With the news of Joseph Ejercito “Erap” Estrada recovering from his COVID-19 bout, we’re here to celebrate it with the veteran actor’s greatest hits.
Before his political ventures, Erap had a long-winding showbiz life . Want a blast from the past? Take a look into his films that could still hold up today.
The Moises Padilla Story (1961)
Before becoming a household name, Erap was already choosing roles that would solidify the kind of artist he wanted to become.
Though he didn’t take on the leading role for the film, his portrayal of the man that tortured and killed Negros Occidental mayoral candidate, Moises Padilla, gripped audiences to their seats and made him a familiar face.
Asyong Salonga (1961)
Who could forget the film that put his name on the map? The true to life story follows Nicasio “Asiong” Rodriguez Salonga, a gangster who ruled the streets of Tondo. Despite this, he was looked up to by residents and even reportedly dubbed as the “Robin Hood of Tondo”. Now that’s a Filipino story.
In 2011, Erap’s son E.R. Ejercito reprised the film that made his father famous.
Markang Rehas (1962)
Only a year after he became a known actor, Erap won his first Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) for his portrayal of an ex-convict fighting against death row. He also starred alongside veteran actress Perla Bautista and his son, Jinggoy.
Tatak ng Tundo (1978)
In an action-packed duo that could rival Iron Man and Captain America, Erap starred alongside Fernando Poe Jr. in this film about childhood friends Pepe and Bering. Despite drifting apart, the two men find themselves ending up in different sides of the same coin.
Mga Mata ni Angelita (1978)
Erap stepped aside from the main role for this film, as it introduced the star potential of a young Julie Vega. Even so, his star potential wasn’t amiss as he portrayed the role of the city mayor. Foreshadowing? We think so!
Sa Kuko ng Aguila (1989)
Written by renowned screenwriter Ricky Lee, this timely film showcases the struggle of a small town in Olongapo city overtaken by U.S. military bases. The film tackles imperialism, corruption, and the struggle to keep Filipinos safe in their own country.
