Remembering Filipino classics
FOR THE fourth time, ABS-CBN Film Restoration and Powerplant Mall will regale audiences with a selection of newly restored Filipino film classics. Eleven films will be screened during the festival, which runs from Dec. 7-14 at Powerplant Cinema 1 in Makati City. The much-talked about 1996 fantasy-adventure film Magic Temple, directed by Peque Gallaga, was chosen as the opener.
According to Luis Katigbak, head of ABS-CBN Film Restoration, the response to the familyfantasyadventure film was enthusiastic. Within 24 hours of announcing the film’s inclusion, the ABS-CBN Film Restoration Facebook page garnered two million hits. Rockwell has already added three additional screenings. “I thought it was going to be successful — I didn’t think it would be this successful,” said Mr. Katigbak of Magic Temple’s appeal, in an interview on Dec. 1 at his office in Quezon City. “When things like that resonate, then you’re very, very happy.”
Magic Temple follows the story of three teenage boys, Jumal, Sambag and Omar played by Jason Salcedo, Junell Hernando and Marc Solis, respectively, as they journey to defeat the evil of Ravenal and Sifu, played by Jackie Lou Blanco and Jun Urbano, respectively, and save the fictional world of Samadhi.
The film, which was an entry to the 1996 Metro Manila Film Festival, won all seven of its nominations including Best Picture.
Mr. Katigbak noted that the film’s restoration has given it new life. “Barring the outdated special effects — and if you didn’t know the stars already grew up — you’d think the film was only shot this year.”
He added that Magic Temple’s popularity on social media shows its lasting appeal. “I think this film resonated with the people of the younger generation.”
The restored version of Magic Temple premieres on Dec. 6, 8:00 p.m., ahead of the festival’s public opening on Dec. 7. Aside from Magic Temple, the lineup includes the Mario O’Hara masterpiece, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, the 1976 film that focuses on the three years of Japanese occupation during World War II; Cain at Abel ( 1982) by Lino Brocka; Bagong Buwan (2001) by Marilou Diaz-Abaya; Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon (1976) by Eddie Romero; Dekada ’70 (2002) by Chito Rono; Insiang (1976) by Lino Brocka; Nagalit ang Buwan sa Haba ng Gabi (1983) by Danny Zialcita; Tanging Yaman ( 2000) by Laurice Guillen; Himala (1982) by Ishmael Bernal; and Haplos (1982) by Tony Perez.
“Ultimately, the mind-set was to preserve the works of great people,” said Mr. Katigbak.
To date, the ABS- CBN Film Restoration has restored some 120 films hailed as “representative” of their period.
ReeLive the Classics runs from Dec. 7-14 at the Powerplant Cinema 1. Tickets are priced at P230 while the student discounted rate is P200. For more information, visit the ABS-CBN Film Restoration Facebook page.