Yolanda Marquez: 'Original Balikbayan' star fades out

When Remember When? first came out in this paper 16 years ago, the featured star was Yolanda Marquez (Mary Prieto), billed as ‘The Original Balikbayan.’

At age 14, Mary — the daughter of a Filipino father and a Mexican mother — came home to the Philippines and stayed in Macabebe, Pampanga, the hometown of her father. She was born (Jan. 1, 1920) in San Francisco and studied in San Diego, California.

Shortly after her arrival from the US, the cousin of her father, Rosario Panganiban (married to film producer-director Vicente Salumbides) urged her to try the movies.

‘The Original Balikbayan’ star died June 11 at the age of 89, leaving behind her mark in high society and high fashion, charitable endeavors, stage and screen.

Yolanda Marquez starred in a total of nine movies in the ’30s and ’40s (before World War II), starting with Milagro ng Nazareno for Parlatone, opposite Angel Esmeralda, a big hit. She was the first Filipina actress to wear shorts and slacks on the big screen. Miguel Velarde composed Ikaw for the actress in the movie. It was followed by Sanggumay with Rogelio de la Rosa, Angel Esmeralda and Purita Santa Maria.

Then she made Magdalena for Philippine Films, with Nick Osmeña and Amado Araneta as producers. Magdalena, with Leopoldo Salcedo as leading man, merited raves for the actress.

For Sampaguita Pictures, Yolanda Marquez starred in four movies: Madaling Araw (Elsa Oria, Ely Ramos, Ernesto la Guardia, Teddy Benavidez), Gabay ng Magulang (Rudy Concepcion, Precioso Palma), Walang Tahanan (Carlos Padilla, Rudy Concepcion), Dahong Lagas (Ely Ramos).

In 1944, she married Leo Prieto, La Salle basketball player and later long-serving Philippine Basketball Association commissioner. Mr. Prieto died April 7, 2009.

In the ’50s, Mary Prieto joined Manila Theater Guild, topbilling Tender Trap, 40 Carats, Teahouse of the August Moon, The Women, Auntie Mame.

In the ’60s she was a Karilagan fashion model, touring the US with the likes of Gloria Romero, Joji Felix, Chona Kasten, Barbara Perez, Conchitina Sevilla and other top models in cinema and high society.

All the while, Mary Prieto was also involved in charitable and religious activities in Forbes Park, Makati City, where she resided.

When Remember When? first featured Yolanda Marquez 16 years ago, it was the first time for many people, especially the younger generation, to learn that socialite Mary Prieto was a pre-war movie star. She acknowledged it with characteristic grace and elegance, thanking this columnist for remembering her movie star days. — RKC