Helen Vela
| Helen Vela-Punzalan | |
|---|---|
| Born |
October 31, 1946 Manila, Philippines |
| Died |
February 14, 1992 (aged 45) Rochester, Minnesota, United States |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Occupation | Actress, broadcaster, producer |
| Years active | 1963–1992 |
| Known for | Ate Helen |
| Spouse(s) |
Orly Punzalan (1967-1973; separated) Ben Hernandez (1973-1992; her death) |
| Children |
Princess Punzalan Paolo Punzalan Rueben Hernandez-Punzalan |
| Relatives | Karen Punzalan (granddaughter) |
Helen Vela (October 31, 1946 – February 14, 1992) was a Filipino actress and radio/TV personality in the Philippines.
Early life
She was born on October 31, 1946 in Manila, Philippines.
Personal life
She was married to broadcaster Orly Punzalan (1935–2005), with 3 children: Pastor Paolo Punzalan (Senior Pastor of Victory Fort Bonifacio), Reuben and Princess Punzalan.
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 & Honors
She was posthimously inducted as a Star to the Eastwood City Walk Of Fame Philippines in December 2011.
Filmography
Television
| Title | Role | Network | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Canteen | Host | GMA Network | 1975–1986 |
| GMA Balita | Anchor | GMA Network | 1986–1992 |
| Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko | Host | GMA Network | 1975–1985 |
| Lovingly Yours, Helen | Host | GMA Network | 1980–1992 |
| Heredero | Nina | RPN | 1984–1987 |
| Eat Bulaga! | Host | RPN then ABS-CBN | 1986-1991 |
| Agila | Ester | RPN then ABS-CBN | 1987–1992 |
| Family 3 Plus 1 | Amy | GMA Network | 1989–1992 |
Movies
| Title | Role | Films | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halina Neneng Ko | JBC Productions | 1969 | |
| Fiesta Extravaganza | JBC Productions | 1969 | |
| Roman Rapido | Mameng | BSH Films & LVN Films | 1983 |
| Lovingly Yours Helen: The Movie | Host | BSH Films | 1984 |
| Puso Sa Puso | Seiko Films | 1988 | |
| Kung Tapos Na Ang Kailanman (her last film) | Seiko Films | 1990 |
References
- ↑ "Helen Vela, 45". Toledo Blade. Associated Press. February 16, 1992.