Virginia Montes: Versatile actress

One of the more versatile actresses of Premiere Productions in the ‘50s was Virginia Montes. She was cast in drama, comedy and action pictures opposite the studio’s top leading men, notably Efren Reyes, her love on and offcam.

The great Gerry de Leon directed Virgie in the classic suspense-action-drama 48 Oras, with Rogelio de la Rosa, Enrico Pimentel and Nena Cardenas as co-stars.

Her films with Reyes included Paltik, Ang Kampana ng San Diego, Hiwaga ng Buhay, Bandido. Her other movies: Padre Burgos, Hiwaga sa Tulay na Bato, Luha ng Langit, Hokus-Pokus, Kenkoy.

In the early ‘70s she produced several youth-oriented movies under the Barangay Productions’ banner. Virgie also appeared in character roles, notably Rebecca Marasigan and Paradise Inn. — RKC