MY YESTERYEARS IN THE PHILIPPINES IN 1960s
THE UGLY ACTOR TO BE


When my family moved from Manila to Quezon City, Metro Manila, My parents used to have a party every month. Any occasion, we had a party, either it was a birthday, anniversary, von voyage, class, relatives, get together, any kind you name it. We had a dance or eating party. I had not seen a month had passed without a party at home. My parents really loved parties at home. All our relatives, friends, house tenants were all invited. My sister and I inherited those parties from my parents. My sister always has party in her house in Long Island, New York. I wanted to have party too but my wife does not want it.

One day at our home party, Uncle Filo (Teofilo de Leon), who was a Film Editor of the Philippine Movies at LVN Productions. He invited me to be a BIT PLAYER in a movie. From that time on he was always calling me to be a bit player. I appeared in many movies at that time as a BIT PLAYER. They were giving us Five to Ten Pesos with free meal. I was a student and was learning the Ballroom Dancing. I had a Dance Troup. The name of my Dance Troup was Wildcats. We used to appear at MAGANDANG TANGHALI at CBS three times. We stopped dancing at CBS because we can not get a contract to dance there and besides I was very busy as a bit player at LVN. I also stopped dancing the Ballroom Dancing. I was also playing basketball in the school intramurals. I tried out for School Varsity but I failed to be in School Varsity Team, so I ended playing in the intramurals. I enjoyed playing in the school intramurals. While I was in the LVN, I was asking my Uncle Filo to give me a break to become an ACTOR IN THE PHILIPPINE MOVIE but it did not happened. He was not able to give me that opportunity. My relatives on my father's side were calling me BOY ARTISTA because I wanted to be an ACTOR.

After my College days in 1970, I left the Philippines to go to the United States. I was not able to fulfill my dream to become an ACTOR IN THE PHILIPPINES. I am still waiting for my chance to get that opportunity but I think it will never happen anymore because of my age. I do not regret it if I was not able to get it because I am now happy in the United States with my wife and two grown children. I am now living in New York City since 1970 with my wife and children. I love and enjoy New York City.