NEW YORK – The Philippine Consulate General New York, in cooperation with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), coordinating producer Vince Nebrida, and Xoom.com proudly presents “Sinehan sa Summer 2009:‘Bayani’”, a once-a-week free screening of films starting on the 2nd of July and ending on the 3rd of September 2009. All Filipino films will have English sub-titles.
Date Film & synopsis
Thurs- 02 Jul
Opening Night
6:30 pm
Great Raid – (2005) As Gen. Douglas MacArthur made good on a pledge that he would return to the Philippines, over 500 American soldiers were being held in Cabanatuan, a notoriously brutal prisoner of war camp. Lt. Col. Henry Mucci (Benjamin Bratt) was appointed to lead the Sixth Ranger Battalion on a mission 30 miles behind enemy lines to infiltrate Cabanatuan and liberate the American prisoners. Directed by John Dahl.
Starring Benjamin Bratt, James Franco, Connie Nielsen, Cesar Montano, Rez Cortes
My Notes: Didn't see this as I was in other events available in the city; I heard from other viewers I met at the Consulate tonight that this was one "good movie."
Thurs–09 Jul
6:30 pm
Back to Bataan – (1945) The film opens right after US Army raid at Cabanatuan prisoner of war camp, and as American forces under Gen. MacArthur are forced to pull out of Bataan: Colonel Joseph Madden (John Wayne) of the US Army stay behind to organize the guerrilla resistance. One of his officers, Captain Andres Bonifacio (Anthony Quinn) carries a heavy burden .Not only does he have to live up being the grandson of national hero Andres Bonifacio, but his former fiancée Dalisay Delgado is apparently collaborating with the Japanese.
Directed by Edward Dmytryk. Starring John Wayne, Anthony Quinn
My Notes: This movie was certainly a huge revelation particularly to those born in the late 60s like myself, though prior to seeing it, I was feeling squeaky as nobody among my other friends would like to see this film with me. Actually, I didn't know that this would be shown tonight, I just thought I have to watch these movies being shown at the Consulate as I've not seen Filipino movies for some time now.
It's refreshing to see a Hollywood produced movie on the Philippines after a long while now, considering that Hollywood production nowadays are mostly done in countries other than the Philippines (though certainly, parts of a movie in production may be done or completed in the Philippines but not necessarily given outright credit. I know this for a fact for certain big blockbuster animated movies.). It's also very refreshing to hear Tagalog actually used in a movie done by foreigners, and I felt OK listening to the actors not using a different accent or tone just to please those not comfortable with spoken English with Filipino accent. Come on guys, Filipinos speak English in the Philippines in its own peculiar accent, as it's part and parcel of the American heritage, the Philippines being part of the US until the end of WWII.
It's strange seeing this movie here in NYC, of all places, and with at least 10 other moviegoers at the Philippine Consulate. It's great these movies are being offered to those interested. It's also great to know that John Wayne actually did movies that show the Philippines in them (I've always seen him in movies depicting cowboys). I was told by my friend Bart Rosenberg that there's actually another John Wayne movie where he's sexier (in military outfits) doing fighting scenes in the Philippines ("They Were Expendable") which he also thought was "a very accurate film by Hollywood standards."
I also take personal interest on films depicting WWII in the Philippines as my paternal grandfather died during the war, being a soldier. I was told by my late father that he died when the jeepney he was driving hit a landmine, instantly killing him and another officer.
Wed-15 Jul
6:30 pm
Sakay – (1993) A dramatic retelling of the life of Macario Sakay – a Katipunero, he fought alongside Andres Bonifacio during the Philippine Revolution of 1896, until his capture near the end of the Philippine-American War. He was granted amnesty and was freed after 4 July 1902, and formed the Nacionalista Party. After his party was banned under Sedition laws, he once again took arms and, in April 1904, he proclaimed himself President and established his own government called the Repúblika ng Katagalugan (Tagalog Republic) in opposition to U.S. colonial rule. After a false promise of amnesty, he surrendered on July 14, 1906, and was later executed by hanging.
Directed by Raymond Red, starring Julio Diaz, Techie Agbayani and Pen Medina
“Sakay” the film won the 1994 FAMAS Award for Best art direction, for both Danny Red and Raymond Red.
My Notes: I'm delighted to see that there's a bigger number of viewers tonight. I felt awkward but later on had fun seeing actors depicting heroes on screen wearing their hair long. It has become a personal experience to me, then, as I wear long hair myself (which I realize annoys certain people, but at the same time, attracts attention from more people to me for some unclear reason).
The film's gorgeously designed and art directed----given the limits (which I believe is true for most films) on budget, I'm greatly impressed by the efforts of the filmmakers to present this movie in the most authentic setting they could muster and find about for the total viewing experience of the moviegoer. I'm also amazed that such movie like gets to be ever produced. And I'm also more surprised that I know a big number of people who have seen this movie years ago, and I've failed to go out of my way to watch it (when I was still in the Philippines). It's not the easiest movie to watch, as it's tackling about sensitive and still rather fresh issues that creep into one's mind when reading and hearing about the American occupation in the Philippines (I can surmise that the US government, particularly its military forces, have learned a lot from its exposure, including bad ones, in colonizing the Philippines at the turn of 20th century. And these lessons gained have been the basis of much improved strategies and tactics being used in the current wars where the US is involved).
Thurs–23 Jul
6:30 pm
The Forgotten War (Korean War) – (2009) Is an independent film produced by Smoke and Mirrors Entertainment about the Philippine participation in the Korean War. The film recounts the stories from the four (4) Battalion Combat Teams (BCTs) sent to Korea under the United Nations Command. They were known as the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEPTOK). The film recreates important battle scenes and shares the stories of the soldiers finding courage, dedication, strength, and love as they faced adversities amidst the tragic backdrop of war.
Starring: Arnold Reyes (playing the young Fidel V. Ramos), Baron Geisler, Yul Servo, Kyla Lapus, Lance Raymundo, Mikee Lee, Mcoy Fundales, among others.
Directed by Carlo Cruz
My Notes: I was a bit undecided whether to watch this film tonight as the rains have continued to pour before the 6:30pm screening. But the thought that this could be a good opportunity for me to watch another indie movie that's recently made and shown in the Philippines prevailed in me. The audience that gathered to watch the movie tonight was not as big compared with last week.
I like to give much applause for joined efforts combined together to make this film. You seldom actually see movies made about the subject matter (Philippine participation in the Korean War in the 1950s); that's considered "very brave." Still, I'm not as impressed over the finished product; certain things were amiss. It has the feel of a "made-for-TV-movie" with docu materials added into it. I just wonder why all the soldiers (from the lowest rank to the officers) were not sporting military haircut. And why add a romantic angle towards the end? It then looked like mixed and matched, making the movie looked like it's making big attempts to please everyone, though I have a feeling the reason could be to make the whole subject matter lighter to follow. But it's odd that I found it funny to see that the attempts made were to highlight how strongly linked the Philippines and South Korea are as nations (perhaps this will include North Korea in due time). Plus there was an ingenious way of citing what happened to those war heroes (including a love match that happened during the Korean War, and still continuing in another mode by venturing into the restaurant business that still thrives somewhere in Jupiter Street in Makati. I'm just amused at how certain small trivia could get into the picture, thus muddling what the whole film was all about LOL).
Wed–05 Aug
6:30 pm
Corregidor – (1943) shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, an American doctor and his staff on Corregidor try to treat the sick, injured and wounded as troops desperately try to beat back a ferocious Japanese attack. The film starts as a love story but becomes a story of the horrors of war as the Japanese lay siege upon Corregidor.
Directed by William Nigh. Starring: Otto Kruger, Elissa Landi, Donald Woods, Frank Jenks
My Notes: This movie didn't interest me much, mainly because it looked like a propaganda movie. But it's got some interesting storyline that was not well developed: a man who was willing to give up his recent marriage so that his wife could be with her former beau with whom she's still very much in love. As shown in the movie, the story turned out to be a bit off and uninspired, and I knew I've seen better stories even from made-for-TV movies. But there were interesting footages including the kamikaze planes by the Japanese when they were invading and bombarding parts of the Philippines during WWII. The copy during the screening was bad, with its sound a bit garbled. I was happy I got to see parts of the movie on YouTube which I copy-pasted here; please feel free to watch (I think watching this film here is even a better experience than the one we viewers tonight had). I noted there were several older men who looked like veterans who were in the audience.
I've been to Corregidor one time during one unplanned visit, when I joined some friends who invited me the last minute. It turned out to be a great place to visit---it's feels like holy ground. What the Americans have built in the island before the war could have been very impressive, judging from the ruins. I also remember seeing a lighthouse, which is really pretty and picturesque.
Thurs–13 Aug
6:30 pm
Paraiso – (2007) A Pilgrimage of Hope, a Response to Heroism, a Pledge of Honor.
Three inspiring true-to life Gawad Kalinga stories weaved in a powerful movie trilogy that promises to change your life. The Trilogy: Umiyak Man ang Langit (Even if Heaven Cries) is based on Jocelyn’s life experience, having lost loved ones in the mudslides of St. Bernard, Leyte. The story captures the pain, the internal struggles and the healing that takes place when faced with life-changing events. Ang Kapatid Kong Si Elvis (My Brother Elvis) is centered on a boy who ate pebbles to satisfy his hunger and a GK volunteer’s family who adopted him as their own. The story captures the challenges and rewards of being involved with GK. Marie, is a story on how tragic loss is transformed into a living legacy and a new beginning. Marie Rose Abad perished in the twin tower tragedy of 9/11. Rudy Abad honors his wife with a living legacy
Starring: Cesar Montano, Maricel Soriano, Ricky Davao, Robert Arevalo, Carmi Martin Michael V. and Lilia Dizon
My Notes: I was excited to watch on a bigger screen a more recent movie starring actors whom I'm still familiar with, having been away for over 3 years now (as of this writing) from the Philippines. I was still in the Philippines when that tragedy at Liloan, Leyte happened. I was not aware it was THAT bad; I'm grateful they made a movie out of it. I could not help but feel so sad watching the episode on the Liloan tragedy (I actually got to meet some people who were from that place back in the Philippines years before it happened, and I wonder where could they be now. Maybe they, or their loved ones perished in the tragedy).
The second episode's stylishly directed, cheerful in perspective (although it tackles how poverty drives some children to eat rocks, yes, real rocks), and made more fun to watch. This is perhaps to help make the experience of watching this trilogy lighter (it's just simply sad, overall---who wants to be seeing portrayals of tragedy, poverty, powerlessness in movies that merely just reflect what seemingly are very ordinary but largely being escaped from, at least for a moment, by people when they watch "happier" shows on TV and the big screen?). It's cute, and humorous, and definitely more visually interesting because of the production design that went with it. I enjoyed watching the play of colors in the houses shown in this episode, including the dog house!
The third episode's again heartbreaking, and more familiar, with myself based here in NYC. But it's wee bit dramatized than needed (just like episode 1). Perhaps, this is to make the movie more appealing to the tastes of the usual viewer (but who's a typical viewer, really?). It's about a woman who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Her husband, who's a Philippine native, made a brave effort, despite extreme grief, to build a legacy in her memory by helping out in providing houses to poverty-stricken people back in the Philippines. It's got wonderful, hopeful tone, that makes one ponder about these circumstances in life in the context of what you still have now.
On the overall, I'm happier having watched this movie, even if it's got more gloomy depictions of scenes from real life (but what can you do? these things really happened, and still happening).
Thurs–20 Aug
6:30 pm
Baler – (2008) In 1898, a band of Spanish soldiers heroically defended Baler (which would later be the capital municipality of Aurora in 1951) against Filipino forces for 337 long and grueling days. The battle, now referred to as the Siege of Baler, is the setting of a forbidden love between a Spanish-Indio soldier and Filipina lass who lived at the end of the 19th century. Directed by Mark Meilly, the movie swept 10 of 21 trophies in the 2008 Metro Manila Film Fest,; starring Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales.
My Notes: Thanks for the YouTube vids that I embedded here. There's just a missing part that was not included in Video 1. It showed integral scenes about what happened to the former chief of the Spanish military forces then in Baler. In those not-shown scenes, we would see that the Spanish Officer chose instead to commit suicide than to be captured by the revolutionaries who were then surrounding him. Indeed, for him, there was no honorable way but to give up one's life.
I'm simply impressed by this stylishly crafted movie behind what took place in the last contingent of the Spaniards who refused to surrender to the revolutionary forces that were representing the nascent Philippine republic in 1898. It's one of the best re-telling of one good story on what happened in during the Philippine revolution. I've always been curious what happened during those revolutionary periods in Philippines history.
For the benefit of showing another perspective, I'm also copy-pasting here the movie "Los Ultimos de Filipinas" for your consideration.
Thurs–27 Aug
6:30 pm
Inang Yaya – (2007) Because Norma must work in the city, she has to leave behind her daughter Ruby in the province with her mother. But when nobody can look after Ruby anymore, Norma has no choice but to bring Ruby to live with her in the house of her employers and the latter's daughter Louise. There, Norma must try to balance who she devotes her attention to: her own daughter or her ward? Directed by Pablo Biglangawa and Veronica Velasco
My Notes: This is an unusual movie among the other movies included in this roster. We don't usually think of househelpers as "heroes" but public policy dictates that we elevate them to a pedestal, given stereotyped ideas about them found in almost all available media. We actually make fun of them, as they're usually beneath our respective social status. As mentioned also by the Philippine Consulate - NYC's Cultural Attache, they're our "modern heroes," with special mention to those who would still have to go abroad to find domestic jobs that are expected to pay better because of foreign money translation advantages.
But what's more interesting about this movie is that the heroine chose to stay in the Philippines rather than accept the offer of her handlers to join them when they had to move to Singapore. She would rather give up her job where she got so attached to her ward, and spend time taking care of her own child. This is a very revolutionary twist, so to say, and for this, this movie has to be applauded for presenting a more positive and faithful approach on how regular folks would most probably decide if given the chance to go abroad just to work, earn better, but without the rest of their beloved family members. And also, as shown in the characters of "bosses" who had to move abroad when offered better assignments, it's always those who have the advantages in terms of wealth, education, and social background who are expected to move to foreign shores just as to maximize their potentials. Local conditions as they are, would never suffice. I just wonder when the time would come that such "advantages" would be distributed more equitably to majority of the sectors of Philippine society --- only the best leaders, national and local, who are in positions of power, authority and influence, and whose hearts and interests really represent those of ordinary folks like "househelpers" will make this possibility a reality. It will surely happen, one of these days...
Thurs–03 Sep
6:30 pm
Bayani – (1992) Set during the war of Independence from Spanish colonial rule in the late 19th century, the story centers on the life of Andres Bonifacio, founder of the Katipunan and outstanding leader of the 1986 revolution against Spain. The film focuses on Bonifacio’s internal conflicts amidst the factionalism rocking the Katipunan movement. Directed by Raymond Red, starring Julio Diaz, John Arcilla and Ronnie Lazaro
My Notes: At the last day of "Sinehan sa Summer 2009: "Bayani," the Philippine Consulate in NYC, in true Filipino fashion provided yummy snack food to all attendees. There were easily around 40 people who attended this last screening; I was with two other friends I'd be seeing in events once in a while outside of the Consulate.
As to this movie, I have found it to be rather disturbing. After going home, I did some search on the material to add to this posting update. There's none, or I must have not exhausted the pages online. I settled instead on embedding here YouTube vids on GMA's I-Witness documentaries, where they also featured short vids about Raymond Red's Bayani. I'm actually getting more intrigued by the stories. The idea, that Bonifacio is actually the first Philippine President, deserves more closer look and consideration. I wonder what would have happened with Philippine politics if Bonifacio indeed turned out to be its first President? Will the authorities, specifically the Philippine Congress, to be advised by the National Historical Institute, and other institutions, display extra ordinary leadership by finally declaring that Andres Bonifacio is indeed the Philippines' first president? There was obvious rigging that took place during the elections held during the Tejeros Convention. I remember reading about the story from my history book in elementary grades that was written by Agoncillo. There were disturbing parts of the story that have to be investigated and researched on. Apart from the fact that we can again say that "politics is (always) local," some misgivings, grievances during the proceeding in the Tejeros Convention still cry out to be given notice, and appreciated in the light of what's has been happening nowadays. Will something like this ever happen again, anyway? Anyway, we can always have great dreams.
