THE FIRSTS IN PHILIPPINE CINEMA # 1: DALAGANG BUKID (1919)

Malayan Movies’ Dalagang Bukid, directed by Jose Nepomuceno, was the first Tagalog feature film. Based on dramatist Hermogenes Ilagan’s popular zarzuela, the movie starred Honorata “Atang” De La Rama and Marceliano Ilagan. It started its exhibition run on September 25, 1919 at the Empire Theater.

Honorata 'Atang' De La Rama

in "Dalagang Bukid" Circa 1919

Atang de la Rama (1902-1991), Honorata de la Rama in real life, was born in Manila on January 11, 1902. At an early age, young Atang, raised in a very musical atmosphere, was already starring in zarzuelas such as Mascota, Sueño de un Vals, and Marina. At the age of 15, she starred in the zarszuela Dalagang Bukid, where she became known for the singing the song, Nabasag na Banga.

Dalagang Bukid packed theaters to the rafters wherever it was shown. Director Jose Nepomuceno adapted the stage hit to the silent, black-and-white screen in 1919. The pioneering moviemaker bought the entire show (whole package)--- Hermogenes Ilagan’s libretto, Leon Ignacio’s music (including Nabasag na Banga, the most popular song in the play’s repertoire), male lead Marcelino Ilagan and of course the sensational Atang de la Rama and her balintawak, costume, wooden clogs, banga, prop and all.

The movie premiered on September 12, 1919, a significant date in the history of Filipino moving pictures. And because Nepomuceno’s initial venture was a success, he made a sequel entitled La Venganza de Don Silvestre with both Atang de la Rama and Marcelino Ilagan reunited in the lead roles, which was released the following year, in 1920.

Source- A Movie Album Quizbook by Jessie B. Garcia

Teatro Zorilla in Azcaragga/ December 7, 1919
Image from Adlailara