Mantis Boxer” via Stereo Phile [English-dubbed with Greek subtitles]

GHANA – hand-pained poster advertising a VHS release as “Mantis Boxer”, most probably as a pirate version from Nungua Market in Accra [English-dubbed]

UNKNOWN – release via NS [can anyone please identify the country?]

DIGITAL

 None at present - the one above is a bootleg taken from the Greek VHS

 

 

- Australian VHS

- Trailer (mp4)

Deadly Games (1979)

 

1979 - Deadly Games (Saturn Films International)

[Release date 30th March 1979]

Director Ronaldo P. San Juan Producer Ruben “Che” Guevarra Cinematography Rudy Castillo Music Demet Velasquez Editor Jose Solo Associate Director/Layout Artist Marvin B. Panganiban

Cast Ulysses Tzan, Larry Silva, Leon Pajaron, Romy Nario, Mandy Bustamante, Bong Benitez, Mel Arca, Telly Babasa, Robert Miller, Roland Falcis, Rusty Santos, Jess Bonzo, James Gaines Jr, Polo Chi, Val Iglesia, Robert Talby [as Roberty Talvy], Chara Valdez, Barbara Churchill, Jojo Fowler, Nello Nayo, Romy Blanco, Johnny Tillman, Ike Mata, Leo Curry, Willy Naresco, Ricco Tiriman?, Pons de Guzman, SOS Daredevils, D'Vultures Stuntmen, Jun Santos' Team

KUNG FU

NOTES by Andrew Leavold: First starring role for the “Jackie Chan of the Philippines”, Ulysses Tzan. He and the producer of Deadly Games, Saturn Films International’s Ruben “Che” Guevarra, would score an international release with their follow-up film Drigo Asero (1980), released internationally as Mantis Boxer. Deadly Games is currently MIA, so if anyone has access to a digital copy, please let me know!

“Let’s Enter Ulysses Tzan”, Pilipino Express 18/03/79, p.13

We have many action stars. But now, most of them are heading towards uncontrollable old age. The punches are slow, the kicks are weak. In just a short fight scene, he was out of breath and asking for rest.

So we need innovations in this field. And Rudy Fernandez, Bembol Roco, Ace Vergel, Rey Malonzo, Tony Bernal and Lito Lapid entered.

But with the number of movie producers making movies, they are not enough to replace the "tired" and "wrinkled" action stars. Stones are still needed. New people who are good, agile, have a type, have a "face" and are brave in any kind of fight: fighting, karate, shooting and so on.

Because of this, the Saturn Films producer gave a chance to a certain prospect – Ulysses Tzan. From being one of Rey Malonzo's goons, Ulysses is eager to try. He tried to do what no one else had done, to study the things about martial arts that made Jacky Chan and others famous. And many noticed the efforts of Ulysses. Surprised. Impressed. So he was made the star of Deadly Games.

In Saturn Films' Deadly Games, Ulysses revealed the reasons why the production cost him the star. He fought here in the battle of champions against almost all the best karatistas and goons in Tagalog movies. Historically, there was a tournament launched by a wealthy karate player who became invalid in this game. Many countries participated, and Ulysses represented the Filipinos.

Active action can be seen here that has not been seen in any other movie. But there is also romance because Ulysses' love interest here is Jojo Fowler.

Shot in full color, the story and screenplay was written by Marvin B. Panganiban and directed by Ronnie San Juan.

Hard, fast, rock, without vices and with a big eye to serve his countrymen in the world of entertainment. We need someone like him. So we must usher Ulysses Tzan into victory.

CAN ANYONE PLEASE COME UP WITH A BETTER TRANSLATION THAN GOOGLE TRANSLATE? MARAMING SALAMAT!

 

Tigre Ng Sierra Madre (1982)

1982 - Tigre Ng Sierra Madre/"Tiger Of Sierra Madre" (Twin Dragon Films International)

[Release date 16th April 1982. Released in France as "L'Oeil Du Tigre"/"Eye Of The Tiger"]

Director Rey Malonzo [as "Reginald King"] Producer Rey Malonzo Cinematography Ver Dauz

Cast Rey Malonzo, Pia Moran, George Estregan, Tony Ferrer, Ramon Zamora, Rhene Imperial, Efren Reyes Jr, Ulysses Tzan, Robert Lee, Stella de Leon, Ronald Allan, Romy Diaz, Charlie Davao, Don Pepot, Jimmy Santos, Angel Confiado, Matimtiman Cruz, Steve Alcarado, Leon Pajaron, Larry Esguerra, Jing Caparas, Danny Zurbano, Jay Grama [as Jay Gramma], Fred Esplana, Dragon Boys Stuntmen, Cody & Benjie, Gabriel Pachem

ACTION/KUNG FU

SYNOPSIS (from the French press sheet):  Back in his village, Daniel finds his mother, having in the past been pursued by the police, he convinces her of his actions. But some time later, the police again suspect Daniel of being the author of misdeeds in the city.

Seeking to exonerate himself, Daniel discovers that the city is under the control of a large-scale gangster, Don Brando, even possessing his personal army, made up of henchmen and mercenaries.

Don Brando understands that he cannot have Daniel accused for long, and hires the formidable Kommander Lawin to eliminate him.

Severely manhandled and beaten, Daniel is left for dead in the forest. He will only owe his salvation to the help brought to him by an old hermit, who, he learns later, is none other than a great master of martial arts who has fallen into disgrace. The latter will help him get back on his feet and will entrust him with the secrets of inner strength, allowing him to fight Don Brando and his henchmen... like a tiger...

NOTES by Andrew Leavold:  My good friend in Paris Lucas Balbo unearthed a Cannes film flyer for a mystery Rey "Pinoy Bruce Lee/Bruce Ly" Malonzo film. All we had was a French title, "L'Oeil Du Tigre", and a partial cast listing of Ramon Zamora and Tony Ferrer. Several of Rey Malonzo's goon-fu films were sold internationally by Cinex Films, but not this combination kung-fu and jungle action; "L'Oiel Du Tigre" appears to have been prepared for international release at the Cannes Film Market but had no English export or original title. Time to call in the expert.

I sent a list of possible Rey Malonzo-produced titles to Simon Santos, film archivist and owner of the largest video store in the Philippines, Video 48. Presto! An ad for "Tigre Ng Sierra Madre". Mystery solved, the buzzing in my head dies down for a few moments, and my Philippines Fimography scores another detailed entry. Maraming salamat Lucas and Simon!

Does anyone have a digitial copy of this film? I'd love to hear from you!

THEATRICAL 

 

PHILIPPINES - 16th April 1982

VIDEO

 

FRANCE - VHS release via Video Succes (dubbed in French with no subtitles) 

Arnis, Karate, Kung Fu (1979)

1979 – Arnis, Karate, Kung Fu (Luis San Juan Productions) 

[Release date 7th September 1979; sometimes listed as “Arnis, Karate At Kung Fu”] 

Director/Producer Luis San Juan Story/Screenplay/Associate Director/Layout Artist Marvin B. Panganiban Cinematography J.Q. Monteloyola Editor Rodel Capule 

Cast Ramon Zamora, Robert Lee, Tony Bernal, Paquito Diaz, Larry Silva, Max Alvarado, Dinah Dominguez, Susan Villa, Susan David, Manny Samson, Romy Dimayuga, Joe Constantino, Breezy Atienza, Bong Benitez, Angel Confiado, Jun Rivas

KUNG FU

NOTES by Andrew Leavold: PLEASE HELP! This film has been out of circulation since its theatrical release, and I am desperately looking for a copy in any format.

"Most Action-Packed Movie Of LSJ", Pilipino Express 02/09/79, p.10

Luis San Juan's LSJ is already known for producing action films. Karate films. In fact, some of today's famous action stars came from him. He gave the break to the likes of Ramon Zamora, Robert Lee, Ulysses Tzan, and is now a producer as well.

But, knowing LSJ is good at making quickie pictures. But now, the said producer made a big surprise because, he really gambled, in making a movie that can be called a super-production, Arnis, Karate At Kung Fu ["Arnis, Karate And Kung Fu"] in which he combined three martial arts experts, Ramon Zamora, Robert Lee and Tony Bernal.

"This is one of the most action-packed movies I've done under my own productions," admitted director Luis San Juan. “And I am not ashamed to say, that it is different from my previous films. Apart from the action, it is big and also when it comes to the budget.”

What is the role of the three martial arts experts? Intense, was LSJ's quick answer, with pride evident in his face for what his heroes did. Ramon is good at arnis, Robert at karate and Tony at kung fu. So, the battle had variety. Especially in the battle where all three are involved, it will be seen which of the three is the eunuch. But LSJ said, I don't want to push the three of them violently when it comes to fight scenes.

Paquito Diaz, who also showed his skills as a bigtime villain, plays the role of a lawyer, who is smart but corrupt. He was the one who got interested in getting the entire hacienda where a gold mine was located.

This is what they are fighting for. The hacienda left behind by an old Don who is the father of Ramon and Tony.

Still playing an important role are Bong Benitez, Susan Villa, Dinah Dominguez, Angel Confiado, Jun Rivas, Romy Dimayuga, Susan David and the popular Manny Samson.

Based on the story and script of Panganiban, Marvin B. who is the associate director, Arnis, Karate At Kung Fu is scheduled to be presented starting September 7 in cinemas in Metro Manila.

Final Revenge (1979)

1979 – Final Revenge (Luis San Juan Productions)

[Release date 16th February 1979] 

Director/Producer Luis San Juan [Graciela S.J. Manalo also listed as Producer] Screenplay Benper-Kit Herrera Cinematography J.Q. Monteloyola Music Demet Velasquez

Cast Robert Lee, Sarah Gumabao, Jojo Fowler, Rex Lapid, Matimtiman Cruz, Lorna Abrigo, Larry Silva, Bong Benitez, Mandy Bustamante, Rudy Evangelista, Buddy Salvador, Carlos Diaz, Ed Ramos, Rico Tariman, Leo Curay, Vulture Stuntman, SOS Daredevils

KUNG FU

NOTES by Andrew Leavold: PLEASE HELP! This film has been out of circulation since its theatrical release, and I am desperately looking for a copy in any format.

“Robert Is Taking Revenge, Why?”, Pilipino Express 16/02/79, p.10

With the good public reception of Robert Lee in his first movie The Shadow Of Bruce Lee produced by BEM, there is no reason not to follow the first one immediately. And now, under LSJ Productions, he can be seen in the movie Final Revenge, in which he, Robert Lee, has the title role.

That's just no. For this second film, producer-director Luis San Juan did not agree that he would not be the director. Although, it has been resting for a long time (temporarily), and the intention is to entrust the management to his son, Ronaldo San Juan, but he could not wait. He seems to have been enticed to stand behind the grinding camera again. And he was inspired to direct his newly discovered Robert Lee. He was impressed, if only compared to the previously built-up parching karate or also good at martial arts, Robert Lee is more agile and knows a lot of new styles. Which he showed now in his second starring role.

In this film, according to director-producer Luis San Juan, "his role is different here. He's not an agent that people like them usually play, but an ordinary gym owner and instructor. He has a lot to say."

Robert Lee's character in Final Revenge is kind, quiet and doesn't like trouble. Then, something unexpected happened. His only sister became a victim of drug syndicates. His brother became an addict until he died. He forgot that there was a law or powerful people that he had to prosecute. He himself hunted down the syndicates until he destroyed them one by one.

This is another action film by Robert Lee at his home studio.

Robert Lee stars with Sarah Gumabao, Jojo Fowler, Rex Lapid, Matimtiman Cruz, Larry Silva, Mandy Bustamante, Rudy Evangelista, Bong Benitez, and introducing Lorna Abrigo.