Alicia Vergel

Alicia Vergel (born Erlinda Gaerlan Asturias-Aguilar; June 7, 1927 – May 20, 1992), was a Filipino actress, film producer, entrepreneur and politician. She was known for playing fiesty, strong-willed characters and was famous for her portrayals in films of varying genres. She was the first recipient of FAMAS Award for Best Actress and Maria Clara Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Early career Vergel's film credits include Diwani opposite César Ramirez, MN with Carmen Rosales as her arch-enemy, Balisong with Ramon Revilla and Madame X with Gloria Romero as her daughter. She participated in the unfinished film Bibingka'y Masarap under Sampaguita Pictures in the late 40s. Her performance as Orang in Basahang Ginto won Vergel the first FAMAS Award for Best Actress in 1952.

In 1977, she starred as the widowed and retired principal and teacher coping up with the demands of aging in Lotus Productions' Inay directed by Lino Brocka. The film was an entry in the Metro Manila Film festival and earned her an acting nomination for lead actress.

In the 1987 film Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig?, she portrayed the role of Señora Pacing as Ricky Davao's aristocratic and strict grandmother.

Politics In 1986, Vergel campaigned for the reelection of president Ferdinand Marcos in the 1986 snap election.

During the late 1980s until the early 1990s, Vergel was barangay captain in Barangay Manresa, Quezon City.

Personal life and death Vergel had a child, Tomas Aguilar, known as "Boy Vergel" who was killed in a notorious street fight in 1962.

She then married Sampaguita Pictures leading man César Ramirez. They had two children: Ace Vergel and Beverly Vergel, actress, acting teacher and currently director of the ABS-CBN Center for Communication Arts, Inc. Vergel and Ramirez separated; Vergel married another man and had another child, Mike.

Vergel died of natural causes on May 20, 1992, she was 64.

Legacy She was posthumously inducted to the Eastwood City Walk of Fame Philippines in December 2006.

Filmography 1937 - Teniente Rosario 1949 - Bibingka'y Masarap(unreleased) 1949 - Milagro ng Birhen ng mga Rosas 1949 - Teniente Ramirez 1950 - Huling Patak ng Dugo 1950 - Mapuputing Kamay 1951 - Bernardo Carpio as Luningning 1952 - Basahang Ginto as Orang 1952 - Hiram na Mukha 1952 - Madame X 1953 - Diwani 1954 - Aristokrata as Marieta Solomon 1954 - Eskandalosa 1954 - MN as Ada 1954 - Ukala: Ang Walang Suko 1955 - Artista 1955 - Balisong 1955 - Kuripot 1955 - Lupang Kayumanggi 1955 - Mambo-Dyambo 1956 - Taong Putik 1957 - Kahariang Bato 1957 - Maskara 1958 - Anak ng Lasengga 1958 - Cavalry Command as Laura 1958 - Obra Maestra (segment "Macao") 1960 - Kadenang Putik 1961 - Konsiyerto ng Kamatayan (segment "Noche Azul") 1965 - Tagani 1976 - Tatlong Kasalanan 1977 - Inay as the title character 1985 - Jandro Nakpil: Halang ang Kaluluwa 1985 - Victor Lopez Jr. 1987 - Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-Ibig? 1988 - Isusumbong Kita sa Diyos 1989 - Bakit Iisa Lamang ang Puso? 1990 - Mundo Man Ay Magunaw