Weng Weng was a Filipino actor who became a well-known figure in international cinema during the 1980s, thanks to appearances in films such as For Y’ur Height Only and The Impossible Kid. Known for his small stature and unique screen presence, he carved out a career in action and comedy films that blended martial arts and slapstick humor.

Although his fame was relatively short-lived, some of his films have gained a cult following, allowing those who appreciate Filipino Goon Cinema to watch his movies.


Early Life

Weng Weng was born Ernesto de la Cruz on September 7, 1957, in Baclaran, Parañaque, Philippines. He was the youngest of five children. His mother worked doing laundry, and his father was an electrician. From birth, he faced physical challenges due to primordial dwarfism, which left him standing at just 2 feet 9 inches tall as an adult. He was so small at birth that he was not expected to survive, and he spent the first 12 months of his life in a box incubator. Weng Weng’s father died when he was young, leaving his mother to raise the family in poverty.

Though his size made childhood difficult, his mother supported him and encouraged him to live as normal a life as possible. He was considered a happy child, although quiet and introverted. He developed an early interest in physical activity, particularly martial arts, and watched as many martial arts movies as possible. He would later go on to study karate.

Career

Weng Weng began his journey in the film industry during the late 1970s, at a time when films in the Philippines were made quickly and on low budgets. His skills in karate and stunt work caught the attention of filmmakers Bobby A. Suarez and Luis San Juan, and he soon found himself cast in small roles in films by Peter and Cora Caballes of Liliw Productions. Even as the budgets of his films increased and his roles grew from supporting to leading, Weng Weng was often paid very little.

His big break came in 1981 with the film Agent 00, where he starred as a pint-sized secret agent. In the film, Weng Weng played a James Bond–style character, performing stunts, fighting villains, and using his size and agility for both comedic and dramatic effect. Audiences were captivated by his agility, charm, and the novelty of seeing a hero who defied conventional expectations. Weng Weng then starred in For Y’ur Height Only (aka Y’ur Height Only), in which Weng Weng again plays Agent 00, who must rescue a kidnapped scientist, fight various goons, and, of course, save the girl.

In 1981, First Lady Imelda Marcos set up the Manila International Film Festival to showcase Filipino culture. The only film that sold was For Y’ur Height Only. The movie became a surprise success in the Philippines, which brought Weng Weng international recognition and introduced him to President Ferdinand Marcos and Imelda, with whom he became friends.

Thanks to the success of For Y’ur Height Only, he starred in the follow-up, The Impossible Kid, which featured more stunts and action sequences than the first movie.

Peter and Cora Caballes eventually separated, primarily due to Peter’s infidelity and Cora becoming a councilor. They disbanded Liliw Productions, taking the profits from Weng Weng’s films, very little of which went to Weng Weng or anyone else involved in the productions. Without the support of the Caballes family, Weng Weng’s career came to a swift end.

Personal Life and Legacy

There are a number of myths about Weng Weng, such as that he was a stand-up comic or listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the shortest lead actor in a movie. However, Guinness has never formally recognized him in that category, and he was not a stand-up comic. There is also a story that he served as a secret agent. His small stature supposedly allowed him to sneak into places. President Ferdinand Marcos gave him a title as an agent, but it was in name only. He did no actual spy work… or did he? I guess we will never know.

Outside of the spotlight, Weng Weng lived a modest and private life. Although loved by everyone who met him, he was often described as lonely, with most of his connections being shallow. He found it difficult to form deep relationships due to his size. He never married and remained closely tied to his family. Despite his celebrity, he did not enjoy financial security and struggled once his career came to an end.

Weng Weng suffered a stroke that partially paralyzed him, and he passed away at his family home on August 29, 1992, at the age of 34, due to complications from a heart attack brought on by his condition.

Though his time in the spotlight was brief, Weng Weng has since been rediscovered by new generations of film enthusiasts. Documentaries such as The Search for Weng Weng and various retrospectives have revisited his career, celebrating his unique contribution to cinema and the joy he brought to audiences, helping ensure that his legacy lives on.

Ernesto “Weng Weng” de Guzman de la Cruz (September 7, 1957 – August 29, 1992)

The 80s and 90s Overlooked review of For Y’ur Height Only


 

Gray Skies, Concrete Dreams