Eddie Romero’s ‘Ganito’ selected for UNESCO memory of the world

The late National Artist Eddie Romero's legacy stretches beyond film, having been a prime mover in creating the Film Academy of the Philippines, MOWELFUND, and the MTRCB. He was also instrumental in securing the December playdate for the Metro Manila Film Festival or MMFF. Photo courtesy of CCP

BLITZ REVIEW - Juaniyo Arcellana - The Philippine Star 

November 24, 2024 | 12:00am

On the centennial of National Artist for Film Eddie Romero, the Dumaguete born director’s seminal “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?” has been selected for inclusion in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register during a simple but sumptuous lunch at Dusit Thani Manila on the third Wednesday of November.

One of Romero’s most celebrated films, “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?” (1976) delves deeply into Filipino identity and culture during the Spanish colonial era, skillfully blending humor, drama, and historical insight. Widely regarded as a masterpiece of Philippine cinema, this film reflects powerful themes that recur throughout Romero’s works, including the epic “Aguila” (1980), which spans generations to explore the impact of colonization and war on the Filipino spirit.

Nick Deocampo, film scholar and chair of UNESCO Philippines, said the film uniquely captures the essence of Filipino identity, resilience, and heritage. The film doesn’t just tell a story, according to Deocampo, it also embodies a legacy, a piece of history, and a powerful statement about Filipino culture and spirit.

Its inclusion in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register honors its role in preserving cultural heritage for the world.

Among other films by Romero are “Kamakalawa” (1981), which immerses viewers in pre-colonial Philippines, shedding light on indigenous Filipino mythology and social structures, while “Banta ng Kahapon” (1977) takes a modern approach, examining political corruption and social injustice.

Romero is also known for his Filipino war trilogy, which includes “The Walls of Hell” (1964), “The Passionate Strangers” (1966), and “Manila, Open City” (1968), a series that captures the brutality of war and resilience in the face of conflict.

Beyond entertainment, Romero’s films are cultural reflections that have elevated Philippine cinema to an art form, respected globally for their depth, character, and storytelling.

“You can be anything you want to be as long as you like what you’re doing and strive to be good, if not the best at it. You can be a carpenter but be darn good at it and like it,” Romero’s son Joey recalls him saying.

Proclaimed a National Artist for his body of work, Romero’s legacy stretches beyond film, having been a prime mover in creating the Film Academy of the Philippines, MOWELFUND (Movie Workers Welfare Foundation), and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. He was also instrumental in securing the December playdate for the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Romero’s 1976 masterpiece ‘Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon’ delves deeply into Filipino identity and culture during the Spanish colonial era, skillfully blending humor, drama, and historical insight. It has been selected for inclusion in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Photo from NCCA

Romero’s unique storytelling style was largely shaped by his wide reading habit; he would frequently visit bookstores, bringing home bestsellers and maintaining a collection of “great books” by renowned philosophers like Aristotle and Freud.

This intellectual curiosity fueled his creativity, with his stories often emerging from the knowledge he absorbed from these texts. Although he sometimes had limited choice over the themes in his work — such as during the time he made horror films for the drive-in theater market — he consistently infused commercial projects with his personal touch, adding depth through sharp dialogue or clever twists.

One of Romero’s most admired qualities was his ability to work within constraints, creating films that appeared epic even on modest budgets.

As he once confided, “In this business, you’d be lucky to ‘choose’ what stories you would like to tell.” While his projects occasionally had commercial imperatives, he always found ways to infuse them with originality and purpose.

Romero also influenced the creative voices of next generation filmmakers Elvert Bañares and Rica Arevalo.

Arevalo recalls their collaboration fondly, detailing her experience as a co-screenwriter for Romero’s digital films, “Faces of Love” and “Teach Me To Love.” “He was open to suggestions, especially from a young filmmaker like me,” she said.

Bañares, who deeply appreciated Romero’s resourcefulness, describes him as a master who knew how to make every frame impactful: “He was one of those rare artists who knows what to do with what he has.”

Though self-taught, Romero shared insights on cinematic storytelling with fellow Mowelfund worker Deocampo while stuck in EDSA traffic. Deocampo marveled at the symbolism Romero infused into his work, describing it as “perfectly semiotic.”

In one powerful scene in “Ganito…,” a priest stands over Kulas, visually representing colonial subjugation of the indios. As Deocampo explains, this reflects the “politics of space,” where framing reveals the historical power dynamics. Romero’s mise-en-scène is careful and intentional, with each shot contributing to a layered portrayal of Filipino struggle.

Among those present at the UNESCO event at Dusit were actresses Chanda Romero and Gloria Diaz, Film Development Council of the Philippines chair director Joey Reyes, director Paolo Villaluna of the Film Academy.

Romero died in 2013.

OUR WAY TO HEAVEN

 

Driving in big cities is not a joke for beginners. It's an ordeal, especially driving during heavy traffic hours. One must know where to go and which way to take. Otherwise, one'll end up bumping somewhere somehow... .

But, driving a car in a small village, where roads are simple, is for neophytes an enjoyable one. No traffic, or less traffic, no traffic lights, no complicated ways... .

In the same way, railroads can make train drivers ill at ease when they are also in big cities. I remember Munich in my home country Germany, where railways appear like spider's cobwebs. They go in several directions. No wonder, accidents on the roads happen many times.

In life we, too, have roads which lead us in several directions. To go to heaven, man's eternal destiny, one can either choose the shortest road, or one can make detours. Not so many perhaps fall by the way and end up in eternal damnation.

There are some of us, Christians, who take the shourt-cut road to heaven. This is the road of suffering, of the actual practice of Christian virtues, of serving God and our neighbour.

Others take the circuitos road of easy life, thinking that at the end they still have time to amend themselves and lead a good life. This is risky, since no one can guarantee that an opportunity will be given at the eleventh hour. Unfortunately, there are still others, who prefer to take that opposite road, which leads to eternal damnation. So they live, so they die! 

In John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress", we read, "Then I saw that there was a way to hell, even from the gates of heaven!"

Jesus said, in John 14:6, “… I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.” The way to heaven is through Jesus. What this means is that we must believe and follow Jesus.

You might think that all you have to do is be a good person, go to church, or help others. However, the Bible teaches that the only way to get to heaven is to become a Christian, which you do by accepting Jesus as your Savior.

BINI brings out the fun with Noche Buena outfits at Star Magic Christmas ball

 P-pop girl group BINI donning Noche Buena treats at the Star Magical Christmas Ball held in Solaire North in Quezon City on November 24, 2024. Philstar.com / Marco Beech

Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com

November 25, 2024 | 8:41am

MANILA, Philippines — BINI knows how to have fun with the eight-member P-pop group donning favorite Noche Buena treats, such as Lechon, Lumpia, and Fruit Salad, as they strutted the white carpet at Sunday night’s Star Magical Christmas Ball in Solaire North, Quezon City. 

BINI was among the Star Magic artists who came with quirky outfits as opposed to the usual Western-inspired Christmas outfits of elves, reindeer and Santa Clauses. 

Leader Jhoanna came as the Palihi 12 fruits for Noche Buena. Similarly, Stacey’s outfit has any of the 12 fruits as inspiration for her Fruit Salad ensemble. 

Maloi came as the favorite pika-pika or appetizer Lumpia, while Mika is another pika-pika food that can perfectly pair with cured meats, crackers, or as part of the salad as Queso de Bola. 

Colet and Aiah came as the meats, with former looking like a Christmas ham, while the latter is aptly donned in a Lechon, an obvious homage to her native Cebu, which is famous for its Cebu Lechon. 

Sheena is the refreshment soda that Filipinos opt to wash down their greasy meats and stews, while Gwen is the candelabra that gives light to the Christmas spread. 

Blooms, who are BINI’s fans, immediately made memes out of their favorite P-pop group. 

Kanlaon Volcano

The Kanlaon Volcano released a total of 7,594 tonnes of sulfur dioxide flux on Saturday, November 23, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Sunday.

Kanlaon Volcano also emitted a “moderate” 50-meter tall plume, which drifted southwest.

PHIVOLCS earlier warned people against prolonged exposure to sulfur dioxide as the fumes can cause irritation of the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract.

Offerings into the treasury

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Nov 25, 2024 00:08 AM 

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Offerings at Mass are opportunities to share in the realization of programs and projects of the parish/diocese. There is no pressure or obligation to do it, but certainly they are necessary for the growth of our Christian communities. 

God continually endows us with his blessings, and so sharing these is an expression of our gratitude for his constant generosity. But God does not evaluate our offering by the amount we give. 

As is often said that in giving, it is the heart or the degree of loving that counts. This is evidenced by the Lord’s approval of the poor widow’s mite which may be small in the eyes of human beings but, in the eyes of God, is extraordinary, as it represents, according to the evangelist, all that she has to live on. Yet, she does not worry what would happen next. She simply follows her inner desire to give all that she has to the temple. 

Many of us do realize that the more we have, the more difficult it is to give or give generously. In contrast, those who have little have no second thoughts about how much to give, as they are convinced that God will look after their needs as he is the Creator and owner of everything. 
May we be convinced that if we are generous with God, he will never leave us without.

 

First Reading • Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5 
I, John, looked and there was the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. I heard a sound from heaven like the sound of rushing water or a loud peal of thunder. 

The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. They were singing what seemed to be a new hymn before the throne, before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn this hymn except the 144,000 who had been ransomed from the earth. 

These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been ransomed as the first fruits of the human race for God and the Lamb. On their lips no deceit has been found; they are unblemished.

 

Gospel • Luke 21:1-4 
When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. 
He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.

Forest fighter Farwiza Farhan, rangers face conservation challenges

BY BILLIE DUMALIANG

Nov 23, 2024 08:15 PM 

Farwiza Farhan (Photo courtesy: Earth Island Institute)

Standing up for the environment can often feel like a lonely battle. Yet, moments of connection with fellow conservationists remind us that we are not alone. 

When Farwiza Farhan’s team reached out, excited to visit the Masungi Georeserve during her trip to the Philippines for a lecture organized by the Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation, we seized the chance to exchange ideas and experiences. 

Farwiza Farhan is one of the five recipients of the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Award. Often referred to as the “Nobel Peace Prize of Asia,” the award honors individuals and organizations exemplifying great spirit and service in the continent.   

This year’s honorees include Japanese animation legend Miyazaki Hayao, Bhutanese scholar and social entrepreneur Karma Phuntsho, Vietnamese advocate Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong, and Thailand’s Rural Doctor’s Movement.

Farwiza Farhan enjoys swings at the Masungi Georeserve.

Born in Aceh, Indonesia in 1986, Farwiza’s love for her homeland’s natural beauty shaped her dreams of becoming a marine biologist. After pursuing her education abroad, she returned with a master’s degree in environmental management, only to find her beloved forests devastated by deforestation and commercial exploitation. 

This heartbreak became her call to action. 

Farwiza now focuses on protecting the Leuser Ecosystem in Sumatra, a critical habitat for endangered species. Despite its UNESCO World Heritage status, the ecosystem faces severe threats from deforestation, weak law enforcement, and harmful infrastructure projects. 

These challenges intensified in 2013 when the Aceh government dissolved the Leuser Ecosystem Management Authority.

To counter these threats, Farwiza founded HAkA (Forest, Nature, and Environment of Aceh Foundation), which empowers local communities, especially women, to protect the ecosystem through advocacy, monitoring, and grassroots engagement. 

Among HAkA’s successes are a court victory imposing $26 million in fines on a palm oil company for forest fires and stopping a dam project that endangered elephant habitats.

Her advocacy resonates deeply with our own struggles at Masungi. One particularly urgent challenge we face is the threat of a multi-billion-peso wind farm being planned within our sensitive karst and limestone ecosystem in Rizal. 

While renewable energy is critical in addressing the climate crisis, its development must not come at the expense of highly fragile environments. Limestone ecosystems, like those at Masungi, are biodiversity hotspots that play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and water regulation. 

The proposed project disregards these ecological realities, posing significant risks to the forest and surrounding communities. 

One of our trustees at the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, Ann Dumaliang, was fortunate to be invited as a panelist to Farwiza’s lecture, “From passion to action: Leading conservation efforts by empowering women, youth, and communities." 

The lecture highlighted all conservationists' dream: For our leaders to choose conservation as an integral part of economic development because "it makes sense to protect wildlife and biodiversity, life and livelihood, and to lift communities by reclaiming their seat at the table."

Farwiza recounted a formative early experience when, less than a month into her job, she was sent to a government meeting to argue against a pulp and paper company’s proposal to destroy vast tracts of forest. 

Armed with maps and legal arguments, she was instead met with dismissive comments about her appearance. A company director remarked, "I worry about your hair, why aren’t you wearing a proper headscarf?"

Environmental leaders from Southeast Asia attend Farwiza's Philippine lecture.

This gender-based dismissal reflects broader challenges faced by women in conservation, where serious concerns are often trivialized or ignored. It struck a chord with me, as women in conservation in the Philippines often face similar dismissals, such as being asked personal questions like, “May boyfriend ka na ba? (Do you already have a boyfriend?)” when raising critical issues such as illegal watershed activities. 

Farwiza also addressed the misconception that local communities are the primary drivers of environmental destruction. She emphasized that large corporations, often backed by political power, are the true culprits. 

This resonates with our experience at Masungi, where indigenous communities and farmers are wrongfully blamed for forest degradation while quarrying companies and land grabbers wreak havoc with impunity.

Another key insight from Farwiza’s talk was the systemic barriers that prevent communities from participating in environmental decision-making. She described how environmental impact assessments—essential for large-scale projects—are often inaccessible to local stakeholders. 

The documents are dense with jargon, given to communities at the last minute, and presented in ways that prevent meaningful participation. This mirrors the situation in the Philippines, where projects are often railroaded, and communities find themselves blindsided and powerless to act once construction begins. 

Farwiza’s visit to Masungi Georeserve in Rizal, threatened by quarrying interests, political intimidation, and destructive wind energy projects, was a poignant reminder of the shared challenges conservationists face across Asia. 

Her fight for the Leuser Ecosystem inspires us to continue defending our forests, limestone karsts, and watersheds. Together, we can ensure that conservation makes sense—not just for nature, but for our collective future.

'Hello, Love, Again' becomes the first Filipino film to hit P1 B, earns P1.068 B in worldwide box office

The highest-grossing Filipino movie continues to make new records

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Nov 24, 2024 02:34 PM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• Now on its second week in cinemas worldwide, “Hello, Love, Again” has also started screening in Hong Kong and Macau. 

The record-breaking “Hello, Love, Again” movie led by Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards has earned P1.06 billion as of Nov. 23, becoming the first Filipino film to surpass the P1 billion mark at worldwide box office.

This latest milestone follows the film’s series of box office achievements, earning the biggest first-day ticket sales of P85 million last Nov. 13, achieving the highest single-day gross of P131 million last Nov. 16, breaking into the US Top 10 box office at no. 8, and becoming the highest-grossing Filipino movie of all time as of Nov. 22. 

Apart from its box office feats, the movie directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana and produced by ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema and GMA Pictures also served as the closing film at the recently concluded Asian World Film Festival held in Los Angeles, California.

Now on its second week in cinemas worldwide, “Hello, Love, Again” has also started screening in Hong Kong and Macau.

It also has ongoing screenings in more European territories, including Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Spain, The Netherlands, and the UK.

“Hello, Love, Again” is exclusively available in cinemas worldwide. For more details, follow Star Cinema on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Vilma Santos-Recto embarks on long-awaited dream project

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Nov 25, 2024 08:09 AM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• Ate Vi, as she is fondly called, did not intend to finish another entry for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). She had different thoughts when she accepted the movie "Uninvited." 

Star For All Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto couldn't contain her excitement as she embarked on a long-awaited dream project. 

After years of hard work and dedication in the entertainment industry, she is finally able to bring her creative vision to life. 

This project holds a special place in her heart, and she can't wait to share it with her fans and the world.

At the recent grand launch of the upcoming movie "Uninvited" at Solaire North, Vilma stated that director Dan Villegas and Mentorque Productions helped her fulfill her dream project.

"Dream project ko ang 'Uninvited.' Matagal ko ng gustong gumawa ng pelikula na nangyari lang in 24 hours. Mag-uumpisa siyang maganda at matatapos siyang dilapidated na s'ya. Yun ang gusto ko. 

"Hindi ko alam yung gitna. Paano mangyayari yun? Sila direk ang naglagay ng storya sa gitna hanggang sa nabuo yung Uninvited," she said. 

Ate Vi, as she is fondly called, did not intend to finish another entry for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). She had different thoughts when she accepted the movie "Uninvited."

"At this point of my career, mahirap na akong makahanap ng role na babagay sa edad ko at yung role that will challenge me.

"In more than 62 years in the industry, ang pakiramdam ko ay ang dami ko ng nagawang iba't ibang klaseng character. Yung iba paulit ulit na.

"Kung may gagawin man akong pelikula, I will make sure I will do a movie that will challenge me. Sa Uninvited, na-challenge ang role ko.

"I'm not thinking about winning another best actress. Ang gusto ko lang ay makagawa kami ng isang magandang pelikula na pwede naming ipagmalaki. Yun ang nasa isip namin," Vilma said.

The cast of 'Uninvited'

Last year, Vilma won Best Actress for the MMFF entry "When I Met You In Tokyo." Then, she won again at the Manila International Film Festival Awards Night in the US. 

"When we conceptualized the movie, wala itong plano na isali sa MMFF. Ang usapan lang talaga is to make a good film that we can be proud of. 

"Pero sinuwerte naman at nakapasok sa MMFF. Nagkataon lang na magkasunod sa MMFF," Vilma said.

Aga Muhlach admitted he enjoyed working on the set of the movie.

"Hindi siya mahirap gawin kung ang mga kasama mo ay magagaling. It was an experience because I was having fun on the set.

"It was the first time I worked with Director Dan Villegas. Very open siya kung ano ang gusto naming gawin.

"I've worked with Vilma (Santos) twice. Mabibigat yung ginawa naming pelikula. First time ko naman nakasama si Nadine (Lustre) rito.

"Wala kaming mga warm-up. Basta nagkita kami sa set then nagshoot kami at mabigat kaagad yung eksena namin. Pero nag-enjoy kami. Masaya," said Aga.

Award-winning actress Nadine Lustre expressed her excitement about the incredible opportunity to work alongside acclaimed actors Vilma and Aga. 

She highlighted how collaborating with such esteemed figures in the industry was a dream come true, which ultimately influenced her decision to accept the project. 

Bryan Dy of Mentorque Productions

Nadine emphasized the value of learning from their experiences and contributions to the film industry, making this project particularly special for her.

She confessed that she felt nervous on the first day of shooting for "Uninvited."

"This is an opportunity of a lifetime. Kelan ko ba uli makakatrabaho sila? Agad-agad tinanggap ko siya. On the first day, dumating ako sa set na kabado kasi nga bigatin ang mga kasamo ko but then everyone was welcoming, everyone was nice so mawawala na rin yung kaba mo," Nadine also said.

Nadine also highlighted the thoughtful steps she took to prepare for the role, showcasing her dedication and talent.

"Ever since, inaaral ko talaga yung script. I try put myself in the shoes of my character pero yung mga intense scenes naman namin, mahaba-habang rehearsals din especially yung mga shots na hindi puwedeng paulit ulit.

"Inaaral ko talaga ang role ko. Mahilig kasi talaga akong mag-imagine. So kahit hindi ko napag-daanan or na-experience ang isang bagay, parang nararamdaman ko rin siya," Nadine said.

Director Dan shared that the project went really well, and he couldn’t have done it without the actor’s awesome cooperation. "What's important is that you work closely with your actors para nagkakaintindihan kayo."

In celebration of MMFF’s 50th anniversary, Uninvited stands as a testament to the unparalleled excellence of Filipino filmmaking.

Mentorque Productions, following the massive success of the MMFF 2023 entry Mallari, teams up with Project 8 Projects to craft a movie that guarantees a meaningful and unforgettable experience for viewers.

“We understand the challenges Filipinos face today,” shares Mentorque CEO John Bryan Diamante. “Watching a movie in theaters is a luxury, so we made sure this is worth every peso.”

Christian poverty more than just detachment from things

by Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THAT gospel episode where Christ praised a poor widow for giving all that she had to live on to the treasury of the temple (cfr. Lk 21,1-4) graphically reminds us that Christian poverty, which is what is required for true Christian love to reign in our hearts, is not so much a matter of how much, in terms of money and quantity, we are willing to be detached from as detaching ourselves from our very own selves, giving everything to God.

It’s actually the best deal that we can have, since as Christ said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to have his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” (Mt 16,24-25)

This is divine wisdom which we have to learn to live by. Moreover, it is something which we have to learn how to convince others, especially the young ones who are exposed today to so much materialism and egotistic ways, to believe in it.

This will, indeed, take a lot of time and effort, especially in the area of how to make this divine wisdom attractive and doable. In this regard, we have to learn to present Christ the way Christ presented himself to the people of his time.

He adapted himself to how the people were. He, of course, as St. Paul said, emptied himself by becoming man and went to the extent of offering his life on the cross, just to identify himself completely with us. (cfr. Phil 2,6-8)

In this preaching, he used literary devices, like the parables, so as to elicit interest and eventual understanding and appreciation of the redemptive messages and lessons he wanted to impart to the people.

This is something that we, in our own time with our distinctive cultures and mindsets, should also learn to do. We can only show and give Christ to others, we can only make Christ’s redemptive messages and lessons appreciated by us, if we learn how to connect the real Christ, both in spirit and in the flesh, and not a disembodied Christ, to the people of today.

The effort required here involves emptying ourselves so as to embody the real Christ in ourselves in the context of today’s world with all the good and the bad that it now has. That is why we always need to detach ourselves not only from things but also, and more importantly, from our own selves, so we can be filled with Christ’s spirit and enabled to show Christ in the flesh.

But given our human condition which allows us to learn things in stages, we have to understand that everyday we have to conquer our tendency to fall into some earthly attachments so that we can say we are giving ourselves more and more to God until we give ourselves completely to him.

This will require a constant reminder and self-reassurance that it is all worthwhile to give and to lose everything for God because we will in fact gain a lot more than what we give. Let’s always remember Christ telling us “to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” (Mt 6,33)

We have to learn to let go of our possessions, our preferences, our opinions, etc., until we can say that we are letting go of our whole selves so as to give everything to God, and with God we are assured that we can have everything that is truly important to us!