Helen Vela

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In this Philippine name for married women, the birth middle name or maternal family name is unknown, the birth surname or paternal family name is Vela, and the marital name is Hernandez.
Helen Vela
Born(1946-10-31)October 31, 1946
Manila, Philippines
DiedFebruary 14, 1992(1992-02-14) (aged 45)
Rochester, Minnesota, U.S.
NationalityFilipino
OccupationActress, broadcaster, producer
Years active1963–1992
Known forAte Helen
Spouse(s)
​
​
(m. 1967; div. 1973)​

Ben Hernandez
​
​
(m. 1973; died 1992)​
Children3 (including Princess)
RelativesKaren Punzalan (granddaughter)

Helen Vela (October 31, 1946 – February 14, 1992) was a Filipina actress and radio/TV personality in the Philippines.

Early life[]

She was born on October 31, 1946 in Manila, Philippines.

Career[]

Vela started her career in broadcasting as a radio announcer.[2] She appeared on GMA Network (later BBC) show, Lovingly Yours, Helen. Followed by RPN shows are Heredero and Agila. She was also a presenter at GMA Balita, GMA's first early evening Filipino newscast.

Personal life[]

In 1967, Vela married broadcaster Orly Punzalan (1935–2005), with whom she had two children: Pastor Paolo Punzalan,[3] senior pastor of Victory Fort Bonifacio, and Princess Punzalan,[4] 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.[2] She was buried at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City. Alongside her lies her mother Virginia Vela, who died in 1995, and her estranged 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[]

  1. ^ Rodrigo, Raul (2006). Kapitan: Geny Lopez and the Making of ABS-CBN. ABS-CBN Pub. p. 231. ISBN 978-971-816-111-1. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Helen Vela, 45". Toledo Blade. Associated Press. February 16, 1992.
  3. ^ Lo, Ricky (10 October 2011). "Christian and 'living it'". Philstar.com. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  4. ^ National Mid-week. Lagda Pub. Incorporated. 1986. p. 33. Retrieved 14 August 2021.

External links[]

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