Nestor Torre Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1942-05-06)May 6, 1942 |
| Died | April 6, 2021(2021-04-06) (aged 78) Manila, Philippines |
Nestor Urbina Torre Jr. (May 6, 1942 – April 6, 2021) was a Filipino writer, editor, film and television director, scriptwriter,theater actor, andmedia critic.
Nestor Torre Jr. was born on May 6, 1942[1] to Capt. Nestor Torre and Isabelita Urbina with the former being a harbor pilot based inCagayan de Oro. Torre attendedXavier University in Cagayan de Oro for his elementary, high school and collegiate studies. He also studied in the United States, attending theNorthwestern University inIllinois where he obtained a master's degree in journalism, radio, and television.[2]
Following his studies in the United States, Torre taught broadcast media at theUniversity of the Philippines[which?].[2] He also became involved in theperforming arts becoming a director, scriptwriter and actor for theater acts.[1]
He started his career as director after he was asked by Pete Roa to direct the 1960s talk showTwo for the Road which aired inABS-CBN. Roa was the partner of Boots Anson-Roa who was Torre's mentor as a broadcast media student.[3][4] The show was hosted by Elvira Manahan and Joey Lardizabal. Following Lardizabal's death, Torre became a co-host of the show he directed. The 1971 filmCrush Ko si Sir which starredHilda Koronel was directed and written by Torre.[1] Torre went on to write screenplays for other films, among which wereKhayam and I (1974) andAng Isinilang Ko Ba'y Kasalanan? (1977).[3]
As a writer, Torre worked as a columnist forMr. & Ms. magazine from the late 1970s to the 1980s. He also worked as an editor for the publication.[1] On December 27, 1983, Torre was made head of the new 36-member Film Academy Classification Board (FACB) of theFilm Academy of the Philippines (FAP), differentiating itself from theBoard of Review for Motion Pictures and Television by simply classifying films submitted for review without engaging in censorship.[5] For thePhilippine Daily Inquirer, he wrote the long-running "Viewfinder" column and was the editor for its "Saturday Special".[3]
Torre also worked with Filipino composerRyan Cayabyab. He did work for Cayabyab's first biographical musicalKaty (1998) and directedMagsimula Ka where Gines Tan provided the music and Cayabyab lent music-direction. Torre also wrote Cayabyab's musicalMagnificat.[1]
He was also a film and television critic, with his critiques at one point being posted at bulletin boards in the offices ofABS-CBN for the actors and production staff to take note of.[1]
Amidst theCOVID-19 pandemic, Torre died on April 6, 2021, at age 78 while confined at theSanta Ana Hospital inManila. The cause of his death was due to complications fromCOVID-19.[6] Torre also had a bout with a stroke three years prior to his death.[4]
The guidelines [for film classification] were finally ratified and on Dec. 27[, 1983], the Film Academy Classification Board was formed, headed by Nestor Torre[...]