Efren Reyes Sr.

Efren Reyes
Born Efren Ongpin Reyes
(1924-06-18)June 18, 1924
Manila, Philippine Islands
Died February 11, 1968(1968-02-11) (aged 43)
Manila, Philippines
Nationality Filipino
Occupation actor, writer, director
Known for Efren Sr.
Spouse(s) Virginia Montes
Children Efren Jr.
Cristina

Efren Ongpin Reyes Sr. (June 18, 1924 – February 11, 1968) was a Filipino actor and director. He was the father of Efren Reyes Jr.

Early life

Efren Ongpin Reyes Sr. was a popular action star of the 50s appearing mostly in action and costume epic movies. He was born on June 18, 1924 in Manila. Efren's grandfather was the celebrated Lola Basyang author, Severino Reyes, also the author and producer of Walang Sugat, the most popular of local Zarzuelas. He started his career at an early age doing supporting roles in such movies as Hiram na Pangalan (1948) and Wala na akong Luha (1948). Kumander Sundang (1949) was his first break and biggest hit. He became Premiere Productions' top contract star turning in memorable performances in Kapitan Bagwis (1951), Kapitan Berong (1953), Paltik (1954), Abenturera (1954), Pedro Penduko (1954), Ander Di Saya (1954), Mag-asawa'y di Biro (1954), Ifugao (1954), where he was awarded the Asian Film Festival Best Actor Award in 1955 and Kadenang Putik (1960), where he won the FAMAS Best Actor award. Two of his movies, Salabusab (1954) and Kalibre 45 (1957) were adjudged Famas Best Pictures. Known for his fencing skills, he appeared in many swashbuckling movies--- Prinsipe Don Juan (1950), Carlos Trece (1953), Prinsipe Villarba (1956), Haring Espada (1956), Prinsipe Alejandre (1957) and Eskrimador (1957). His sword duels with Johnny Monteiro in many movies they made together were a big treat to their legions of fans.

Reyes, according to his son, Efren Jr. in a recent article, pioneered the so-call Pinoy Western in Philippine movies, when his dad did Bandido in 1950. His colleagues then were reluctant and were not sold to the idea of doing the said movie because they saw it unrealistic as there were no cowboys in this country. The movie later turned out to be a big box-office hit that started the western genre in Philippine cinema.

He was also into film directing. His first directorial job was Haring Espada in 1956 using the pen name of Severino Reyes III. He likewise excelled in this field, gaining wide recognition and being nominated several times--- for Albano Brothers (1962), Sigaw ng Digmaan (1963), Pilipinas Kong Mahal (1965) and Dugo ang Kulay ng Pag-ibig (1966) He directed the legendary Fernando Poe Jr. in many memorable movies, among them, Sigaw ng Digmaan (1963), which won the Famas Best Picture that year, Ito ang Maynila (1963), Daniel Barrion (1964), Baril na Ginto (1964), Ang Daigdig Ko'y Ikaw (1965), Pilipinas Kong Mahal (1965), Zamboanga (1966).

Personal life

Efren Sr. was married to Primitiva Reyes, April 1, 1944. They had three children together, Reynaldo (1945–1951, Congenital Polio Meningitis), Winifrida (1948), and Efren Jr. (1950–1981)

He later married actress Virginia Montes. They had six children. Two of them, Cristina Reyes and Efren Jr. (son of Virginia), followed their footsteps.

Filmography

Movie Actor

Movie Director

Movie Writer

Death

"When he died on Feb. 11, 1968, his coffin was placed atop the roof of Mount Carmel Church just to accommodate the throng of fans who wanted to pay their respects," said Efren. "And when he was being brought to his resting place, his friends carried his coffin from Mount Carmel to Loyola in Marikina City."

"I only have fragments of his memories because he died when I was six. I only remembered the instances when all of us, the children, would enter his room in the morning to ask for baon. Ang gagawin n'ya, dudukutan n'ya mommy namin, para ibigay sa amin. ….Hindi n'ya ako napalo pero nataasan ako ng boses. Dun palang nanginig na ako (What he does, he snatches [money] from my mother, to give it to us. ...He never spanked me but he raised his voice once. That went me trembling)….. He used to bring us to Arcegas, here in Aurora Boulevard. There was a big toy store there. Pagdating ko doon, ang ligaya ko (When I got there, oh what a joy)."

References

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