MAGAZINE COVER #49

Pilipino Magazine

January 1, 1969

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MAGAZINE COVER #48

Pilipino Magazine

December 20, 1967

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MAGAZINE COVER #47

Pilipino Magazine

December 25, 1968

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MAGAZINE COVER #46

Tagumpay Magazine

December 22, 1965

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MAGAZINE COVER #45

Tagumpay Magazine

December 21, 1966

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LINO BROCKA AND SUSAN ROCES

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(Release Date:  September 14, 1978)

Lino Brocka discusses a scene with Susan Roces and cinematographer Conrado Baltazar.

 

WHAT LINO BROCKA SAID ABOUT SUSAN ROCES:

"How does he size up Susan Roces?  “She has a lot of potential.  You know, she really touched me when she said, ‘You know, when we were young, the tragedy of actresses like us, we were built up as commercial stars who were doing one movie after another.  Now we are older and with more experience, there are no more good roles for us.’  She’s a rare actress, like Lolita Rodriguez.  She only allows the public to know what she wants them to know.  Unlike other stars na public spectacles at the beck and call of the audience.

She really suits the role in ‘Gumising Ka, Maruja.’  That’s why I insisted that nobody else play it but her.  What I really like in her is her humility.  Just like Dolphy.  When I worked with them, parang we had a crash training program in acting.  When we did a scene, paulit-ulit talaga.  And not a word of complaint.  That’s where the veteran in them comes out.  Hindi tulad ng mga bago ngayon.  Mainipin.  When you suggest a retake, ‘Tama na ‘yan.  Okey na ‘yan.”  E, papano ngang hindi tama na ‘yan e maglalagari pa sa ibang set.  They’re not really excited by the art of acting.”

- Excerpt from an interview by Mario E. Bautista published in Philippines Daily Express, “The Essential Brocka:  Part I:  The Starmaker”, September 15, 1978.

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SUSAN ROCES' TURNING POINT (Mr. & Ms. Magazine, September 12, 1978)

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Article written by Nestor Cuartero

Mr. & Ms. Magazine, September 12, 1978

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MGA 'KAMPEON SA TAKILYA' NG 1964 (Taliba, Pebrero 13, 1965)

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MGA 'KAMPEON SA TAKILYA' NG 1964

Tagumpay ang pelikulang Pilipino sa pagpasok ng salapi sa prodyuser

ni LUDY ORTEGA

Ang taong 1964 ay maitatangi sa lahat ng taon kung ang pag-uusapan ay ang pelikulang Tagalog.  Umaabot sa 154 na pelikulang pangdalawang oras o mahigit pa ang niyari ng may 40 estudyo at prodyuser na kinabibilangan ng Sampaguita, VP, Larry Santiago, Tagalog Ilang-Ilang, Tamaraw, Dalisay, People's, FPJ, D'Lanor, Jafere, Joseph Estrada, Kislap Tagalog, Golden Harvest, Ambassador, Luzon, Hollywood-Far East, Magna East, RTG, GM Film Organization, Vitri, Medallion, Pauline's, RV, LSJ, Emar, Kayumanggi, Broadway, DES at maraming iba pa.  Bukod pa rito ay may ginawa ring maiiksing pelikula na kung tawagin ay mga "documentaries" at isa na rito ay ang "Magandingay" na nakakuha ng karangalan sa katatapos na Taiwan Film Festival.

Maitatangi pa rin ang taong 1964 sa kasaysayan ng pelikula sa Kapuluan pagka't ang pinakamahal na pelikulang Tagalog ay nayari sa taong ito.  Ang D'Lanor Productions, kapatid na kompanya ng FPJ at Jafere Productions, ay nanguna sa mga kompanyang tumustos ng di biru-birong salapi upang makayari at mapaganda ang kanilang mga produksiyon.  Ang naturang kompanya ay gumugol ng P300,000 upang matapos ang pelikulang may kulay na "Daigdig Ng Fantasia" na pinangunahan nina Dolphy at Nova Villa.  Inabot ng 9 na buwang paghahanda at siyuting si Direktor Herminio (Butch) Bautista upang matapos ang nasabing pelikula.  At sa may 11 araw na palabas ng "Daigdig Ng Fantasia" sa dulaang Center noong Disyembre, ito ay kumita ng may P31,000.00.

Ang "Eddie Loves Susie" ng VP Pictures na pinamumunuan ni Dr. Jose R. Perez ay pumangalawa sa laki ng nagastos sa isang pelikula lamang nang taong 1964.  Umabot sa P250,000.00 ang nagugol sa pelikulang ito na kinunan sa Nueva York, Niagara, Mehiko, Kanada, Boston, California at Haway.  At samantalang nasa Nueva York ang pangkat, isang bagong-bagong kamerang Airiflex ang nawala roon na siyang lalong nagpalaki ng gastos ng pelikula.

Ang "Eddie Loves Susie" ay kauna-unahang direksiyon ni Luciano B. Carlos -- ang tanging Pilipinong nagkamit ng kauna-unahang Asian Best Scenario Award sa kanyang pagkakayari ng iskrip ng "Ang Asawa Kong Amerikana."  Ang "Eddie Loves Susie" ay pinangunahan nina Susan Roces, Eddie Gutierrez, Rosemarie at Pepito Vera Perez.

Ang pangatlong pelikulang pinagkagastahan ng malaki noong 1964 ay ang "Mga Daliring Ginto" ng LEA Productions ni Gng. Emilia Blas.  Ang naturang pelikula ay niyari sa kulay Eastman kung kaya inabot ng P200,000 ang nagugol.  Sina Joseph Estrada at Amalia Fuentes ang mga pangunahing bituin ng "Mga Daliring Ginto" na ginawa sa Olongapo at Subik sa Sambales.

Ang "Vendetta Brothers" ng Joseph Estrada Productions na pinamahalaan ni Cesar (Chat) Gallardo at pinangunahan nina Joseph Estrada, Arnold Mendoza at Maggie de la Riva ay umabot din sa halagang P200,000 bago natapos.

Ang "Walang Hanggan" ng Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions na siyang unang pagtatambal nina  Fernando Poe, Jr. at Amalia Fuentes at pinamahalaan ni Direktor Armando Garces ay nagkahalaga ng P197,823.13 bago natapos.  Sa may 19 na pelikulang niyari ng Tagalog Ilang-Ilang ay ang "Walang Hanggan" ang pinakamagastos.

Dalawang pelikula -- ang "Prinsesang Kalapati" ng LEA Productions, na may kulay at pinangunahan ni Amalia Fuentes at Bernard Bonnin sa direksiyon ni Nemesio E. Caravana, at ang "Mga Kanyon Sa Corregidor," produksiyon ng Sampaguita Pictures at VP Pictures at pinangunahan ng 75 bituin, pinamahalaan ng dalawang direktor, sina Mar S. Torres at Jose de Villa, at ginawa nang may isang buwan sa pulo ng Korehidor at doo'y gumugol sila ng P10,000 para sa mga punlong pinaputok, ay kapuwa nagkahalaga ng tig-P165,000 bago natapos.

Ang iba pang pelikulnag Tagalog na pinagkagastahan ng malaki ay ang "Daniel Barrion" at ":Baril Na Ginto" ng FPJ - tig-P160,000; ang "Jukebox Jamboree" ng VP Pictures at "Captain Barbell" ng D'Lanor, tig-P150,000; ang "Let's Go" at "Kumander Fidela" ng Larry Santiago Productions na natapos sa badyet na P150,000 at P148,000; ang "Kulay Dugo Ang Gabi" ng People's Pictures na nagkahalaga ng P146,029.64 at ang "Deadly Brothers" ng Joseph Estrada Productions na inabot ng P145,000 bago nayari.

Kung ang karamihan sa nayaring pelikulang Tagalog nang 1964 ay hindi man nagustuhan ng ating mga kritiko na laging ipinaparis ang gawang Estador Unidos sa yaring Pilipino at hindi man lamang isinasaalang-alang ang uri ng kagamitan at laki ng badyet ng mga pelikulang yari sa ibang bansa, natupad din ng pelikulang yari rito ang makapagbigay kasiyahan sa kanyang mga tagatangkilik, at lalong higit, ang layong kumita sa takilya.

Sa may 120 pelikulang Tagalog na niyari ng iba-ibang samahan noong 1963, may ilan ding kompanya na hindi gumawa nang nakaraang taon.

Noong 1963, ang nanguna sa mga "higante sa takilya" ay ang "Ako'y Iyong-Iyo" ng Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions na pinangunahan nina Amalia Fuentes at Romeo Vasquez.  Sa 25 araw na unang pagtatanghal ng "Ako'y Iyong-Iyo" sa dulaan, ito ay kumita ng P106,438.31.

Ang pumangalawa ay ang "Abaruray Abarinding" ng VP Pictures na kumita ng P103,021.00 sa loob ng 19 na araw na palabas sa dulaang Life.

Pumangatlo ang "Tatlong Mukha Ni Pandora" ng Zultana International, na kumita ng P85,965.40 sa loob ng 11 araw na palabas sa dalawang sinehan.  Naging pang-apat ang "Sweet Valentines" ng VP Pictures na kumita ng P68,513.60 sa loob ng 13 araw; panlima ang "Amaliang Mali-Mali" ng VP Pictures din na kumita ng P67,193.60 sa loob ng 14 na araw.  Pang-anim naman ang "Dance-O-Rama" ng Sampaguita na kumita ng P61,818.20 sa loob ng 16 na araw; pampito't pangwalo ang "Adonis Abril" ng Larry Santiago Productions na kumita ng P56,020.30 sa loob ng 10 araw at ang "Duwelo Sa Sapang Bato" na kumita ng P52,008.20 sa loob ng 10 araw; pangsiyam ang "Esperanza At Caridad" ng Sampaguita na kumita ng P49,354.00 sa loob ng 14 na araw; at pangsampu ang "Ulilang Cowboy" ng Larry Santiago Productions na nagpasok ng P49,112.60 sa loob ng 10 araw na labas sa dulaang Globe.

Noong nakaraang taon, nakamit ng VP Pictures, Inc. ang una, pangalawa, pang-14, 15, 18, 19 at pang-20 puwesto sa mg pelikulang Tagalog na kinilalang kampeon sa takilya.  Ang pangatlo, pang-11 at pang-12 ay napunta sa Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions; ang pang-apat at pampito ay nakamit ng magkasamang Sampaguita Pictures at ng VP Pictures; nakuha ng Larry Santiago Productions ang pang-lima at pang-13 puwesto; sa Lea Productions ang pang-anim na karangalan, sa Fernando Poe, Jr. (FPJ) Productions ang pang-walong puwesto; sa Sampaguita Pictures ang pang-siyam at pang-16 na karangalan, sa People's Pictures ang pang-sampu at sa Dalisay Pictures ang pang-20 karangalan.

Ang 20 kinikilalang kampeon sa takilya ng pelikulang Tagalog ng taong 1964, pati ng kanilang mga pangunahing artista, direktor at mga halaga ng kanilang pagkakayari ay ang mga sumusunod:

1.  EDDIE LOVES SUSIE, VP Pictures, Inc.

     Life Theater, Enero 1-22 (22 araw); Republic Theater, 7 araw; Kabuuan, 29 na araw -- P149,326.60; Komedya-musikal -- Susan Roces, Eddie Gutierrez, Rosemarie at Pepito Vera-Perez; Isinapelikula sa Kanada, Mehiko at Haway; Direksiyon:  Luciano B. Carlos; Halag ng produksiyon:  P250,000.00. 

2.  JUKEBOX JAMBOREE, VP Pictures, Inc.

    Life Theater, Hulyo 17-Agosto 2 (15 araw) - P85,052.80; Komedya-Musikal -- Gloria Romero, Luis Gonzales, Rosemarie, Bert Le Roy, Jr., at Daisy Romualdez; Direksiyon:  Luciano B. Carlos; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P150,000.00.

3.  ISA LANG ANG HARI, Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Pictures.

    Globe Theater,  Hulyo 12-18 (17 araw) -- P78,999.00; Aksiyon -- Jess Lapid, Jun Aristorenas, Tony Ferrer, Divina Valencia, Gina Laforteza; Direksiyon:  Armando Garces; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P140,000.00.

 4.  ANONG GANDA MO, Sampaguita-VP Pictures.

      Life Theater, Mayo 8-27 (20 araw) -- P77,932.40; Drama-Musikal -- Gloria Romero, Susan Roces, Juancho Gutierrez at Eddie Gutierrez; Direksiyon:  Luciano B. Carlos; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P120,000.00.

5.  KUMANDER FIDELA, Larry Santiago Productions.

      Globe Theater, Hunyo 29-Hulyo 8 (10 araw) -- P75,562.40; Fernando Poe, Jr., Willie Sotelo, Helen Gamboa; Direksiyon:  Pablo Santiago; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P148,000.00.

6.  PRINSESANG KALAPATI, LEA Productions.

     Center Theater, Hulyo 17-26 (10 araw) -- P74,000.00; Pantasya, Eastman color -- Amalia Fuentes at Bernard Bonnin; Direksiyon:  Nemesio Caravana; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P165,000.00.

7.  MGA KANYON SA KOREHIDOR, Sampaguita-VP Productions.

     Life Theater, Agosto 3-17 (15 araw) -- P65,746.40; Isinapelikula sa Korehidor; 75 mga bituin; Direksiyon:  Jose de Villa at Mar S. Torres; Halaga ang produksiyon:  P150,000.00.

8.  BARIL NA GINTO, FPJ Productions.

     Globe Theater, Hulyo 24-Agost 2 (10 araw) -- P64,936.20; Pelikulang aksiyon -- Fernando Poe, Jr., Nova Villa; Direksiyon:  Efren Reyes; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P140,000.00.

9.  LERON-LERON SINTA, Sampaguita Pictures.

     Life Theater, Hunyo 8-19 (12 araw) -- P64,291.40; Komedya-drama-musikal -- Susan Roces at Eddie Gutierrez; Direksiyon:  Mar S. Torres; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P120,000.00.

10. KULAY DUGO ANG GABI, People's Pictures.

     Globe Theater, Nob. 6-15 (10 araw) -- P63,321.60; Pelikulang katatakutan, Eastman color - Amalia Fuentes, Ronald Remy at Eddie Fernandez; Direksiyon:  Gerardo de Leon; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P146,000.00.

11. ITO ANG LALAKI, Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Pictures.

     Dalisay Theater, Mayo 19-28 (10 araw) -- P63,000.00; Pelikulang aksiyon -- Jess Lapid at Divina Valencia; Direksiyon:  Armando Garces; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P130,000.00.

12. WALANG HANGGAN, Tagalog Ilang-Ilang.

     Globe Theater, Hunyo 21-30 (10 araw) -- P62,000.00; Amalia Fuentes at Fernando Poe, Jr.; Direksiyon:  Armando Garces; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P197,823.12 (pinakamataas sa 19 na pelikula).

13. LET'S GO, Larry Santiago Productions.

     Globe Theater, Abril 10-19 (10 araw) -- P61,490.00; Eddie Mesa, Jose Mari, Helen Gamboa, Chiqui Somes; Direksiyon:  Pablo Santiago; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P150,000.00.

14. UMIBIG AY DI BIRO, VP Pictures.

      Life Theater, dis. 20-31 (12 araw) -- P58,058.40; Komedya-drama - Liberty Ilagan, Lito Legaspi, Josephine Estrada, Ramil Rodriguez, Luz Valdez, Robert Campos, Jean Lopez, Tito Galla, Rosemarie, Pepito Rodriguez, Blanca Gomez, Dindo Fernando, Gina Pareno, Bert Le Roy, Jr.; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P120,000.00.

15. SA LIBIS NG BARYO, Sampaguita Pictures.

     Life Theater, Okt. 24-Nob. 3 (11 araw) -- P50,555.60; Susan Roces, Lito Legaspi, Josephine Estrada, Ramil Rodriguez; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P120,000.00.

16. HI SOSAYTI, VP Pictures.

     Life Theater, Agosto 28-Sept. 6 (10 araw) -- P56,877.00; Komedya-drama - Susan Roces, Eddie Gutierrez, Liberty Ilagan, Ramil Rodriguez; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P120,000.00.

17. PAMILYA GALAWGAW, Dalisay Pictures.

     Dalisay Theater, Dis. 25-Enero 6 (13 araw) -- P49,924.00; Komedya-drama-musikal -- Nida Blanca, Nestor de Villa, Jose Mari, Diomedes Maturan, Willie Sotelo, Mila Ocampo; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P120,000.00.

18. BINIBIRO LAMANG KITA, VP Pictures.

     Life Theater, Peb. 22-Marso 2 (10 araw) -- P49,096.40; Komedya-drama-musikal - Susan Roces, Eddie Gutierrez, Carmen Rosales, Oscar Moreno; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P120,500.00.

19. LABU-LABO, Tagalog Ilang-Ilang.

     Center Theater, Nob. 4-13 (10 araw) -- P48,500.00; Jess Lapid, Tony Ferrer, Jun Aristorenas, Alberto Alonzo, Divina Valencia; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P140,000.00.

20. BATHING BEAUTIES, VP Pictures (kadoble ang pelikula ni John F. Kennedy).

     Life Theater, (10 araw) P47,762.60; Josephine Estrada, Cynthia Ugalde, Liberty Ilagan, Gina Pareno, Lito Legaspi, Tito Galla at Luis Gonzales; Direksiyon:  Mar S. Torres; Halaga ng produksiyon:  P115,000.00.

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MAGAZINE COVER #44

Pilipino Magazine

November 27, 1968

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SUSAN ROCES ACCEPTS PRIZES (Weekly Nation, July 15, 1968)

In addition to the Fiat Car which she has already received from Weekly NATION, Tagumpay and Movie Confidential, Miss Susan Roces received another coveted prize:  a house and lot in Marikina, above the cool, sweeping Marikina Valley.  Miss Roces announced that her fans are invited to join her at the house.

The house and lot are part of the over P200,000.00 valuable prizes which the Makabayan Publishing Corporation gave away at the conclusion of the Miss Philippines Movies contest of 1967.  Susan won the top prize.

Photo below shows Dr. Sonora, father of Susan, Susan's lawyer,  Prof. Miguel O.L. Villaflor, and Susan herself signing the transfer of title to the house and lot.  Bottom photo shows her receiving a Fiat Multipla Car.  Radiowealth Inc., through Weekly NATION, donated a double bed.

Susan's fans have started to visit the house and to rest, on Susan's invitation.  It was her fans that worked to make Susan win the top prize in the contest and feels indebted to them.

- Weekly Nation, July 15, 1968

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KING & QUEEN OF STARS CORONATION (1966-1967)

To read the article, follow link below:  

http://susanroces.blogspot.com/2013/06/king-and-queen-of-stars-coronation.html

 TONY FERRER & SUSAN ROCES, KING & QUEEN OF STARS (1966-1967)

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SUSAN ROCES: WITH GOD ON HER SIDE (WHO Magazine, July 8, 1978)

Click on images to enlarge

Article by Carlos P. Arvisu

WHO Magazine, July 8, 1978

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THE PHILIPPINES AT THE PACIFIC FESTIVAL (Philippines Free Press, October 17, 1959)

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THE PHILIPPINES AT THE PACIFIC FESTIVAL

by Dalisay Bocobo-Balunsat

San Francisco, California

Philippines Free Press, October 17, 1959

THE second Pacific Festival was celebrated in San Francisco, California, from September 18 to 27.  Even Mother Nature was in a festive mood, for there was plenty of sunshine during the festivities.  There were fireworks from Japan, pageants from the different Pacific countries, a gigantic parade with TV and Hollywood movie stars, and open-air art festival, a travel show at Brooks Hall, nightly dances, a Book-and-Author luncheon with Vincent Price, William Lederer and General Wedemeyer as speakers, an open house tendered by the International Airport, and the First Fleet, and displays at the big department stores and at the public library and its branches.

"The Philippines was most cooperative," Mayor George Christopher of San Francisco told this writer.  "And as mayor of this city, I am thanking the Filipino people in behalf of San Francisco residents."

Philippine participation consisted of a colorful pageant (directed by Philippine Travel and Information Office manager Cita Trinidad) on September 24, which was Philippine Day; Philippine dances during the nightly variety shows at Brooks Hall Auditorium; an impressive Philippine Booth and a large display of Philippine products at the Brooks Hall Travel and Trade Show; and a dinner given jointly by the Philippine Travel and Information Office and the Caballeros de Dimasalang at the Mark Hopkins Hotel in honor of Susan Roces, our Miss Philippines.

The Philippines was also featured by big downtown department stores.  Macy's sponsored a one-man exhibit of Philippine paintings done on velvet by Felix Gonzales.  At Macy's, too, was a breath-taking window display of Philippine white butterfly orchids created by Podesta Baldocchi, America's best florist.  Gumps, a famed interior-decoration shop, featured abaca coasters and Philippine linen napkins; and Livingston's exhibited a four-paneled room divider made of Philippine mahogany (narra) and Capiz shells.

The Philippine Day show was considered the best of the national presentations, for it was "impressive without being pompous" and "colorful without being gaudy."

The beautiful 18-year-old movie star Susan Roces was crowned "Miss Philippines" at Union Square by the First Lady of San Francisco, Mrs. George Christopher.  Susan wore an all-white, figure-hugging sheath terno encrusted with mother-of-pearl.  her crown was Elizabethan in style, made of rhinestones.  Her principal consort was Jimmy Hampton, Jr., and she was surrounded by six other escorts:  Bobby, Scotty and George Ross, Eddie Crame, Ray Pedro and Raymond Triplitt.  Little Tony Hampton was the crown bearer.  This was the second time Susan represented the Philippines at the festival (she was also last year's Miss Philippines).  This time, though, Susan had a steady date.  He was Dr. Jesus Sonora, her father, who came all the way from Cincinnati's St. Francis Hospital to see his celebrity-daughter, whom he had not seen for quite a spell.  A proud escort indeed was he.  At the Dimasalang dinner in her honor, Susan made a nice speech in Tagalog, as well as during the Philippine Day program at Union Square.  "The Philippine fiesta was highlighted by a captivating fashion show of stylish contemporary ternos, balintawaks and Mari Claras modeled by beautious Pinays led by Mrs. John Samit (Rosa del Rosario, former Philippine movie queen), who was making her first public appearance since she married and settled down in San Francisco to make a home for her husband and daughter.  She looked as glamorous as ever, in a tight-fitting red-colored mestiza dress studded with shiny shells and black embroidery made by Carolina's of Manila.

The versatility of Philippine fabrics was displayed by three Fil-American models, a hand-embroidered pina dress (American-cut) worn by Victoria Miller of Batangas; embroidered ramie blouse with a straight skirt worn by Rubi Fegley of San Juan, Rizal, and a cocktail sheath in velvet with Maria Clara sleeves (designed by the model herself) worn by Francia Amechazurra-Christie of Capiz.  Other outstanding models were Tessie Francisco-Hampton, who modeled a Flamingo-influenced jusi terno; Caridad Concepcion-Vallangca, who wore a sophisticated black gown created by her designer-brother, Andy Concepcion; Lorraine Stagner-Sullivan (youngest sister of Rosa del Rosario) who modeled a cocktail balintawak; Fe Hill of Baguio, who showed a dazzling blue party terno; and Elizabeth Lorenzana, a Stanford student, who presented a short blue saya.

Popular Booth 

The 13th Annual San Francisco Art Festival was held at the Civic Center Park.  Among the art works was a Philippine painting called "Rice Stacks," depicting a Filipino farmer with his carabao in the fields.  People paid a dollar each to see the booths of Pacific countries like the Philippines, Korea, Japan and India.  Exotic food was served at the Pacific Rendezvous.  The Philippine booth, in a color scheme of black and orange, with bamboo furniture, Philippine decor and color slide,s was adjudged the most attractive national booth for it "was artistic in its simplicity."

We felt elated when visitors crowded the Philippine Industries Section (managed by Commercial Attache' Jose de los Reyes) to see the Philippine products.  It is no exaggeration to say that our unique Philippine handicrafts stole the show!  And they sold like hotcakes!  The best-sellers were Philippine dolls, hand-made handbags, abaca slippers, Osmena pearls, buntal hats, shell brooches, coconut knick-knacks, and Igorot wood carvings -- at $20 each!

During the grand ball that climaxed the festival, Susan Roces had a long stagline, but she danced mostly with her father.  Her participation in the celebration was filmed lby a newsreel camera man (Amaury Agra) sent by Sampaguita Pictures.  Susn whispered to us that night that she would sneak out and "see the sights" of this magic city with her father.  "I never really had a chance to see San Francisco during my first visit here last year," she said.  "That will be the first thing I'll do when this is all over.  Relax and look around.  But I am happy to be here!  I hope that, in representing the Philippines, I have fulfilled my wish.  And my wish is that every Filipino here in America will never forget the Mother Country."

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THE "PEARL" OF THE PACIFIC FESTIVAL (Philippines Free Press, October 11, 1958)

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THE "PEARL" OF THE PACIFIC FESTIVAL

by Dalisay Bocobo-Balunsat

San Francisco, California

Phililippines Free Press, October  11, 1958

The Philippines In General And Movie

Star Susan Roces In Particular Shone At

San Francisco's Pacific Festival.

GATEWAY to the East, San Francisco, where West meets East, fittingly celebrated an international fiesta -- the Pacific Festival -- in honor of the countries of the Pacific Ocean.  In behalf of the residents of this great, friendly metropolis, Mayor George Christopher extended welcome greetings to representatives of such countries as the Philippines, Japan, China, Hawaii, Mexico, the Latin-American group, the Pan-American countries, and others.  He opened the 10-day affair (September 12 to 21) at the City Hall, where he called for the formation of a Pacific Union, similar to that of the Pan-American Union:  "The many diverse nations surrounding our ocean have found a way to live together successfully in peace and commerce.  One way to make our influence felt in world affairs would be to create a Pacific Union. . . What better place to initiate a Pacific Union than here in San Francisco -- the West's great center of international Pacific activity for more than 100 years and the birthplace of the United Nations?"

To brighten up the festival, Pan American World Airways flew in six Oriental beauties, including our own Susan Roces, that sparkling pretty young star of Sampaguita Pictures.  With Miss Roces reigning as Miss Philippines and with a lavish show of Philippine dances, music, and costumes, presented by Filipino residents here, the Philippines easily became the "Pearl" of the Pacific Festival.

The other foreign beauties who arrived with Susan were:  Mitsuyo Hosaka, a leading fashion model of Tokyo; Ting Ning, a dainty cinemactress from Hong Kong; Zaiton, dark-eyed movie star of Singapore; Julie Wu, a shapely film star from Formosa (Nationalist China); and Kokeo Na Chiengmai, a vivacious office girl from Bangkok.  Seventeen-year-old Susan Roces was the youngest among them and therefore they "babied" her.  Once, their manager, Bob Dickson, jokingly said to her:  "We ought not to take you with us when we go night-clubbing.  Susan, we ought to leave you at a lollipop stand!"

Cita Trinidad, Philippine Travel land Information Office manager, was appointed official chaperon of the girls; they were all registered at the Canterbury Hotel.  From the time of their arrival to their departure, the Oriental ambassadors-of-goodwill were kept busy by a round of fashion shows, festivities, meetings, programs, dances, television interviews, sight-seeing and shopping sprees.

Susan told us:  "It seems I am in Dreamland!  I have been enjoying every minute of it."  In representing our country, I have been proudly modeling the eight beautiful ternos (created by top Philippine designers Valera and Moreno) that I have brought along with me."

On the first day of the festival, there was a fashion show held at Union Square (a plaza displaying a monument in honor of Commodore Dewey, who captured Manila Bay), which was sponsored by big department stores like Macy's, Emporium and H. Liebes.  Among the Pacific lovelies and comely American professional fashion models, our Susan stood out, and she enchanted the crowd as she gracefully modeled a breath-taking terno.  For this, she was played up very prominently in the San Francisco dailies.

On Youth Day, youngsters from the Pacific were invited to perform at the Pacific Festival program of the Ted Randal Show.  We were appointed coach and chaperon of the young participants representing the island republic.  "Tinikling" dancers Carmencita Valdehueza (her father is a retired Philippine Scout) and Adilon Galan and bamboo players Edgardo Valdehueza and Norma Agpasan thrilled thousands of American TV viewers with their adept and cute performance of the Bamboo Dance.

On Philippine Day, there was a Philippine Show presented at Union Square on an open-air platform.  The program was under the auspices of the Philippine Travel and Information Office, with the participation of the Filipino communities and Filipino students of the Bay Area.  A variety of Philippine folk dances formed the first part of the program.  Mrs. Cora Delfino-Beloy, a sister of Manila orchestra leader Clod Delfino, and her American-born Filipino husband, Santos Beloy, danced a picturesque Sampaguita Waltz.  Other dances were "Pandanggo sa Ilaw," "Planting Rice," and "Abaruray."  Two sets of "Tinikling" dancers danced simultaneously, to a loud ovation from the audience.  The second part consisted of a pageant of Philippine regional costumes, with 35 ladies doing the modeling.  The show was climaxed by the dramatic entrance of Susan Roces, who reigned as Queen of the Day.

At the Grand Ball at the City Ball Rotunda on September 19 (which was attended by foreign ambassadors and consuls, by high government officials, by princes, princesses and lords and ladies, and by other social and civic leaders of the West led by Mayor George Christopher, Hawaii Governor William and Alaska Gov. Mike Stepovich), Susan impressed the guests when she was presented as Miss Philippines, surrounded by her court:  Miss Luzon (Teresa Francisco-Hampton); Miss Visayas (Pacita Boncan); and Miss Mindanao (Caridad Concepcion-Vallangca).

Through all these hectic, exciting activities, Susan Roces always remained as fresh-looking and lovely as when she first arrived.  As an ambassador-of-goodwill, she was game.  In the words of an American-born Filipino admirer:  "She is the most!"

After playing her role in the Pacific Festival, Susan Roces, at the time of this writing, was on her way to Hollywood . . . not for a screen test but "to relax, to go star-gazing and to see my favorite star, Tony Perkins."

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