MOWELFUND’S ANI AWARDS TO EIGHT MOVIE GREATS

In celebration of the 110th year of Philippine cinema, Mowelfund will pay tribute to eight movie greats—two of them still living—through the Ani Awards which will be held on Friday, Feb. 23, at the Aliw Theater at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex on Roxas boulevard, Pasay City.

The Ani awardees will pay tribute to the following giants of Philippine cinema: Don Jose Nepomuceno, the father of Philippine movies; National Artist Atang de la Rama, the zarzuela queen; the legendary screen loveteam of Rogelio de la Rosa and Carmen Rosales; Rosa del Rosario, the original Darna of the movies; National Artist Fernando Poe Jr., the undisputed king of Philippine movies; comedy king Rodolfo Quizon or Dolphy; and former Philippine President Joseph Estrada, the founder of MOWELFUND.

MOWELFUND executive director Boots Anson-Roa stressed that the Ani Awards “celebrates a bountiful harvest in the unifying spirit that would hold the film induistry together. It is a glittering testimonial to a lifetime of dedication, hard work and perseverance in the pursuit of excellence, commitment to the craft and acceptance by the Filipino public of a revered Filipino film artist.”

A MOWELFUND capsulized write-ups on the eight awardees stress each one’s invaluable contribution and role in Phillipine cinema. Hereunder are the brief write-ups:

Don Jose Nepomuceno—Manila-born Don Jose Nepomuceno’s zeal for establishing Philippine movies was so fierce that by self-study, he became the first Filipino cinematographer. Recognzed as the Father of Philippie Movies, he founded Malayan Movies in 1917 and served as its producer, scriptwriter, cameraman, laboratory technician, art director, editor, as well as distributor and exhibitor. Nepomuceno indeed left an enduring legacy on the Filipinos’ love for movies and their loyal patronage for national cinema through his life and work. His outstanding contribution to the various fields of Philippine cinema in its early stages, which has immensely contributed in defining the medium for a Filipino audience, gained him the distinction of being a Parangal Sentenyal sa Sining at Kultura awardee in 1999.

Honarata ‘Atang’ de la Rama—A skilled thespian, a brilliant singer and a sterling talent for the arts would definitely define Honorata ‘Atang’ de la Rama, the first Filipina film actress. Capturing the audiences with her unediable charm and charisma, the enigmatic magnetism Atang manifested in her performance earned the notice of Don Jose Nepomuceno who got her for the lead role of his movie version of the zarzuela Dalagang Bukid, the first Filipino film, in 1919. With this historical cinematic foray, Atang became the very first female actress in the very first Tagalog film, produced by the Father of Philippine Movies.

Rosa del Rosario—Rosa del Rosario was one of the most popular actresses during the Golden Age, tucking over 60 movies to her credit. But it was her live-action portrayal of the Filipina superheroine Darna in 1951 that made her and the character both a household name. The first Darna movie was produced and directed by Fernando Poe Sr. under Royal Films.. A faithful adapatation of the komiks serial, the production brought in hundreds of live snakes and eels for the movie. Del Rosario even had to be hung from a helicopter to create special effects for Darna’s flying scenes.

Rogelio de la Rosa and Carmen Rosales—Before the several generations of Filipino love teams that we know today, Rogelio de la Rosa and Carmen Rosa;les had already gone down in history as the most popular love team in Philippine cinema. Their most unforgettable stellar team-up was in the movie Maalaala Mo Kaya, considered as one of the classics of the first Golden Age of Philippine cinema in the 1950s. In the film, Rosales took on an unforgettable role as De la Rosa’s martyr lover, further establishing her status as the highest paid Filipina actress of her time.

Joseph Estrada—The person to whom MOWELFUND owes its existence, himself an action king, matinee idol, public servant, champion of the poor and eventually the 13TH President of the Republic of the Philippines, Joseph Estrada is the true epitome of the champion of every movieworker’s cause. Born in Tondo, he was schooled in the most prestigious universities in the country but eventually opted to pursue an acting career. He became popularly known as ‘Erap’, a colloquial term for one’s best friend spelled backwards. He played the role in more than 100 movies and was a producer of over 70 films.

Rodolfo ‘Dolphy’ Quizon—Well-loved comedian Rodolfo Vera Quizon, or more fondly called Dolphy, is movie and television’s most respected icon and Philippine show business’ all-time King of Comedy. Revered in the industry for having challenged the conservative prejudices in the realm of Philippine film and broadcast, Dolphy has emerged a successful thespian who survived the many glorious years of Post-War cinematic history. With his intrinsic passion for acxting, Dolphy went on his way to the road to stardom armed with his excellent comic timing and heartfelt chemistry with the Filipino moviegoer. Inspiring his fellow actors and comedians to elevate their skills into a more prodigious comedic art form, Dolphy was awarded the Parangal Sentenyal sa Sining at Kultura in 1999.

Fernando Poe Jr.—Dubbed as Da King of Philippine Movies because of his box-office hits, he made over 200 films in his lifetime and ran a successful movie production firm. As a film producer, he was well loved by the industry, with a soft spot for those less privileged than the big stars. At various points in his life, his pride in his own field of art and his directorial foresight has inspired him to direct his own movies under the pseudonym Ronwaldo Reyes. He was honored with the Parangal Sentenyal sa Sining at Kultura in 1999 for his outstanding contribution to Philippine movies through his depiction of the heroism, courage and moral uprightness of the Filipino and for being the epitome of a total film artist.

The brightest stars of Philippine cinema will topbill the night of special tribute. Those who have committed to attend and perform in the show include Star of All Seasons Lipa Mayor Vilma Santos, Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr., Philip Salvador, Rudy Fernandez, Christopher de Leon, Eddie Garcia, Lorna Tolentino, Cesar Montano, Pilita Corrales, Rico J. Puno, Toni Gonzaga, Sunshine Cruz, Jericho Rosales, Heart Evangelista, Willy Nepomuceno and Hotlegs.

The hosts for the tribute are Film Academy of the Philippines Director General Leo G. Martinez and comedienne Nanette Inventor. The opening number will be rendered by Jolina Magdangal, Sheryn Regis and Rachelle Ann Go.

Members of the Fashion Designers’ Asssociation of the Philippines, led by Edgar San Diego, will stage a Bagong Anyo-inspired fashion revue in music and dance, showing the glamour of Philippine movies.

An exhibit of the Ani awardees, dubbed as Balik Tanaw, will be held at the Aliw theater from February 17 to 23 and will feature valuable memorabilia from the movie careers of FPJ, Erap, Dolphy, Nida Blanca, Amalia Fuentes, Gloria Romero and other stars from the past.

Video presentations of classic directorial masterpieces of National Artist for Film Gerardo de Leon will also be held.

Three classic Filipino movies will be shown at the Aliw Theater from Feb. 17 to 20. These are Zamboanga starring Rosa del Rosario and Fernando Poe Sr., Geron Busabos starring Joseph Estrada and Perlas ng Silangan starring FPJ and Susan Roces.

Tickets for the tribute, priced at P150.00, are available at all SM Ticketnet outlets. For reservations, please contact 911-5555.