Helen Vela

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Helen Vela Hernandez
Born
Helen Vela

(1946-10-31)October 31, 1946
Manila, Philippines
DiedFebruary 14, 1992(1992-02-14) (aged 45)
Rochester, Minnesota, U.S.
Other namesAte Helen
Helen Vela Punzalan
OccupationsActress, broadcaster, producer
Years active1963–1992
Known forLovingly Yours, Helen
Spouses
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1967; div. 1973)​
      Ben Hernandez
      ​
      (m. 1973)​
      Children4, including Princess
      RelativesKaren Punzalan (granddaughter)

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

      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, 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.

      Death

      Velas's grave at Manila Memorial Park – Sucat.

      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.

      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 Wilma
      Angelica, Sugo sa Lupa
      1990 Kung Tapos na ang Kailanman (her last film)

      Television

      Year Title Role
      1980–1992 Lovingly Yours, Helen Host
      1984–1987 Heredero Nina
      1987–1992 Agila Ester
      1989–1992 Family 3 Plus 1 Amy

      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 August 14, 2021.
      2. "Helen Vela, 45". Toledo Blade. Associated Press. February 16, 1992. Archived from the original on November 5, 2020. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
      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.