Dr. Ciriaco A. Santiago: The man behind Premiere
Dr. Ciriano A. Santiago holding a Maria Clara trophy, one of the many awards that Premiere won
Under the leadership of Dr. Ciriaco A. Santiago, Premiere Productions became one of cinema industry’s leaders along with Sampaguita, LVN and Lebran. They were known as the ‘Big Four.’
Premiere was established in 1946 with Probinsiyana as its initial offering. After which came more prestigious films, winning awards locally (Maria Clara, FAMAS) and internationally (Asian Film Festival). They included Ifugao, Kamay ni Satanas, Salabusab, Sisa, Dugo ng Katipunan, Huwag Mo Akong Limutin, Dyesebel, Bagong Umaga, Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo, 48 Oras, Padre Burgos and Diego Silang.
Its pictures combined action-drama with social relevance directed by the likes of Gerry de Leon, Consuelo P. Osorio, Susana de Guzman, Chat Gallardo, Ramon Estella, Alex Sunga. Premiere’s roster of stars included Fernando Poe Jr., Efren Reyes, Rosa del Rosario, Edna Luna, Pempe Padilla, Zaldy Zshornack, Johnny Monteiro, Leila Morena, Anita Linda, Eddie Fernandez and Eddie Mesa.
Dr. Santiago was born in Polo, Bulacan. He finished high school and AB at Ateneo de Manila and medicine at University of Sto. Tomas. For eight years, he practiced medicine.
In 1936, Dr. Santiago married Adela Hermoso, a pharmacist. They founded Hermoso Drug Store which created Casadel, Mentonatin Three Sisters Face Powder and other products.
Dr. Santiago died May 1956, remembered by family, friends, colleagues and stars as ‘a good man whose passing leaves an aching in so many a heart.’
With his death, children Cirio, Dana and Digna continued the Premiere tradition of excellence.— RKC
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