Video 48: 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