Helen Vela
Born(1946-10-31)October 31, 1946
Manila, Philippines
DiedFebruary 14, 1992(1992-02-14) (aged 45)
Rochester, Minnesota, U.S.
NationalityFilipino
Occupation(s)Actress, broadcaster, producer
Years active1963–1992
Known forAte Helen
Spouses
​
​
(m. 1967; div. 1973)​
    Ben Hernandez
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1973; died 1992)​
    Children4 (including Princess)
    RelativesKaren Punzalan (granddaughter)

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

    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 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 August 14, 2021.
    2. 1 2 "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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