Ace Vergel
Ace York Ceasar Asturias Aguilar (November 20, 1952 – December 15, 2007), better known as Ace Vergel, was a Filipino actor dubbed "The Original Bad Boy of Philippine Movies".[1] He was the son of the late film actors Alicia Vergel and César Ramírez, and brother of actress Beverly Vergel.[2]
Ace Vergel | |
|---|---|
 Ace Vergel, from the 1996 Filipino motion picture, 'Seth Corteza' | |
| Born | Ace York Ceasar Asturias Aguilar November 20, 1952 |
| Died | December 15, 2007 (aged 55) |
| Resting place | The Garden of Devine World Columbary |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Other names | Alas, The Original Bad Boy of Philippine Movies |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1959–2003 |
| Spouse(s) | Maya Dela Cuesta |
| Children | Alejandro King Aguilar |
| Parent(s) | Alicia Vergel and César Ramírez |
| Awards | Gawad Urian Best Actor 1989 Anak ng Cabron PMPC Star Award for Movie Actor of the Year 1989 Anak ng Cabron |
Early life
He was born Ace York Ceasar Asturias Aguilar in the Philippines on November 20, 1952 to parents Alicia Vergel and Cesar Ramirez.[3] His parents were well-known stars in the 1950s.[4]
He attended Business Management and Public Relations at Ateneo de Manila University in 1975.
He was married to Maya dela Cuesta and had a son named Alejandro King dela Cuesta Aguilar.
Film career
He appeared in his first movie at the age of five using the name Ace York, where he played the friend of a giant bird in the 1959 film Anak ng Bulkan. The movie starred Fernando Poe Jr. and Edna Luna.
Alas' launching vehicle as an action star was the film Noel San Miguel (Batang City Jail) in 1978. The movie gained positive reviews and made it to the box office. The movie made him the newest action sensation during that time.
In 1989, Vergel won best actor at the Gawad Urian and PMPC Star Awards for Movies for his role in the film Anak ng Cabron.
He had the lead role in the 1996 film Seth Corteza, which was about a man who inherits turf in the criminal underworld. He wants to make changes and faces the dangers that come about as a result. The film was directed by Efren C. Piñon.[5]
In 2003, Vergel appeared in his last film Masamang Ugat from Viva Films.
Controversies
In August 2007, a warrant for arrest was issued in Caloocan for rape cases filed against him in 2000, but he was later released. He was also linked to illegal drugs, but the cases against him were dismissed.[6]
Death
Vergel died of a heart attack on December 15, 2007, at the age of 55 at Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, located in Santa Cruz, Manila.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Character | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Masamang Ugat | David | Last film appearance |
| 2001 | Carta Alas: Huwag Ka Nang Humirit | Capt. Ted Cordero | |
| 2000 | Katayan | - | |
| 1998 | Abel Villarama: Armado | Abel Villarama | |
| 1998 | Ang Joker At Ang Pistolero | Marvin / Special Participation | |
| 1998 | Sige Subukan Mo | David/Berting | |
| 1997 | Jacob C.I.S. | Jacob/Gardo (Edgardo Mactan) | |
| 1997 | Iligpit Si Victor Saraza | Victor Saraza | |
| 1997 | Utang Ko Sa Iyo Ang Buhay Ko | Wex | |
| 1996 | Huling Sagupaan | Samuel | |
| 1996 | Ten Little Indians | Brandon Valdez | |
| 1996 | Seth Corteza | Seth Corteza | |
| 1993 | Kahit Ako'y Busabos | Giller | |
| 1992 | Totoy Guwapo: Alyas Kanto Boy | Totoy Castro/Totoy Guwapo | |
| 1991 | Sagad Hanggang Buto | Banjo | |
| 1990 | Higit Na Mas Matimbang Ang Dugo | Randolph (uncredited) | |
| 1989 | Galit Sa Mundo | - | |
| 1989 | Killer vs. Ninjas | - | |
| 1988 | Anak Ng Cabron | Donato Rios | |
| 1987 | Ayokong Tumungtong Sa Lupa | - | |
| 1985 | Bomba Arienda | Roger "Bomba" Arienda | |
| 1985 | Jandro Nakpil: Halang ang Kaluluwa | Jandro Nakpil | |
| 1984 | Tong | - | |
| 1984 | Basag Ang Pula | Fernando | |
| 1984 | Isang Dakot Na Lupa | Ador | |
| 1984 | Huwag Kang Papatay | - | |
| 1983 | Pusakal | • | |
| 1983 | Kumusta Ka, Hudas? | - | |
| 1983 | Pieta | Rigor | |
| 1983 | Inside Job | Atty. Adolfo Guevarra | |
| 1982 | Zimatar | Prinsipe Akbar | |
| 1982 | Ang Tapang Para Sa Lahat! | Ricardo | |
| 1982 | Waywaya | - | |
| 1982 | Sugo | - | |
| 1982 | Annie Sabungera | Randy | |
| 1982 | Berdugo | Manuel | |
| 1982 | Tres Kantos | - | |
| 1982 | Mga Pambato | Tonyong Blackjack | |
| 1981 | ‘’Solo Alas’’ | - | |
| 1981 | Deadly Commando | - | |
| 1981 | Lukso Ng Dugo | - | |
| 1981 | Hostage 72 Oras | - | |
| 1981 | Kamandag Ng Rehas Na Bakal | Sgt. Noel Santos | |
| 1981 | Hantingan | - | |
| 1981 | Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang | Mr. Delgado / Special Participation | |
| 1981 | Ako Laban Sa Lahat | - | |
| 1981 | Dirty Games | - | |
| 1981 | Kapwa Simaron | - | |
| 1980 | Siga | Atty. Alex Noriega | |
| 1980 | Tatak Angustia | Eric | |
| 1980 | Hari ng Tondo Ikaw o Ako | Bingo Ocampo | |
| 1980 | Kodigo Penal: The Valderrama Case | Capt. Nilo Valderrama | |
| 1980 | Kanto Boy | - | |
| 1980 | Pangkat: Do or Die | - | |
| 1979 | Mahal Kong Taksil | - | |
| 1979 | Teritoryo Ko Ito | Jun Javier / Batang Dewey | |
| 1979 | Hoodlum Killer | - | |
| 1978 | Batang City Jail | Noel San Miguel | |
| 1977 | Inay | Alex | |
| 1959 | Anak Ng Bulkan | Bentoy | |
References
- "Bad Boys of Philippine Cinema". Philippine Entertainment Portal. September 3, 2009. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
- Dr, James (2012-04-22). "PELIKULA, ATBP.: ACE VERGEL (Artista Magazine, July 2, 1981)". PELIKULA, ATBP. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
- Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2007, By Harris M. Lentz III - Page 390 Vergel, Ace
- The Philippine Star, December 16, 2007 - Ace Vergel dies of heart attack at 55
- WorldCat - Seth Corteza
- "Actor Ace Vergel dies of cardiac arrest at age 55". GmaNews.tv. 2007-12-15. Retrieved 2007-12-15.