Charito Solis

Charito Solis
Born	Rosario Violeta Solís Hernández October 6, 1935(1935-10-06) Tondo, Manila
Died	January 9, 1998(1998-01-09) (aged 62) Calamba, Laguna
Years active	1955 - 1998

Charito Solis (6 October 1935 – 9 January 1998) was a FAMAS and Gawad Urian award-winning Filipino film actress. Acknowledged as one of the leading dramatic actresses of post-war Philippine cinema, she was tagged either as the "Anna Magnani of the Philippines" or as "the Meryl Streep of the Philippines."^[1]

Profile

Rosario Violeta "Charito" Solís Hernández was born in Manila. At age 19, she was introduced by her uncle, the film director F. H. Constantino to Doña Narcisa de Leon, the head of LVN Pictures,^[1] who cast her to star in her initial movie Niña Bonita, an adaptation of Frank Capra's It Happened One Night.^[2] The film was a success, and marked the beginning for Solis of a 43-year career in film that lasted until her death. Solis died on January 9, 1998 in Calamba City following a cardiac arrest.^[3]

Film career

Solis would star in well over 100 films starting with LVN Pictures' classics such as Niña Bonita (1955), Charito, I Love You! (1956), Walang Sugat (1957), Malvarosa (1958), Kundiman Ng Lahi (1959) and Emily (1960). Solis was featured in several of the best-known and critically acclaimed movies of Philippine cinema. She played the female lead in the 1962 film adaptation of Jose Rizal's El Filibusterismo, directed by Gerardo de Leon. She was frequently called upon by the country's leading directors to act in their films. Among her many films she also appeared in Eddie Romero's Manila, Open City (1967), Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi (1975) and Agila (1980); in Mike de Leon's Kisapmata (1981) and Batch 81 (1982); in Ishmael Bernal's City After Dark (1980) and Hinugot sa Langit (1985); in Lino Brocka's Init (1979) and Ina, Kapatid, Anak (1979); and as the narrator in Marilou Diaz-Abaya's Karnal (1982). Other notable performances of Solis were featured in Angustia (1963), Tatlong Mukha Ni Pandora (1963) and Magda Sales (1964).

From 1967 to 1971, Solis was under contract in Nepomuceno Productions. Her films for that outfit were Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak, Ang Langit Sa Lupa, Luha Sa Karimlan, Manila Open City, Igorota, Ang Pulubi, Pipo and The Hunted. Considered by many Filipino film historians as her golden age, her association with Nepomuceno Productions elevated her to the status of the Philippines' premiere actress. Her performance in Dahil sa... earned her the Best Actress award from the Asian Film Festival. Thereafter tagged in her movies as "Asia's Best Actress" or any of its variants, she went on to appear in risque films as well as commercial successes. Her performance is also significant in Filipino film history because she is the first actress to ever go nude in a scene, albeit filmed in silhouette, for a film that was also the first Filipino film made in full color (Eastman color). Dahil sa... also brought a bonus to Charito Solis: with the film being the country's entry to the Best Foreign Film category at the Academy Awards (the film did not make it to the semi-finals), she and Luis Nepomuceno, the film's producer, were given tickets to see the 40th Academy Awards, the first Filipinos to ever do so. Following in their golden footsteps were Lea Salonga in 1993 (singer of one of the nominated songs), Pia Clemente in 2006 (the first Filipina Oscar nominee) and Charo Santos in 2009 (actress and TV executive, invited because her network, ABS-CBN, was the official Oscars carrier in the Philippines).

After her association with Nepomuceno Productions ended, she would appear in several more films such as in Hindi Kami Damong Ligaw, Ms. Teresa Abad Ako Si Bing, Hugasan Mo Ang Aking Kasalanan, Babae Sa Likod Ng Salamin, Beerhouse, Babae Huwag Kang Tukso, Babae Ngayon At Kailanman, Walang Katapusang Tag-araw, Mga Tinik Ng Babae, Iwasan Kabaret, Hubad Sa Mundo, Mga Huwad Na Mananayaw, Init, Alaga and Playgirl.

Solis became the first Filipino actress to play the lead role in an internationally-released Japanese movie, which she did in 1961 when she starred alongside Kojiro Hongo in Kenji Misumi's Shaka, a film biography on the life of Buddha.^[4] She appeared another Japanese film "The Princess and I" also produced by Daiei Japan which had its Philippine Premiere in Lyric Theater on Escolta on October 10, 1962. She also starred in another international production, alongside Tetchie Agbayani and John Saxon in Eddie Romero's Desire (1982).

Awards

Her performance in 1967's Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak, directed by Cirio H. Santiago, won her Best Actress award at the 1967 Asian Film Festival.^[5] She again starred for Santiago the following year in Igorota, where she became the first Filipina actress to bare her breasts on film. Her role in Igorota won her the 1968 FAMAS Best Actress Award,^[6] one of 5 she would win during her career. Her other four FAMAS Best Actress wins came in 1959 for Kundiman ng Lahi; in 1960 for Emily; in 1963 for Angustia; and in 1983 for Don't Cry for Me, Papa.^[6] After her fifth win, in 1984, she became the first actress to be inducted into the FAMAS Hall of Fame.^[7] Solis likewise won the Gawad Urian Best Actress award in 1979 for Ina, Kapatid, Anak, and for Best Supporting Actress for in 1981 and 1982 for Kisapmata and Karnal.

In the first-ever Metro Manila Film Festival held in 1975, Solis won the Best Actress Award for Araw Araw, Gabi Gabi.

Television career

From 1966 to 1968, Solis had a weekly TV show on ABS-CBN entitled The Charito Solis Show (1966 to 1968). In 1973, Solis also had a TV weekly drama show named Obra Maestra on RPN.

In the late 1980s, Solis won the chance to showcase her comedic skills, as well as to gain a younger set of fans, when she was cast opposite Vic Sotto, Alice Dixson and Aiza Seguerra in the sitcom Okey Ka Fairy Ko!. She played the imperious Ina Magenta, Enteng Kabisote's mother-in-law, a character which was loosely modeled after Agnes Moorehead's Endora on Bewitched. The popular show lasted 9 years and spawned several film adaptations that continued even well after Solis' death. Giselle Tongi took over the roll of Ina Magenta in the Enteng Kabisote movie franchises which she also grew up watching the show and idolized Charito Solis.

Films

• 1955 - Niña Bonita (LVN)
• 1955 - Dinayang Pagmamahal (LVN)
• 1956 - Charito, I Love You (LVN)
• 1956 - Ulilang birhen (LVN)
• 1957 - Tiririt Ng Ibon (LVN)
• 1957 - Walang Sugat (LVN)
• 1957 - Sampung Libong Pisong Pag-Ibig (LVN)
• 1957 - Krisalis (LVN)
• 1958 - Rose Tattoo (LVN)
• 1958 - Malvarosa (LVN)
• 1959 - Limang Dalangin (LVN)
• 1959 - Kundiman Ng Lahi (LVN) (1st FAMAS Best Actress Award)
• 1960 - Black Beauty (LVN)
• 1960 - Emily (LVN) (2nd FAMAS Best Actress Award)
• 1961 - Sandata At Pangako (LVN)
• 1961 - Shaka (Buddha) (Daiei Corporation Japanese Production)
• 1961 - The Place: Pasong Diablo (Poe-Zshornack Prods)
• 1961 - Lahing Texas (Hollywood-Far East Prods)
• 1961 - Rancho Bravo (TIIP)
• 1961 - Umaapoy Na Bakal Hollywood-Far East Prods)
• 1962 - Jikiri (Dalisay Prods)
• 1962 - The Princess and I (Daiei Corporation Japanese Production)
• 1962 - El Filibusterismo (Arriva Prods)
• 1962 - Mahal Kita Inay (Larry Santiago Prods)
• 1963 - Angustia (3rd FAMAS Best Actress Award)
• 1963 - Ang Bukas Ay Akin
• 1963 - Isinusumpa Ko! (Zultana Int'l)
• 1963 - 3 Mukha Ni Pandora (Zultana Int'l)
• 1964 - Magda Sales (Kislap-Tagalog Pictures)
• 1964 - Nagbabagang Paraiso (Golden Harvest Promotions)
• 1966 - Claudia (Lea Prods)
• 1966 - Kapag Langit Ang Umusig (Sampaguita Pictures)
• 1966 - Boomerang (TIIP)
• 1966 - Ang Tao Ay Makasalanan (VP Pictures)
• 1966 - Mga Pagibig Ni Christine (VP Pictures)
• 1967 - Malupit Ang Pagibig (Sampaguita Pictures)
• 1967 - Ito Ang Aking Kasaysayan (VP Pictures)
• 1967 - Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak (Nepomuceno Prods) (Asian Film Festival Best Actress Award)
• 1967 - Sino Ang Dapat Sisihin? (VP Pictures)
• 1967 - Ang Langit Sa Lupa (Nepomuceno Prods)
• 1968 - Luha sa Karimlan (Nepomuceno Prods)
• 1968 - Manila: Open City (Nepomuceno Prods)
• 1968 - Igorota (Nepomuceno Prods) (4th FAMAS Best Actress Award)
• 1969 - Ang Pulubi (Nepomuceno Prods)
• 1970 - Pipo (A Time For Dying) (Nepomuceno Prods)
• 1970 - The Hunted (Nepomuceno Prods)
• 1973 - Ang Bukas Ay Atin (C.C. Film Prods)
• 1974 - Mga Tigre Sa Sierra Cruz (Lea Prods)
• 1975 - Araw Araw, Gabi Gabi (Lyra Film Ventures) (1st Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress)
• 1976 - Mrs. Teresa Abad, Ako Po Si Bing
• 1976 - Hindi Kami Damong Ligaw (Lyra Film Ventures)
• 1976 - Hugasan Mo Ang Aking Kasalanan (Emperor Films)
• 1976 - Babae, Sa Likod Ng Salamin (Reuben Canoy Prods)
• 1976 - Mga Uhaw Na Bulaklak Part II (Lyra Fim Ventures) (Cameo Role)
• 1977 - Bianong Bulag (Imus Prods)
• 1977 - Beerhouse (Regal Films)
• 1977 - Babae, Huwag Kang Tukso (AM Prods)
• 1977 - Tundo: Isla Puting Bato (Lea Prods)
• 1977 - Lalaki, Ikaw Ang Dahilan
• 1977 - Walang Katapusang Tag-Araw (Lea Prods)
• 1977 - Babae... Ngayon At Kailanman
• 1978 - Iwasan: Kabaret (Regal Films)
• 1978 - Mga Tinik Ng Babae (Agrix Films)
• 1978 - Mga Huwad Na Mananayaw (Agrix Films)
• 1978 - Hubad Sa Mundo (R.H. Films)
• 1979 - Init (Showbiz Films)
• 1979 - Ina, Kapatid, Anak (Regal Films)
• 1979 - Gabun (Agrix Films)
• 1979 - Modelong Tanso
• 1979 - Dakpin Si Junior Bombay (S.Q. Films)
• 1980 - Tatlong Patak ng Dugo ni Adan
• 1980 - Manila By Night (City After Dark) (Regal Films)
• 1980 - Wanted: Wives
• 1980 - Alaga (B.A.C.-Christian Espiritu)
• 1980 - Ito Ang Babae (TIIP)
• 1980 - Aguila
• 1981 - Ulo ng Gapo
• 1981 - Playgirl (Regal Films)
• 1981 - Kisapmata
• 1982 - Where Love Has Gone
• 1982 - Mother Dear
• 1982 - Desire
• 1982 - Cross My Heart
• 1982 - Alpha Kappa Omega Batch '81
• 1983 - Pieta
• 1983 - Don't Cry for Me, Papa (5th FAMAS Best Actress Award)
• 1983 - Minsan May Isang Ina
• 1983 - Karnal
• 1984 - Sinner or Saint
• 1984 - Pieta, Ikalawang Aklat
• 1984 - Dear Mama
• 1984 - Naked Island (Butil-Ulan)
• 1984 - Mahilig
• 1984 - Teenage Marriage
• 1984 - Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit
• 1984 - Shake, Rattle & Roll
• 1985 - Pati Ba Pintig ng Puso
• 1985 - Bomba Arrienda
• 1985 - Kay Dali ng Kahapon, Ang Bagal ng Bukas
• 1985 - Naked Paradise (Ultra Vision Films)
• 1985 - Inday Bote
• 1985 - Hinugot sa Langit
• 1985 - God Saves Me
• 1985 - Sensual
• 1986 - The Sisters
• 1986 - Home Sweet Home
• 1986 - Angelito San Miguel: Ang Batang City Jail
• 1987 - Isang Dakot na Kaligayahan
• 1987 - Bala Ko Ang Hahatol
• 1988 - Lorenzo Ruiz the Saint
• 1988 - Lord, Bakit Ako Pa?
• 1988 - Baleleng at ang Ginto Sirena
• 1988 - Hiwaga sa Balete Drive
• 1988 - Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
• 1989 - Killer vs. Ninjas
• 1989 - Tatlong Mukha ng Pag-Ibig
• 1989 - Bakit Iisa Lamang Ang Puso
• 1989 - Mahirap Ang Magmahal
• 1989 - Ipaglalaban Ko
• 1989 - Jessa: Blusang Itim 2
• 1990 - Sagot ng Puso
• 1990 - Huminga Ka Na Hangga't Gusto Mo
• 1990 - Bakit Kay Tagal ng Sandali?
• 1991 - Kislap Sa Dilim
• 1991 - Joey Boy Munti, 15 Anyos Ka Sa Muntilupa
• 1991 - Kahit May Mahal Ka Ng Iba
• 1991 - Bingbong: The Vincent Crisologo Story
• 1991 - Okey ka, fairy ko!
• 1991 - Una Kang Naging Akin
• 1992 - Miss na Miss Kita: Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum 2
• 1992 - Ikaw Pa Lang Ang Minahal
• 1992 - Daddy Goon
• 1992 - Alyas Pogi 2
• 1992 - Okey ka, fairy ko! II
• 1993 - Paranaque Bank Robbery: The Joselito Joseco Story
• 1993 - Zaldong Tisoy
• 1993 - Dahil Mahal Kita: The Dolzura Cortez Story
• 1994 - Megamol
• 1994 - Kadenang Bulaklak
• 1994 - Lab Kita, Bilib Ka Ba?
• 1994 - Saan Ka Man Naroroon
• 1995 - Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko
• 1995 - The Flor Contemplacion Story
• 1995 - Huwag Mong Buhayin Ang Bangkay
• 1996 - Itataya Ko ang Buhay Ko
• 1996 - Enteng and the Shaolin Kid
• 1996 - Ayoko Na Sanang Magmahal
• 1997 - Masarap, Masakit Ang Magmahal
• 1997 - Ipaglaban Mo: The Movie Part 2
• 1998 - Bayad Puri
• 1998 - Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Iibigin

Television series

• Okey Ka Fairy Ko! [IBC (1987–1989); ABS-CBN (1989–1995); GMA 7 (1995–1997)]
• GMA Telecine Specials [GMA] (1993)
• Tierra Sangre [RPN (1996)]
• Mula Sa Puso [ABS-CBN] (1997–1998)
• Lovingly Yours, Helen [GMA] (1990–1996)

Notes

1. ^ ^{a b} "IMDB Biography". The Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0813098/bio. Retrieved 2007-11-21. 
2. ^ "Trivia for Niña bonita". The Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0470873/trivia. Retrieved 2007-11-21. 
3. ^ Enrique Ramos, Charito Solis, Asia's best actress, dies of heart attack, Manila Times (11 January 1998)
4. ^ Garcia, J. "A Movie Quizbook", p. 146-147
5. ^ Garcia, J. "A Movie Quizbook", p. 149
6. ^ ^{a b} "Charito Solis - Awards". The Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0813098/awards. Retrieved 2007-11-21. 
7. ^ Magundayao, Nicolo. "FAMAS Awards Facts". The Unofficial Website of the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences. http://www.freewebs.com/famas_awards/facts.htm. Retrieved 2007-11-21. 

References

• Garcia, Jessie B. (December 2004). A Movie Album Quizbook. Iloilo City, Philippines: Erehwon Books & Magazine. pp. 146–147, 149. ISBN 971-93297-0-X. 
• Mercado, Monina (1977). Doña Sisang and Filipino Movies. Philippines: Vera-Reyes, Inc.

External links

• Charito Solis at the Internet Movie Database
• KabayanCentral.com Vintage Filipino Movies
• The Unofficial Website of the FAMAS Awards

Persondata
Name	Solis, Charito
Alternative names
Short description	Actress
Date of birth	1935-10-06
Place of birth	Tondo, Manila
Date of death	1998-01-09
Place of death	Calamba, Laguna