Go Philippines: Most FAMAS Best Director, Gerry de Leon

Gerardo "Gerry" de Leon (1913-1981), was a an actor and director of Philippine Cinema. His real name is Gerardo Ilagan, "de Leon " is her mother's family name. He studied medicine in University of Santo Tomas and got 7th placer in Board Examination. While studying medicine, he became professional actor and scriptwriter. His love and passion in film won over him and concentrate in movie making leaving his career in medicine.

His family is well known in Philippine Cinema which inlcudes Robert Arevalo, Liberty Ilagan, Ronaldo Valdez and musical scorer Tito Arevalo. He made his acting debut in 1934 for the film "Ang Dangal" and his directorial debut in 1939 for the film "Bahay Kubo" starring Fely Vallejo. He is consider as the most awarded film director in the Philippine Cinema having seven FAMAS Awards with three of them in a row, "Huwag Mo Akong Limutin"(1960), "Noli Me Tangere"(1961) and "El Filibusterismo"(1962). Other films that won FAMAS are "Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo"(1952), "Hanggang sa Dulo ng Daigdig"(1958), Daigdig ng mga Api"(1965) and "Lilet"(1971).

His career in the movies spanned for more than 4 decades from 1930's to 1970's. Among of the awards he receives were; FAMAS Hall of Fame for winning the best director seven times; FAMAS best picture for "Ang Daigdig ng mga Api" in 1965; Natatanging Gawad Urian in 1978, Diwa ng Lahi, Araw ng Kalinangan sa Maynila in 1977, Golden Harvest Award for best direction (Ifugao; and Maria Clara Award for "kamay ni Satanas" in 1950. In 1982, he was awarded as National Artist of the Philippines for Cinema category.

A clip from the Gerry de Leon's film "Lilet" in 1971: