In the movies, Efren Reyes wore four hats.
Aside from being an award-winning actor, Efren was also director, writer and producer.
He was Asian Film Festival Best Actor for Ifugao (1954) and FAMAS Best Actor for Kadenang Putik (1960).
Most of the films he acted in were produced by Premiere, among them Bandido, Sigaw ng Digmaan, Kumander Sundang, 10th Battalion, Kapitan Bagwis, Kapitan Berong, Ander Di Saya, Carlos Trece, Desperado, Ang Maton, Mabilis Pa Sa Lintik and Pedro Penduko, where he played the well-loved folk hero.
Efren produced and directed Larawan ng Buhay, which he also wrote and topbilled. After which was Lola Basyang, based on stories written by his grandfather, noted zarzuelista Severino Reyes. Efren and his father Pedrito Reyes collaborated on the screenplay of Lola Basyang.
Efren lives on, in a manner of speaking, through his Junior, whose mother is Virginia Montes. Efren Reyes Jr. is noted action star and later character actor, doing mostly anti-hero roles. — RKC