José Clímaco Explained

José Clímaco
Birth Place:Cebu City, Philippine Islands
Nationality:Filipino
Occupation:Film director
Years Active:1947 - 1959
Spouse:Lilian Velez (1942 - 1948)

José Clímaco (1902–1985) was a Filipino film director.

As a budding composer and director, Climaco spent part of the studying filmmaking in Hollywood by 1939. Upon his return to Manila, he became the manager of a radio station. He met his wife, Lilian Velez, when she won first place in a singing contest sponsored by his station. They were married in 1942 and they had one child named Vivian. During the Second World War, Climaco was briefly arrested by the Japanese and tortured in Fort Santiago.[1]

Climaco joined Filippine Films & Philippine Pictures as a director after the World War II. He directed his wife in her film debut, and in several films afterwards which she had starred in with her leading man, the former child actor Narding Anzures. Perhaps the most famous film he made with Velez was Ang Kabukiran, a film inspired by a song composed by his father-in-law and popularized by his wife.

In 1948, Velez was murdered by her co-star Anzures, an event that shocked Manila. Climaco subsequently joined LVN Pictures as a director, shortly after his wife's death and resumed his filmmaking career. He directed films for LVN until the late 1950s. Among his other films for LVN included Parola, starring Jaime de la Rosa and Norma Blancaflor. Climaco also indulged in cameo appearances in his own film. He later remarried and had additional children.[1]

Filmography

YearTitleRoleProduction company
1947Sa Kabukiran (In the Field)
G.I. Fever
1949Parola DirectorLVN Pictures
Tambol MayorDirectorLVN Pictures
Ang Kandidato (The Candidate)DirectorLVN Pictures
Biglang Yaman (One Day Millionaire)DirectorLVN Pictures
1950Nagsaulian ng Kandila DirectorLVN Pictures
1951Nasaan ka, Giliw? (Love, Where are you?)DirectorLVN Pictures
1952Harana sa Karagatan (Ocean Serenade)DirectorLVN Pictures
Isabelita DirectorLVN Pictures
1953Awit ng Pag-ibig (Song of Love)DirectorLVN Pictures
Dalawang Pag-ibig (Two Loves)DirectorLVN Pictures
1955Palasyong Pawid (Wood Palace)DirectorLVN Pictures
Karnabal (Carnival)DirectorLVN Pictures
1956EverlastingDirectorLVN Pictures
1957Nasaan ka Irog? (Where are you Dear?)DirectorLVN Pictures

In popular culture

Notes and References

  1. News: Reyes . Isidra . 74 yrs after her death, Lilian Velez’s diary reveals a colorful life before that gruesome end . 6 September 2023 . ABS-CBN News . 26 March 2023.
  2. Web site: The Lilian Velez Story: Till Death Do Us Part.