Leila Morena as lady barber

Premiere actress Leila Morena starred in many memorable movies in the ’40s and ’50s, one of which was Pandora (1955), where she played a lady barber. The role merited Leila a FAMAS Best Actress nomination, but she lost to Rosa Rosal for Sonny Boy.

Penned by Carlos Gonda in Pilipino Komiks, Pandora tells of the joy and pain of a woman (with the unusual occupation) who fights for her love. Co-starring are Jose Romulo (love interest) and Carol Varga (villainess, as always). And Lopito who provides the comic relief.

Leila’s other memorable movies include Diego Silang, Ifugao, Ang Lumang Bahay sa Gulod, Salome, Kamay Ni Satanas and Ander de Saya.

On TV, Lino Brocka directed Leila in Bukas, Madilim Bukas, where she played the long-suffering spinster daughter of a manipulative mother (Mary Walter). On the big screen, also directed by Brocka, Lolita Rodriguez and Walter (again) portrayed mother and daughter. Bukas is an episode of the trilogy Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa.  — RKC