It was a momentous night as the stars aligned, legends converged, and icons came together at Sine Sandaan: Celebrating the Luminaries of Philippine Cinema. Staged by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Sine Sandaan aimed to recognize the remarkable service of Filipino producers, directors, artists, and film workers, with special mentions given to the oldest living Filipino film professionals.
Tributes were aplenty at Sine Sandaan as FDCP honored the unsung heroes of Philippine cinema, as well as the love teams, comedians, contrabidas, lead actors and actresses, regional cinema movers, independent cinema players, directors, and producers. A special tribute was given to the family of Jose Nepomuceno, who is the father of Philippine Cinema.
On November 3, guests took a walk down memory lane during the Sine Sandaan telecast on ABS-CBN’s Sunday’s Best as you get serenaded with kilig love team anthems and classic movie theme songs.
The epic night was marked by numerous musical performances, skits, and production numbers that not only enthralled the audience, but also highlighted the milestones in Philippine Cinema. The musical “Ang Mundo ng Pelikula,” with lyrics, music, and arrangement by Vince de Jesus, opened the show to pay tribute to those who work behind the camera.
Performers who lit up the stage included Isay Alvarez, Jojit Lorenzo, Robert Seña, JC Santos, Sandino Martin, Juris, Lara Maigue, Nar Cabico, Lara Maigue, Juris, Bituin Escalante, Sheryl Cruz, Jason Dy, Jay-R, Kayla, Adriana Agcaoili, Valeen Montenegro, Rochelle Pangilinan, Regine Tolentino, Bullet Dumas, Diego Mapa, Marvin Agustin, Jolina Magdangal, and Ice Seguerra.
Among those who acted were Ate Gay, Giob Rodriguez, Edrei Tan, Kitkat, DJ Onse, Kim Idol, Gladys Guevara, and Teri Onor for the skit written by Edwin Serrano, and Lance Reblando and Joel Saracho for the Bibeth Orteza-penned skit.
Meanwhile, a special song written for Philippine cinema made its debut in Sine Sandaan. National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and writer-director Jose Javier Reyes composed “Pelikula, Pelikula,” and it was performed by Acapellago. Another original song, “Sa Rehiyon,” was composed by Mike Villegas and performed by Bullet Dumas to highlight the importance of regional cinema and mention the achievements of Sine Rehiyon.
Sine Sandaan, held last September 12 at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City, officially kicked off the yearlong celebration of 100 Years of Philippine Cinema, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 622, series of 2018.
Among the attendees were awardees Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Alden Richards, Angel Locsin, Bea Alonzo, Anne Curtis, Dingdong Dantes, Richard Gutierrez, Claudine Barretto, Piolo Pascual, Bobby Andrews, Angelu de Leon, John Arcilla, Janice de Belen, Angel Aquino, Cherry Pie Picache, Michael de Mesa, Bembol Roco, Liza Lorena, and Christopher de Leon, just to name a few.
Some of the icons and legends honored were Celia Rodriguez, Jim Baltazar, Albert Michael Idioma, musical scorer Nonong Buencamino, prosthetics artist Cecile Baun, screenwriter Ricky Lee, director Jose Carreon, Divina Valencia, Boots Anson-Roa, and Miss Nora Aunor.
National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, the late Mel Chionglo of Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, the late “Lion of the Theater” Tony Mabesa, and National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera were also recognized.
“Iisa lang po ang industriyang pinagsisilbihan natin. Kaya sana po, let us unite for this one industry that we all love because the next 100 years of Philippine Cinema is going to be about that. It’s going to be about unity. It’s going to be about understanding what we need to do together as an industry to further elevate our craft,” FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño said during the Opening Remarks.
Sine Sandaan was directed by singer-songwriter Seguerra under his Fire and Ice Production events company, with scriptwriter Adriana Agcaoili, technical director Dong Calingacion, stage managers Lani Tapia and Ching Danseco, choreographer Dan Cabrera, musical director Ivan Lee Espinosa, TV broadcast director Tey Clamor, and overall production manager Rosalinda Santiago.
Organized by the FDCP, Sine Sandaan was co-presented by CMB Film Services and ABS-CBN in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), and sponsored by the Araneta Group and Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP).
