MONA LISA
Modern-day audiences were introduced to Mona Lisa only during her comeback as an actress, by way of her textured and intense performance as Hilda Koronel's mother in Insiang. This was followed by similarly memorable portrayals in Cain at Abel, Itim, and Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim.
Screen name: Unknown to some, however, Mona Lisa started her acting career in the 1930s, first under the screen name Fleur de Lis, starring in films like Giliw Ko, followed in the 1940s by Luksang Bituin, Viuda Alegre, Maria Kapra, and Sunset Over Corregidor. She is our most senior honoree, and her overall achievement both harks back to the early days of sound film in the Philippines and flows into the resurgence of quality filmaking in the '70s and the '80s.
LOLITA RODRIGUEZ
She played a tomboy to Dolphy's gay character in the comedy film, Jack and Jill, but quickly moved on to dramatic parts in films like Emma, Gilda and Pitong Makasalanan. Later, she did a number of "romantic triangle" dramas.
In the 1970's, she made a strong comeback in Stardoom, Tubog Sa Ginto, Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang, Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules... and Ina Ka Ng Anak Mo. Rodriguez is different from many local dramatic actresses because she avoids melodrama and favors a simple, direct but nuanced approach.
ROSA ROSAL
In the 1950s, she starred in classic films like Anak Dalita, Badjao, Dagohoy and Biyaya ng Lupa, movies that effectively showcased her range as an artist.
Standout: In the '70s, she was a standout in Sakada, Rosal started her acting career as a vamp and contrabida, but quickly established herself as a dramatic actress of uncommon depth and passion.
VILMA SANTOS
Like Nora Aunor, she was a teen idol until she opted to shake up her desultory career by playing relatively more daring young-adult roles. This got important directors interested in her, and they put her in such significant films as Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak, Burlesk Queen, Relasyon, Broken Marriage, Rubia Servios, Ikaw ay Akin, Adultery, Sister Stella L. and Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?
CHARITO SOLIS
Early in her career, she came up with exceptional performances in Malvarosa, Kundiman ng Lahi and Emily. Later during her Nepomuceno Pictures phase, she played the title roles in major productions like Igorota, Manila: Open City and Ang Pulubi. As a freelancer she continued to do exceptional work in films like Ina, Kapatid, Anak, Kisapmata, and Karnal.