Ramon Revilla Sr.

Ramon B. Revilla Sr.
Senator of the Philippines
In office
June 30, 1992 – June 30, 2004
Personal details
Born
Jose Acuña Bautista

(1927-03-08)March 8, 1927
Imus, Cavite, Philippine Islands
DiedJune 26, 2020(2020-06-26) (aged 93)
Taguig, Philippines
NationalityFilipino
Political partyLakas–CMD (from 1998)
Other political
affiliations
Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (until 1998)
Spouse
Azucena Mortel
(died 1998)
Children72 (including Bong, Ram and Strike)
Residence(s)Bacoor, Cavite
Alma materFar Eastern University (Bcom)
OccupationActor, politician, producer
AwardsFamas Best Actor (1974)
Famas Presidential Award (2005)
Special Award Outstanding Star of The Century (2019)
Posthumous Award (2021)

Ramon Bautista Revilla Sr. (Tagalog pronunciation: [rɛˈbiljɐ]; born Jose Acuña Bautista; March 8, 1927 – June 26, 2020),[1] popularly known simply as Ramon Revilla Sr. or Don Ramon Revilla, was a Filipino actor who served as Senator of the Republic of the Philippines.

He was known as the Hari ng Agimat and King Of True To Life Story in Philippine films.

Education

[edit]

Revilla graduated in Far Eastern University wherein he finished his bachelor's degree in commerce.[2]

Film career

[edit]

In his initial entry to the film industry, the young Revilla was cast only in bit roles which was not enough for him so he left the film industry to become head of the Secret Service Unit of the Bureau of Customs in 1965.

He returned to the film industry in 1972 with the film Nardong Putik: Kilabot ng Cavite, which started his fame.[citation needed]

He also returned on his own terms, creating his own film production, Imus Productions, for him to star in. Together with partner Azucena, they ran the film outfit with Revilla writing and directing his films under the pseudonym Jose Yandoc.

His characters in the films "Pepeng Agimat" and "Nardong Putik" gave him the image of being an invincible superhuman who had in his keeping a special anting-anting (amulet of superhuman powers). This image of his is somewhat alive because ABS-CBN adapted his 4 major films into television series entitled Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla.

Accolades

[edit]

In 1973, Revilla won a Famas Best Actor Award for "Hulihin si Tiyagong Akyat" together with his son Marlon Bautista for a Famas Best Child Actor Award of the same movie. Imus Productions was also recognized as Outstanding Film production in 1975. The next year, Revilla snagged the Outstanding Producer of the Year Award.[citation needed]

In 1979, he was Most Outstanding Actor and Box Office King.[3]

In 2011, in the 33rd Catholic Mass Media Awards Night (CMMA), Revilla was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.[4]

Political career

[edit]

In 1992, Revilla became a senator, holding office until the end of his two terms in 2004. He served as chairman of the Senate Committee on Motion Pictures and Television in the 10th and 11th Congresses, working on legislations pertaining to the advancement of the Philippine Motion Picture Industry and children's welfare.[5]

Despite having a number of detractors, Senator Revilla was the author of some important bills, including the "Revilla Law" lowering the penalties imposed on the illegal possession of firearms, which had been increased by a law signed during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos.[6]

An amendment to the Family Code of the Philippines, enacted into the law in February 2004, states "The illegitimate children may use the surname of their father if their affiliation has been expressly recognized by the father through the record of birth appearing in the civil register, or when an admission in a public document or private handwritten instrument is made by the father." "The child should not suffer the stigma of his illegitimacy," Revilla Sr. once quoted saying.

Ram Revilla murder

[edit]

On October 17, 2013, Revilla broke his silence and officially aired his emotions about Ram Revilla's murder case and Ramon Joseph's detainment:

"I felt like the world fell on me when I was informed that my son Ramón Joseph was not allowed by the court to post bail. I do believe that my son cannot do anything heinous. My children grew up in the word of God. He was a good son. He was arrested without a warrant of arrest and he has been suffering in jail for almost two years. My son is innocent."

— Ramon Revilla, Sr., [7]

Personal life and death

[edit]

Revilla was the youngest child of the 10 children of businessman Ildefonso Bautista and Andrea Acuña.

His first family was with the mother of Evelyn Bautista, wife of former basketball player and former Senator Robert Jaworski.[citation needed]

He was married to Azucena Mortel, who was born on February 16, 1944, and died on May 31, 1998, at the age of 54.[citation needed] They produced seven children: Marlon, Rowena Bautista-Mendiola, Jose Mari (Bong Revilla), Rebecca Bautista-Ocampo (Princess Revilla), Edwin (Strike Revilla), Andrea Bautista-Ynares, and Diana. With his extramarital affairs, his children numbered at least 39; Bong's spokesperson Portia Ilagan claimed that the number reached 72.[8][9] In a 2004 interview with journalist Jessica Soho, Revilla admitted that he probably has more than 80 children.[10] Actor Ram Revilla and film producer and politician Ramon Nicolas Bautista were two of his children from his extramarital affairs.[11][12]

On May 31, 2020, Revilla was rushed to the St. Dominic Medical Center in Bacoor, Cavite. The next day, he was transferred to the St. Luke's Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, where he stayed in the intensive care unit for two weeks.[13] Revilla Sr. died of heart failure at around 5:20pm PHT on June 26, 2020, aged 93.[14][15]

Legacy

[edit]

Revilla statue

[edit]

On his 84th birthday, a statue was unveiled to the public.[16] The 10-meter (33 ft) bronze statue was made by Filipino sculptor and national artist Eduardo Castrillo. It was unveiled at Revilla's residence in Bacoor, Cavite.[16] Also during this event, Revilla's children gave him another surprise by officially opening the "Memo Revilla," a museum showcasing his old photographs and film memorabilia such as the "anting-anting" (amulet) and "panday" (sword).[16] His star-studded birthday celebration was attended by the biggest names in Philippine show business and politics alike. Former presidents Joseph Ejercito Estrada and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo were among the big personalities who came to the event.[16]

Filmography

[edit]
Title Year Role Film
Pulo ng Engkanto 1951 (as Gallardo Acuña) LVN Pictures
Yolanda 1951 (as Gallardo Acuña) LVN Pictures
Tenyente Carlos Blanco 1952 (as Gallardo Acuña) LVN Pictures
Ulila ng Bataan 1952 Sampaguita Pictures
Siklab sa Batangas 1952 Sampaguita Pictures
Recuerdo 1953 Sampaguita Pictures
Mister Kasintahan 1953 Sampaguita Pictures
May Umaga Pang Darating 1953 Sampaguita Pictures
Gorio at Tekla 1953 Sampaguita Pictures
Matandang Dalaga 1954 Sampaguita Pictures
Anak sa Panalangin 1954 Sampaguita Pictures
Sa Dulo ng Landas 1955 Sampaguita Pictures
Kurdapya 1955 Sampaguita Pictures
Bim, Bam, Bum 1955 Sampaguita Pictures
Balisong 1955 Sampaguita Pictures
Binibining Kalog 1955 Sampaguita Pictures
Babalu 1956 Sampaguita Pictures
Tarhata 1957 Sampaguita Pictures
Katawang Lupa 1957 Sampaguita Pictures
Big Time Berto 1959
Pitong Biyuda 1959 Larry Santiago Productions
Matandang Pa-Charming 1960 Tomas Larry Santiago Productions
Gabi ng Lagim (segment 1) 1960 Larry Santiago Productions
Walang Daigdig 1960 Tiagong Bulag Larry Santiago Productions
True Confessions 1960 Larry Santiago Productions
Johnny Davao 1960 Larry Santiago Productions
Dakilang 9 1961
Pantalan 3 1961 Larry Santiago Productions
Magdasal Kana! 1961
Santa Clarang Pinung-Puno 1962
Sakdalista 1962
Kadiong Ngiti 1962
Scout Rangers 1964
Mariveles 1964
Kumander Fidela 1964
Liku-Likung Landas 1968
Nardong Putik: Kilabot ng Cavite 1972 Leonardo Manicio Alyas Nardong Putik Cavite Pictures
Pepeng Agimat: Sa Daigdig ng Kababalaghan 1973 Pepe Imus Productions
Hulihin si Tiagong Akyat 1973 Santiago Ronquillo Imus Productions
Kill RP-9 O 1974 Steve Vergada, Agent Nine-O Imus Productions
Sunugin ang Samar 1974 Imus Productions
Kapitan Eddie Set: Mad Killer of Cavite 1974 Kap. Eddie Set Imus Productions
Ibilanggo si Cavite Boy 1974 Cavite Boy Imus Productions
Kill... The Carnapers 1974 Cameo Role Cavite Pictures Inc
Happy Days Are Here Again 1974 Himself LVN Pictures/Sampagita Pictures/Premiere Productions
Kapitan Kulas Kilabot ng Sierra Madre 1975 Kulas Lea Productions
Balakyot 1975 Imus Productions
Paglaya Ko... 1975 Imus Productions
Dugo at Pag Ibig sa Kapirasong Lupa 1975 Aguilar (segment 2)
Ang Lihim ni Rosa Henson sa Buhay ni Kumander Lawin 1976 Kumander Lawin Imus Productions
Bergado: Terror of Cavite 1976 Bergado Imus Productions
Rebel Hunter 1976 Brig. Gen. Romeo G. Gatan Imus Productions
Beloy Montemayor 1976 Beloy Montemayor Imus Productions
Hustler Squad 1976 Paco Rodriguez Imus Productions
Bertong Suklab 1976 Berto Imus Productions
Mario Alarcon 1976 Mario Imus Productions
Gulapa (Ang Barakong Mayor ng Maragondon) 1977 Gulapa Imus Productions
Bianong Bulag 1977 Bibiano Angeles aka Bianong Bulag Imus Productions
Task Force Kingfisher 1977 Imus Productions
Asawa Ko Silang Lahat (Sa Puting Tabing) 1977 Rading Ruiz Azucena Films International
Malabanan 1978 Imus Productions
Last Target 1978 Nardo Imus Productions
Camerino 1978 Dominador M. Camerino Imus Productions
Mga Mata ni Angelita 1978 Barrio Kapitan (Guest) Imus Productions
Feliciano 1978 Feliciano Imus Productions
Cobra, Lawin at Dragon 1978
Boy Imus: Anak Ni Tiagong Akyat 1978 Tiagong Akyat Imus Productions
Reblede Numero Uno 1978 Imus Productions
Boy Putik 1979 Imus Productions
Tonyong Bayawak 1979 Tonyong Bayawak Imus Productions
Matanglawin 1979 Magno Lea Productions
Dang-Dong 1980 Barrio Captain Imus Productions
Mission: Terrorize Panay 1980 Pablito Gepana Alyas Kumander Milan Imus Productions
Leon Ng Central Luzon 1980 Imus Productions
Target!: Kanang Kamay Ni Nardo 1980 Nardong Putik (uncredited)
25 Taong Takas 1980 Imus Productions
Sierra Madre 1981 Lea Productions
Alfredo Sebastian 1981 Alfredo Imus Productions
Kamlon 1981 Imus Productions
Raul Zaragoza 1981 Raul
Tenyente Pugot 1981
Rampador Alindog 1981 Imus Productions
Labag sa Batas 1982 Imus Productions
Tulisan ng Pasong Musang 1982 Imus Productions
The Killing of Satan
(known as Lumaban ka Satanas)
1983 Lando San Miguel Cinex Films Inc
Dugong Buhay 1983 Samuel Viva Films/Imus Productions
Juramentado 1983 Kalmon
Kumander Melody 1983 Melody
Nardong Putik (Kilabot ng Cavite) Version II 1984 Nardong Putik Imus Productions
Kapitan Inggo 1984 Inggo Imus Productions
Sa Dibdib ng Sierra Madre 1985 Cameo role Imus Productions
Victor Lopez, Jr. (Robinhood ng Tondo) 1985 Victor Lopez Jr. Imus Productions
Rustico Acuzar: Waray 1985 Nardo
Kumander Eber: Kilabot Ng Visayas 1985 Eber Lea Productions
Iyo ang Tondo, Kanya ang Cavite 1986 Bador FPJ Productions/Imus Productions
Kapitan Pablo: Cavite Killing Fields 1986 Pablo Imus Productions
100 Days in September (Bayang Magiting) 1986 Stellar Films International Inc
Ultimatum: Ceasefire! 1987 Kumander Ibarra Urban Films
Feliciano Luces: Alyas Kumander Toothpick, Mindanao 1987 Feliciano Luces Vista Films
Oscar Ramos: Hitman 1987 Oscar Ramos Viva Films
Anak ng Lupa 1987 Imus Productions
Pepe Saclao: Public Enemy No. 1 1987 Jose 'Pepe' Saclao RNB Films Production
Cordillera 1988 Pv. Umpag Ka Miroy Lea Productions
Alyas Pusa: Ang Taong May 13 Buhay 1988 Lt. Teofilo Urban Films
Joaquin Burdado 1988 Joaquin Burdado Golden Lion Films
Ang Supremo 1988 Luis Talusan GP Films
Pepeng Kuryente: Man with a Thousand Volts 1988 Pepeng Kuryente Imus Productions
Arrest: Pat. Rizal Alih – Zamboanga Massacre 1989 Rizal Alih The Golden Lions Production
Bala... Dapat Kay Cris Cuenca! (Public Enemy No. 1 of Region 4) 1989 Crisostomo "Cris" Cuenca Imus Productions
Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig ni Elias Paniki 1989 Elias Paniki The Golden Lions Production
Target... Police General (Maj. Gen. Alfredo S. Lim Story) 1989 Alfredo Lim Solar Films
Regal Films
David Balondo ng Tondo 1990 David Balondo Four N Films
Apo: Kingpin ng Maynila 1990 Apo Magno Lea Productions
Pepeng Agimat 1999 Apo Damon Millenium Cinema/Imus Productions
Ang Agimat: Anting-Anting ni Lolo 2002 Matandang Ermitanyo Imus Productions
Exodus: Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom 2005 Haring Avalon Imus Productions

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Maragay, Feliciano V. More Caloocan Poll Fraud Bared. Manila Standard, April 23, 1987, p. 6. Google News Archive accessed April 4, 2011
  2. ^ TMT, Christina Alpad (June 27, 2020). "The 'agimat' is gone: Ramon Revilla Sr., 93". The Manila Times. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
  3. ^ Afinidad-Bernardo, Deni Rose M. "'Hari ng Agimat': Showbiz industry mourns Ramon Revilla Sr.'s passing". Philstar.com. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
  4. ^ "Liezl Martinez is happy to be acting in front of the cameras again". PEP.ph.
  5. ^ "Senators Profile - Ramon B. Revilla". Senate of the Philippines. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  6. ^ Republic Act No. 8294 (June 6, 1997), "An Act Amending The Provisions Of Presidential Decree No. 1866, As Amended, Entitled "Codifying The Laws On Illegal/unlawful Possession, Manufacture, Dealing In, Acquisition Or Disposition Of Firearms, Ammunition Or Explosives Or Instruments Used In The Manufacture Of Firearms, Ammunition Or Explosives, And Imposing Stiffer Penalties For Certain Violations Thereof, And For Relevant Purposes."", The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation, Inc., retrieved July 4, 2023
  7. ^ "Revilla, Sr.'s official statement". A RAM REVILLA tribute website. October 2013. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2020. Para akong nabagsakan ng mundo ng malaman ko na ang aking anak na si Ramon Joseph ay hindi nabigyan ng piyansa ng hukuman. Ako po ay naniniwalang hindi magagawa ng anak ko ang ganiyang bagay na karumaldumal. Ang mga anak ko ay lumaki sa salita ng Panginoon. Isa siyang mabait na anak. HINULI SIYA NG WALANG WARRANT OF ARREST AT HALOS DALAWANG TAON NA SIYANG NAGDURUSA SA KULUNGAN. INOSENTE PO ANG AKING ANAK.
  8. ^ Go, Miriam Grace (November 5, 2013). "he wealth of the old man Revilla". Rappler. Rappler Inc. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
  9. ^ ABS-CBN News (November 2, 2011). "Ramon Revilla Sr. has 72 kids, says spokesperson". ABS-CBN News. Manila, Philippines: ABS-CBN Corporation. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
  10. ^ Tuazon, Nikko (June 27, 2020). "Ramon Revilla Sr. on having 72 children: "I should not be admired for this."". PEP.ph. ABS-CBN Corporation. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
  11. ^ "Who is Genelyn Magsaysay?". PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal Inc. November 8, 2011. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
  12. ^ Roque, Anselmo (April 29, 2001). "Another Revilla in local politics". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Cabanatuan: The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. p. A13. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  13. ^ Magno, Alexander (June 1, 2020). "Former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. hooked to ventilator in St. Luke's BGC". Inquirer News.
  14. ^ "Former senator Ramon Revilla Sr dies at 93". Rappler. June 26, 2020.
  15. ^ "Ex-Senator Ramon Revilla Sr. dies at 93". GMA News Online. June 26, 2020.
  16. ^ a b c d "Ramon Revilla Sr.'s statue unveiled". ABS-CBN News. March 9, 2011.