A monumental moment for cinema and cultural memory unfolded as the University of the Philippines Press launched Nicanor Tiongson’s “Manong: The Life and Works of Gerardo de Leon” on Oct. 8 at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong.
Tiongson, a critic and scholar of Philippine film and theater, and professor emeritus of the UP Film Institute, College of Media and Communication, emphasized that “Manong,” is the “first comprehensive study of the life and works of GDL that presents complete production data, as well as sources, synopses, release dates, promotion, and critics’ analyses of each of the more than 82 films he produced from 1938 to 1976.”
De Leon, honored in 1982 as the country’s second National Artist for Film, is best remembered for bringing literary classics like “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” to the silver screen. He also brought to life popular characters such as Dyesebel and Pedro Penduko. Many of his films tackled social issues, including “Sisa,” “Diego Silang,” “Ang Daigdig ng mga Api,” and “Banaue: Stairway to the Sky.”
Jose Javier Reyes, chair of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, in his remarks, emphasized the reason for supporting Tiongson’s research, granted under the National Artists Program, he said, “Binibigyan namin ng importansiya ang pananaliksik at pagbibigay ng laman at lalim sa mga ginawa ng ating mga national artist …. Ito ay hindi lamang para sa pagbibigay-galang at pagbibigay-pugay sa ganda at galing ng pelikulang Filipino ngunit ito ay hugis ng ating kultura at hugis ng ating kinabukasan.” (We give importance to research and to providing substance and depth to the works of our National Artists. This is not only to show respect and pay tribute to the beauty and excellence of Filipino cinema, but also because it shapes our culture and our future.)
The event also featured esteemed academic critics, De La Salle University Professor Shirley Chua and UPFI Prof. Patrick Campos, and de Leon’s grandson, actor-singer Janno Gibs, who performed “Salamat sa Alaala.” Thoughtful analyses from Chua and Campos served to further drum up interest in the book, enticing audience members to purchase their copies.
Voices from the arts community on Gerry de Leon
National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricardo Lee, in a brief interview, said, “Napaka-prominent na figure ni Gerry de Leon sa kasaysayan ng pelikulang Pilipino and yet, konti na lang ang mga pelikula niya ang available para mapanood. Ang ganitong libro … ay one good way rin para malaman ng Gen Z o ng kabataan ngayon yung mga ginawa niya, maski na hindi nila mapanood ang mga pelikula niyang totally, wala na.” (Gerry de Leon is such a prominent figure in the history of Philippine cinema, and yet only a few of his films are still available to watch. A book like this is a good way … for Gen Z, or today’s youth, to learn about his work even if they can no longer fully view his films.)
National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario remarked, “Si Gerry de Leon ay isang espesyal na direktor talaga. Maganda siyang model sa mga Gen Z, sa kaniyang paghihirap na mapaganda ang kaniyang pelikula at ang dalubhasang paggamit ng pelikula.” (Gerry de Leon was truly a special director. He’s a good model for Gen Z because of his dedication to improving his films and his masterful use of the medium.)
National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, in an interview, said, “It is very important that everybody is exposed to his works, knows about him, and understands his contributions to the industry — and also to so many other national treasures like him.”
UP Press Director Galileo Zafra, when asked about the significance of publishing books like “Manong,” said, “Malaking bagay ito sa pagbuo ng kasaysayan ng sinemang Pilipino. Kinakailangang ugatin ang mga nagawa ng mga direktor na ito para makita natin ang pinagmulan ng development ng ating sinema ngayon.” (This is very important in building the history of Filipino cinema. It is necessary to trace the works of these directors so we can see the origins of the development of our cinema today.)
The event ended with Tiongson’s message of admiration for de Leon’s expert directorship and cinematic repertoire, and his thanks to everyone who supported the book from its inception to the launch. He remarked, “Sa inyo pong lahat, isang taos-pusong pasasalamat. Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino na masining at makatao, at ikulong ang lahat ng kurakot at traydor sa bayan.” (My heartfelt thanks to all of you. Long live Filipino films that are artistic and humane, and may the corrupt and traitors to the nation be imprisoned.)
