EDDIE ROMERO'S 'GANITO' SELECTED FOR UNESCO MEMORY OF THE WORLD

Blitz review

- JUANIYO ARCELLANA

On the centennial of National Artist for Film Eddie Romero, the Dumaguete-born director's seminal "Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?" has been selected for inclusion in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register during a simple but sumptuous lunch at Dusit Thani Manila on the third Wednesday of November.

One of Romero's most celebrated films, "Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?" (1976) delves deeply into Filipino identity and culture during the Spanish colonial era, skillfully blending humor, drama, and historical insight. Widely regarded as a masterpiece of Philippine cinema, this film reflects powerful themes that recur throughout Romero's works, including the epic "Aguila" (1980), which spans generations to explore the impact of colonization and war on the Filipino spirit.

Nick Deocampo, film scholar and chair of UNESCO Philippines, said the film uniquely captures the essence of Filipino identity, resilience, and heritage. The film doesn't just tell a story, according to Deocampo, it also embodies a legacy, a piece of history, and a powerful statement about Filipino culture and spirit.

Its inclusion in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register honors its role in preserving cultural heritage for the world.

Among other films by Romero are "Kamakalawa" (1981), which immerses viewers in pre-colonial Philippines, shedding light on indigenous Filipino mythology and social structures, while "Banta ng Kahapon" (1977) takes a modern approach, examining political corruption and social injustice.