Television and film director Angel Cruz, better known as Argel Joseph, passed away Wednesday reportedly from cardiac arrest. He was 74.
Best known for his work on TV, Cruz had a longtime collaboration with the late actress and TV host Helen Vela and directed her long-running weekend drama anthology series, “Lovingly Yours, Helen.”
At the height of the show’s popularity, a movie version was made in 1984 that was also directed by Cruz and starred Coney Reyes and the late Julie Vega.
A year before that, Cruz also directed Vela, Vega and the late King of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe, Jr. in the action drama “Roman Rapido,” one of the actor’s biggest blockbusters.
His other notable films were “Parañaque Bank Robbery: The Joselito Joseco Story” in 1993 starring Gary Estrada in the title role and “Pilantik” in 2010 topbilled by Mon Confiado.
On television, Cruz went on to direct hit shows like “Pinoy Thriller,” “Regal Shocker,” “Coney Reyes-Mumar on the Set,” “Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang,” “Joaquin Bordado,” “Yagit,” and “Magpakailanman.”
For TV5, Cruz directed shows like “Glamorosa,” “Felina: Prinsesa ng mga Pusa,” “Untold Stories,” “The Sisters,” “Third Eye,” and “Cassandra: Warrior Princess.”
The director’s remains are open for viewing to the public at the Heavenly Memorial Chapel in Sta. Cruz, Lubao, Pampanga.
