Miguel Rodriguez

Miguel Benedict P. Rodriguez (November 5, 1962 – February 14, 1997) was a Filipino actor and model. He got his start in show business when he was discovered by the filmmaker, a National Artist for Film, Lino Brocka, who cast him in a Close Up commercial in 1981. Often referred to as the "Filipino Christopher Reeve", he was most famous for his roles on the television sitcom Palibhasa Lalake and opposite Sharon Cuneta in the 1983 movie To Love Again.

He was nominated three times—1995, 1989, and 1986 respectively as Best Supporting Actor in the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (also known as the FAMAS Awards) for the films The Elsa Castillo Story (1994), Ibulong Mo sa Diyos (1988), and Partida (1985). He won the award in 1989 for playing the role of Mario Umali—a dance choreographer who raped the main protagonist, Monica Quijano (played by Vilma Santos)—in Ibulong Mo sa Diyos.

Other works and retirement Rodriguez was also known for having appeared with Snooky Serna in the 1984 film Experience in which he played the character who protected Snooky from a person stalking her.

Notably, he starred as the Filipino-Spanish Ilustrado, Alfonsito, in the 1985 award-winning and daring period film Virgin Forest directed by the celebrated and multi-awarded Filipino filmmaker, Peque Gallaga, and which musical score was provided by another film icon, Jaime Fabregas.

On June 26, 1986, Rodriguez and Edu Manzano hosted Bb. Pilipinas 1986 Grand Coronation Night, held at the Araneta Coliseum. Ms. Chiqui Hollman-Yulo anchored the event. Seven years later, Miguel and Peque will have worked again in the movie, Adventures of Gary Leon and Kuting.

He eventually became an action film star, appearing in Bir Mammud: Alyas Boy Muslim (1989), Hindi Kita Iiwanang Buhay: Kapitan Paile (1990) and Hanggang Kailan Ka Papatay (1990).

He retired from acting in 1996 after the release of Huwag Mong Isuko ang Laban, the last film he worked on in 1995.

Personal life and death He married popular fashion stylist and socialite Irene Salud on March 14, 1987, at the Saint Pancratius Chapel, Paco Park, Manila. Actor Fernando Poe Jr. and Lily Monteverde of Regal Films were among their principal sponsors. He had two children: model Sam Rodriguez and a son.

On February 14, 1997, Rodriguez was found dead by household help at his home in BF Homes International, Las Piñas. He had died from pancreatitis at the age of 34.

Filmography Television Year Title Role 1986–1991 Vilma! Co-host 1987–1992 Palibhasa Lalake Himself 1987–1992 Maricel Regal Drama Special various roles 1988–1990 Young Love, Sweet Love 1992–1995 Lovingly Yours, Helen 1992–1994 Maalaala Mo Kaya 1993–1994 Pasiklaban sa Trese Co-host 1994 Ipaglaban Mo: Sa Pagitan ng Dugo at Tubig various roles 1994 Star Drama Theater Presents: Dawn Zulueta

Film Year Title Role 1982 Mainit Na Puso Rod 1983 To Love Again Bullet/Alberto Alcantara 1984 Experience Froilan 1985 Virgin Forest Alfonsito Partida Greggy I Can't Stop Loving You Jeff Carbonell 1986 Paalam, Bukas ang Kasal Ko Ruffy Payaso Himself; special participation 1987 Kapag Lumaban ang Api Ramiro Samonte Tagos ng Dugo Cesar Garcia Stolen Moment Alex Paano Kung Wala Ka Na? Don Binibining Tsuperman Christopher Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak Nonoy 1988 Ibulong Mo sa Diyos Mario Umali Ang Supremo Lt. Marco Templo Celestina Sanchez, a.k.a. Bubbles – Enforcer: Ativan Gang 1989 Bir Mammud, Alyas Boy Muslim Bir Mammud Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang Chito Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit Arturo Zulueta Si Aida, Si Lorna, o Si Fe Lando 1990 Pangarap Na Ginto Jack Peralta Kahit Isumpa Mo Ako Hindi Kita Iiwanang Buhay: Kapitan Paile Capt. Gabriel Paile Hanggang Kailan Ka Papatay? David Llarpido 1991 Adventures of Gary Leon at Kuting Jude 1992 True Confessions: Evelyn, Myrna & Margie Rene Mainit Na Puso Lucio Margallo Alexander Sarmiento Shotgun Banjo Marvin Lacson: Batas ng Navotas Manuel Shake, Rattle & Roll IV Dr. Apol (segment "Ang Madre") 1993 Kung Kailangan Mo Ako Rocky Kailan Dalawa ang Mahal? Hulihin: Probinsyanong Mandurukot Brando Ronquillo: Tubong Cavite, Laking Tondo Gardo Jesus Calderon: Maton Matt 1994 The Elsa Castillo Story: Ang Katotohanan Ted Boorman Bala at Lipstick Tony Boy Biboy Banal: Pagganti Ko, Tapos Kayo! Lt. de Vera Abrakadabra Santi The Maggie dela Riva Story: God... Why Me? Jaime Jose 1995 Saan Ako Nagkamali? Di Mapigil ang Init Eric Huwag Mong Isuko ang Laban Captain Ablaza (last film appearance)

Awards and nominations Year Award giving body Category Nominated work Results 1986 FAMAS Award Best Supporting Actor Partida 1989 FAMAS Award Best Supporting Actor Ibulong Mo sa Diyos 1995 FAMAS Award Best Supporting Actor The Elsa Castillo Story... Ang Katotohanan