TOP 10 ACTRESSES OF THE DECADE

by Noel D. Ferrer, The Manila Standard, November 9, 1999

The most sensitive roles and characters in Philippine cinema in the Nineties have been assigned to our great actresses. Apart from the stereotype martyr housewife or the ever suffering mother or the vintage contravida mistress, there are memorable interpretations of various female roles in this roster.

  • NORA AUNOR. She was noteworthy in The Flor Contemplacion Story, Bakit May Kahapon pa, Andrea, Paano Ba Ang Maging ISang Ina, Ang totoong Buhay ni Pacita M. and even in Inay and Sidhi.

  • VILMA SANTOS. Her significant works include Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa? The Dolzura Cortez Story, and Sinungaling Na Puso.

  • SHARON CUNETA. She emereged as a grand slam best actress in Madrasta and has held up on her own in Tayong Dalawa, Biktima, and Nang Iniwan Mo Ako.

  • MARICEL SORIANO. Although not too popular and friendly with the award giving bodies, she gave memorable performances in Ikaw Pa Lang Ang Minahal, Vampira, Separada, and even Dinampot Lang Kita Sa Lupa.

  • GINA ALAJAR. She had a scene stealing and powerful scenes in Andrea, Paano Ba Ang Maging Isang Ina and Mulanay, and was at her element in Kailan Ka Magiging Akin and Biktima.

  • LORNA TOLENTINO. She was good in Narito Ang Puso Ko, Sa Ngalan Ng Pag-Ibig and in Luksong Tinik.

  • JACLYN JOSE. Her mere presence was stirring in The Flor Contemplacion Story, May Nagmamaha Sa 'Yo and Mulanay.

  • DAWN ZULUETA. She should do more movies like Iisa Pa Lamang, Buhay Ng Buhay Ko, and Kung Mawawala Ka Pa.

  • NANETTE MEDVED & MARICEL LAXA. These actresses are the epitome of the progressive women of the '90s in such films as Sa Kabila Ng Lahat and Hiram Na Mukha for Nanette and Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin, Iisa Pa Lamang and Hindi Kita Malilimutan for Maricel.

  • NIDA BLANCA & ZSAZSA PADILLA. These actresses may not have been given a lot of chances to shine on film lately but managed to clinch best actress awards for their powerful perfomances in Sana Pag-Ibig Na and Batang PX respectively.