Sunday, December 25, 2011

Asiong Salonga Story

As a kid, I'm quite familiar with the movies of Joseph "Erap" Estrada. There are two (2) movies which I still fondly remember and impressed me a lot. One such film was when he portrayed the character of Diegong Daga. It was megged in 1968 but was shown at RPN9 every afternoon during Martial law. And of course, Asiong Salonga. 


I searched the web for the true biography of Asiong Salonga but found only one---a newspaper article about his death. I tried to look for any criminal case filed against him that reached the Supreme Court, but found none. I'll find time to seriously write a biography of Asiong Salonga very soon.


I am also interested in his genealogy--where did he came from? The movie "Manila Kingpin" says that he was born and raised in Tondo Manila. Good. Were his grandparents, migrants from Pampanga, since most Salongas came from there. 


The surname "Salonga" is mythical, in the sense that it is directly linked to the House of Soliman, the hegemon of Tondo before the Spaniards came. Most of the royal blood line members migrated stealthly in Pampanga and in Bulacan after the Spanish forces tried to eradicate all of them. Fortunately, most of Soliman's house survived. Aside from the Salongas, Gatdula is also one revered surname that survived the Colonial rule.


Anyway, a few hours from now, I and my family will be watching Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga story. For a Manileno like me, it is interesting to know or at least relive the life story of this man. He personified the tumultuous era of the 1950s and 1960s.


I would really want also to see the editor's cut of the film. But, I reserve judgment later. After I finish watching the film, will I write a review about it.


Curiously though, two Salongas got the nation's nod during those times--one a bar top notcher by the name of Senator Jovito Salonga and Asiong. At the age of 27, Asiong died reportedly at the hands of the henchman of his friend, Totoy Golem. Ernesto Reyes gunned down the King of Tondo during a drinking session. Reyes denied killing Asiong and said that it was just accidental. His 38 revolver went off during a scuffle between Reyes and one of Asiong's men.


Anyway, this is the only piece of news available online. I'll try to go to the National Library and scan the 1950's and 1960's newspapers for additional information about Asiong Salonga.


Meanwhile, here's Gloc9's Youtube video on the film






51 comments:

  1. Thats good, your blog is cool, i like it. Thanks for the efforts my friend.

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  2. ...i'll be waiting for your review regarding this movie..coz i'm also interested with the story of ASIONG SALONGA...

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  3. just like you... i'm also interested about asiong's biography so in case you got some information about his life... kindly share it with us.. thank you..

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  4. wow! this is fantastic... it is the first time I learned that the Salongas (and the Gatdulas) are directly linked to the pre-Hispanic royal houses of Manila (i.e. Soliman).... nice nice

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  5. watched the film and frankly, not satisfied with its cinematic aspect.. but i love the story..would love to hear more about your research :)

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  6. watched the movie..
    1) cinematography - superb!
    2) story - kinda confused. did the movie intentionally changed what really happened? well, if you happened to research, its quite different. and for some scenes, many were "cut" which resulted that I'm not satisfied. (Try to watch Totoy Golem's movie)
    3) cast - excellent except for Mr. Estregan Jr. In my opinion, it would be better if Baron Geisler portrayed Asiong and George to be Erning Toothpick (basically the age gap between Carla and George is very far from reality)

    But as a package, its good! 4 out of 5; movie entry which is different from the usual metro filmfest

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  7. I watched this movie and I would really recommend this movie f you opt to watch quality and sensible movie. I love the kalesa scene and the gun firing with Joko Diaz in the rain and umbrellas. I loved it. My Dad enjoyed it. I did too!! This is a superb comeback for action movies. I just wish, it was shown in all theaters. I don't care if it doesn't hit box office. But hands down, they deserve best picture, best director, cinematography, supporting actor and best picture.. hands down to all the people behind this film. no exage. They deserve it!

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  8. Best actor too! John Regala, Baron Geisler and the rest of the villaines are superb. ER Ejercito is great- I have developed a crush on this man. Special mention Philip Salvador. I loved how he killed John Regala as revenge to his brother. ( he was a cop in this film) And this is also good for Daddys and barakong Pinoy.

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  9. Manila Kingpin is indeed a good film to watch. It's been a while since I have watched a Filipino-action film, and indeed nothing beats a pure punch-kick-gunshots scene than a computer generated creature. I hope many Filipino would watch this film, worthy for the expensive costs of movie houses nowadays..

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  10. I love to hear and read some of your research.

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  11. The whole movie was good!!! Even it's shot on black & white you wont even noticed it due to the sharp details of the movie...

    Reunion of the best villaines in filipino movie... Specially John Regala one of the best villain of all time... he deserves the award...
    Over all rating for me: 10 + two thumbs up!!!

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  12. This movie is beyond expected from Philippines. My father is in the production. The guns and armory that were used was from us. Hope everyone liked it! Try checking my father's website. www.ErickTorrente.com

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  13. We will be waiting for your research. my father is sharing stories to us about Turong Pajo, his uncle. I'll be glad to pass those on to you.

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    1. tell us the story of Turong Pajo..

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    2. as i watch manila kingpin asiong said that he lives at angustia st. tondo and i live nearly that area. and as i remember i heard some of salonga's surname there but my father didnt know where exactly asiong lives.....

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  14. @ rex, please do. I'm finishing an anthology of short stories. I will include asiong salonga in it because his life typifies or symbolizes the chaos of post-war manila. if you have stories of asiong, please share.

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    1. Hi Mr. Patricio Mangubat... :D
      Gusto ko lang mag share sayo ng konting bagay.

      I was born and raised in Tondo, so as my parents and my grand parents... Nung bata ako madami akong naririnig sa lola ko specially when she was bragging about the difference between gang before and gang when I was a teenager and one of the famous name was Asiong Salonga, my grandfather was an attorney which is already dead was a childhood friend of Nicasio "Asiong" Salonga who was born and raised in Coral Street in Tondo, Manila which is like couple of blocks away from our street and about 5 minutes walk. It was funny hearing my grandmother as I remember she was telling the story about asiong like this "Yung lolo mo kapag dadaan na si Asiong dito sa kalsada natin magsisisigaw na yan, Hoyyy! Asiong makikipag away ka nanaman wag nga dito sa tapat ng bahay namin." My mom was born around 50's so technically my grandfather was born same era as Asiong but that time I'm not really interested about Asiong Salonga but my grandmother is already dead now, if I only have a chance to ask Her about Asiong Salonga more... That would be more exciting, ayun lang... Anyways I'll do some research from my uncle and my dad if I heard something about Him I'll tell you... :D You can call me Dee Hipolito(US Navy) :D

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  15. sana gagawa kau ng movie ni baby ama ulit.hehe

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  16. Mali ka pre. Si Asiong Salongga talaga ang hari ng Tondo si Totoy Golem sa San Nicolas. Gets? LOL

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  17. please send me your review...via e-mail...novdlcrz_1012@y.c. .. i am a history graduate, and after watching this movie, i never stopped researching about his life also.. meron ba siyang relatives na pwedeng ma interview. or even mga elderly sa tondo na inabot ung panahon niya..san meron! :)

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  18. i've watched the movie. As being raised in Tondo, i would love and interested to know behind the story of young asiong. =)

    regards,
    Mark

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  19. sana nga mtpoz nyo poh ung biography ni asiong...may anak xa>or may relatives p xa s tondo?

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  20. It's nice to know Asiong Salonga True Story. The Movie really impress me too :))

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  21. I like the story of asiong salonga... he's a true kingpin of tondo, manila

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  22. i like the story of asiong salonga.. he's the true kingpin of tondo, manila..
    ..perhaps i did not watch the movie my father and my grandma told me a story about the life of asiong salonga!!

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  23. asyong salonga!!!
    an historical name even for people like us from the southern part of this nation...

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  24. Asiong Salonga is apparently the best movie in the Manila Film Fest 2011, I love how Governor E.R. portrays the life of Asiong Salonga. I love the whole cast, specially the impeccable charm of Miss Carla Abellana (:>). But I am confused about Totoy Golem, is he really a "bad guy" ?

    I hope this is the beginning of the "rebirth" of Philippine action movies. I know all of us are tired of watching exaggerated love stories and NONSENSE comedy drama.

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  25. i'll be waiting for your review just like anonymous , i'am also interested and curious about the asiong salonga's story

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  26. Asiong Salonga Story is truly impressive, Governor E.R Galing ng pagganap nia. Idol! Truly Amazing. Thats All Folks :)

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  27. http://dokumentaryonijuantagalog.weebly.com/history-of-public-enemy.html

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  28. tagal naman ng blu-ray nito!! gusto rin to mapanood ng mga ofw

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  29. tagal nman ng blu-ray nito! gusto rin to mapanood ng mga ofw

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  30. dl link please.. :)

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  31. asyong salonga was a perfect movie of the year... when me and my boyfriend watch it. both of us having fun.... becoz i like the way how ER act as asyong salonga.ASTIG SYA!!!

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  32. ipinanganak ako nung 1970 at lumaki sa panahon na halos lahat ng magagandang pelikulang pilipino ay hango sa mga tunay na buhay ng mga taong naging tanyag maging kriminal man o bayani..kaya lumaki akong naging interesado sa kanilang mga tunay na buhay hanggang sa likod ng pelikulang aking napanood at naging kritiko narin sa mga pelikula sa aking sariling pang unawa...syempre hindi ko pinalampas ang pelikulang nagbigay ng karangalan sa ating dating pangulong erap na napapanood ko sa channel9 noon...sana may mga sumunod pang mga pelikula na kagaya nito upang magbalik sa ating mga alaala kung gaano kaganda ang ating bansa sa kabila ng mga hindi magagandang pangyayari noon at ngayon.

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  33. Just wanna comment about the origin of the Salonga Clan. According from my AK professor in UP,during the Spanish era "Tondo" is part of Pampanga before. So maybe I just think that they did not migrated but rather they stayed in the same dwelling then later the place in became part of Manila. If you are to create a research about this story, I would suggest try checking the geography as well.
    On a different note, I am happy that a lot of people are now interested with this type of movies, Filipino Classic Movies. This type of remakes are very interesting especially for the young generation like ours. We did not get the chance to know these people, as well as their contribution to history. I hope many will be encouraged to produce these type of movies since it became a big hit.

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  34. cno nag sabing pumasok kyo sa lupang ito?...sa akin ang lupang ito!!!!


    Hindi kay Raven

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  35. hindi! kay asiong!!!!

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  36. your blog is extremely great, actually, that's the reason why I am surfing the net now, so I'm counting on your next blog...

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  37. yes.... you have a point ....my surname is salonga my father tells me about the story in bed time because my great grandparents were cousin of nicasio "asiong" salonga they live in pampanga ... he is the most astig in there kind and dosent listens to his parents advice until he became a king of tondo ... all beautful women want to have sex with him in honor of his brave but he was killed by his only friend his best,first friend..my father said that his last words were "sabihin mo ang mga anak ko na mahal ko sila at asawa ko hindi ito tapos hangang maobus lahat na mga CAPISTRANO dito sa tondo"...capistrano is totoy golem ...and thats all i can tell

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  38. i am james L. Salonga ako pala ang nagsulat ng blog... i will tell you his life story but no more comments
    i am a realative of asiong salonga my father always tells me this story about my great-great grandfather but i dont belive, my grandfather which he is dead today always says at me that i will look like asiong if my hair is not to much curly and with a beard we have many picture of asiong salonga and the man who killed him and some old videos but i think its broken because its been deacade ....asiong salonga live in coral street were my father live today but i live in maasin city so.leyte because there are many capistrano their in tondo or shall i say salonga's people in PORUK 1 and golem's group in PORUK 2 thats why there are many fights here in tondo...asiong salonga son name nicole salonga he is my great grandfather i am his first great grand children he always say to us that never to give up ,revenge is the greatest medicine of the angry heart of men. the friend of asiong the man who killed him is erning or my grand parents call him ninong but he was killed by his own barkada for revenge of death of the king...the fight when the burial of asiong salonga were the barakada and relatives of asiong salonga fight for revenge ...like in the movie but totoy golem was not killed by the brother of asiong salonga he was killed by constansio salonga the cousin of asiong but was too killed to during the fight and my greatgrandmother the wife of asiong salonga ran to some neigbors house to hide ...because the only thing why the poruk 2 ambush thier because they are afriad that the children of asiong will rule all the manila and will kill all the capistrano bloodline but totoy golem fail at that time he is pissed and for me some capistrano people here in maasin are good people and they know already that salonga and capistrano are enemy but they just say that just sleep , eat, relaxe and no fighting if only i punch first they will kill me ....but capisrano here are friendly those picture of asiong salonga in google are real they are stolent pics but we have many in our home with some big frame,albums,videos,his graduation in high school,his friends,his parents and bother and wife and family and etc ..................



    my grandfather say this" make your lolo happy about what you did.. but dont be like your great grand father how kills for revege, but do some of his part when he gives money to poor people and help the elders and love some women.... and people pay greats stories to you and will make your name immortal even your bones and now dust,,,you will still be alive in all peoples heart

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    1. Can you scan some of the pictures of asion salonga and upload it in the internet? it will be a great help for those who are really interested in writing a biography of him

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    2. I'm a big fan too. Please e-mail it to me too at arjay_marqz@yahoo.com. Looking forward. Thanks.

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  39. iam a big fan of movie "asiong salonga"but iam intrested in the real asiong salonga...his story...from people who knows him...or related to him.....meron pa bang mga apo si asiong sa tondo?or do you have any pics of asiong.not the other one you find in google...but pics that the people not have seen....if you still have....please can you send to my email.it was a great honor.together with the story of asiong...kindly email it to gilliebean23@gmail.com...Astig talaga si asiong....isa siyang alamat sa Tondo....

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  40. I would love to know more about Asiong Salonga. It would really be a treat if you could scan his photos and post it here on the net. Or better if you could send it to my e-mail which is talbus23@yahoo.com... Thanks! - Rene Castro of Tabaco City

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  41. I would love to know more about Asiong Salonga. And it would even be cooler if you could scan and post his pictures here on the net. Better if you could send it to my e-mail account - talbus23@yahoo.com... Thanks! :)

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  43. May kakilala akong matanda mga 70+ na ngayon, laking Tondo, ito daw si Asiong ay pinatay sa banyo habang tumatae. Ang banyo noon ay nasa labas ng bahay at pampubliko pa. Outhouse yata ang tawag sa ganung banyo. Pinalabas lang daw na nakikipag inuman siya para may dignidad naman ang pagkamatay niya siguro dahil nga kilalang tao siya. Dun sa Asiong ni Erap, napanood ko yung huling part na binaril siya habang nakikipag inuman at iyon din ang nakasulat sa internet.

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  44. SALONGA, TONDO GUNMAN, KILLED/
    October 8, 1951

    Gang Rivalry Ends Career of ‘Toughie’; Police Look into Political Angle of Fatal Shooting
    Nicasio Salonga, alias Asiong Salonga, 27, Tondo’s No.1 “tough guy,” reached the end of his shady career when he was shot and killed on Coral street, Tondo, at 5 p.m. yesterday. Apparently a victim of gangland vendetta and double-cross, Salonga toppled, mortally wounded in the head, from a sitting position atop a store counter at No.100 Coral down to the sidewalk gutters. A well-placed shot fired at close range from a Commando .38 caliber revolver by still unidentified assailant found its mark on Salonga’s head, the bullet entering his left temple and coming out of his skull. He was taken to the St. Luke’s hospital by his neighbors who saw him sprawled and bleeding in the gutters. Salonga died a few minutes after arriving at the hospital.

    The police last night sought a certain Ernesto Reyes, identified as the alleged killer of Salonga. Several phone calls received by the police pointed to Reyes as the Tondo toughie’s slayer. Reyes is a henchman of Carlos Capistrano, alias Totoy Golem. Up to early this morning, the police were making contacts to effect the surrender of Reyes. The alleged killer was expected to give himself up to the authorities.

    Police reserves were rushed to the scene as precautionary measure to avert further flow of blood as the former’s followers girded themselves to avenge their leader’s death. Three men, one of them identified as Carlos Capistrano, alias Totoy Golem, were being sought by the police for questioning. Although investigators believed Salonga was a victim of gangland vendetta and double-cross, another angle, that politics was behind the killing, is being probed. It was learned that Salonga, formerly a rabid Liberal Party follower, had shifted his alliance to the Nacionalista Party lately.



    Preliminary police investigation established that Salonga, Capistrano and the two others came from a baptismal party on Ricafort street. From the party, they went to the store owned by Apolonio Santos on Coral street where they continued drinking beer. Capistrano, whose bailiwick is San Nicolas, according to the police, had been feuding with Salonga, whose bailiwick is Tondo. Investigators presumed that when the two met at the party they decided to patch up their quarrel, hence Salonga invited Capistrano to a drinking spree. The circumstances preceding the killing, as pieced together by the police from reluctant witnesses, stated that Salonga, Capistrano and his two companions seated themselves in front of the store. Capistrano and his companions occupied a bamboo bench, while Salonga sat atop the store’s counter. After downing several bottles of beer, Capistrano, apparently feeling sick, stood up and started vomiting. As if by a pre-arranged signal, one of his companions also stood up, backed up a few steps then pulled out the gun tucked in his waist and fired at Salonga once, then took to his heels losing himself in the maze of alleys in Tondo’s slum area.



    Salonga, a sanitary inspector, had several brushes with the law with 12 charges mostly for illegal possession of firearms. His name had been linked to several murder and homicide cases but somehow had always managed to squirm out.


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    By Santiago S. Pangan/
    The Manila Chronicle

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    The police arrested Ernesto Reyes, 27, of 235 Leonor Privado street, Tondo and no bail was recommended. He turned in the murder weapon, a .38 caliber Commando revolver. Reyes denied he shot Salonga intentionally and claimed it was an accident. He said his gun went off accidentally during his scuffle with one of Salonga’s henchmen.


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