The sex goddesses of yesteryear

Had the likes of Marian Rivera, Angel Locsin, Katrina Halili, Anne Curtis, Bea Alonzo, Angelica Panganiban and Cristine Reyes been around in the mid-’70s and ’80s, they surely would be sex goddesses of the big screen. Then, when Filipino movies were at their peak, launching nymphets to solo stardom was in vogue.

Think of the sexy stars producer Jesse Ejercito built up.

Alma Moreno in Ligaw na Bulaklak, Lorna Tolentino in Dulce Amor, Ina, Elizabeth Oropesa in Mister Mo, Lover Boy Ko, Chanda Romero in Sa Kagubatan ng Lungsod, Daria Ramirez in Lord, Give Me a Lover, Beth Bautista in Huwag, Bayaw and Amy Austria in Tondo Girl.

Actually, some of those stars were no longer nymphets when they were launched to stardom. But just the same they were packaged as young and desirable. Yes, nymphets.

Except for Alma, Papa Jessie’s Belles — as they were billed — became award-winning actresses. But it must be said that Alma’s acting had improved considerably through the years. Alma is now a Parañaque councilor (who ran for reelection at the May 10 election), married to a mayor from the South, a Muslim.

In 1974, Gloria Diaz (1969 Miss Universe) belatedly entered the movies via Celso Ad. Castillo’s Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa which started the wet look. After her, every nymphet in movietown had to do a wet scene — by the sea or river, batalan, shower room, artesian well. Every place imaginable.

Like Papa Jessie’s Belles, Gloria turned into a fine actress, winning several trophies, the last for Sagrada Familia.

Mother Lily Monteverde had her share of build-up stars going the sexy route, wearing her fabled “magic kamison.”

They included Gina Alajar in Diborsyada, Rio Locsin in Disgrasyada, Cherie Gil in Problem Child, Dina Bonnevie in Katorse, Snooky Serna in Bata Pa Si Sabel and Kristine Garcia in Exploitation.

Yes, the great Gina Alajar wore Mother Lily’s “magic kamison.” This was in the early ’80s when she was already a young wife to Michael de Mesa and mother to Ryan Eigenman.

Of course, there were male sex symbols and matinee idols paired with those nymphets and sex goddesses.

Think of George Estregan, Ricky Belmonte, Ernie Garcia, Vic Vargas, Jimi Melendez, Alfie Anido, Gabby Concepcion, Albert Martinez, Al Tantay and Orestes Ojeda.

Elwood Perez and the late Joey Gosiengfiao directed most of Mother Lily’s movies produced under the Regal banner.

During the ’90s, Filipino movies started to decline. Producers no longer gambled on so-called launching films topbilled by nymphets.

And so these days, such desirable ladies as Marian, Angel, Katrina, Anne, Bea, Angelica and Cristine are cast in melodrama and romantic comedies, in which the sexiest they can go is wear bikinis and engage in kissing scenes with their leading men.

In terms of skin exposure the most daring and baring is Anne, while Angelica is “game” in passionate love scenes. But only up to a point as producers (usually Star Cinema and GMA Films) won’t allow their pictures to be classified “For Adults Only.” Adult films can’t be shown in SM, the biggest theater chain in the country.

Surely, they can’t afford to lose SM theaters.

Of course, Marian, Angel and company are seen on primetime television which took over the popularity of movies.

One can’t help remembering with fondness sex goddesses of yesteryear.

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