Helen Vela Hernandez (formerly Punzalan; October 31, 1946 – February 14, 1992) was a Filipino actress and radio/TV personality.

Helen Vela Hernandez
Born
Helen Vela

(1946-10-31)October 31, 1946
DiedFebruary 14, 1992(1992-02-14) (aged 45)
NationalityFilipino
Other namesAte Helen
Helen Vela Punzalan
Occupation(s)Actress, broadcaster, producer
Years active1963–1992
Known forLovingly Yours, Helen
Spouses
(m. 1967; div. 1973)
Ben Hernandez
(m. 1973)
Children4, including Princess
RelativesKaren Punzalan (granddaughter)

Early life

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

Career

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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

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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, born Bernadette Vela Punzalan,[4] a nurse and former actress. They separated five years later and divorced. In 1973, Vela remarried, to Ben Hernandez. They had a son, Reuben.[citation needed]

Death

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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 first husband Orly Punzalan, who died in 2005.[citation needed]

Lifetime achievement award

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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

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She was posthumously inducted as a Star to the Eastwood City Walk of Fame Philippines in December 2011.

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role
1969 Halina Neneng Ko
Fiesta Extravaganza
1983 Roman Rapido Mameng
1984 Lovingly Yours, Helen (The Movie) Narrator
1988 Puso sa Puso Wilma
Angelica, Sugo sa Lupa
1990 Kung Tapos na ang Kailanman (her last film)

Television

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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

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  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 August 14, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Helen Vela, 45". Toledo Blade. Associated Press. February 16, 1992.
  3. ^ Lo, Ricky (October 10, 2011). "Christian and 'living it'". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  4. ^ National Mid-week. Lagda Pub. Incorporated. 1986. p. 33. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
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