GROUP 1

AB-ELS 2A

HISTORY OF POPULAR CULTURE:

AN INQUIRY TOWARDS
PHILIPPINE POP CULTURE
MOVIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

mainly focuses on the history of Philippine

Cinema as it is undergoing through evolution
from generational aspects; it also highlights
the importance of movies in the Philippines as
part of the Pop Culture
 this presentation of AB-ELS 2A
discusses the following subtopics
about Movies in the Philippines:

History
Importance
Evolution
HISTORY OF PHILIPPINE CINEMA
 Film is an import from Europe. A
Spanish soldier named Antonio Ramos
helped bring the Lumiere brothers'
cinematographe film camera and
projector to the Philippines two years
after they had successfully introduced
cinema. He carried many Spanish-
language short films with him and
projected them for limited audiences in
1897 using the cinematographe.
Who are the Lumière Brothers?

Auguste and Louis Lumière invented a camera

that could record, develop, and project film.
Louis was said to have remarked: “Le cinéma
est une invention sans avenir—Cinema is an
invention with­out a future.”
What is the Cinémato­graphe ?

an early term for several types of motion

picture film mechanisms
a film camera that functions as a photo
developer and a projector

Their Cinémato­graphe introduced a crucial

innovation: By projecting moving images onto
a large screen, it created a new, shared
experience of cinema. The first "movies"
were born.
Spread and Influence of the
European Import

Carlo Naquera is also a Spanish soldier who decided to film

Filipinos in their everyday life. After viewing these films,
Filipinos were impressed and welcomed this new kind of
media. They began showing American movies in areas like
Escolta and Intramuros in the early 1990s after the Spanish
fled the nation and were replaced by Americans.
Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States in 1898 through
the Treaty of Paris. U.S. forces spent the next three years
quelling the revolution. Two movie theaters opened in Manila, in
1900 and 1901. They showed silent documentaries, the only fare
being made at the time.

Named for national hero Dr. José Rizal, (1861–1896), who helped
spur the Philippine Revolution, the Cinematografo Rizal opened
in Manila in 1903. It was the first movie theater owned by a
Filipino. Cinematografo Rizal opened sometime later in Tondo,
helping to establish movies as an important element in
Philippine culture.
Cinematografo Rizal

The movie house or theatre was

located at Azcarraga Street (now
C.M. Recto), in front of the then
Tutuban Train Station. This was
established in 1903 and was
owned by a Manila scenographic
painter named Jose Jimenez.
 1919
Throughout time, Filipinos
have learned using and
making films such as those
showed to them by previous
colonizers, making the very
first Filipino-produced film
called, "Dalagang Bukid" Dalagang Bukid (Country Maiden) is
(1919) made by Jose
the first Filipino (silent) film produced
Nepomuceno.
in the Philippines.
 JOSE NEPOMUCENO
(May 15, 1893 – December 1, 1959)
Father of Philippine Cinema
"Founder of Philippine Movies"
opened a production company
called Malayan Movies in 1917
one of the pioneering directors of
the cinema of the Philippines
he had his own production company,
Jose Nepomuceno Productions
 some of the classic Nepomuceno's works that are part
of Philippine Culture of Cinema:

The Filipino Woman (1927) Ang Manananggal (1927) Ang Lumang Simbahan
La Mujer Filipina first horror film (1928)
a silent film in the Philippines a pre-war movie based
on a poem
 some of the classic Nepomuceno's works that are part
of Philippine Culture of Cinema:

Noli Me Tangere (1930) Punyal na Ginto (1933)

based on the novel the first Filipino-language talking "talkie"
considered one of the greatest films in film (all-talking photoplay)
Philippine cinema history
 1930s
Early Years of Philippine Film
time of discovering films
still a new art form
stories for films came from
the theatre and popular
literature being
nationalistic films were vogue the resurgence of film houses were
popular at this time, this was shot at
San Diego
 Before the World War II, Philippine film
industry was a thriving industry. Early
PRE-WAR FILIPINO MOVIES film producers included “wealthy-
Spaniards”, American businessmen and
Filipino landlords and politicians.
Here are some movies during the pre-war:

Giliw Ko (1939) Florante at Laura (1939) Tunay na Ina (1939)

FILMS AS TRADITIONAL THEATRE FORMS
early films were also based on traditional
theatre forms
set the trends of Philippine films based
entirely on sarswelas
theatre pieces ensured an already existing
market
senakulo or the passion play was the root
of the conventional Filipino melodrama
Philippine literature was and still a source
of movie themes (e.g. novel-based movies
of Jose Rizal and Francisco Baltazar)
 IMPORTANCE OF
PHILIPPINE CINEMA
 The Philippine Film Industry is an important
sector in our country as it provides a lot of
benefits to the society. For instance, watching
the films produced and made by our fellow
Filipinos provide us entertainment. And along
the way, it will also leave us some newly-gained
knowledge. It also help strengthen other sectors
as well, in regards with economy and tourism.
Entertainment
Film enthusiasts (or any casual consumers of film) may describe
watching films as their escape. In a sense that, they usually
watch films to temporarily escape from our world and its harsh
realities. It allows us to enter a fictional world, that we, as an
audience, feel a deep and strong connection to its characters
and their story. Hence, giving us a chance to live in that
particular world that we long to experience. (It may be regarded
as a form of art that provides catharsis to the consumer)
Education
There are films that are made to educate people.
It may be regarded as a medium in disseminating
information. There are numerous film that teaches
us about their history, culture, tradition, and
many more things. It discusses important topics in
our life such as social issues, environmental
issues, and any issues you could name.
 Connection
Films transcend cultural and language differences. Entering
a world that we are not familiar of may be intimidating at
first, but if we try to consume films produced by other
countries, we would recognize that these films provide
similar message much like their counterparts. It is quite
understood that films aim to connect their characters to
the audience. This allows the audience to feel represented
by the characters of the movie. Relating themselves to the
character will provide a sense of inspiration to them.
 Economy
The Film Industry is one of the sectors in the
Philippines that contributes to the economic
growth of the country. With more consumers
recognizing our films, more revenue comes from
it. It also opens a lot of job opportunities to our
fellow Filipinos and other people as well.
 Tourism
Watching films may pique the audience’s interest in
visiting the location of the film. Especially if the film
prioritizes on sceneric shots. They may want to visit the
location spot as they find it beautiful, or maybe that they
want to live through the whereabouts of the film and
connect with its characters. Thus, it promotes the tourist
spots of the country, in turn encouraging the consumers
to visit the specifc place situated in the film.
 EVOLUTION OF
PHILIPPINE CINEMA
 Filipino Films During World War II

1940s
"The Pacific War brought havoc to
propaganda as a new role for the industry in 1941. The Japanese
film
invasion put a halt to film activity
a period turned out to be
when the invaders commandeered
quite beneficial to the theater
precious film equipment for their
industry, live theatre began
own propaganda needs. The
to flourish again
Japanese brought their own films
filmmakers dared to venture
to show to Filipino audiences.”
into the genre of the war
movie
 movies that told the people the
stories they wanted to hear: the
heroes and the villains of the war

Garrison 13 (1946) Dugo ng Bayan (1946) Guerilyera (1946)

 Filipino Films During World War II

Japanese propaganda offices hired

several local filmmakers because
films the Japanese brought failed to
appeal to audiences the same way
the Hollywood-made movies or the
locally-made films did. Gerardo de
Leon was one of the local
filmmakers of 1940s.
The Dawn of Freedom made by
director Abe Yutaka and associate
director Gerardo de Leon
 Golden Age of Filipino Films

1950s
era as "Golden Age" for Filipino film not because film
content had improved but because cinematic
techniques achieved an artistic breakthrough in that
decade
films were matured and artistic
awards were first instituted during this decade
including FAMAS Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and
Sciences) Awards in 1952
Philippines became a major filmmaking center in Asia
 Filipino films started garnering
awards in international film festivals

Genghis Khan (1952) Ifugao (1954) Anak Dalita (1956)

Manuel Conde's immortal movie
accepted for screening at the Venice Film Festival
 Decline of Philippine Film

1960s
“rampant commercialism and
artistic decline” Bomba is a Filipino film genre,
emergence of the youth revolt characterized by its gratuitous
notorious genre of bomba was use of sex scenes. The term
introduced and from that day best translates as “bold” and
forward has been present in the
roughly means scandalous –
Philippine film scene ever since
were a mix of soft-core and
film genres of the time were direct
reflections of the “disaffection
hard-core pornography.
with the status quo” at the time
 romantic pairings of the 50s made
1960s was emphasized as a decade of rise to 60s were the forerunners of
a new kind of revolution – the “teen
film youth revolution (fan movies) love team” revolution

Tita Duran & Nida Blanca & Nora Aunor & Vilma Santos &
Pancho Magalona Nestor de Villa Tirso Cruz III Eddie Mortiz
 Bomba films were largely Even in the period of decline,
produced, remembered, and several Philippine films stood
continued during this era of decline out in this particular era

Ishmael Bernal's Ligaw na Bulaklak Gerardo de Leon’s Noli Me Tangere

and Ruben Abalos' Uhaw (Touch me Not, 1961) and El
(1960s to early 70s) Filibusterismo (Subversion, 1962)
 Manila Mayor Antonio Villegas spearheaded the first MMFF

MMFF
in 1966 which was then named Manila Tagalog Film Festival
to commemorate the Araw ng Maynila. It was a 2-week run
of local movies to be shown in every theaters.

In the spirit of the holiday seasons, every 25th of

December, the much awaited Metro Manila Film Festival or
MMFF is a treat for every Filipinos. The festival runs from
Christmas Day until the first week of January of the new
year. The festival focuses on only original Filipino films and
no foreign films will be shown during the festival run.
 Blood Island Films and

1960-70s Filipino Horror, Sci-Fi Films

there were a a number of schlocky horror

Blood Island Films refers to a
and science fiction films that came out of
the Philippines series of low-budget films
the three core films of the genre in this era made in late 1960's and early
were Brides of Blood, Mad Doctor of Blood 1970's in the Philippines as co-
Island and Beast of Blood productions with the US. Those
Hemisphere Pictures release films and
made good money on the above mentioned
films are a loose collection of
“Brides of Blood” (1967-68) was the first in films that all take place on a
the John Ashley series of movies and the place called Blood Island.
first he made in the Philippines. It was was
a hit for Hemisphere, so they made more
P
O The Blood Island
S
T
Trilogy
E a Philippine-based horror
series film casted with
R international actors and
S Filipino icons of cinema

John Ashley as Dr. Bill

C Foster
A Angelique Pettyjohn as
Sheila Willard
S
Ronaldo Valdez as Carlos
T Lopez
S Eddie Garcia as the
monster
 Philippine Films during Martial Law

1970s-80s
films dealt with more serious topics following the chaos of the Marcos regime
arrival of alternative cinema in the Philippines
filmmakers dared to venture into the genre of the war movie
regulate filmmaking; controlled content of movies by insisting censorship
action films depicting shoot outs and sadistic fistfights usually append to the
ending.
"wet look" movies; producers cashed in on the new type of bomba because of
audience's taste for sex and nudity
films now have the requirement of a script prior to filming
period of the avant-garde filmmakers, local producers and filmmakers ceased
to produce pictures in black and white
 The Old Society became the Board of Censors for Motion
leading symbol for all things Pictures (BCMP) stipulated
bad and repugnant. The New submission of a finished script
Society was supposed to prior to the start of filming.
represent everything good – a When the annual film festival
new sense of discipline, was revived, the censors
uprightness and love of country blatantly insisted that the
Accordingly, the ideology of the “ideology” of the New Society
New Society was incorporated be incorporated into the
into local films. content of the entries.

Old Society (before Marcos Era) to New Society (Marcos Era)

 daring works portrayed revolt, labor unionism,
social ostracism and class division, produced
works in weaving a tale behind the camera

Maynila, Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag

Himala
(Manila, In the Claws of Neon Lights, 1975) (Miracle, 1982)
Movie and Television Review and Classification Board

On October 5, 1985, Executive Order No. 876-A was created to

reformat the Board of Review for Motion Pictures, leading to
the creation of the Movie and Television Review and
Classification Board. The board was created only for the
purpose of classifying cinematic films and television shows.
 Independent Films and Genre Wave

1990s
in spite of the promising new wave of independent
movies and filmmakers, local production companies
resorted to producing hastily made, low quality,
and formulaic films due to increasing production
cost, extremely high taxes, censorship, and piracy
the golden era for comedy on Philippine TV and in
cinema, set a new wave of popular actor-comedians
the rise of "classic Pinoy love teams" were made
 some of the most iconic Filipino comedians and
their remarkable family-oriented movies

‘King of Comedy’ Dolphy Home Along Da Riles (The Movie) 1993

 some of the most iconic Filipino comedians and
their remarkable family-oriented movies

Pablo Martin Sarmiento

known as Babalu
Cipriano M. Cermeño II
known as Redford White
haba-baba-doo puti-puti-poo (1998)
 some of the most iconic Filipino comedians and
their remarkable family-oriented movies

Carding Castro Tik Tak Toys: My Kolokotoys (1999)

 popular local love teams
in showbiz during the 90's

Rico Yan and Marvin Agustin and Wowie de Guzman and

Claudine Barretto Jolina Magdangal Judy Ann Santos
 Contemporary Philippine Cinema:
The Rise of Digital Age
2000s
the 21st century saw the rebirth of independent filmmaking
through the use of digital technology, and a number of films
have once again earned international recognition and prestige.
decline of commercial films and emergence of independent films
reminiscing of historical heroes through movies
nostalgic animated local movies
new generation of love teams on romcom movies
cinematography is comparably advanced than before
advertisements of movies; plugs on shows and interviews
 some highly appreciated independent films

Ang Babae sa Septik Directed by Marlon Rivera

Tank (2011) starring Cynical filmmakers plan on producing a bleak, independent film dealing with poverty
Eugene Domingo and prostitution in the hopes of scoring free travel to international film festivals.
 some highly appreciated independent films

Honor Thy Father

Directed by Erik Matti
(2015) starring John
A family is caught in a financial ruin after being involved in a ponzi scheme.
Lloyd Cruz
 some highly appreciated independent films

100 Tula Para kay Stella Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana

(2017) starring Bella Throughout his four years in college, Fidel, a stuttering student, tries to finish 100
Padilla & JC Santos poems dedicated to Stella, an aspiring but frustrated rock star, to win her heart.
 some highly appreciated independent films

Kita Kita (2017)

Directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo
starring Alessandra
Lea is a tour guide in Japan who suffered from temporary blindness. Tonyo
De Rossi & Empoy who lives right across from Lea is persistent and determined to be her friend.
 some highly appreciated independent films

Ulan (2019) starring Directed by Irene Villamor

Nadine Lustre In this coming-of-age-film about self-love, Maya is a girl who has
always held a pessimistic view of the rain, reminding her of
& Carlo Aquino
failed love and other depressing things.
 historical films made in 2000s

El Presidente Heneral Luna Goyo: Ang Batang

(2012) (2015) Heneral (2018)
 top animated movies
produced in local cinema

Dayo: Sa Mundo ng
Elementalia (2008) animated adventure-fantasy comedy film and the Philippines'
first all-digital full-length animated feature film
 top animated movies
produced in local cinema

RPG Metanoia
It is the first full length Philippine
(2010) animated movie presented in 3D
 some famous Y2K love teams on screen

Gerald Anderson John Lloyd Cruz Sam Milby

& Kim Chiu & Bea Alonzo & Toni Gonzaga
 The Trio of Romantic Pairings in Movies

JaDine KathNiel LizQuen

James Reid & Kathryn Bernardo & Liza Soberano &
Nadine Lustre Daniel Padilla Enrique Gil
 2010s: Box 0ffice Resurgence
2011 is the most fruitful year in Philippine Cinema history as 3 films
produced within the year (all from Star Cinema) landed in the top 3
of the highest grossing Filipino films of all time.

Wenn Deramas' The Unkabogable

Praybeyt Benjamin grossed ₱331.6
million in box office and became
the highest grossing local film in
the Philippines.
 2010s: Box 0ffice Resurgence
2011 is the most fruitful year in Philippine Cinema history as 3 films
produced within the year (all from Star Cinema) landed in the top 3
of the highest grossing Filipino films of all time.

No Other Woman grossed ₱278.39 million Enteng Ng Ina Mo grossed ₱237.89 million
 2020s: Centennial Year of
Philippine Cinema and Onward

The film industry celebrated its One

Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema

Habambuhay, produced by TBA Studios

aims to highlight the incredible history of
filmmaking in the country and celebrate
some of the artists who paved the way for
the Philippine cinema that we know and
love today.
TBA Studios Celebrates Philippine Film History with Habambuhay
A Two-Part Special Scheduled for Release on Youtube

The first part of this special docuseries opens with the

omnibus episode, “Sandaan (100), Sangandaan (Crossroads)
/ Philippine Cinema at the Crossroads.” Starting with
pioneering filmmaker Jose Nepomuceno, whose zarzuela
movie Dalagang Bukid marked the beginning of full-length
moviemaking in the country back in 1919, this hour-long
presentation evolves as a whirlwind journey through the past
100 years of Philippine Cinema. From the early films of the
20’s through the 40’s, to the masterworks of the great
directors in the 50’s and 60’s (Gerry De Leon, Lamberto
Avellana, Manuel Silos, to name a few), to the breakthrough
films of Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal and Mike De Leon in the Part 1: an hour-long of
70’s and 80’s, and through the rise of the independent knowing the Philippine Film
filmmakers of the new millennium (including such auteurs as Industry
Brillante Mendoza and Lav Diaz).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p15Kh0AGFs8
TBA Studios Celebrates Philippine Film History with Habambuhay
A Two-Part Special Scheduled for Release on Youtube

The second part is aptly titled “Showbiz Clan: The Eigenmann

Legacy.” This episode highlights the colorful life and
illustrious career of Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil, who have
contributed a legacy to Philippine Cinema not just through
the films they starred in, but also through their renowned
family of actors. Three of their children—Mark Gil, Michael de
Mesa, and Cherie Gil—are among the country’s most awarded
and highly regarded thespians, having all worked with the
industry’s topnotch filmmakers. In turn, these children begot
children of their own, who, like their parents and
grandparents before them, are now on the rise and
continuing their family’s legacy. Altogether, the Eigenmann
Part 2: knowing the Philippine
clan has created a major niche for themselves, continuing to
Film Industry
leave a mark in the Philippine film industry through their
outstanding performances.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55CnrmsKtcs
 THEN
VS
NOW
of Philippine Cinema
 MOVIE POSTERS
THEN NOW

layout of a magazine-type poster minimal overlaid pictures

with collage of scenes emphasizing simplicity
 ACTION FILMS
THEN NOW

action movies were often led female actresses are recognized

by male actors in leading action movies
 EXPLICIT FILMS
THEN NOW

sex/explicit scenes were acted sex/explicit scenes are

on the spot and without script; the flow choreographed by
of the scene depends on the actors Intimacy Directors and Coordinators
 FORMULAIC FILMS

THEN
 FORMULAIC FILMS

THEN

"Magkikita pa tayo sa impyerno!"/"Humanda ka na!"/"Katapusan mo na!"/"Huwag mo

ko subukan!" (and other cheesy lines pag final battle na ng bida at ng contrabida)
When the leading lady reminds the bida that he's actually not a bad person with lines
like "hindi ka ganito"/"matutulad ka lang sa kanya pag ginawa mo yan"/"hindi ito yung
[insert bida's name here] na kilala ko" but the bida kills 50 henchmen anyway by the
time the movie ends
Leather jacket yung suot ng bida kahit ang init sa Pinas
Pag si FPJ yung bida guaranteed hindi siya mamamatay sa huli. Yung one time kasi
namatay si FPJ sa pelikula, nagkaroon ng riot sa mga cinema (this is an actual
historical fact)
Yung leading lady mga na sa early 20s yung edad kahit 50 years old na yung bida
 FORMULAIC FILMS
THEN

Late na dumadating yung pulis sa huli. Pinatay na ng bida yung halos

lahat ng mga henchmen at minsan pati na din yung contrabida. Kung
buhay pa rin yung contrabida sa huli, expected na binubugbog na siya ng
leading lady at ng mga kasama ng bida habang umaawat yung pulis.
L300 lagi yung gamit na van para mang kidnap ng tao.
Cheesy movie titles like "Humanda ka mayor!", "Sa iyo ang Tondo, akin
ang Cavite", "Isang bala ka lang!" and other titles na pinagisipan ng
Sampaguita Films.
Unli ammo hacks palagi ang baril, kahit na pistol lang ang dala.
Laging may suntukan at away sa beer house sa mga midpoint ng pelikula.
 FORMULAIC FILMS

NOW

action movies have thrilling choreographed movements

during fight scenes
romcom movies suddenly ends with a mix of drama
some movies often take place outside the country to
introduce vibrant surroundings ; new to audience's eyes
there are numerous plot twists on movies
they often cast big names on screen for people to watch
movies have melodic Original SoundTrack (OST )
 The Philippines, which as one of Asia's oldest film industries,
remains undisputed in terms of the highest level of theater
admission in Southeast Asia. In contrast, the Philippines is “stuck
with the traditional window of theater, Subscription Video on
Demand (SVOD), free to air, etc.” There are still a lot of Filipinos
who admire international films on different views, as they seem to
be more advanced and not mediocre. It was insisted - "our film
industry should not produce films for Filipinos. Instead, they should
produce Filipino films for the world." Local films in the Philippines
are arguably cinematic and entertaining, yet had numerous plain
sides. If the government and the creatives would provide a focus in
this art industry, Philippine Cinema can go global.
THANK YOU
FOR
LISTENING
 SOURCES
https://reelrundown.com/film-industry/filipino-movies
http://sdfilipinocinema.org/philippine-cinema-history/
https://www.elcomblus.com/brief-history-of-film-industry-in-the-philippines/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/history-magazine/article/creation-of-the-
motion-picture-lumiere-brothers
http://andvirtualmedia.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-european-film-import.html
https://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Philippines/sub5_6e/entry-3899.html
https://www.mypilipinas.com/mmff.html#
https://www.tba.ph/2022/01/21/tba-studios-celebrates-philippine-film-history-with-
habambuhay/
https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2022/04/26/444667/the-future-of-the-
philippine-film-industry
https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/comments/w8cwfy/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/comments/13itltv/
 GROUP 1
AB-ELS 2A // CNSC

dela Cruz, Jemuel Roi B.

Morales, Dezree Dakila E.
Roco, Rowilyn T.
Vasquez, Jann Marielle P.
Vasquez, Rozmond T.