Helen Vela
Helen Vela (October 31, 1946 – February 14, 1992) was a Filipino actress and radio/TV personality in the Philippines.
Helen Vela-Punzalan | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 31, 1946 |
| Died | February 14, 1992 (aged 45) Rochester, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Occupation | Actress, broadcaster, producer |
| Years active | 1963–1992 |
| Known for | Ate Helen |
| Spouse(s) | Ben Hernandez
(m. 1973; died 1992) |
| Children | 3 (including Princess) |
| Relatives | Karen Punzalan (granddaughter) |
Early life
She was born on October 31, 1946 in Manila, Philippines.
Career
Vela appeared on GMA Network (later BBC) show, Lovingly Yours, Helen. Followed by RPN shows are Heredero and Agila.
Personal life
In 1967, Vela married broadcaster Orly Punzalan (1935–2005), with whom she had two children: Pastor Paolo Punzalan, senior pastor of Victory Fort Bonifacio, and Princess Punzalan, a nurse and former actress. They separated five years later.
In 1973, Vela married Ben Hernandez; they had one child.
Death
She died of lymphoma on February 14, 1992 (Valentine's Day) at St. Mary's Hospital, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, United States at the age of 45.[1] She was buried at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City. Alongside her lays her mother Virginia Vela, who died in 1995, and her husband Orly Punzalan, who died in 2005.
Lifetime achievement award
In 2004, the Golden Screen Awards for Television instituted a "Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award" for outstanding contribution to the Philippine television industry.
Legacy and honors
She was posthumously inducted as a Star to the Eastwood City Walk of Fame Philippines in December 2011.
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Halina Neneng Ko | |
| Fiesta Extravaganza | ||
| 1983 | Roman Rapido | Mameng |
| 1984 | Lovingly Yours Helen: The Movie | Narrator |
| 1988 | Puso sa Puso | |
| 1990 | Kung Tapos na ang Kailanman (her last film) |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980–1992 | Lovingly Yours, Helen | Host | GMA Network BBC |
| 1984–1987 | Heredero | Nina | RPN |
| 1987–1992 | Agila | Ester | RPN ABS-CBN |
| 1989–1992 | Family 3 Plus 1 | Amy | GMA Network |
References
- "Helen Vela, 45". Toledo Blade. Associated Press. February 16, 1992.
External links
- Helen Vela at IMDb