On September 12, 1919, “Dalagang Bukid,” the first-ever Filipino feature-length film by Jose Nepomuceno, the Father of Philippine Cinema, premiered. Exactly a hundred years later, the country celebrates the centennial year of Philippine Cinema at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, a historical site itself as it was once considered as the biggest theater in Asia and was transformed into a gleaming reminder of the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema, donning Art Deco elements for the night.
Spearheaded by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Sine Sandaan recognized the luminaries of Philippine Cinema by taking them down the red carpet.
While the event proved to be star-studded, those who work behind the camera were also given honor at the event.
When the clock struck 9, everyone went into the theater to watch the musical performances that highlighted the past hundred years of Philippine cinema — from iconic movie villains to favorite love teams; famous movie theme songs to songs about what goes on behind the camera.
After each performance, luminaries were called onto the stage to be recognized for their contributions to Philippine Cinema.
FDCP’s Chairperon and CEO, Liza Diño, shared: “This is just the start and we have 12 months to really flesh out how beautiful the last hundred years have been for us.”
According to Presidential Proclamation 622 Series of 2018, the FDCP was declared as the lead agency for the celebration of the Centennial Year of Philippine Cinema. This kicked off with Sine Sandaan, and will be going on until September 11, 2020.
When asked about the evolution of Philippine Cinema and where it’s headed, Diño answered: “I see it going not just for our local audience but also globally. Our stories are so rich, our filmmakers are so talented. There’s so much glamour for new kinds of stories—unique storytelling and I know that the Philippines can take a share in that so I hope in the next hundred years we can see a more global market — a more global audience that would appreciate that.”
Actress and television host, Iza Calzado, shared about what it felt like to be in the film industry when it just reached a hundred years: “Oh I just saw Liza outside and we were saying that oh my god, we are here. We are alive. The cinema is alive and it’s also thriving. We’ve lived to see the day that we’re celebrating a hundred years of Philippine cinema. We get to be part of it and she [Diño] is spearheading everything so I’m very proud of what they’ve done and of the turn out tonight. It’s exciting times ahead. I can only wish it all the best.”
