ROBERT Arevalo, one of the greatest actors of the Philippines, died last August 10, 2023 at the age of 85 due to complications from Parkinsonism, his family had said.
The well-respected actor for film, television and theater is survived by his wife, actress Barbara Perez and three children and grandchildren.
Born as Robert Francisco Ylagan in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental on May 6, 1938, Arevalo’s passion for acting is not surprising. He was the son of Filipino film actor, composer, and musician Tito Arevalo and Guadalupe Francisco Ylagan. His uncles included actor and director Angel Esmeralda, who was the father of actor Jay Ilagan; National Artist for Cinema Gerardo de León; and actor and director Conrado Conde. He was also an uncle of actress Liberty Ilagan.
He attended the Legarda Elementary School, San Beda College and Ateneo de Manila where he studied Business Administration.
Arevalo also made his mark as a director and screenwriter for “Hubad na Bayani” (1977), and became one of the news anchors of ABS-CBN’s news program “Balita Ngayon” along with Mel Tiangco following the resumption of the network’s broadcasts after the People Power Revolution in 1986, until the program’s replacement by “TV Patrol” in 1987.
He also starred in the very first episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya.”
Arevalo first began acting as a drama actor for Premiere Productions. His major screen debut was in Gerardo de Leon’s “Huwag Mo Akong Limutin” (1960), which was banned by censors due to what they deemed to be immoral themes.
Among his early films were: “Noli Me Tangere” (1961), “The Moises Padilla Story” (1961), “El Filibusterismo” (1962), “Sa Atin Ang Daigdig” (1963), and “Cordillera” (1964).
In 1965, he starred with his wife in the controversial and explosive film about agrarian unrest “Daigdig ng mga Api” directed by Gerardo De Leon, that won 9 awards at the FAMAS, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay and Best Story,
Among his memorable films were: “Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak” (1967), “Sakada” (1976), “Mga Reynang Walang Trono” (1976), “Gomburza” (1977), “Hubad Na Bayani” (1977), “Bawal: For Men Only” (1977), “Mga Huwad Na Mananayaw” (1979), “Carnival Queen” (1981), “Shame” (1983), “Working Girls” (1984), “Hindi Mo Ako Kayang Tapakan” (1984), “Miguelito” (1985), and “Paradise Inn” (1985).
One of his latest television appearances was for ABS-CBN’s “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”
Arevalo’s wake was held this past weekend, after his cremation, at Arlington Chapels.
