MOVIEGOER: Helen Gamboa tied with Nora Aunor
At A Glance
- Helen was on her way to greater stardom when, in an instant, in 1969, she married Tito Sotto, then a recording executive, soon-to-be Senator.
One of the highlights in Helen Gamboa-Sotto’s movie career happened in 1995 at the Urian Awards when she figured in a tie for best actress with Superstar and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor.
The two actors won the top acting prize for playing the same role, that of Flor Contemplacion in two separate projects. Helen essayed the Contempacion character in Bagong Bayani, directed by the late Amable ‘Tikoy’ Aguiluz.
Nora’s The Flor Contemplacion Story was directed by Joel Lamangan. Flor was the Filipino maid sentenced to death by hanging after killing a fellow Filipino in Singapore in 1995.
It’s a pity that many of our veteran actresses, including Helen, have opted not to act anymore. They can still give more to the film industry with their experience and acquired wisdom. Helen is one of our few remaining movie queens following the passing of Gloria Romero, Amalia Fuentes, Susan Roces, Nida Blanca, Charito Solis.
On occasion, Helen would make a movie or two, showcasing her prowess in dramatic roles. She was outstanding in Kailan Mahuhugasan ang Kasalanan, Etiquette for Mistresses, and Bagong Bayani.
The same Contemplacion role fetched her another best actress trophy, from Star Awards.
Before facing a few health issues, she managed to act in top-rating teleseryes, Walang Hanggan in 2012 and Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin in 2016.
Back in the mid and late 60s, Helen shuttled between leading lady roles in action pictures to top billing musical romantic comedies. She became a major box office draw in movies like Bang Shang A Lang, Boogaloo, Let’s Go, Banda 24. She was also a bestselling recording artist with hit songs to her credit.
At that time, Helen was considered a movie queen herself in the tradition of Amalia Fuentes and Susan Roces, whose films she confronted with her own at the box office.
Helen was on her way to greater stardom when, in an instant, in 1969, she married Tito Sotto, then a recording executive, soon-to-be Senator. Marriage and a stable family life side lined her blossoming movie career about which she’s never sorry but quite grateful about.