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)
Parañaque, 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, Parañaque.[9] He died from pancreatitis[10] at the age of 34.[1][11]

Filmography

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Television

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YearTitleRoleNetwork
1986–1991Vilma!Co-hostGMA Network
1987–1992Palibhasa LalakeHimselfABS-CBN
1987–1992Maricel Regal Drama Specialvarious rolesABS-CBN
1988–1990Young Love, Sweet LoveRPN
1992–1995Lovingly Yours, HelenGMA Network
1992–1994Maalaala Mo KayaABS-CBN
1993–1994Pasiklaban sa TreseCo-hostIBC
1994Ipaglaban Mo: Sa Pagitan ng Dugo at Tubigvarious rolesABS-CBN
1994Star Drama Theater Presents: Dawn ZuluetaABS-CBN

Film

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YearTitleRole
1982Mainit Na PusoRod
1983To Love AgainBullet/Alberto Alcantara
1984ExperienceFroilan
1985Virgin ForestAlfonsito
PartidaGreggy
I Can't Stop Loving YouJeff Carbonell
1986Paalam, Bukas ang Kasal KoRuffy
PayasoHimself; special participation
1987Kapag Lumaban ang ApiRamiro Samonte
Tagos ng DugoCesar Garcia
Stolen MomentAlex
Paano Kung Wala Ka Na?Don
Binibining TsupermanChristopher
Tatlong Ina, Isang AnakNonoy
1988Ibulong Mo sa DiyosMario Umali
Ang SupremoLt. Marco Templo
1989Bir Mammud, Alyas Boy Muslim[12][13]Bir Mammud
Kung Maibabalik Ko LangChito
Bilangin ang Bituin sa LangitArturo
Si Aida, Si Lorna, o Si FeLando
1990Pangarap Na GintoJack Peralta
Kahit Isumpa Mo Ako
Hindi Kita Iiwanang Buhay: Kapitan PaileCapt. Gabriel Paile
Hanggang Kailan Ka Papatay?David Llarpido
1991Adventures of Gary Leon at KutingJude
1992True Confessions: Evelyn, Myrna & MargieRene
Mainit na Puso
Lucio MargalloAlexander Sarmiento
Shotgun BanjoMarvin
Lacson: Batas ng NavotasManuel
Shake, Rattle & Roll IVDr. Apol (segment "Ang Madre")
1993Kung Kailangan Mo AkoRocky
Kailan Dalawa ang Mahal?
Hulihin...Probinsyanong MandurukotBrando
Ronquillo: Tubong Cavite, Laking TondoGardo
Jesus Calderon: MatonMatt
1994The Elsa Castillo Story: Ang KatotohananTed Boorman
Bala at LipstickTony Boy
Biboy Banal: Pagganti Ko, Tapos Kayo!Lt. de Vera
AbrakadabraSanti
The Maggie dela Riva Story: God... Why Me?Jaime Jose
1995Saan Ako Nagkamali?
Di Mapigil ang InitEric
Huwag Mong Isuko ang LabanCaptain Ablaza (last film appearance)

Awards and nominations

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YearAward Giving BodyCategoryNominated WorkResults
1986FAMAS AwardBest Supporting ActorPartidaNominated
1989FAMAS AwardBest Supporting ActorIbulong Mo sa DiyosWon
1995FAMAS AwardBest Supporting ActorThe Elsa Castillo Story... Ang KatotohananNominated

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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