Rafael Aranda Roco, Jr. (born November 20, 1953), professionally known as Bembol Roco, is a Filipino actor whose work ranges from films to television. He is best known for his role as Julio Madiaga in the 1975 film Manila in the Claws of Light, which has since gained prominence as one of the greatest Philippine films of all time.[1] He also had an important role in the 1982 Australian-U.S. film The Year of Living Dangerously. He also portrayed villain roles in Filipino action movies due to his signature bald head[2] as well as various supporting roles.

Bembol Roco
Born
Rafael Aranda Roco, Jr.

(1953-11-20) November 20, 1953 (age 70)
Other namesBembol Roco
OccupationActor
Years active1970–present
Height178 cm (5 ft 10 in)
Children

He has twin sons[3] named Felix[4] and Dominic.[5]

He is well known for his collaborations with director Lino Brocka, where he is a part of a group of actors called "Brocka babies",[6][7] and directors such as Ishmael Bernal, Chito S. Roño, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, and Joel Lamangan in the late twentieth century.

Filmography

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Film

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  • Boy Kodyak (1970) - Detective Teo Rosa[8]
  • Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa (1974) - Rocky
  • Manila in the Claws of Light (1975) - Julio Madiaga
  • Sakada (1976) - youth activist David[9]
  • Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976) - USAFEE fighter Crispin[10]
  • Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules, Huwebes, Biyernes, Sabado, Linggo (1976)[11]
  • Itim (1976)
  • Hubad Na Bayani (1977)
  • Tisoy! (1977) - Julio Madiaga
  • Babae, Huwag Kang Tukso (1977)
  • Sa Piling ng mga Sugapa (1977)
  • Banta ng Kahapon (1977)
  • Boy Pana (Terror ng Maynila '63) (1978) - Boy Pana
  • Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak (1978)
  • Lagi Na Lamang Ba Akong Babae? (1978) - Eric
  • Hayop sa Hayop (1978)
  • Kid Kaliwete (1978) - Kid Kaliwete
  • Isa... Dalawa... Tatlo... Ang Tatay Kong Kalbo (1979)
  • Midnight Show (1979)
  • Ang Leon, ang Tigre, at ang Alamid (1979)[12]
  • Kanto Boy (1980) - Kanto Boy
  • Gabi ng Lagim Ngayon (1980) - Abel
  • Pinay, American Style (1980) - Nonoy
  • Beach House (1980)
  • Pangkat Do or Die (1980)
  • Alyas Boy Kalbo (1980)
  • Taga sa panahon (1980)
  • Intrusion: Cambodia (1981)
  • Bulldog (1981)
  • Pabling (1981)
  • Totoy Guwapo (1981)
  • Asal Hayop (1981)
  • Five and the Skin (1982) - Bembol
  • Tres Kantos (1982)
  • The Year of Living Dangerously (1982) - Kumar
  • Over My Dead Body (1983)
  • Minsan, May Isang Ina (1983)
  • 'Merika (1984) - Mon
  • Bagets (1984) - Buko vendor
  • Halang ang Kaluluwa (1985)
  • Gabi Na, Kumander (1986)
  • Teritoryo Ko Ito (1986)
  • Alamat ng Ninja Kuno (1986)
  • Top Mission (1987)
  • Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak (1987)
  • Fight for Us (1989) - Kumander Kontra[13]
  • Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita (1989) - Rod
  • Anak ni Baby Ama (1990) - Junior Bahala (Released Date: September 26, 1990)
  • Urbanito Dizon (1990) - Pol
  • Biokids (1990)
  • Gumapang Ka sa Lusak (1990) - Falcon
  • Hindi Kita Iiwanang Buhay: Kapitan Paile (1990) - Sgt. Dalisay (Released Date: November 20, 1990)
  • Lover's Delight (1990)
  • Kidlat ng Maynila: Joe Pring 2 (1991) - Buwang
  • Kalaban Mortal ni Baby Ama (1991)
  • Eddie Tagalog: Pulis Makati (1992)
  • Kanto Boy: Alyas Kanto Boy (1992) - Morris/Shiny
  • Patayin si Billy Zapanta – Order of Battle: Enemy No. 1 (1992) - Patrolman Martin
  • Parolado: Partners in Crime (1993) – Enrico Silvano
  • Sana'y Ikaw Na Nga (1993)
  • Talahib at Rosas (1994) – Kumander Baliling
  • Wating (1994) – Bert
  • Nagkataon... Nagkatagpo (1994) – Guzman
  • Lucas Abelardo (1994) – Mayor
  • Pulis Patola 2 (1995)
  • Ikaw Pa... Eh Love Kita (1995) – Benjie
  • The Grepor Butch Belgica Story (1995) – Enemy in jail
  • Asero (1995) – Spade
  • Matimbang Pa sa Dugo (1995) - Sabater
  • Iligpit si Bobby Ortega: Markang Bungo 2 (1995) - Martin
  • Humanda Ka, Babalikan Kita (1996)
  • Tubusin Mo ng Bala ang Puso Ko (1996) – Lt. Miranda
  • Detective: Michael & Jackson (1996) – Steven Founders
  • Wala Nang Iibigin Pang Iba (1997) – Rufo
  • Ipaglaban Mo II: The Movie (1997) – Sgt. Macatulos
  • Kadre (1997)
  • Iskalawag (1997)[14]
  • Anak ng Bulkan (1997)[15] – Pulon
  • Di Puwedeng Hindi Puwede! (1999) – Mendez
  • Esperanza: The Movie (1999) – Luis
  • Bulaklak ng Maynila (1999) – Roque
  • Palaban (2000) – Barikan
  • Biyaheng Langit (2000) – Bossing
  • Markova: Comfort Gay (2000) – Puging
  • Homecoming (2003) – Mr. Edades
  • U Belt (2004) – Major
  • Ang Anak ni Brocka (2005)
  • Boso (2005) - Tata Nando
  • The Great Raid (2005) - Henchman #2
  • Tuli (2005)
  • Donsol (2006)[16] – Fidel
  • First Day High (2006) – Investigator Matriponio
  • Faces of Love (2007)
  • Ang M.O.N.A.Y. ni Mr. Shooli (Misteyks Opda Neysion Adres Yata) (2007)
  • Pi7ong Tagpo (2007) - Fred Rodriguez
  • Batanes: Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan (2007) – Boy
  • Maynila sa mga Pangil ng Dilim (2008)
  • U.P.C.A.T. (2008) – Mang Avelino
  • Kinuluyang Kiti (2009) – Udong
  • Oh, My Girl! (2009) – Director
  • Miss You Like Crazy (2010) – Efren Samonte
  • Pendong (2010) – Mariano Verona
  • Amigo (2011) – Policarpio[17]
  • Dagim (2010)[18]
  • Forever and a Day (2011)
  • Isda (2011)
  • Aswang (2011) – Moises, king of the Abuwaks[19]
  • Thy Womb (2012) – Bang-Asan[20]
  • Tinik (2013)
  • Boy Golden: Shoot to Kill (2013) – Frederico delos Reyes
  • K'na, the Dreamweaver (2014)
  • Tres ("Faith, Love, Time & Dr. Lazaro" segment, 2014) – Dr. Lazaro
  • Gangster Lolo (2014)[21]
  • Piring (2015)
  • Felix Manalo (2015) – Quintín Rivera
  • Angela Markado (2015) – Benito
  • Pedicab (2016)
  • What Home Feels Like (2017)
  • Baconaua (2017)
  • AWOL (2017)
  • Dark Is the Night (2017)
  • Smaller and Smaller Circles (2017)
  • Huwag Kang Lalabas ("Bahay" segment; 2021)
  • Nagalit ang Patay sa Haba ng Lamay: Da Resbak (2023)
  • Kuya: The Governor Edwin Jubahib Story (upcoming)[22]

Television

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Year Title Role Network
1995 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Abo Igme ABS-CBN
1997–1999 Esperanza Luis Miguel
1999–2000 Labs Ko Si Babe Silvestre "Rocky" Escallon
2001–2003 Recuerdo de Amor Ward
2002–2003 Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw Oscar GMA Network
2006 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Palaisdaan Gusting ABS-CBN
Sa Piling Mo Al Fernandez
Komiks Presents: Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko Kadyo
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Korte Ernie
2006–2007 Maging Sino Ka Man Tomas Arroyo
2007 Asian Treasures Marcus Vergara GMA Network
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Rosaryo Alberto Bautista ABS-CBN
Pangarap na Bituin Alex Rodriguez
2007–2008 Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik Tomas Arroyo
2008 Iisa Pa Lamang Martin Dela Rhea
Komiks Presents: Kapitan Boom Hector Dasmaquinoz
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Singsing Jun
2009–2010 Sine Novela: Tinik Sa Dibdib Tiburcio "Tibo" Yadao GMA Network
2009 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Medal Of Valor Domeng Rubi ABS-CBN
2010–2011 Beauty Queen Angelo "Anya" Castillo [2] GMA Network
2011 Sisid Don Segismundo Zaragoza
Sa Ngalan ng Ina Armando "Amang" Deogracias TV5
2011–2012 Ikaw ay Pag-Ibig Robert Jimenez ABS-CBN
2012 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Gayuma Vic
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Motorsiklo Danilo
One True Love Henry Sandoval GMA Network
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Komiks Gilbert ABS-CBN
2013 May Isang Pangarap Turing
Bayan Ko Ernesto Santiago GMA News TV
Pyra: Babaeng Apoy Cesar Ortiz GMA Network
Muling Buksan ang Puso Ernie Cabigas ABS-CBN
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Dream House Paeng
2014 Mars Ravelo's Dyesebel Fabian Reyes
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Kwintas Bert
Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon Fidel De Guzman
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Nurse Cap Mr. Palma
2015 Karelasyon Warren GMA Network
2015–2016 Little Nanay Berto Batongbuhay
2016 Once Again Romulo Del Mundo
FPJ's Ang Probinsyano PC/Supt. Redentor Almario ABS-CBN
2018 Pepito Manaloto Benny Manaloto GMA Network
The One That Got Away Pancho Makalintal
2019 Kara Mia Sio
The Gift Crispin Anzures
2022 Lolong Narsing Candelaria†
2023 Big Bet Daniel Netflix
Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis Ulo GMA Network

Awards

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Year Category Work Award Giving Body
1976 Best Actor Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag [23] FAMAS award
- Best Actor Sa Piling Ng Mga Sugapa [23][24] Urian award
- Best Actor Esperanza [23] Star Awards
2016 Best Actor Pauwi Na [25] ToFarm Awards
2017 Best Actor Pauwi Na [26] Luna Awards
2017 Best Actor What Home Feels Like [27] ToFarm Awards

References

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  1. ^ Labastilla, Skilty C. (November 2017). "On Film Polls and Pinoy Rebyu". Plaridel. 14 (2): 195–205. doi:10.52518/2017.14.2-15cmpos. S2CID 245578823. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Mendoza, Ruel J (December 12, 2010). "Bembol Roco and Tirso Cruz III portray gays in respective TV shows; Bembol enjoys unusual challenge, Tirso feels new respect for gays". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  3. ^ "Bembol Roco settles long-standing rift with twin sons Felix and Dominic". GMA News Online. November 8, 2015. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  4. ^ Lagura, Trina (October 9, 2008). "Young actor Felix Roco teams up with dad, Bembol, in indie film". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  5. ^ Gallardo, Ricky (October 1, 2018). "For Dominic Roco, acting is life | Ricky Gallardo". BusinessMirror. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  6. ^ San Diego Jr, Bayani (September 8, 2016). "Bembol Roco, Boyet de Leon reunite in new film". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  7. ^ San Diego Jr, Bayani (April 7, 2013). "Bembol Roco revisits 'Maynila'". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  8. ^ Tiongson, Nicanor G. (1983). The Urian Anthology, 1970-1979: Selected Essays on Tradition and Innovation in the Filipino Cinema of the 1970s by the Manunuri Ng Pelikulang Pilipino : with about 550 Photos and Illustrations and a Filmography of Philippine Movies, 1970-1979. M.L. Morato. p. 284. ISBN 978-971-10-3000-1. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
  9. ^ Espiritu, Talitha (April 15, 2017). Passionate Revolutions: The Media and the Rise and Fall of the Marcos Regime. Ohio University Press. ISBN 978-0-89680-498-2. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
  10. ^ CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art: Philippine film. Cultural Center of the Philippines. 1994. p. 193. ISBN 978-971-8546-31-4. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  11. ^ Hernando, Mario A. (1993). Lino Brocka: The Artist and His Times. Sentrong Pangkultura ng Pilipinas. p. 172. ISBN 978-971-8546-16-1. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
  12. ^ CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art: Philippine film. Cultural Center of the Philippines. 1994. p. 247. ISBN 978-971-8546-31-4. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  13. ^ Quiros, Conrado De (1990). Flowers from the Rubble. Anvil Pub. p. 23. ISBN 9789712700514. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  14. ^ Yeatter, Bryan L. (2007). Cinema of the Philippines: A History and Filmography, 1897-2005. McFarland & Company. p. 301. ISBN 978-0-7864-3047-5. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
  15. ^ Red, Isah V. (December 20, 1997). "Home is where the heart is". Manila Standard. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
  16. ^ "Donsol..." Philippine Daily Inquirer. December 2, 2006. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
  17. ^ "Phl's finest actors cast in Amigo". Philstar.com. January 20, 2011. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  18. ^ "Dimples Romana plays Ces Drilon-inspired role". ABS-CBN News. November 3, 2010. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  19. ^ Villanueva, Earl (November 5, 2011). "PEP REVIEW: Aswang presents a strong narrative combined with visually stunning cinematography". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  20. ^ Cartalaba, Jude (December 5, 2012). "Thy Womb: Brillante Mendoza's finest". Rappler. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  21. ^ "Expendables Filipino style". Philstar.com. Manila, Philippines: Philstar Global Corp. November 15, 2014. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  22. ^ Raymond Ngan (August 10, 2023). Shooting of "KUYA" in Ternate Cavite. Facebook (in Filipino). Meta Platforms, Inc. Event occurs at 1:53. Retrieved August 15, 2023. Nandito na rin si Sir Bembol [Roco], si Ricardo Cepeda...
  23. ^ a b c Tariman, Pablo A. (October 14, 2011). "The prime of Bembol Roco". Philstar.com. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  24. ^ Tiongson, Nicanor G. (1983). The Urian Anthology, 1970-1979: Selected Essays on Tradition and Innovation in the Filipino Cinema of the 1970s by the Manunuri Ng Pelikulang Pilipino : with about 550 Photos and Illustrations and a Filmography of Philippine Movies, 1970-1979. M.L. Morato. p. 11. ISBN 978-971-10-3000-1. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  25. ^ Tuazon, Nikko (July 22, 2016). "Bembol Roco tied with Aeta tribe member for Best Actor at 1st To Farm Film Fest". GMA News Online. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  26. ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, Luna Awards 2017". Rappler. August 27, 2017. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  27. ^ "Rare feat for Bembol Roco". INQUIRER.net. July 20, 2017. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
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