Video 48: MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: CARMEN ROSALES, ROGELIO DE LA ROSA, WITH PRECIOSO PALMA, BERT LE ROY, JOSE CRIS SOTO, AFRICA DE LA ROSA, FRANCO GAECIA IN "DIWA NG AWIT" (1940)

Carmen Rosales and Rogelio de la Rosa once again charm audiences in Sampaguita’s musical comedy-romance “Diwa ng Awit,” opening today at the Grand Theatre. Their irresistible chemistry delivers both tender romance and irresistible humor, promising a film that audiences—and critics—won’t soon forget.

In this delightful story, Rosales plays the refined daughter of a wealthy hacendero who encounters a humble yet charismatic provincial gentleman, portrayed by de la Rosa, during a visit to their hacienda. His captivating voice and unassuming appeal quickly win her heart, though she soon finds herself torn between love and the expectations of her city life. Refusing to be deterred by their differences in class and fortune, de la Rosa’s character follows her to the city, where fate brings them together again when they are cast as leads in a motion picture. From there, the romance unfolds through a string of comedic misadventures, building toward a warm and surprising conclusion.

Director Manuel Silos, known for his impressive list of screen successes, elevates “Diwa ng Awit” with inventive touches. One standout sequence features de la Rosa appearing miniature—Lilliputian in size—thanks to clever trick photography by cameraman Luis D. Santos, creating a whimsical scene in which a tiny Rogelio serenades Carmen to her delight.

Backing the beloved screen duo is an ensemble of familiar favorites--- Precioso Palma, Bert Le Rey, Jose Cris Soto, Africa de la Rosa, Franco Garcia, along with a large supporting cast. The film’s charm is further enriched by a collection of popular tunes composed by Prof. Santiago S. Suarez. Written by Pedro T. Cruz and with Olympio La Torre assisting in the direction, “Diwa ng Awit” emerges as a lively, tuneful, and utterly engaging cinematic offering.

(The Tribune, September 4, 1940)