In the mid-‘60s and early ‘70s, Chiquito starred in a number of so-called cowboy pictures, notably Arizona Kid (1970), with Hollywood bombshell Mamie Van Doren as leading lady.
Filmed on location in Arizona, the picture had Lino Brocka for scriptwriter, with Chaning Carlos as director.
Two other Chiquito cowboy starrers: Ulilang Cowboy and 3 Desperados, also starring Berting Labra and Jerry Pons.
Chiquito, who started as dancer in stage in the ‘40s, brought to life comic-strip characters like Asiong Aksaya, Mr. Wong, Mang Kepweng, Atorni Agaton, Barok, among others.
In 1984, Chiquito was nominated FAMAS Best Actor for Lovingly Yours, Helen, where he played a highly dramatic role.
Outside showbiz, he served as Makati councilor and vice mayor in the ‘70s and ‘80s. —RKC