Miguel Rodriguez (actor)

Michael Benedict P. Rodriguez (November 5, 1962 – February 14, 1997)[1] was a Filipino actor and model. He got his start in show business when he was discovered by the filmmaker, a National Artist for Film, Lino Brocka,[2] who cast him in a Close Up commercial in 1981. Often referred to as the "Filipino Christopher Reeve", he was most famous for his roles on the television sitcom Palibhasa Lalake[3] and opposite Sharon Cuneta in the 1983 movie To Love Again.

Miguel Rodriguez
Rodriguez in To Love Again (1983)
Born
Michael Benedict P. Rodriguez

(1962-11-05)November 5, 1962
Las Piñas, Rizal, Philippines
DiedFebruary 14, 1997(1997-02-14) (aged 34)
Las Piñas, Metro Manila, Philippines
Resting placeAlabang, Muntinlupa
Occupation(s)Actor, model
Years active1981–1996
Spouse
Irene Salud
(m. 1987)
Children2
AwardsFAMAS Best Supporting Actor (Ibulong Mo sa Diyos)

He was nominated three times—1995, 1989, and 1986 respectively as Best Supporting Actor in the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (also known as the FAMAS Awards) for the films The Elsa Castillo Story (1994), Ibulong Mo sa Diyos (1988), and Partida (1985). He won the award in 1989 for playing the role of Mario Umali—a dance choreographer who raped the main protagonist, Monica Quijano (played by Vilma Santos)—in Ibulong Mo sa Diyos.

Other works and retirement

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Rodriguez was also known for having appeared with Snooky Serna in the 1984 film Experience in which he played the character who protected Snooky from a person stalking her.[a]

Notably, he starred as the Filipino-Spanish Ilustrado, Alfonsito, in the 1985 award-winning and daring period film Virgin Forest directed by the celebrated and multi-awarded Filipino filmmaker, Peque Gallaga,[4][5] and which musical score[6] was provided by another film icon, Jaime Fabregas.

On June 26, 1986, Rodriguez and Edu Manzano hosted Bb. Pilipinas 1986 Grand Coronation Night, held at the Araneta Coliseum. Ms. Chiqui Hollman-Yulo anchored the event.[7] Seven years later, Miguel and Peque will have worked again in the movie, Adventures of Gary Leon and Kuting.[8]

He eventually became an action film star, appearing in Bir Mammud: Alyas Boy Muslim (1989), Hindi Kita Iiwanang Buhay: Kapitan Paile (1990) and Hanggang Kailan Ka Papatay (1990).

He retired from acting in 1996 after the release of Huwag Mong Isuko ang Laban, the last film he worked on in 1995.

Personal life and death

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He married popular fashion stylist and socialite Irene Salud on March 14, 1987, at the St. Pancratius Chapel, Paco Park, Manila. Actor Fernando Poe Jr. and Lily Monteverde of Regal Films were among their principal sponsors.

On February 14, 1997, Rodriguez was found dead by a household help at his home in BF Homes International, Las Piñas.[9] He died from pancreatitis[10] at the age of 34.[1][11]

Filmography

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Television

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Year Title Role Network
1986–1991 Vilma! Co-host GMA Network
1987–1992 Palibhasa Lalake Himself ABS-CBN
1987–1992 Maricel Regal Drama Special various roles ABS-CBN
1988–1990 Young Love, Sweet Love RPN
1992–1995 Lovingly Yours, Helen GMA Network
1992–1994 Maalaala Mo Kaya ABS-CBN
1993–1994 Pasiklaban sa Trese Co-host IBC
1994 Ipaglaban Mo: Sa Pagitan ng Dugo at Tubig various roles ABS-CBN
1994 Star Drama Theater Presents: Dawn Zulueta ABS-CBN

Film

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Year Title Role
1982 Mainit Na Puso Rod
1983 To Love Again Bullet/Alberto Alcantara
1984 Experience Froilan
1985 Virgin Forest Alfonsito
Partida Greggy
I Can't Stop Loving You Jeff Carbonell
1986 Paalam, Bukas ang Kasal Ko Ruffy
Payaso Himself; special participation
1987 Kapag Lumaban ang Api Ramiro Samonte
Tagos ng Dugo Cesar Garcia
Stolen Moment Alex
Paano Kung Wala Ka Na? Don
Binibining Tsuperman Christopher
Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak Nonoy
1988 Ibulong Mo sa Diyos Mario Umali
Ang Supremo Lt. Marco Templo
1989 Bir Mammud, Alyas Boy Muslim[12][13] Bir Mammud
Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang Chito
Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit Arturo
Si Aida, Si Lorna, o Si Fe Lando
1990 Pangarap Na Ginto Jack Peralta
Kahit Isumpa Mo Ako
Hindi Kita Iiwanang Buhay: Kapitan Paile Capt. Gabriel Paile
Hanggang Kailan Ka Papatay? David Llarpido
1991 Adventures of Gary Leon at Kuting Jude
1992 True Confessions: Evelyn, Myrna & Margie Rene
Mainit na Puso
Lucio Margallo Alexander Sarmiento
Shotgun Banjo Marvin
Lacson: Batas ng Navotas Manuel
Shake, Rattle & Roll IV Dr. Apol (segment "Ang Madre")
1993 Kung Kailangan Mo Ako Rocky
Kailan Dalawa ang Mahal?
Hulihin...Probinsyanong Mandurukot Brando
Ronquillo: Tubong Cavite, Laking Tondo Gardo
Jesus Calderon: Maton Matt
1994 The Elsa Castillo Story: Ang Katotohanan Ted Boorman
Bala at Lipstick Tony Boy
Biboy Banal: Pagganti Ko, Tapos Kayo! Lt. de Vera
Abrakadabra Santi
The Maggie dela Riva Story: God... Why Me? Jaime Jose
1995 Saan Ako Nagkamali?
Di Mapigil ang Init Eric
Huwag Mong Isuko ang Laban Captain Ablaza (last film appearance)

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Giving Body Category Nominated Work Results
1986 FAMAS Award Best Supporting Actor Partida Nominated
1989 FAMAS Award Best Supporting Actor Ibulong Mo sa Diyos Won
1995 FAMAS Award Best Supporting Actor The Elsa Castillo Story... Ang Katotohanan Nominated

Notes

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  1. ^ The said film was directed by Lino Brocka, and written for the screen by another pillar of Philippine film, journalism, and literature, Pete Lacaba.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Mystery Shrouds Death of Actor Miguel Rodriguez". Filipino Reporter. February 27, 1997. Archived from the original on June 10, 2014.
  2. ^ Manglinong, Dan (April 3, 2018). "Nat'l artist, freedom fighter Lino Brocka inspires from heaven". Interaksyon. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  3. ^ "Palibhasa Lalake". PEP.ph. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  4. ^ "Peque Gallaga reveals biggest movie 'flop' - YouTube". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  5. ^ Deocampo, Nick (December 2, 2017). Sine Gabay: A Film Study Guide. Anvil Publishing, Inc. ISBN 978-621-420-179-2.
  6. ^ San Diego Jr., Bayani (May 22, 2018). "Keeping score with Jaime Fabregas". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  7. ^ "Bb. Pilipinas 1986 Grand Coronation Night". Facebook.
  8. ^ "Movie Clip - Adventures of Gary Leon at Kuting - Gabby Concepcion, Manilyn Reynes, Miguel Rodriguez". Regal Entertainment Facebook page. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  9. ^ "Shocking showbiz deaths: so sudden, so soon (Part 2)". PEP.ph. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  10. ^ "Image model Sam Rodriguez may follow in footsteps of late dad Miguel Rodriguez in showbiz". PEP.Ph.
  11. ^ Alano, Ching M. "What is this thing called 'bangungot'?". Philstar.com. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  12. ^ Libo-on, Eddie (April 30, 1989). "Bold films are back". Manila Standard. Manila Standard News, Inc. p. 19. Retrieved June 5, 2021.
  13. ^ "Watch for Asia Films' 1989 Forthcoming Blockbusters!". Manila Standard. Manila Standard News, Inc. January 1, 1989. p. 14. Retrieved June 6, 2021. MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ AS Vir Mamud
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