TEN "PINOY RELIGIOUS MOVIES" REVISITED, PART ONE

1. "Himala ng Birhen sa Antipolo" (LVN Pictures/ 1947)---

"Himala ng Birhen sa Antipolo' (1947)- Stars Rogelio dela Rosa, Rosa del Rosario, Tony Arnaldo, Rosa Rosal, Jaime Castellvi, Rosa Mia, Engracia Ibarra/ Directed by Susana C. de Guzman

Penned and directed by Susana C. de Guzman, Himala ng Birhen sa Antipolo, tells of Ramon (Rogelio de la Rosa), a graduating medical student, who fell in love with Pacing (Rosa del Rosario), a strong devotee of the Virgin of Antipolo. Though Ramon was not that religious and seldom goes to church, he courted Pacing, even going to church with her. Pacing gifted Ramon a framed image of the Virgin of Antipolo that would guide him, particularly with his studies. Ramon eventually finished his medical course and successfully passed the board. He became a topnotch surgeon.

The touching and beautiful song, "Tayo na sa Antipolo," is captured in the clip below---

Courtesy of LVN Pictures

Ramon’s father, Don Julian remarried a very young woman, Lolita (Rosa Rosal). Ramon felt that the woman was only after his father’s wealth. Lolita had eyes on Ramon but was having an affair with another man.

When Pacing’s mother got ill, Ramon was tapped to do the operation. But he was nowhere to be found and when he did the operation it was too late. Pacing’s mother died and was blamed for it. It was Lolita who orchestrated on why Ramon can’t be found.

Ramon later discovered Lolita’s immoral relationship but his father thought that it was his son who was having an affair with his wife. The incident made Ramon more depressed. He was devastated more when he received a letter informing him of the hospital’s decision to replace him. He turned his anger to the framed image of the Virgin of Antipolo and smashed it that resulted in an ugly cut in his palm.

Guilt dawned on Lolita and she bared the whole truth to her husband and to Pacing. As Pacing and his brother headed towards Ramon’s place, they figured in a vehicular accident. Pacing was badly injured and needed a surgical operation. Ramon was tasked to do the operation but it was impossible because of his injured hand. Pacing asked Ramon to seek guidance and forgiveness to the Virgin of Antipolo. A miracle occurred and his hand was healed. The final scenes on the movie can be viewed on the clip below---

Courtesy of LVN Pictures

2. "Kalbaryo ni Hesus" (Lebran/ 1952)---

I grew up watching Kalbaryo ni Hesus in the 60s. I've seen it countless times and I still recalled Fernando Royo playing the role of Judas, Norma Blancaflor as the Blessed Mother Mary, Juan 'Johnny' Monteiro as Simon Bilibit and a foreign actor named Jennings Sturgeon as Jesus Christ. The movie, released in 1952, was an all-star cast that included among others, Carol Varga, Rita Rivera, Elvira Reyes, Ben Rubio, Teddy Benavides, Ramon D' Salva. The production design was done by National Artist Carlos 'Botong' Francisco and ably directed by Carlos Vander Tolosa.

3. "Banal O Makasalanan" (LVN Pictures/1955)---

"Banal O Makasalanan" (1955)- Stars Mario Montenegro, Delia Razon, Jose de Cordova, Jose Vergara, Arturo Moran, Vicenta Advincula, Candida Balderrama, Lita Gutierrez/ Directed by Susana C. De Guzman

Based on a radio serial by Susana C. de Guzman, Banal O Makasalanan (1955) tells of Salome (Delia Razon), a seductive and alluring daughter of Herodias and stepdaughter to King Herod (Joseph de Cordova), who discovers faith and Christianity through her love for a Roman centurion named Cornelius (Mario Montenegro).

A prophet named Juan Bautista (or John the Baptist) denounced Herodias marriage to Herod, her former husband’s brother, as a sin. Herodias bitterly resented Juan’s denunciation and promptly ordered Juan’s arrest and wanted him killed. Herod, fearing that John may be the messiah foretold by prophecy, would not do it. However, Herodias devised a plot and used Herod’s birthday celebration as an opportunity to carry the plan. She let Salome performed a dance that pleased Herod no end. He offered her anything she desired. Encouraged by Herodias, Salome asked Herod for the head of Juan on a platter. Reluctantly, Herod was compelled to obey her desires and ordered Juan to be beheaded (see clip below).

Courtesy of LVN Pictures

Salome had nightmares and sleepless nights because of that incident and Cornelius was there to comfort her. When news of a new prophet named Jesus gaining ground in the countryside, Cornelius was asked by Salome to investigate. Disguised as an ordinary man, he seek out the Man they called Jesus. Through his own eyes, he witnessed how Jesus performed miracles like using only a few loaves of bread and several fish to feed thousands of men, women and children. Cornelius told Salome about this and asked her to go with him and lead a new life. Salome declined the offer.

Salome asked Pontius Pilate’s help, Cornelius being one of Pilate’s men. With the help of Salome, Cornelius was arrested and because of the gravity of his crime he was sentenced to die. This was not what Salome wanted to happen and beg Pilate for mercy and to spare his loved one. Instead, Cornelius was given 20 whip lashes on the face that caused him to get blind. Disabled and incapacitated due to severe punishment, Salome asked Pilate for Cornelius’ freedom which Pilate acceded. She asked for Cornelius forgiveness and promised to take good care of him.

The movie ends at Golgota, where Salome with Cornelius, seek Jesus for repentance and atonement. A miracle happened as Cornelius' eyesight was restored (see clip below).

Courtesy of LVN Pictures

4. "Santa Lucia" (People's Pictures/ 1956)---

"Santa Lucia" (1956)- Stars Edna Luna (in the title role), Arsenia Francisco, Eddie Del Mar, Corazon Rivas, Jose Romulo, Carol Varga, Lauro Delgado, Ramon D' Salva, Ruben Rustia/ Directed by Teodorico C. Santos

In Sweden, December 13 is Luciadagen, or St. Lucia's Day. It is the beginning of their holiday season. St. Lucia was a young woman who lived in first century Rome. She was a Christian who would not give up her faith to marry an unbeliever. She was tortured and killed by order of the Roman Emperor, Diocletian.

Stories of her courage were brought to Sweden by missionaries where she became known as the Lucia Bride. Old people said the Lucia Bride would go out early in the morning to bring food and drink to the poor. She wore white robes and a crown of light.

The story is acted out in Swedish homes with the oldest daughter playing the Lucia Bride. Early in the morning on December 13, she brings her parents a tray of sweet saffron buns and some coffee. She wears a white gown and a crown of greens, often made of holly. Her sisters and brothers dress in white and follow her. The girls carry lit candles and the boys wear tall, pointed caps and are called "star boys."

St. Lucia is also honored in Sicily, where she was born. Christians there gather to celebrate her day with bonfires and torchlight parades...a fitting celebration since Lucia means "light."

Bill Petro, your friendly neighborhood historian www.billpetro.com/holidayhistory

5. "Sta. Rita de Casia (Patrona ng Imposible)" (Premiere/ 1958)---

Rosemarie Gil was only 16 years old when she was introduced as a saintly nun in her first movie, Sta. Rita de Casia in 1958.

For centuries St. Rita of Cascia (1381-1457) has been one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church. She is known as the "Saint of the Impossible" because of the amazing answers to prayer, as well as the remarkable events of her own life.

St. Rita wanted to become a nun, but in obedience to her aged parents, she married. Her husband caused her much suffering, but she repaid his cruelty with prayer and kindness. In time he was converted, becoming considerate and God-fearing. But St. Rita was to undergo another great sorrow when her husband was murdered.

St. Rita then found that her two sons were entertaining thoughts of avenging their father's murder; she feared they would put their desires into effect in accord with the evil custom of the Vendetta. With heroic love for their souls, she begged God to take them from this life rather than allow them to commit this great sin. Not long afterward they both died, after preparing themselves to meet God.

Bereft of spouse and children, St. Rita devoted herself to prayer, penance and works of charity. After a time she applied for admittance to the Augustinian Convent in Cascia. She was refused, but after praying to her three special patron saints-St. John the Baptist, St. Augustine and St. Nicholas of Tolentino-she miraculously entered the convent and w as allowed to remain. This took place around the year of 1411

In the convent, St. Rita's life was marked by great charity and severe penances. Her prayers obtained for others remarkable cures, deliverance from the devil and other special favors from God.

So that she might share in the pain of His Crown of Thorns, Our Lord gave St.Rita a thorn wound in her forehead. It was very painful and gave off a disagreeable odor, yet she considered it a very great grace. She prayed, "O loving Jesus, increase my patience accordingly as my sufferings increase." The wound lasted the rest of her life.

St. Rita died on May 22, 1457 at the age of 76. People flocked to the convent to pay their last respects. Innumerable miracles took place through her intercession, and devotion to her spread far and wide.

St. Rita's body was preserved perfectly incorrupt for several centuries, and at times it gave off a sweet fragrance. At the beatification ceremony, the body of the Saint raised itself up and opened its eyes.

God has heard St. Rita's prayers for others on countless occasions, and certainly she will gladly intercede once again, on behalf of those who pray to her now-thus continuing to prove the truth of her great name: The Saint of the Impossible!

http://www.saint-rita.org/church/patronSaint/

6. "I Believe" (People's Pictures/1961)---

The angelic face of Viring was beautifully executed by talented artist and illustrator Elpidio Torres.

"I Believe" (1961)- Stars Zaldy Zshornack, Mina Aragon, Lauro Delgado, Carol Varga, Oscar Keesee, Teroy de Guzman/ Directed by Cesar Gallardo

When I saw Ishmael Bernal's Himala the first time in 1980, I was reminded of the 1960 movie I Believe. Both movies focused on the issues of one's true faith and devotion, their beliefs, infidelity, faithfullness, unfaithfullness... It involved all kinds of people, different characters--- the saints and the sinners, the believers and non-believers...

There's a strong similarity between the two main characters --- visionaries Elsa in Himala and Viring in I Believe--- both had visions of the Virgin Mary and subsequently their ability to cure and heal the sick.

I Believe was based from the popular 1961 komiks-serial novel by Mars Ravelo which was serialized in Hiwaga komiks. It was adapted into the movie that year with Zaldy Zshornack and newcomer Mina Aragon. Aragon (of the Salvador clan) was introduced in the movie portraying the challenging role of Viring.

I Believe- Serialized in Hiwaga Komiks/
Story by Mars Ravelo/ Penned by Elpidio Torres/ 1961

click images to enlarge

click images to enlarge

7. "Birhen sa Lupa" (VP Pictures/1965)---

"Birhen sa Lupa," was VP Pictures' Holy Week presentation in 1965. Rosemarie played the lead role whose faith "conquered greed...violence...hate...!"

"Birhen sa Lupa" (1965)- Stars Rosemarie, Liberty Ilagan, Dindo Fernando, Loretta Marquez, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia, Vic Pacia, Etang Discher, Mary Walter, Ely Roque/ Directed by Artemio Marquez

8. "Kaibigan Ko'ng Sto.Nino" (Lea Productions/ 1967)---

Roderick Paulate was only 5 or 6 years old and Gina Alajar (Regina Alatiit in real life) only eight years old, when they auditioned for Lea Productions' Kaibigan Ko’ng So.Nino (1967), The two bested some 300 aspirants getting the two of the four important roles at stake (Gina won the role of Oreng, while Roderick got the role of Bong.

This simple newspaper ad announcing the search for four juvenile talents completely changed the life of these two young hopefuls.

When the movie Kaibigan Ko’ng Sto. Niño was first advertised and promoted in 1967, the name Mars Ravelo was being peddled to the moviegoers as the author of this popular komiks serial. Ravelo’s name was prominently placed above the title and I was duped to believing that it was really Ravelo’s masterpiece and was based from his story, till my blog-friend Jose Mari Lee took note of this in one of my blog posts---

“Kaibigan Ko’ng Sto. Niño was actually written by A.S. Tenorio, but Mrs. Miling Blas, producer of Lea Poductions, struck a deal with Tenorio and Ravelo. Mrs. Blas had smash hit films after smash hit films – especially the ones based on Mars Ravelo's komiks serials. She wanted to use Ravelo's name as the author of the series and that was what happened. Tenorio agreed to receive the payment because he was supporting his family. What was so ridiculous was: the komiks readers who were also the moviegoers, knew who exactly wrote the story, and the film became a hit anyway, because it was already presold to the reading public.

Not a very good PR move for Lea Productions and the public felt cheated.Lea had produced some of the best Filipino films, yet they had sort of tarnished their reputation because of this kafuffle.”

Pilipino Komiks/ 1967-68

(Click images to enlarge)

9. "Ang Gangster at ang Birhen" (Lea Productions/1971)---

Another for the Lenten season--- A 1971 komiks serial, Ang Gangster at ang Birhen by Ramon Marcelino. It was drawn by Mar Santana, one of our finest komiks illustrators, but an underrated one. It was serialized in Pilipino Komiks and adapted into the screen starring Dante Rivero and Hilda Koronel under Celso Ad. Castillo direction. Enjoy reading !!! kaya lang bitin!

"Ang Gangster at ang Birhen" (1972)- Stars Dante Rivero, Hilda Koronel, Alicia Lonzo, Matimtiman Cruz, Boy Alano, Edwin O'Hara, Nello Nayo, Mario Escudero, Jose Garcia/ Directed by Celso Ad. Castillo

click images to enlarge

Pilipino Komiks/ 1972

10. "Milagro sa Porta Vaga" (Fiesta Films/1982)---

In 1982, thirteen-year old Julie Vega, best remembered for her role in Mga Mata ni Angelita (1978), appeared in Milagro sa Porta Vaga, a true-to-life story of the miraculous Virgin of Our Lady of Solitude of Cavite City.

Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga, also called "Reina de Cavite" and "La Virgen de la Soledad", is the patroness of Cavite City. The Blessed Virgin Mary is depicted as Our Lady of Sorrows. Mary, garbed in black and white attire, seems to be on her knees as she contemplates the Passion of Her Son, Jesus. Before her are the crown of thorns and the nails, the instrument of Christ's Crucifixion.(wikipedia)