Helen Vela

Helen Vela Hernandez (formerly Punzalan; October 31, 1946 – February 14, 1992) was a Filipino actress and radio and television personality.

Early life She was born on October 31, 1946, in Manila, Philippines.

Career Vela started her career in broadcasting as a radio announcer. senior pastor of Victory Fort Bonifacio, and Princess Punzalan, born Bernadette Vela Punzalan, a nurse and former actress. They separated five years later and divorced. In 1973, Vela remarried, to Ben Hernandez. They had a son, Reuben.

Death

She died of lymphoma on February 14, 1992 (Valentine's Day) at St. Mary's Hospital, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, United States at the age of 45.

She was buried at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City. Alongside her lies her mother Virginia Vela, who died in 1995, and her first husband Orly Punzalan, who died in 2005.

Lifetime achievement award

In 2004, the Golden Screen Awards for Television instituted a "Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award" for outstanding contribution to the Philippine television industry.

Legacy and honors She was posthumously inducted as a Star to the Eastwood City Walk of Fame Philippines in December 2011.

Filmography Film Year Title Role 1969 Halina Neneng Ko Fiesta Extravaganza 1983 Roman Rapido Mameng 1984 Lovingly Yours, Helen (The Movie) Narrator 1988 Puso sa Puso Wilma Angelica, Sugo sa Lupa 1990 Kung Tapos na ang Kailanman (her last film)

Television Year Title Role 1980–1992 Lovingly Yours, Helen Host 1984–1987 Heredero Nina 1987–1992 Agila Ester 1989–1992 Family 3 Plus 1 Amy