The incomparable Hilda Koronel: An actress of passion and perfection

By MONET LU

SATURDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2012 00:00   

During the mid 70s, there was a girl named Susan Reid, who was trying to make a name for herself in the showbiz world.

Her claim to fame was launched by one of the established movie companies – Lea Productions.

It all began when she worked with the late great director Lino Brocka, in her memorable movies like Santiago and Insiang, which I and many critics considered as two of the most riveting performances of her career.

From these films, she won a FAMAS and Gawad Urian Award, and proved that she is an actress, not just a star

As a teenager, I was part of her first starring role called Haydee. I was an extra in the crowd with my sister, so I got to meet her.

She is very beautiful, with a striking resemblance to Ingrid Bergman. I knew that a face like hers could captivate Filipino cinema.

I got to meet her again during the filming of her movie Happy Hippy Holiday. I know she won’t remember me then.

From her generation of teen stars, she stood out because of her potential. She was very good in acting and her career was promising.

In 1970, Hilda made history when she won the prestigious FAMAS Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Santiago. She was just 13, when she won the award.

Among her other movies are Crying Ladies, Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising, Maynila, Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag.

She is very picky in choosing the roles she will play, because of her passion and unparalleled dedication to her craft.

Her recent comeback movie The Mistress reignites my belief in her acting power. Hilda has once again proved that she is a star fit for a lifetime.

I saw her recent interview on TFC. She still has the aura of an actress that loves what she does.

Hilda Koronel has spent the last six years living a quiet life with husband Ralph Moore and 21-year-old son Diego in the United States.

She still possesses classic beauty and is still the glamorous Hilda that captivates fans and the whole Filipino movie industry.

The Philippine cinema needs more actresses like her.

To me, she is one of the greatest actresses of all time, in line with Lolita Rodriguez, Vilma Santos, Nora Aunor, Charito Solis and many more.

An actress of perfection and passion, once again my friends, let’s give a big round of applause to the incomparable Hilda Koronel. Bravo!

***

Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Hilda Koronel Quiz (IMDb)

Try this Hilda Koronel Quiz from IMDb (Internet Movie Database) and check-out how well you know Hilda!


*** http://www.imdb.com/games/guess/nm0466581

Textured portrayals buoy up latest John Lloyd-Bea starrer

WATCHING John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Ronaldo Valdez and Hilda Koronel strut their thespic stuff in Olivia Lamasan’s “The Mistress” is instructive: They deliver the goods, but their contrasting acting styles effectively convey their characters’ emotions and motivations—from raging bluster to fleeting moments of calm.

Cruz makes the most of his static if indecisive character, JD Torres, who flirts with master cutter Sari Alfonso (Alonzo)—his “dad” Rico’s (Valdez) mistress for five years. This “open secret” torments his mother, Regina (Koronel), but JD finds it hard to proselytize about love and fidelity, especially because, as it turns out, he is his mother’s love child with another man!

When Sari eventually succumbs to JD’s relentless teasing, things take a turn for the worse—because he finds himself falling for his father’s mistress! But, is he willing to betray the man who accepted him as his own son—and risk turning his alcoholic mother into a basket case?

As with real life, the movie doesn’t offer easy resolutions—which is what sets it apart from most mainstream dramas. It isn’t uncommon for bad things to happen to good people—and we live through our imperfections. But, while many of us learn from our mistakes, it’s hard to see JD, Sari, Rico and Regina as victims, because they’re more than willing to risk everything—and everyone—just to scratch their narcissistic itches.

Moreover, it’s hard to empathize with protagonists who make morally indefensible choices with their eyes wide open. Is it justifiable to forget about what’s right and wrong and play house with a married man just because “life is hard”—and with someone you aren’t sure you genuinely love?

The film derives its “magic formula” from the onscreen chemistry of John Lloyd and Bea, who can turn awkward scenes into “kilig” moments—but, after 10 years as a screen couple, they’re getting to be a little long in the tooth for that. After the protracted “mood” moments that establish Sari and JD as potential lovebirds, the movie stalls and loses much of its storytelling traction, with trite narrative strands that further weigh it down.

Hilda’s comeback

The movie is raking it in at the tills—and it owes its crowd-drawing appeal to its young stellar couple’s time-honed reliability as a love team, as well as the anticipated comeback of the glorious Hilda Koronel, who, while prominently billed, is sadly under-utilized. Unfortunately, the movie isn’t as satisfying as Lamasan’s thematically absorbing “In The Name of Love,” the vastly entertaining “In My Life,” or the more emotionally organic “Madrasta.”

John Lloyd is compromised by a poorly developed character, but his formidable dramatic skills see him through—especially in his lengthy (and complex) confrontation scenes with Valdez and Alonzo. Bea does even better—she manages to make her less-than-likable character sympathetic, even when Sari’s choices don’t feel right. But, it’s Valdez who delivers the most textured characterization—he’s hard, uncompromising, kind, selfish and loving at the same time!

What about La Koronel? Today’s teleserye-weaned actors can learn a lot from the refreshingly lovely actress—from the giri-free way she delivers her alternately loving and caustic lines to how she carries her bleeding heart with grace and sophistication.

The iconic actress’ scenes never feel staged, because she doesn’t play for effect. You won’t see her flail and screech like a virago to convey frustration and anger. Indeed, nobody does it like Hilda—and we hope to see more of her! —Watch and learn, guys and gals.

Hilda with Tirso Cruz III, Edgar Mortiz, Vilma Santos & Eddie Peregrina

movie review: the mistress

movie review: the mistress
By: jowanabueser (http://jowanabueser.com/tag/hilda-koronel/)
13 Sep. 2012



Melodrama is back. The blockbuster hit No Other Woman cleared the path for its return paving a more acceptable passage for the likes of Yesterday Today and Tomorrow. Come to think of it – melodrama never left. Mano Po carried the torch throughout the past decade (even if it was an annual affair). In between  hundreds of horror films and  thousands of romantic comedies  Star Cinema releases a couple of melodramatic fares. But since hitting the  pot of gold with No Other Woman, it is a safe bet the film production giant will release more from the much-missed genre (at least IN MY CASE I missed it a lot). Its latest offering, The Mistress, stars the bankable pair-up of John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, touted to be the latter’s most daring screen project to date. It is also the comeback movie of the great Hilda Koronel. In one interview, the actress admitted the story  lured her back to acting, “It has to be touching, it has to move me. Kapag binabasa ko ‘yung script na ‘yan kailangan nararamdaman ko’ yung emotion na tumatakbo dun sa script lalo na ‘yung mga dialogue. Kailangan habang sinasabi ko ‘yun maiiyak ba ako o hindi, something like that, nararamdaman ko dapat.”  I did not shed tears last night but had a number of stifled shrieks during confrontation scenes.  Pulling strength from its lead stars, The Mistress is reminiscent of the melodramas of the past featuring complicated relationships, delicious lines but without the usual face-slapping and hair-pulling scenes.

(I promise a spoiler-free post so no film recap here.)

Cruz is often compared to his (admit it) look-alike Dindo Fernando. Like Fernando, he is not the chiseled-face and abs-sculpted leading man most movie stars are but his talent and charisma carries him through a mind-blogging box-office streak. Cruz banners six of the ten highest-grossing local films - a movie ka-ching shoo-in if there is one. Though his record attests he can be paired with different leading ladies, his team-up with Alonzo is just more magical. (Just ask the millions of One More Chance fanatics out there.) The magic continues in The Mistress despite inhabiting  more mature characters. Most of the positive reaction from the audience were during their scenes together and the reason is a no-brainer – SCREEN CHEMISTRY. These kids just look good together and the kind of stuff no acting school can ever teach.

Also noticeable is the improvement in Alonzo’s speaking voice. Her voice used to sound like its about to break into sobs but that has been lessened. As the titular character, she did a competent job as a lover, mistress, daughter and granddaughter. (I had to include the granddaughter part because I loved her scenes with Anita Linda who is both delightful and heartbreaking as her grandmother.) Just one thing: Bea tends to stare open-mouthed in some of her scenes and it is kind off-putting but other than that she proved her acting mettle once more.

“He is with her every Thursday, every f*ckin’ Thursday f*ckin’ her!” Hilda Koronel delivered the line with equal parts relish and spite in the middle of a drunken marathon and am like, “More of her please! More Hilda!” Not a speck of acting rust afflicts this incredible actress.  The best scene: an inebriated Koronel about to fall asleep but not before revealing an old secret. There she is scared, guilt-ridden and in a dramatic high all of sudden dropping a punchline. Her impressive dramatic stature has obscured her comic talent. I am going to spell it out: C-R-Y-I-N-G L-A-D-I-E-S.

The Mistress has its share of negative points including distracting theme songs, predictable plot twists and a so-so denouement. Let me elucidate on the ending: I like the final scene except for the sort of dream sequence. The process of knotting the loose ends is a bit of blah and too derivative for me (each of us has a different taste). It could have been better but the film remains compelling and should enthrall hardcore  fans and the general audience. I just like a proper melodrama and this is more than sufficient.

The Mistress: A Review

The Mistress: A Review

from: CINERAMAETCETERA (http://cineramaetcetera.wordpress.com/tag/hilda-koronel/)

John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo have portrayed countless memorable characters in the past ten years of their love team. To mark this milestone in the formidable (and marketable) duo’s careers, Star Cinema reunites the two onscreen dynamos in this riveting drama that is on the surface, a love story but turns out to be so much more.

Renowned director Olivia Lamasan helms this story about four central characters — Rico Torres (Ronaldo Valdez), the head of a large telecom company, his wife Regina (Hilda Koronel), whose distress over her husband’s infidelities have pushed her to drinking, their son Eric/JD (John Lloyd Cruz), who carries the burden of his troubled family life, and Sari (Be Alonzo), a kept woman whose inner strength has drawn both father and son to her and threatens the very fabric of their family.

Without giving too much away,The Mistress is the type of movie that can truly boast of quality. It delivers a triple of whammy — it is evenly paced, intelligently written and well acted. It has a story that is easily relatable to the viewers, with characters that suffer flaws like the rest of the human race. The story makes sense of the characters, giving the audience a window to understand their actions, their choices without dismissing them as right or wrong.

Just because it has a powerhouse cast, the movie did not simply rely on the actors to carry the movie. Rather, it paid attention to details. Each aspect was well thought about and executed, from the cinematography, to the scoring, to the script, to the blocking. Each scene enhanced each sequence, each dialogue was brought to life with such realism that one can’t help but be convinced by each performance.

There was great balance to the movie, the way that it was structured, the way the story was unraveled, the way the lives of the central characters connected. The story may not be overly deep but it made perfect sense, a thing that is missing in most movies today, who focus too much on a surprising twist that in the end, the basic premise of the film collapses. Not so with The Mistress. It takes a controversial concept and provides audiences with a fresh perspective on the issue.

One thing I should say, I have not followed all the movies that Bea and John Lloyd have starred in for the past decade but never has this love team come out with a dud. They have been paired with other partners and done separate projects but these two have a unique chemistry between them that produce sparks whenever they are on screen together. They work well together, and one can see the ease in which they exchange their dialogue. Bea, being in the title role, has grown very much as an actress throughout the years and I should credit her for looking her best in this movie. She looks lovely, not because she managed to lose weight and keep it off, but rather because she seemed really comfortable with the way she is right now. I think this comfort added to her excellent performance in the movie.

Ronaldo Valdez is one of the greatest film actors of his time and this has not changed. His role may be supporting but he proved once again why he is still sought after by the networks — he’s still got it.

Despite a six year hiatus from the movies, Ms. Hilda Koronel accepted this  project and did not miss a beat. She played the martyred wife flawlessly, effortlessly — a master class in acting.

John Lloyd is a different story altogether. I do not think I have enough words to describe how great this actor is. He has range, and he has this unique ability to play the goofball and the serious dude with equal conviction. There were even times in this movie that John Lloyd was delivering a long line, and I would forget that there was any other actor in the scene with him. He’s that good. I believe that in this generation, John Lloyd is one of the best in the game. He will stand the test of time and if he keeps his focus, his star will only shine brighter in the decades to come. I truly believe this.

My only complaint perhaps, was that the romantic element to the relationship of Rico and Sari did not quite translate to the screen. The scenes felt more like father and daughter than benefactor and mistress, which made the scenes between Bea and John Lloyd stand out more.

The Mistress is a great watch. It is not a typical drama/love story. It is something else entirely. The ending is something to watch out for — a refreshing change from all the mainstream formula pieces out there. Very interesting. Highly recommended.

Hilda Koronel videos: filipinoclassics’s channel in YouTube

filipinoclassics’s channel in YouTube

Please visit “filipinoclassics’s channel” (http://www.youtube.com/user/filipinoclassics/videos?view=1) in YouTube for Hilda Koronel videos like:

“Eternity” (2006): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAB60A9BB1FBB9451.

“Nasaan Ka Man” (2005): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1D3A31138E8F8EE5.

“Santa Santita” (2004): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLABF14235CFED678B.

“Crying Ladies” (2003): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL445F97A7FF68B642.

“Nagsimula Sa Puso” (1990): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCF15B499F55530B.

“Kung Mahawi Man Ang Ulap” (1984): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8A1A50A90311ECF3.

“Palabra De Honor” (1983): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD25EBA93469FEFA7.

“PX” (1982): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A59209F92E69ECF.

“Kasal?” (1980): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL45ABD3EA83ED04BC.

“Sugat Sa Ugat” (1980): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC0FE4E81F3771A9C.

“Marupok, Mapusok, Maharot” (1978): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6E48735DD3C4EE3A.

“Hayop Sa Hayop” (1978): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL237207B56693DFB5.

“Mga Basag Na Kristal” (1977): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL01C700D1BE15A0AA.

“Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising” (1977): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE8E8E1BCF02EFF80.

“Insiang” (1976): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6B09F4B342A755D0.

“Sakada” (1976): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF26A08F35FF82ED9.

“Maynila Sa Kuko Ng Liwanag” (1975): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE77A16ACD7707F35.

“Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa: Hello Soldier” (1974): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL60337BAD041DA590.

“Tubog Sa Ginto” (1971): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL49D380CFA66ED942.

“Stardoom” (1971): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8BD370DBB00700F4.

“Santiago” (1970): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDAE6A032377CC329.

*** About filipinoclassics's channel

Uploaded movies/videos in my channel are all about Hilda Koronel. Some are from my old collection and some are just reposted from other channels. I just want to upload them again to add in my list. Credits to gobitz, gobitz69 and jo69v1 for originally uploading some of her movies. Thank you. ***

Thank you filipinoclassics’s channel! More Power! Maraming Salamat for sharing these videos!!!

Best screen debuts ever

Best screen debuts ever

By Nestor U. Torre

Philippine Daily Inquirer

September 1, 2012

Each and every show biz season, scores of new stars are showcased by producers in “introducing” roles, breathlessly hoping that two or three of them will survive and end up as screen icons for the long term.

Looking back at a wide range of such “introductory” roles, it is instructive to see that striking and memorable first impressions are key to the success of such stellar gambits.

On the local movie scene, for instance, we can still remember the first shot of the very young winner of Sampaguita Pictures’ Miss Number One star discovery contest in the ’50s, Amalia Fuentes. She did not say a word, but she did not have to—her flowing and achingly lovely countenance did all the “convincing” that had to be done for star-struck viewers to realize that this starlet was special.

Amalia’s male counterpart, Juancho Gutierrez, was darkly, moodily compelling in his own right, but his star would take longer to rise, while Amalia’s career got off to a big, bright start.

Decades later, the same thing happened when Hilda Koronel was given her own, even more dramatic “introducing” shot in “Santiago.” Director Lino Brocka brilliantly conceptualized a great first shot for Hilda: After a fire caused by armed strife during the Second World War, a lone survivor slowly clawed her way out of the ashes and embers, her dirty but lovely face contrasting beautifully with her bleak and stark surroundings—and viewers gasped. —What a great intro for the lovely, new star!

In international films, such cinematic “grand entrances” are the stuff of which screen legends are made: The coldly and yet luminously beautiful Greta Garbo in her early starrers. Ingrid Bergman in “Stromboli” and “St. Joan of Arc.” Marilyn Monroe in “The Asphalt Jungle” and “Some Like It Hot.” Peter O’Toole in “Lawrence of Arabia.” Albert Finney in “The Entertainer.” Jodie Foster in “Taxi Driver.” Julie Andrews in “Mary Poppins.” Terence Stamp in “Rob Roy.” Richard Burton in “Look Back in Anger.” Michael Cane in “Alfie.” Debbie Reynolds in “Singin’ in the Rain.” Julie Christie in “Dr. Zhivago.” Catharine Deneuve in “Umbrellas of Cherbourg.”

These and other iconic stars went on to grace many more movies with their great looks and/or talent, memorably showcased in their early, “introducing” portrayals which were staged so unforgettably that many moviegoers became their fervent and perfervid fans – for life!

Hilda then & now

Hilda then & now
DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda (The Philippine Star) Updated August 30, 2012 12:00 AM

Hilda Koronel is back in the spotlight. She has a new movie The Mistress under Star Cinema together with Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz and Ronaldo Valdez. The movie is directed by Olivia Lamasan. It is her “comeback” movie after six years of absence. Hilda is based in the US with husband Ralph Moore. What made her decide to accept the project were the script and the idea of working with Bea and John Lloyd. Hilda worked with them in Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin. It took more than a year for the production to convince Hilda to take on the role of the wife of a philandering husband played by Ronaldo, but direk Olive only had her in mind.


Hilda (Susan Reid in real life) is one of the country’s most brilliant dramatic actresses. She was born in Angeles City, Pampanga from a Filipina mother and American father who was a serviceman in Clark Air Base.

One of the best memories I have of Hilda was when she played Insiang, a young girl who lives in the slums of Manila with her mother Tonia (played by Mona Lisa). She was sexually abused by her mother’s lover (Ruel Vernal) in her own home. However, her mother refused to believe her which led Insiang to seek revenge.

Hilda has starred in more than 40 films, many of which have earned her critical acclaims from several award-giving bodies like FAMAS and Gawad Urian.

She was only 12 years old when she won her FAMAS Best Supporting Actress award in 1970 for the film Santiago. According to the website IMDB, Hilda is the youngest winner of the Best Supporting Actress award and she is followed by the late Nida Blanca and Alessandra de Rossi who won when they were 16 years old for the movies Korea (1952) and Azucena (2000), respectively.

Aside from Santiago, Hilda has several movies tucked under her belt including Tubog sa Ginto, Cadena de Amor, Stardom, Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang, Ibigay Mo sa Akin ang Langit, Sakada, Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising, Angela Markado, PX, Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan, Palabra de Honor, Kung Mahawi Man ang Ulap, Working Girls, Kapag Puso’y Sinugatan, Beloved, Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita, Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita, Nagsimula sa Puso and Crying Ladies, among others.

In 1975 and 1976, she starred in the Lino Brocka classics Maynila: Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag which won six FAMAS awards in 1976 and Insiang which received FAMAS and Gawad Urian awards in 1977. It was Lino who turned her into a high-caliber actress with movies like Santiago, Tubog sa Ginto, Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, Tatlo Dalawa Isa, Init, Insiang, etc. Insiang is the first Filipino film to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 1978 where both Lino and Hilda earned rave reviews from the international film community.

Her illustrious career was highlighted with her winning the Best Supporting Actress awards from the FAP, Gawad Urian and Maria Clara for Nasaan Ka Man (2006); Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role from the Young Critics Circle for Tanging Yaman (2001); and Best Actress from the MMFF for Insiang (1976).

These days when she’s not busy with her showbiz commitments, Hilda plays a doting mother to her kids. She is happy and at peace with her life. And that’s what matters most.

The Mistress is showing in theaters next month.

Why Hilda Koronel accepted 'The Mistress'

ABS-CBNnews.com

Posted at 09/04/2012 7:10 PM | Updated as of 09/04/2012 7:10 PM

MANILA, Philippines – After taking a break from show business for seven years, veteran actress Hilda Koronel revealed she now spends a lot of time when considering to accept a project or not.


In the case of the upcoming Star Cinema film “The Mistress,” Koronel said she was convinced to do the movie because she really felt it has a very good story.

“It has to be touching, it has to move me. Kapag binabasa ko ‘yung script na 'yan kailangan nararamdaman ko' yung emotion na tumatakbo dun sa script lalo na 'yung mga dialogue. Kailangan habang sinasabi ko 'yun maiiyak ba ako o hindi, something like that, nararamdaman ko dapat,” she told Push.com.ph.

“Maganda siya, maganda. You have to see the lines. Nakita mo naman, marami diyan ginagaya na ng mga tao,” she added referring to “The Mistress.”

Koronel said the movie also became the way for her to reunite with people whom she has worked with in the past.

“It was Direk Olive (Lamasan), it was Star Cinema and then the script was really beautiful. I have John Lloyd (Cruz) and Bea (Alonzo) and Ronaldo (Valdez) who I have worked with before na matagal na and it was everything else din,” she said.

While she is now regarded as a veteran actress, Koronel admitted she still feels nervous when she acts in front of the camera.

“Yeah mayroon, mayroon. Kahit ganito ka na katagal mayroon, ‘Uhmm okay I hope maggawa ko ito ng maayos talaga,’ because ang expectations ng lahat is just so high right? So I just did the best I could so hopefully magandang lumabas,” she said.

And as “The Mistress” nears its playdate, Koronel assured the viewers that they will not be disappointed with the movie’s story, especially with the confrontation scenes.

“Well makikita nila, same kind of acting, same intensity at 'yung mga fans diyan gustong-gusto nila 'yung mga confrontation scenes na ginagawa ko madalas kahit sa mga teleserye. We have a ton of those in these film so aabangan talaga ng mga die hard ito, may confrontation sa lahat,” she said.

“The Mistress” whill be shown in theaters nationwide on September 12.

Some Hilda Koronel movies... work in progress...

Sharon, Hilda & Angel: Getting to know the three 'Crying Ladies'

Article from:Manila Bulletin Article date:October 18, 2003CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights or concerns about this content should be directed to customer service. (Hide copyright information)


Three very fine actresses portray the title roles in Crying Ladies, written and directed by Mark Meily and produced by Toni Gloria under the banner of Unitel Pictures. They are Sharon Cuneta, Hilda Koronel, and Angel Aquino, award-winning actresses all.


Crying Ladies, an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival, tells the story of three women who sideline as professional mourners in Chinatown, crying for a fee at the wake of a Chinese businessman. Their simple lives and little dreams warm the heart, at once eliciting laughter and tears, but more of the former.


Megastar Sharon plays Stella Mate, streetmaster-hustler, gambler, briefly jailed for estafa who dreams of a better job to regain custody of her son (Julio Pacheco) from his father (Ricky Davao).


Drama great Hilda is Aling Doray, whose sole claim to fame is a bit role in the Vilma Santos starrer Darna and the Giants, the one a giant stepped on, then billed Rhoda Rivera. She spends most of her time accompanying her daughter (Jomalene Estrada) at auditions for commercials.


Fashion icon and exotic beauty Angel is Choleng, a naive and religious woman who cant resist the sexual advances of her friends husband (Raymond Bagatsing).


Sharon, Hilda, and Angel accept a part-time job as the crying ladies for a traditional Chinese funeral, hired by the son (Eric Quizon) of the deceased.


Aside from being a megastar, movie queen, Sharon Cuneta is a multi-awardee, a grandslam winner for Madrasta (Urian, Star, Famas, and Academy best actress). Sharon is also a best-selling recording and concert artist.


Offcam, Sharon is mother to KC and Frankie and wife of Sen. Francis Pangilinan.


Hilda starred in some of the greatest Filipino films, mostly directed by the late National Artist Lino Brocka. Among them: Santiago (which gave her a FAMAS best supporting actress award at 13), Insiang (the first Filipino picture to be shown in Cannes, giving her a best actress trophy in the Metro Manila Film Festival), Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag (one of the 100 best film in the world), Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang, Angela Markado, Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa.


Hilda has graced magazine covers and pictorials which highlighted her lovely face and high-fashion taste. But let it be said that Angel is a fine actress as well, Star awardee for Laro sa Baga (Best supporting actress). She was introduced in Mumbaki, and stood out in such films as Sana Pag-ibig Na, Bata, Bata Paano Ka Ginawa, and Goodbye, America.


Angel is single parent to two girls.


The story of the three Crying Ladies is told in the context of a funeral wake, shedding light on the struggles of ordinary people living in the back street of Chinatown.


The struggle of Stella Mate (Sharon Cuneta) to survive touches the hearts of all women in a similar situation: making ends meet, separate from a husband, the pain of losing a child.


The plight of Aling Doray (Hilda Koronel) and Choleng (Angel Aquino) may well be the story of every persons search for acceptance and recognition. In Aling Doray, it is through a faded movie career that never took off. In Choleng, it is through a forbidden love affair.


Crying Ladies is also the story of hope and triumph. In the end, Sharon, Hilda, and Angel find their place in the sun.

THE MISTRESS: The Cast

THE MISTRESS

The Cast

Ms. Hilda Koronel and The Mistress

Ms. Hilda Koronel and The Mistress

At a recent event, members of the press were invited to a pocket press conference with Hilda Koronel where she regaled them with stories about her now-peaceful life in the United States with her husband and the role she plays in The Mistress.

"I miss showbiz paminsan-minsan," she admits. "But hindi na pwede yung dati (na schedule); paisa-isang projects are okay."

She adds that she is not picky with roles, but rather, wants to work with good people and with a great script.

When asked about how she feels about still being held as the gold standard when it comes to actresses, she says that it's nice to still receive these comments and, after all these years, is still humbled by the praise.

She also intimated that she was impressed by John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, her younger co-stars in the film.

"Ang laki ng improvement," was her praise. "Noon pa, magaling na sila, mas lalo silang gumaling dito."

But despite the availability of projects here--she confided that she has been offered other projects during her short stay--she says that she is very content with her life in the US.

"I shop a lot," she laughs. "All of my children are grown up so I tend to my dogs, I help my mother-in-law with her charity work, and I live a stress-free life."

The Mistress, starring John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Ronaldo Valdez, and Hilda Koronel, is produced by Star Cinema and will open in cinemas on September 12.

THE MISTRESS

THE MISTRESS

THE MISTRESS - FULL TRAILER

THE MISTRESS - FULL TRAILER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLSj41DteOU

TAKE ONE PRESENTS... THE MISTRESS (Interview)

TAKE ONE PRESENTS... THE MISTRESS (Interview)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WnKcd8Ygf4

Hilda Koronel And Her Return To An Old Passion

Hilda Koronel And Her Return To An Old Passion

By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ

August 27, 2012, 10:12am

MANILA, Philippines – Six years since her last film, Hilda Koronel gracefully reunites with her craft as if it were an old friend.

The award-winning actress compares her return to acting with riding a bike: The skill stays even if you've not been able to utilize it for a long time.

"Once you're there, you're there," Hilda enthused to "The Buzz," Aug. 26. "The second or third day I shot already and I had all these 'tuhog' scenes and it was wonderful. I thought, 'Oh my God, I can do this right.'"

If there was some concern on her part, "it's more [about the] memory," she said.

"You know, you're getting older. So you're thinking… 'Mame-memorya ko pa ba 'yang mahahabang dialogue na 'yan?' But acting-wise I don't have jitters about those," Hilda, 55, related.

Prior to her return to the country last month to shoot for the film "The Mistress," Hilda has been living a peaceful and happy life in the United States with her family for the past six years. She and husband, Fil-Am lawyer-businessman Ralph Moore, Jr., have been together for 12 years now.

Looking back in 2006, the esteemed thespian felt "burnt out" with work, and deemed that she "needed a break." The hiatus was apparently well needed, as she has been in the industry for more than four decades. Her first year in the business was marked with swift success, becoming the youngest recipient of the FAMAS Best Supporting Actress Award at the tender age of 12 for the Fernando Poe, Jr. starrer, "Santiago." Eventually her artistry got honed through the likes of master filmmaker Lino Brocka ("Insiang," "Maynila: Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag").

"My husband [also] needed to go back home, for work, so sabi niya, 'Honey, I think... you have to understand if I go back, you have to go back with me.' So yes I did… My family is my priority," Hilda added.

A compelling script—about a four-sided love story—eventually paved the way for Hilda's big screen comeback.

"I believe it was the right timing for me. My husband said yes, I could go… I told him about the story and in the beginning he was a little, 'Okay…' He said, 'You think about it. If you really want to do it this time, you should go.' And he went with me, he's with me, he's here. So he gave me permission.

"I wanted to see the script first and foremost. [So] I read it, and I really liked it. It wasn't so hard-hard na from beginning to end na iyakan and everything else. But it was just perfect for me," she enthused about "The Mistress."

She also had no qualms about her co-stars, including Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz, having worked with them in the TV series "Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin" in 2005.

"I love them both… They're great kids," she said of the onscreen pair.

Hilda nervous about returning to acting

Hilda nervous about returning to acting

After years of taking a break from acting, veteran actress Hilda Koronel admitted that she was nervous when she accepted the movie "The Mistress" of Star Cinema. But at the same time, Koronel said she's also excited to work again with the film's main stars John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. Umagang Kay Ganda, August 21, 2012. (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/entertainment/08/21/12/hilda-nervous-about-returning-acting)