Joseph Estrada- The original Asyong Salonga

Joseph Estrada as the original Asyong Salonga in the original film bio

Although the name  Asyong Salonga is synonymous to crime and violence, the name  until now clings to Joseph Estrada's career as Philippine movies "other" Action King. The film bio of Asyong Salonga was a big hit in the year '60's and made Joseph Estrada an established action actor. The movie was a great success not only in the box office but also as a well-crafted film of the '60's.

Joseph Estrada does not have any claim for the matinee idol fame as he was not that good looking. But his own charisma and flamboyant way of acting endeared him to the movie goers who love to see him do light comedy action films depicting ordinary folk' hero. Other than Asyong, he is well-known as " Pepe", the kind-hear ted streetwise guy who will risk his own life protecting the meek and the bullied. This characters stuck to Joseph careers and personality that in due time was associated in his winning the hearts of the masses.

Joseph Estrada is an actor whose depths can not be taken for granted and this is recognized by several acting trophies he won. He was a war hero in the film "Patria Adora" which won him a Best Actor trophy from Manila Film Festival. He was a folk hero in "Tatay Na Si Erap"series winning another acting trophy from the Film Critics and  a rebel returnee in "Kumander Alibasbas" which earned him a FAMAS, MMFF and Urian Acting trophy. He won the hearts of female fans of Nora SAunor, the Superstar when he paired with her in "Erap is my Guy". The nickname  "ERAP" is another public endearment for Joseph Estrada.

His flair for public service is the reason why he was elected  as mayor in San Juan and hold the office  unchallenged  for several terms. He was  then forced to vacate his post  to retain peace and order for the city as a new revolutionary government was then formed under Cory Aquino.But fierce and  as he is in his films' characters, he run for a senatorial seat and won by a landslide.

His Senatorial debut gave way to higher government position as he run as vice-president and won again with a landslide proving that he has  wide support from his fans and the masses who believed in his quinine concern and love for the poor and the needy.

Joseph Estrada was elected as the 13th president of the Philippines and the Filipino voting population gave him the biggest margin against his opponents. But fate was unkind to him as he was ousted by an"elite" revolution that paved to the rise in power of the civil society and the "elite" class.

But Joseph support from the masses did not decreased or dwindled in numbers. The masses cried for him and rallied for him when he was put in humiliation by those whose purpose is to continue the reigns of the "elite" in the government. But as gentleman as he is, Jospeh accepted his fate in great subservience and this endeared him more to the public. He could be "Asyong Salonga" in the original film but he is far from the violent character of the man. Joseph Estrada proves to the world that he is a man of peace and a man of dignity. Until now, Joseph still enjoy wide support of the majority of Filipino people unlike those who are  in material for his downfall.

Joseph Estrada is not only an actor loved by the people but as a father figure of the Filipino society. The humble and ordinary "Pepe" in every Filipino humble and meek culture and tradition..

Fernando Poe Jr- Long live the King!

The young Fernando Poe Jr

Ronald Allan Poe was a hesitant young man when he entered showbiz. But because he has to fend for his family when his actor father, Fernando Poe Sr died and to take care of the movie production outfit his father left behind, he dropped out of school and pursue an acting career.

He can act and sing but his looks and physique are not suited for a matinee idol and he had difficulties in fitting in to a boy-next-door image. It was a blessing that action stars are in demand and he started his acting career having the "brusko" image. He had several musical movies but less the singing part opposite Eddie Mesa and Zaldy Zorthnack in premier productions.It was in "Pitong Gatang" movie opposite Zaldy Z, people saw the potential action giant in him and his name Fernando Poe Jr became synonymous to action flicks in the Philippine movie industry.

Larry Santiago Production decision to concentrate on action films and create a brood of action stars that made Fernando Poe Jr the action king in the making. He started making  pure action movies with another potential action king in the person of Joseph Estrada. They made several movies together and friendship between the two blossomed. The likes of Jess Lapid Sr, Ramon Reveilla (changed his image from matinee idol to action star) also made movies with him and made Larry Santiago Production as one of the "Big Four" among  Philippine movie companies.

But being a versitile actors, Fernando Poe Jr was also paired with leading ladies in drama-action flicks and this brought him closer to women movie goers. After being a contract star, Fernando Poe Jr relived his father's movie outfit and started producing his owm movie under FPJ Productions.

Fernando Poe Jr has a quiet lovelife and rumors spread about his romantic relationships but none were confirmed as true. It was only then when he made movie with Susan Rocess that his lovelife became public. The two eloped and was married in a small municipality north of manila (Valenzuela) by its mayor. It was the biggest love scope in Philippine movie history. Their wedding was tagged as wedding of the year and a royal wedding as both are king and queen of the Philippine Movies The couple lead a quiet marriage life and made movies together breaking box-office.

Fernando Poe Jr asserted his claim to the action king title when arch-rival Joseph Estrada entered politics and was elected major of San Juan Municipality.

Fernando Poe Jr's reign as  Action king of the Philippine movies was undoubtedly filled with box-office hits. Among his memorable films were Asidillo, Aguila, Iyo ang Tondo,Akin ang Cavite, Ang Maginoo't Balasubas, Tatlong Hari, Mediavillo, Partida, Ang Leon at ang Kuting, Magnum 45, Zamboanga, Roman Rapido, Batang Quaipo and the  AngPanday series. He  was idolized by the Filipino masses not only as an actor but a man with a good heart.

This character of him that made him endeared to the hearts of the Filipino. He entered politics when his bossom friend was ousted as President of the Philippines and run in 2004 Presidential Election against Gloria macapagal-Arroyo. He lost the presidency not because he was outvoted but cheated.

He died a broken man because he did not realize his dream to see his beloved people see the light. But his death did not end his reign as people still love him the way they have loved him when he's still alive. The Filipino people will be forever remember their King and his memories will be forever enshrined in their hearts. Long live the King. Long live Fernando Poe Jr.

credits to the owners of the photo