Helen Vela

Helen Vela
Born Helen P. Vela
October 31, 1946
Manila, Philippines
Died February 14, 1992 (aged 45)
Rochester, Minnesota, United States
Nationality Filipino
Occupation Actress, broadcaster, producer
Years active 1967–1992
Known for Mother of Princess Punzalan
Spouse(s) Orly Punzalan
(1967-1984; separated)

Helen Vela (October 31, 1946 – February 14, 1992) was a Filipino actress and radio/TV personality in the Philippines.

Early life

She was born on October 31, 1946 in Manila, Philippines.

Personal life

She was married to broadcaster Orly Punzalan (1935–2005), with 3 children: Pastor Paolo, Reuben and Princess Punzalan.

Death

She died of lymphoma on February 14, 1992 (Valentine's Day) at St. Mary's Hospital, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, United States at the age of 45. She was buried at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City. Alongside her lays her mother Virginia Vela (who died in 1995) and her husband Orly Punzalan (who died in 2005).

Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2004, the Golden Screen Awards for Television instituted a "Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award" for outstanding contribution to the Philippine television industry.

Filmography

Television

Title Role Network Year
Student Canteen Host GMA Network 1975–1986
GMA Balita Anchor GMA Network 1986–1992
Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko Host GMA Network 1975–1985
Lovingly Yours, Helen Host GMA Network 1981–1992
Heredero Nina RPN 1984–1987
Agila Ester RPN then ABS-CBN 1988–1992
Family 3 Plus 1 Amy GMA Network 1989–1992

Movies

Title Role Films Year
Halina Neneng Ko JBC Productions 1969
Fiesta Extravaganza JBC Productions 1969
Roman Rapido Mameng BSH Films & LVN Films 1983
Lovingly Yours Helen: The Movie Host BSH Films 1984
Puso Sa Puso Seiko Films 1988
Kung Tapos Na Ang Kailanman Seiko Films 1990