In The Supremo’s shoes

No one knows exactly how Andres Bonifacio looks like. Apparently, only one picture of the Supremo has survived through the years and it is fuzzy at best.

Many who try to honor his memory, be it through some magnificent public monument or painting, rely mainly on imagination. The same goes with actors who have portrayed Ka Andres in films.

As we celebrate Bonifacio Day today, Bulletin Entertainment features the actors who’ve portrayed the revolutionary leader:

Eddie del Mar

Eddie del Mar (Movie poster)

This late Kapampangan superstar is actually recognized as the Rizal of local silver screen, having played the National Hero onscreen twice: In “Sa Dating Kandungan” (1959) and “Buhay at Pag-ibig ni Dr. Jose Rizal” (1956), the latter earning him a FAMAS Best Actor award.

He also played one of Rizal’s most enduring heroes, Crisostomo Ibarra, in the screen adaptation of “Noli Me Tangere” (1961) and “Sisa” (1951). Moreover, he was named a Knight of Rizal by Calamba, Laguna.

Seemingly buoyed by the success, Eddie tried to spread his wings by taking on the title role in Teoderico Santos’ “Andres Bonifacio (Ang Supremo)” in 1964. He starred opposite Lolita Rodriguez. It proved to be his last memorable performance before fading into obscurity in the decades that followed.

His last stab at glory came in 1986 via an appearance in the drama “Tinik Sa Dibdib.”

Gardo Versoza

Gardo Versoza (Screengrab from ‘José Rizal’/YouTube)

The beefcake actor who first gained notice via the erotic-thriller “Machete” portrayed Bonifacio in Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s “José Rizal” in 1998.

While the movie earned critical acclaim, Gardo’s performance was simply ignored by most, except popular lawyer-movie reviewer Francis “Oggs” Cruz, that is.

In his blog, Cruz did not exactly give the actor a glowing review. He wrote: “Gardo Verzosa’s Andres Bonifacio is an unconvincing romantic wreck, written as a cardboard cutout of blind idolatry.”

Alfred Vargas

Alfred Vargas (Screengrab from ‘Supremo’/YouTube)

The hunky actor-turned-politician played Bonifacio twice via “Supremo”(2012) and “Ang Paglilitis Ni Andres Bonifacio” (2010).

Alfred, who considers Bonifacio his idol, earned rave reviews for his efforts. In an analysis of “Supremo” that appeared online, Alfred’s performance was described as having “a real sense of passion.”

The Quezon City solon has since been pushing for the recognition of Bonifacio as National Hero.

Cesar Montano

Cesar Montano (Publicity photo from ‘El Presidente’)

Cesar earned fame for his numerous action flicks. He earned respect as actor when he took on the role of Rizal, which earned him several acting awards, including a FAMAS trophy.

In 2012, he tried to gave life to the Supremo by the ER Ejercito-starrer “El Presidente,” for which he won the MMFF Best Supporting Actor plum. However, some people had questioned the portrayal of Bonifacio as hot-headed man.

Sid Lucero

Sid Lucero (Publicity photo from ‘Katipunan’)

Sid is the latest actor in our list to play Bonifacio. He did so via the TV series “Katipunan.”

In our interview, he admitted to initially having laughed off the offer, pointing out how he hardly looks the part. He also had problems with some of his Tagalog lines.

Despite his dilemma, Sid eventually earned accolades for his portrayal.

Robin Padilla

Robin Padilla (Photo by Jude Bautista)

Unlike the rest in this list, Robin’s turn as the Supremo is yet to be seen. The action star is hard at work on “Boniacio: Ang Unang Pangulo,” a movie that he hopes would change how the public, particularly the youth, regard the hero.

Will Robin’s performance find its mark? We’ll have to wait for this year’s MMFF to see.

In The Supremo’s shoes

Source: Mb.com.ph (November 29, 2014 at 11:06AM)

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