MB:
At the unveiling of Yes magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful Stars topped by John Lloyd Cruz, this columnist challenged Editor-in-chief Jo-Ann Q. Maglipon to come up with another survey: To name the 100 Best Filipino Films of All Time.
A tall order, Jo-Ann replied.
Indeed, it is.
But then, Yes has the credibility and the ability to come up with such monumental task. It will be the country’s answer to the American Film Institute’s 100 Best Films, updated every now and then. But the likes of “Citizen Kane,” “Gone with the Wind,” “Godfather,” “Star Wars,” “The Graduate,” “Vertigo” always remain on top of the AFI’s list.
AFI’s criteria include artistic and technical merits, impact, and lasting appeal – meaning it has stood the test of time.
Unlike Hollywood movies whose copies remain in top condition, many local films have deteriorated through neglect and ignorance. Very few pre-World War II films exist and are gone forever.
Now, that will be a problem should Jo-Ann accept the dare to come up with the all-time best list. Perhaps she could start with post-war films, although such pre-war movies as “Zamboanga,” “Tunay Na Ina,” and “Pakiusap” are still available for screening. The copy of “Zamboanga,” starring Rosa del Rosario and Fernando Poe Sr., remains in very good condition. Thanks to the New York Museum which kept it.
Jo-Ann said the staff of Yes is not big enough to do it. But then, Yes can always ask the assistance of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Mowelfund, Sofia, and some such film groups. They can formulate the criteria… which may well be patterned after that of the American Film Institute’s.
But, of course there will be limitations as many Filipino films are no longer around. However, Yes can seek the expertise of the likes of Bien Lumbera, Danny Dolor, Mario Hernando, Nic Tiongson, Mario Bautista, Doy del Mundo who all are avid moviegoers from way back.
Bien and Danny recall watching movies right after World War II in their hometown, Lipa in Batangas. Mario H. grew up in Santa Cruz, Manila and remembers every movie he saw and enjoyed in theaters along Avenida Rizal, Escolta, and Azcarraga (now Recto), in Quiapo and its side streets.
For a start, this columnist enumerates some titles worthy of consideration for inclusion on the all-time best list. In no particular order, as they come to mind.
Gerry de Leon’s “Daigdig ng mga Api” and “El Filibusterismo”
Bert Avellana’s “Anak Dalita” and “Badjao”
Manuel Silos’ “Biyaya ng Lupa”
Gregorio Fernandez’s “Higit sa Lahat”
Chat Gallardo’s “Geron Busabos”
Eddie Romero’s “Aguila” and “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?”
Lino Brocka’s “Maynila: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag” and “Bona”
Ishmael Bernal’s “Himala” and “City After Dark”
Mike de Leon’s “Kisapmata”
Peque Gallaga’s “Oro, Plata, Mata”
Mario O’Hara’s “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos”
Gil Portes’ “’Merika” and “Mga Munting Tinig”
Carlo J. Caparas’ “Pieta”
Maryo J. de los Reyes’ “Magnifico”
Celso Ad. Castillo’s “Asedillo” and “Burlesk Queen”
Joel Lamangan’s “The Flor Contemplacion Story”
Elwood Perez’s “Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit”
Joey Reyes’ “Live Show”
Brillante Mendoza’s “Kinatay”
Tikoy Aguiluz’s “Boatman” and “Segurista”
Chito Roño’s “Bata, Bata… Paano Ka Ginawa?”
Carlitos Siguion Reyna’s “Hihintayin Kita sa Langit”
Manuel Conde’s “Juan Tamad” and “Genghis Khan”
Marilou Abaya’s “Jose Rizal” and “Karnal”
Laurice Guillen’s “Salome” and “Tanging Yaman”
Jeffrey Jeturian’s “Kubrador” and “Tuhog”
Lav Diaz’s “Batang West Side”
Butch Perez’s “Haplos” and “Balweg”
Raymond Red’s “Himpapawid”
Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara’s “Minsa’y Isang Gamo-gamo”
Romy Suzara’s “Pepeng Shotgun”
These are only suggestions, and are by no means complete. It’s up for Yes to consider those titles.
Accept or reject them. It’s really the magazine’s call. It can even consider Joey Gosiengfiao’s camp classic “Temptation Island.” Or a bomba film like “Uhaw.”
Of course, Yes should devote a special issue for the 100 Best Filipino Films of All Time. And launch it with pomp and circumstance – as it did with the most beautiful list.
How about it, Jo-Ann?
Ronald Constantino, a stalwart in entertainment journalism, has been covering show business since the mid-1960s. He served as two-term president of the Philippine Movie Press Club in the ’70s.
Information Courtesy of MB / RONALD K. CONSTANTINO
http://mb.com.ph/articles/331011/big-challenge-yes-mag-name-100-best-filipino-films
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