At the heels of the conclusion of the national celebration of the Philippine Cinema Centennial, we reflect on the eventful path that brought us to this state. We remember those who blazed the trail that we are gainfully treading on. This industry has strength, dignity, and promise because of people who have risen above and beyond their artistry to make it so.

These are the stalwarts of our film industry who have kept our cinema ablaze thanks to the exceptional practice of their art and profession together with their many years of dedicated service. They are artists who became legends and eventually, icons of Philippine Cinema.

As our little way at the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) to pay tribute to some of our departed luminaries, “Eternal Icons: Tribute to the Legends Of Philippine Cinema” was held virtually yesterday, December 5, as a special event of the 4th Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino.

Reflections on the life and times of Mona Lisa, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Anita Linda, Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Peque Gallaga, Eddie Garcia, and Dolphy were expressed by the people closest to them, including family members and colleagues. Video tributes were interspersed with loving testimonies told straight from the heart, making it a sentimental Saturday.

Three glorious actresses

The first “Eternal Icons” segment paid homage to three women who filled our screens with excellent portrayals that endure in our memory. Award-winning actress, opera singer, and producer Armida Siguion-Reyna provided us with significant feature films and left us a legacy of appreciation for the Filipino kundiman.

Armida Siguion-Reyna

Known for her admirable beauty and allure, and more so for her brave, generous, and effective portrayals, Mona Lisa bagged accolades thanks to her brilliant performances and enthralling screen presence that endeared her to cineastes and critics alike.

Up until this year, Anita Linda was the oldest living legend whom we still had the joy of watching on screen. Her illustrious career was blessed with longevity and acclaim. Throughout seven decades, she played her characters with elegant truth and amazing emotional range.

Three industry pillars

The second “Eternal Icons” segment, which I hosted, was a special tribute to three crucial filmmakers who revolutionized Philippine Cinema. Producer and film industry leader Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda was born into show business, and in turn, gave birth to important films as well as institutions that championed the welfare of film workers.

Fondly called Manay Ichu, she pioneered legislation resulting in the institution of policies and agencies that form the backbone of our film industry. She helped establish the FDCP, Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Metro Manila Film Festival, Film Academy of the Philippines, Philippine Motion Picture Producers Association, and Experimental Cinema of the Philippines.

Another trailblazing female force in the industry was acclaimed director, producer, writer, educator, and mentor Marilou Diaz-Abaya who is credited for the sterling careers of many actors, writers, and directors. Her films such as “Brutal,” “Moral,” “Karnal,” “Muro-Ami,” and “Bagong Buwan” are strong audiovisual statements about culture and society, considered as milestones of a new golden age.

Regarded as a visionary like no other, awarded director, producer, writer, and actor Peque Gallaga created experimental, brave, insightful, and sensual films. His cinematic gems helped spur the development of artistic genres in Philippine Cinema. “Oro, Plata, Mata,” “Scorpio Nights,” and “Magic Temple” stirred audiences with the sheer grit of reality mixed with the poetry of how life could be.

Two PH Cinema kings

Finally, we honored two extraordinary actors in the third “Eternal Icons” segment. They have touched our hearts and changed our lives with their performances as well as with the messages ingrained in their films. These two kings do not need further introduction as their names alone indicate their incredible legacies: Eddie Garcia and Dolphy.

In the lifetime of Philippine Cinema, we rarely come across an actor who masterfully portrayed a wide range of roles in all possible genres, and was an accomplished director at that. With a stellar career that spanned seven decades, Eddie Garcia, popularly known as Manoy, is the most awarded Filipino actor of all time with more than 46 citations. He is hailed as among the Philippine Cinema Kings for being an acclaimed actor and director whose artistry is simply exemplary.

Comedy in the Philippines, meanwhile, will never be the same without Dolphy or Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr. The undisputed Comedy King, who brought countless laughter to numerous generations, was an award-winning actor whose versatility remains unparalleled. As an artist and filmmaker, his downright dedication to his craft and love for the industry pushed him to take on challenging roles and produce films that made a mark and brought about insurmountable achievements.

Sine Sandaan Icons

Mona Lisa, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Anita Linda, Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Peque Gallaga, Eddie Garcia, and Dolphy are eight of our exemplary Eternal Icons. Many thanks to their tireless efforts, Philippine Cinema is still thriving to this day.

Mona Lisa

As a fitting end to the tribute segments, the FDCP gave each representative of the Eternal Icons a Sine Sandaan Icon trophy to express gratitude on behalf of the film industry for their invaluable contributions as well as in commemoration of the conclusion of the One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema.

Where true honor is due, we give our respect, devotion, and words of tribute to these artists who are exemplars of their profession. They have shown us wondrous worlds on the silver screen through their unforgettable works, and we are fortunate to have been witnesses to their illustrious careers. Their light will always shine for as long as we have their legacy of films with us to watch, appreciate, cherish, and treasure.

Notes from the Chair is part of the Arts Awake section of The Sunday Times Magazine published by The Manila Times. Click HERE to view the article on The Manila Times website.