My Story
SOFIA MORAN One of the Philippines sexiest women in Show Business from the 1960's to the 1970's
The Philippine actress began her film career in the Philippines in 1967 shortly after Joseph Estrada, then the country's biggest box-office draw and action star, discovered her in Manila during a Talent Showcase. She was then known with her birth name, Soledad Ballon who was born in 1945 in Camarines Sur in the province of Bicol. Joseph Estrada, who later was elected as the 13th President of the Philippines, with his production team were so enamored by her physical beauty and mixed Italian features, rechristened her with the name Sofia Moran and inevitably became dubbed the Sophia Loren of the Philippine cinema.
In 1968 Sofia was chosen as the Brand Ambassador and Spokesperson for Del Monte Corporation.
Early Career
Sofia was immediately featured in Valiente Brothers, starring Joseph Estrada, Jess Lapid, and Jun Aristorenas, the biggest action stars in the country in 1968, and famously Directed by Augusto Buenaventura.
Sofia Moran made over 60 Filipino and International movies between 1967 and 1974, sharing and starring next to the biggest leading male movie stars in the business to include Fernando Poe Jr., Tony Ferrer, Eddie Garcia, Zaldy Zschornak, Vic Vargas, Bernard Bonin, Jun Aristorenas and the legendary Manuel Conde.
Legendary Role as Princess Gismenia
Sofia starred in many of the Philippines historical movie classics, notably 7 Infantes de Lara (1973) as Princess Gismenia, with the legendary and award-winning filmmaker, Philippine National Artist, Manuel Conde.
Iconic Movie Role as Teresa
Iconic Movie Role as Teresa
In 1971 an internationally acclaimed genre film Women in Cages (U.S.), Sofia Moran starred with Pam Grier in this cult movie directed by Gerry de Leon, and produced by, now Oscar legend and winner, Roger Corman.
Iconic Movie Role as Teresa
Iconic Movie Role as Teresa
Iconic Movie Role as Teresa
Women in Cages was one of the most successful independent films ever released, and was prominently featured in the Planet Terror portion of the 2007 film Grindhouse directed by Quentin Tarantino
Iconic Movie Role as Teresa
In August 2007, Grindhouse Director Quentin Tarantino said of the film, "I'm a huge, huge fan of Gerry de Leon.... the film (Women in Cages) is just harsh, harsh, harsh," he said, and described the final shot as one of "devastating despair."
Sofia generated critical international reviews from her role as Teresa in Women in Cages and was nominated as Best Actress in a Supporting Role during the Manila Film Festival
All Around Entertainer
Sofia Moran was not only successful with her movie career, but also tremendous success as a seasoned Entertainer/Singer with her own "Las Vegas" style shows influenced by Ann-Margaret and Cher, travelling around the country as well as abroad. A Recording Artist with 3 Top 20 record hits, Sofia was also regular performer in the famous stages of the Manila Opera House, Gala Theater and Victoria Peak nightclub.
Early Retirement
In 1974 after a very successful career in the Philippine's entertainment industry, Sofia migrated to the Unites States and her three children Dante Jr., Cristina and Marco who soon followed in 1977 to reunite with her husband, Dante Magdaluyo, Sr. in Las Vegas, Nevada.
She continued to be a sought after celebrity in Las Vegas from 1974 to 2010, accepting very selective invitations as a host or perform in many of the Special Events for the Filipino-American community in Las Vegas.
In 1986, Soledad (Sofia) won and was crowned Mrs. Philippines Terno - U.S. that was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, adding to her already extensive accomplishments.