Throwback: Alma Moreno as 'Tangga Queen'

MANILA -- Alma Moreno considers the late '80s as the most memorable part of her career, as this was the time she shot to popularity not only as an actress but as a dance floor icon.

Already with several films to her name at the time, Moreno, with her sensual dance moves and signature costume, earned the title "Tangga Queen." She took the sexy outfit to stage in several of her shows, including "Loveliness" in 1988.

"Hanggang ngayon, tatak ko parin 'yun. Hindi nawawala. Pag pinag-usapan 'yung tangga, hindi pwedeng hindi mabanggit si Alma Moreno," the 54-year-old actress-politician told ABS-CBN News' Mario Dumaual in the upcoming episode of "Biyaheng Retro," which will air at 9:00 p.m. January 19 on Jeepney TV (channel 9 on SkyCable).

Referred to then as "body language," Moreno's dance moves only appeared easy to pull off. Behind the scenes, the actress recalled, she would fall repeatedly during rehearsals, sustaining bruises.

Even on camera, Moreno said there were numerous hitches she had to survive. She recalled an instance when she danced to the wrong music on live TV while making it appear it was part of the routine.

At the time, Moreno's contemporaries were Vilma Santos, Maricel Soriano, and Carmi Martin, who each had their own dance programs. While they shared similarities -- being film stars who also happen to dance -- Moreno noted that they each became known for the talent, separate from their acting.

Asked why she thinks the phenomenon of "dance royalties" has yet to make a comeback, Moreno said, "Kasi siguro sa dami [ng sumasayaw]."

"Kasi noong panahon namin, ilang lang kami. Si Vi, ako, si Maria. Iyon 'yung mga magkakaano... Iilan lang kami. Kasi ngayon, angdami, eh. Kaya walang tumatatak. Hindi tulad namin," she said.

Over two decades since her "Tangga Queen" days, Moreno now serves as a councilor in Paranaque City, and is currently the president of the Philippine Councilors League.

She said much of her success today, she owes to "Loveliness."

"Malaking bagay sa akin iyan," she said. "Nakilala ako bilang Alma Moreno dahil sa pagsasayaw ko. Kaya pinagmamalaki ko na naging dancer ako, naging 'Tangga Queen' ako."

In the January 19 episode of "Biyaheng Retro," Moreno also talks about her past and present relationships. Aside from Moreno, other dance stars who will be featured in the episode, which will have replays on Sundays, are Regine Tolentino, Georcelle Dapat-Sy, and Maja Salvador.