PINOY KOMIKS MADE INTO MOVIES #2: ANG SAWA SA LUMANG SIMBORYO (1952)

Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo was serialized in Mabuhay Komiks in 1951 to 52. Written by Amado Yasona and illustrated by Tony Zuniga and later by Hugo Yonzon, the novel was so popular that the great Filipino director Gerardo de Leon was inspired to adapt it into film. The movie was adjudged Best Picture, the first recognition award given by the then recently launched Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards.

The story is set during the Spanish era in the Philippines. The peasant Tulume joins the band of outlaws after the Guardia Civil kills his wife. After sometime, the authorities kill the leader of the outlaws. Marta, daughter of the slain leader influences the gang to vote for Tulume as the next leader. This is because Marta is in love with Tulume. As the new leader, Tulume is entrusted with an amulet that controls Lingkis, the giant python that guards the treasure in the old dome. After a while, Sabel, a pretty lass, accidentally joins the outlaws. She and Tulume fall in love with each other, to the great anger of Marta. Tulume is forced to relinquish his position as leader. He and Sabel try to live peaceful lives, but the authorities discover their true identity and they are again pursued by authorities. For Sabel's safety, he seeks the help of Marta in exchange for the treasure being guarded by the giant python.

Source: Filipiniana.net
by Dennis Villegas

see Pinoy Komiks Made into Movies#1

Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo/
Nobela ni Amado C. Yasona/ Guhit ni Tony Zuniga/
Mabuhay Komiks/ Blg. No.1/ Setyembre 11, 1951

Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo (1952)- Stars Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda, Rita Gomez, Jose Romulo/ Directed by Gerardo 'Gerry' De Leon

FAMAS 1952: "SAWA SA LUMANG SIMBORYO" (BEST PICTURE)

"Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo" (1952)

Premiere Productions

Release Date November 20-30, 1952/ Life 

Story Amado Yasona

Direction Gerardo de Leon

Cast Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda, Rita Gomez, Pancho Pelagio, Ding Tello

============================================================

THE 1st FAMAS AWARD WINNERS

Best Picture - Ang Sawa Sa Lumang Simboryo (Premiere Productions, Inc. & Manuel J. Vistan Productions)

Best Actress - Alicia Vergel (Basahang Ginto) (Sampaguita Pictures, Inc.)

Best Actor - Ben Perez (Bagong Umaga) (Premiere Productions, Inc.)

Best Supporting Actress - Nida Blanca (Korea) (LVN Pictures, Inc.)

Best Supporting Actor - Gil de Leon (Korea) (LVN Pictures, Inc.)

Best Director - Gerardo de Leon (Bagong Umaga) (Premiere Productions, Inc.)

Best Screenplay - Cesar Amigo and Eddie Romero (Buhay Alamang) 

Best Photography - Emmanuel Rojas (Ang Sawa Sa Lumang Simboryo) (Premiere Productions)

Best Musical Score - Julio Esteban Anguita (Kalbaryo Ni Hesus) (Lebran Productions)

Best Sound - Charles Gray (Kalbaryo Ni Hesus) (Lebran Productions)

"Basahang Ginto" (1952)

Sampaguita Pictures

Release Date August 13-22, 1952/ Life Theater

Story Mars Ravelo

Direction Mar S. Torres

Cast Pancho Magalona, Alicia Vergel, Mtyrna Delgado, Aruray, Tony Cayado, Jose de Villa, Aring Bautista, Horacio Morelos, Maria Ballesteros, Dolores  Crescini, Dely Magpayo, Jose Salameda, Eddie Garcia, Herminia Caranea

"Korea" (1952)

LVN Pictures

Release Date March 31- April 9, 1952/ Dalisay

Story Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino, Jr.

Direction Lamberto V. Avellana

Cast Jaime de la Rosa, Tony Santos, Alfonso Carvajal, Gil de Leon, Johnny Reyes, Oscar Obligacion, Arturo Moran, Leroy Salvador, Miguel Lopez, Mario Roldan/ co-starring Milagros Naval and Nida Blanca

"Buhay Alamang (Paglukso'y Patay)" (1952)

Lebran Productions

Release Date September 2, 1952/ Life

Direction Enrique Moreno (Eddie Romero)

Cast Fred Montilla, Anita Linda, Mona Lisa, Tito Arevalo

"Kalbaryo ni Hesus" (1952)

Lebran Productions

Release Date March 26- April 4, 1952/ Life

Production Design Carlos V. Francisco

Direction Carlos Vander Tolosa

Cast Jennings Sturgeon, Norma Blancaflor, Elvira Reyes, Carol Varga, Fernando Royo, Ben Rubio, Juan Monteiro, Teddy Benavides, Africa de la Rosa, Lupe Velasco, Andres Centenera, Cecilio Joaquin, Ramon D'Salva, Rita Rivera, Bert Olivar, Don Danon, Manuel Barbeyto, Oscar Keese, Ric Bustamante and many others

THE FIFTIES # 125: JOSE PADILLA, JR., ANITA LINDA, WITH RITA GOMEZ, PANCHO PELAGIO, DING TELLO IN GERARDO DE LEON'S "ANG SAWA SA LUMANG SIMBORYO" (1952)/ UPDATED

"Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo" (1952)

Premiere Productions

Release Date November 20-30, 1952/ Life 

Serialized in Mabuhay Komiks

Story Amado Yasona

Direction Gerardo de Leon

Cast Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda, Rita Gomez, Pancho Pelagio, Ding Tello

Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo was serialized in Mabuhay Komiks in 1951 to 52. Written by Amado Yasona and illustrated by Tony Zuniga and later by Hugo Yonzon, the novel was so popular that the great Filipino director Gerardo de Leon was inspired to adapt it into film. The movie was adjudged Best Picture, the first recognition award given by the then recently launched Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards.

The story is set during the Spanish era in the Philippines. The peasant Tulume joins the band of outlaws after the Guardia Civil kills his wife. After sometime, the authorities kill the leader of the outlaws. Marta, daughter of the slain leader influences the gang to vote for Tulume as the next leader. This is because Marta is in love with Tulume. As the new leader, Tulume is entrusted with an amulet that controls Lingkis, the giant python that guards the treasure in the old dome. After a while, Sabel, a pretty lass, accidentally joins the outlaws. She and Tulume fall in love with each other, to the great anger of Marta. Tulume is forced to relinquish his position as leader. He and Sabel try to live peaceful lives, but the authorities discover their true identity and they are again pursued by authorities. For Sabel's safety, he seeks the help of Marta in exchange for the treasure being guarded by the giant python.

Source: Filipiniana.net
by Dennis Villegas

see Pinoy Komiks Made into Movies#1

Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo/
Nobela ni Amado C. Yasona/ Guhit ni Tony Zuniga/
Mabuhay Komiks/ Blg. No.1/ Setyembre 11, 1951

THE GREAT GERARDO "GERRY" DE LEON

An Invitation to the screening of FPJ Productions' "Juan De La Cruz," the unfinished masterpiece of Director Gerardo de Leon. It was held December 4, 1990 at the Cultural Center of The Philippines.

National Artist Gerardo "Gerry" De Leon, film director, belongs to the Ilagan clan and as such grew up in an atmosphere rich in theater. Significantly, De Leon's first job -- while in still in high school -- was as a piano player at Cine Moderno in Quiapo playing the musical accompaniment to the silent films that were being shown at that time. The silent movies served as De Leon's "very good" training ground because the pictures told the story. Though he finished medicine, his practice did not last long because he found himself "too compassionate" to be one, this aside from the lure of the movies. His first directorial job was "Ama't Anak" in which he directed himself and his brother Tito Arevalo. The movie got good reviews. De Leon's biggest pre-war hit was "Ang Maestra" which starred Rogelio de la Rosa and Rosa del Rosario with the still unknown Eddie Romero as writer.
http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about_cultarts/cultprofile/natarts/cinema/deleon.php

In the 50s and 60s, he directed many films that are now considered classics including "Daigdig ng Mga Api," "Noli Me Tangere," "El Filibusterismo," and "Sisa." Among a long list of films are "Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo," "Dyesebel," "Pedro Penduko," "Kamay ni Cain," "Sanda Wong," "Ako ang Katarungan."

De Leon was the only director to have won the FAMAS [Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences] Award for Best Director three consecutive years: in 1960, 1961 and 1962. He was most-awarded director in the history of the FAMAS --- 7 awards.

48 Oras (1950)

Diego Silang (1950)

Sisa (1951)- First Best Director Award- Maria Clara Award

Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo (1952) - FAMAS Best Picture

Dyesebel (1953)- It was De Leon who directed the first Dyesebel starring Jaime de la Rosa and Edna Luna in the role.

Hanggang sa Dulo ng Daigdig (1958)- His second FAMAS Best Director Award. His first FAMAS award was from the movie "Bagong Umaga" in 1952. His movie, "Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo" was adjudged Best Picture that year.

Huwag Mo Akong Limitin (1960) - Third FAMAS Best Director Award

The Moises Padilla Story (1961)- He was also nominated in this movie.

Noli Me Tangere (1961)- His Fourth FAMAS Best Director Award

El Filibusterismo (1962) - His Fifth FAMAS Best Director Award

Ang Daigdig ng mga Api (1965)- His Sixth FAMAS Best Director Award

Lilet (1971)- His Seventh and last FAMAS Best Director Award

THE DURABLE ANITA LINDA

"There is no doubt as to (Anita) Linda's artistry and generosity. She has gracefully aged with Philippine cinema, witnessing the film industry rise, fall, and rise again through the years, still eagerly inhabiting roles with an unwavering zest whenever called upon...

Adela (Linda's latest movie) works solely because of Linda's terrific performance. Linda is an actress who can tell stories with a mere movement of her lips, or a momentary flicker of her eyes...

Linda, with a subtle trembling of her eyebrows, the sudden flowing of helplessly restrained tears, and coupled with the vast experience of portraying a wide array of characters ranging from a mother gone insane with the loss of her kids (in de Leon's Sisa) to a forgotten movie actress (in O'Hara's Ang Babae sa Bubungang Lata), has done enough to turn mundane into magical. Adela might very well be Alix's best film to date. Alix has Anita Linda to thank for that..." (by Francis Cruz)
http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2008/07/adela-2008.html

Anita Linda (born Alice Lake; November 23, 1924) is a two-time FAMAS award-winning and Gawad Urian award-winning actress. A romantic lead in her youth, she later gained critical acclaim for her portrayals in maternal or elderly roles. At the age of 74, she became the oldest actress to ever win a FAMAS award, when she was named Best Supporting Actress for Ang Babae sa Bubungang Lata.

Linda was born in Pasay City, the daughter of a mining engineer. She was cast in her first film by director Lamberto Avellana in Tia Juana. The film was completed shortly before the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, but released only in 1943. With the film studios being shut down for the duration of the war, Linda spent the war years performing on bodabil at Avenue Theater in Manila. After the war, Linda was cast again by Avellana, this time in Sekretang Hong Kong (1947). She was cast in her first leading role in Alyas Sakim (1947).

Sekretang Hongkong (1947)- Stars Pugo and Togo, Anita Linda , Domingo Principe, Rolando Liwanag, Engracio Ibarra, Tony Camonte/ Directed by Atty. Ricardo S. Balatbat

Alias Sakim (1947)- Stars Leopoldo Salcedo, Anita Linda, Lilia Dizon, Quiel Segovia, Fernando Royo, Lopito/ Directed by Atty. Ricardo S. Balatbat

Hiram na Pangalan (1948)- Stars Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda, Fernando Royo, Efren Reyes, Virginia Montes/ Directed by Ramon A. Estella

Wala na Akong Luha (1948)- Stars Carlos Padilla, Anita Linda, Fernando Royo, Mary Walter, Amparo Aquino, Efren Reyes, Virginia Montes/ Directed by Eduardo De Castro

Suwail (1949)- Stars Anita Linda, Reynaldo Dante, Nora Madrid, Lopito, Rino Bermudez, Amelita Sol/ Introducing Ramon D' Salva/ Directed by Eduardo De Castro

Punglo at Pag-ibig (1950)- Stars Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda, Lopito, Fred Santos, Patria Plata/ Directed by Ramon A. Estella

In 1951, Linda portrayed the titular character in Gerardo de Leon’s Sisa, a film based on the tragic character in Jose Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere. The role garnered her Best Actress Maria Clara award (a pre-cursor of the FAMAS). De Leon then cast Linda in Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo (1952), a role for which Linda would be nominated for a FAMAS Best Actress Award.

3 Balaraw (1950)- Stars Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda, Fred Santos, Luz Kahanding, Ramon D'Salva/ Directed by Cesar Gallardo

Sisa (1951)- Stars Anita Linda, Reynaldo Dante, Eddie del Mar, Eddie Infante, Nati Rubi, Pancho Pelagio, Ruben Rustia/ Directed by Gerardo De Leon

Kapitan Bagwis (1951)- Stars Anita Linda, Efren Reyes, Lopito, Oscar Keese, Patria Plata/ Directed by Cesar Gallardo

Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo (1952)- Stars Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda/ Directed by Gerardo De Leon

Tatlong Kabanata sa Buhay Ko (1952)- Stars Anita Linda, Danilo Montes, Patria Plata, Amparo Karagdag/ Directed by Eddie Infante

Buhay Alamang (1952)- Stars Fred Montilla, Anita Linda, Mona Lisa, Tito Arevalo

Looban (1953)- Stars Leopoldo Salcedo, Anita Linda, Elvira Reyes, Ramon D'Salva, Joe Ramos/ Directed by Ben Calasanz

Guwapo (1954)- Stars Anita Linda, Reynaldo Dante, Lopito, Carol Varga, Ramon D'Salva, Vicente Liwanag/ Directed by Teodorico C. Santos

In the 1970s, Linda gained renewed critical acclaim in maternal roles she essayed for director Lino Brocka in Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974), Tatlo Dalawa Isa (1974) and Jaguar (1979). She would win the FAMAS Best Supporting Actress Award for Tatlo Dalawa Isa Linda would also be nominated for the Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actress Award for Jaguar, which was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival.

Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa (1974)- Stars Jay Ilagan, Perla Bautista, Hilda Koronel, Anita Linda, Lolita Rodriguez, Mario O'Hara, Mary Walter/ Directed by Lino Brocka

Takaw Tukso (1987)- Stars Anna-Marie Gutierrez, Gino Antonio, Julio Diaz and Jaclyn Jose/ with Anita Linda

Linda would appear in several leading films of the 1980s and 1990s, including Mike de Leon’s Sister Stella L (1984),Chito Rono’s Itanong Mo sa Buwan, Brocka's Gumapang ka sa Lusak (1990), and Mario O’Hara's Ang Babae sa Bubungnang Lata (1998). For her portrayal of an aging film actress in the latter film, Linda would receive her second FAMAS Best Supporting Actress Award. In 1987, Linda also won a Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actress award for Takaw Tukso.

In her eighties, Linda has remained active in the film industry, appearing in such films as Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita (2004) , Ouija (2007) and more recently Adela (2008).
Source: Wikipedia

RIP, ANITA LINDA, 95/ SELECTED FILMOGRAPHY

The great Anita Linda in Gerardo de Leon's "Sisa" (1951)

MANILA, Philippines – Veteran actress Anita Linda passed away Wednesday morning. She was 95. 

The news came from director Adolf Alix Jr., who directed her films "Adela" and "Circa." In a Facebook message to Philstar.com, Alix said the actress died of breathing difficulty at home.In the director's Facebook account, Adolf said Anita was like a grandmother to him. 

"This is a very sad day for me. I am trembling as I am gathering my thoughts... She is like my Lola and part of my family," he said. 

"The great Anita Linda has passed away this morning at 6:15 AM at 95. Prayers for her soul."

He also sent his condolences to the family of the then "oldest active actress in the industry."

"My condolences to her family and her children, Francesca Legaspi and Fred Osburn," Adolf said. 

The sad news was confirmed by Anita's daughter Francesca Legaspi in a text message sent to The STAR.

"She passed away this morning at home. (She had) difficulty of breathing,” Francesca said.


Throughout her acting career, Anita won different awards locally and internationally, including Best Actress at the Asia Pacific Film Festival Award in Taiwan for the film "Lola." Anita, whose real name is Alice Lake, was born on November 23, 1924, a few years younger than the Philippine cinema, which recently celebrated its 100th year.  As such, in 2019, the Film Development Council of the Philippines recognized Anita at the “Sandaan: Dunong ng Isang Ina” event commemorating the 100 years of Philippine cinema.

Source: The Philippine Star

Autograph signing, during launching of the Commemorative Stamp celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of National Artist for Film, Gerardo de Leon,  September 12, 2013 at Leandro Locsin Auditorium, Intramuros, Manila.

"There is no doubt as to (Anita) Linda's artistry and generosity. She has gracefully aged with Philippine cinema, witnessing the film industry rise, fall, and rise again through the years, still eagerly inhabiting roles with an unwavering zest whenever called upon...

Adela (Linda's latest movie) works solely because of Linda's terrific performance. Linda is an actress who can tell stories with a mere movement of her lips, or a momentary flicker of her eyes...

Linda, with a subtle trembling of her eyebrows, the sudden flowing of helplessly restrained tears, and coupled with the vast experience of portraying a wide array of characters ranging from a mother gone insane with the loss of her kids (in de Leon's Sisa) to a forgotten movie actress (in O'Hara's Ang Babae sa Bubungang Lata), has done enough to turn mundane into magical. Adela might very well be Alix's best film to date. Alix has Anita Linda to thank for that..." (by Francis Cruz)
http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2008/07/adela-2008.html

Anita Linda (born Alice Lake; November 23, 1924) is a two-time FAMAS award-winning and Gawad Urian award-winning actress. A romantic lead in her youth, she later gained critical acclaim for her portrayals in maternal or elderly roles. At the age of 74, she became the oldest actress to ever win a FAMAS award, when she was named Best Supporting Actress for Ang Babae sa Bubungang Lata.

Linda was born in Pasay City, the daughter of a mining engineer. She was cast in her first film by director Lamberto Avellana in Tia Juana. The film was completed shortly before the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, but released only in 1943. With the film studios being shut down for the duration of the war, Linda spent the war years performing on bodabil at Avenue Theater in Manila. After the war, Linda was cast again by Avellana, this time in Sekretang Hong Kong (1947). She was cast in her first leading role in Alyas Sakim (1947).

Sekretang Hongkong (1947)- Stars Pugo and Togo, Anita Linda , Domingo Principe, Rolando Liwanag, Engracio Ibarra, Tony Camonte/ Directed by Atty. Ricardo S. Balatbat

Alias Sakim (1947)- Stars Leopoldo Salcedo, Anita Linda, Lilia Dizon, Quiel Segovia, Fernando Royo, Lopito/ Directed by Atty. Ricardo S. Balatbat

Hiram na Pangalan (1948)- Stars Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda, Fernando Royo, Efren Reyes, Virginia Montes/ Directed by Ramon A. Estella

Wala na Akong Luha (1948)- Stars Carlos Padilla, Anita Linda, Fernando Royo, Mary Walter, Amparo Aquino, Efren Reyes, Virginia Montes/ Directed by Eduardo De Castro

Suwail (1949)- Stars Anita Linda, Reynaldo Dante, Nora Madrid, Lopito, Rino Bermudez, Amelita Sol/ Introducing Ramon D' Salva/ Directed by Eduardo De Castro

Punglo at Pag-ibig (1950)- Stars Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda, Lopito, Fred Santos, Patria Plata/ Directed by Ramon A. Estella

In 1951, Linda portrayed the titular character in Gerardo de Leon’s Sisa, a film based on the tragic character in Jose Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere. The role garnered her Best Actress Maria Clara award (a pre-cursor of the FAMAS). De Leon then cast Linda in Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo (1952), a role for which Linda would be nominated for a FAMAS Best Actress Award.

3 Balaraw (1950)- Stars Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda, Fred Santos, Luz Kahanding, Ramon D'Salva/ Directed by Cesar Gallardo

Sisa (1951)- Stars Anita Linda, Reynaldo Dante, Eddie del Mar, Eddie Infante, Nati Rubi, Pancho Pelagio, Ruben Rustia/ Directed by Gerardo De Leon

Kapitan Bagwis (1951)- Stars Anita Linda, Efren Reyes, Lopito, Oscar Keese, Patria Plata/ Directed by Cesar Gallardo

Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo (1952)- Stars Jose Padilla, Jr., Anita Linda/ Directed by Gerardo De Leon

Tatlong Kabanata sa Buhay Ko (1952)- Stars Anita Linda, Danilo Montes, Patria Plata, Amparo Karagdag/ Directed by Eddie Infante

Buhay Alamang (1952)- Stars Fred Montilla, Anita Linda, Mona Lisa, Tito Arevalo

Looban (1953)- Stars Leopoldo Salcedo, Anita Linda, Elvira Reyes, Ramon D'Salva, Joe Ramos/ Directed by Ben Calasanz

Guwapo (1954)- Stars Anita Linda, Reynaldo Dante, Lopito, Carol Varga, Ramon D'Salva, Vicente Liwanag/ Directed by Teodorico C. Santos

In the 1970s, Linda gained renewed critical acclaim in maternal roles she essayed for director Lino Brocka in Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974), Tatlo Dalawa Isa (1974) and Jaguar (1979). She would win the FAMAS Best Supporting Actress Award for Tatlo Dalawa Isa Linda would also be nominated for the Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actress Award for Jaguar, which was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival.

Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa (1974)- Stars Jay Ilagan, Perla Bautista, Hilda Koronel, Anita Linda, Lolita Rodriguez, Mario O'Hara, Mary Walter/ Directed by Lino Brocka

Takaw Tukso (1987)- Stars Anna-Marie Gutierrez, Gino Antonio, Julio Diaz and Jaclyn Jose/ with Anita Linda

Linda would appear in several leading films of the 1980s and 1990s, including Mike de Leon’s Sister Stella L (1984),Chito Rono’s Itanong Mo sa Buwan, Brocka's Gumapang ka sa Lusak (1990), and Mario O’Hara's Ang Babae sa Bubungnang Lata (1998). For her portrayal of an aging film actress in the latter film, Linda would receive her second FAMAS Best Supporting Actress Award. In 1987, Linda also won a Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actress award for Takaw Tukso.

In her eighties, Linda has remained active in the film industry, appearing in such films as Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita (2004) , Ouija (2007) and more recently Adela (2008).
Source: Wikipedia