Paraluman: Goddess of Beauty

Kamukha mo si Paraluman, nung tayo ay bata pa... at ang galing galing mong sumayaw.

We have heard this Eraser Heads' Huling El Bimbo
hit song many times over but have you ever asked yourself.. Sino ba si Paraluman? Who is Paramluman?

At her prime, Paraluman (Tagalog for goddess) was seen by many as the Philippines’ version of Greta Garbo with both having similar facial characteristics. They both had, “perfect bone structure, svelte figure, long brown hair, hypnotic eyes, an impenetrable gaze and an expressive face capable of registering any emotion.”

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Her real name was Sigrid Sophia Agatha von Giese.

She was introduced to showbiz career by her younger sister Lily through Luis Nolasco of Filippine Films.

Nolasco then introduced her in her first appearance at Flores de Mayo (1940) using the screen name Mina de Gracia.

She was renamed "Paraluman" (archaic Tagalog for "muse" or "magnetic needle") by Fernando Poe Sr., who signed her as a full-fledged star in X’otic Films' Paraluman in 1941, launching her to full stardom.

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Towards the end of World War 2, it was widely rumored that Paraluman was a mistress of Yamashita.

When Yamashita surrendered, the USAFFE captured them in the hopes to save Paraluman, her family and accomplices from the Filipino mob who wants to kill them for being “Maka-Pili” (traitor). A Filipino Lieutenant eventually saved them after Paraluman begged for their lives. She was bald when captured due to lice infestation while in hiding.

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After the war, Paraluman returned to acting.

She then starred in more than 70 films. She was nominated four times by the FAMAS, twice in 1959 for Best Actress for the Sampaguita movies Bobby and Anino ni Bathala, in 1972 for Best Supporting Actress for Lilet and in 1976 also for Best Supporting Actress for Mister Mo, Lover Boy Ko. She retired in 1985 after doing Kailan Sasabihing Mahal Kita.

She later died in 2009 due to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/461706/death-reveals-paralumans-well-kept-secret?nomobile=1