The iconic line “Walang himala! Ang himala ay nasa puso ng tao” has become a popular meme on social media, but many people, especially the younger generation, have yet to watch the classic film Himala in its entirety. The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) hopes to address this issue through their new film program, Cine Icons.
Under the Congressional Initiative project led by Rep. Christopher de Venecia, the CCP’s Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division aims to recognize and showcase the works of newly-minted National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, Nora Aunor, and Marilou Diaz-Abaya. The program seeks to increase awareness and appreciation of Philippine cinema among the Filipino public.
According to CCP President Margie Moran-Floirendo, films have always played a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of the Philippines. They capture the country’s rich history, diverse traditions, and the Filipino way of life. Films provide a platform for artists to showcase their creativity while entertaining and educating audiences through storytelling.
The Cine Icons program was launched with a special screening of the digitally remastered classic film Himala, written by Ricky Lee and starring Nora Aunor as Elsa, an orphan claiming to have visions of the Virgin Mary and the ability to heal people with various ailments. As the film progresses, the rest of the residents of her isolated village find themselves questioning their own beliefs and values. The film attracted tourists, pilgrims, patients, and a documentary filmmaker who all arrived in search of the miracle.
The restoration of the award-winning movie was facilitated by ABS-CBN’s Sagip Pelikula, and directed by National Artist Ishmael Bernal. The restoration project ensures that Filipino cinematic classics are accessible through various platforms for today’s generation to enjoy.
“Ang ABS-CBN Film Restoration ay 12 years na. Naug-umpisa iyan lahat nang ipalabas namin noong 2012 ang pelikulang Himala. Noong pinag-uusapan kung ano ang magandang umpisahan sa aming restoration project, walang ibang naging kasagutan kung hindi ang Himala dahil sa ganda ng pelikulang ito,” shared Sagip Pelikula head Leo Katigbak.
During the talkback after the film screening, students, fans, and film enthusiasts had a chance to engage in conversations with National Artist Lee who recounted behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes on the filming of Himala.
“May inire-revise ako, like yung monologue doon sa ending. May natapos ako noon na monologue na nasa ospital na. Pero nung binasa ko iyon sa set, nakita yung mga na-shoot na, parang hindi na maganda, so nag-observe ako sa set, tiningnan ko ‘yung may mga sakit na extra, tas sabi ko kakausapin sila ni Elsa, parang hindi bagay ‘yung nasulat ko. So nag-revise ako sa set, ang natira na lang mula sa original draft ay ‘yung ‘walang himala,’ lahat nabago. Then, ibinigay kay Ate Guy ‘yung draft ng na-revise ko at sinabihan siya na one take lang kasi 3,000 extras, eight cameras, five crowd directors, hindi natin pwede ulitin lahat iyon pag nag-stampede na. So, one take lang. And the next day, one take nga lang ang nangyari,” shared National Artist Lee.
The award-winning scriptwriter generously shared his thoughts on Philippine cinema, producing films, and writing scripts. He also gave pieces of advice to aspiring writers.
“Ang masasabi ko sa young and struggling writers, hindi masama ang salitang struggling. I don’t think that you should ever stop struggling. Fifty years na akong nagsusulat, and I am still struggling. It never stops. Huwag niyo ring ambisyunin na maging Ricky Lee o Doy Del Mundo o Pete Lacaba kasi nag-iisa kami. Kung gagawa kayo ng kagaya namin, kami na ang kukunin. Xerox copies na kayo. Pero kung gagawa kayo ng kwento na galing sa boses at karanasan ninyo, kayo ‘yun at walang kapareho sa buong mundo. Pagbutihin lang ninyo at tiyak na papanoorin ‘yan ng tao,” advised National Artist Lee.
On February 17, 2023, Cine Icons had a low-key debut at the PUP Theater, featuring National Artist Diaz-Abaya’s “Brutal,” which was also written by National Artist Lee. The Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) partnered to make the event possible.
On March 29, 2023, at 6 pm, catch Cine Icons in Baguio City at the Balanghay ni Ikeng, located at Ili-Likha Artists’ Wateringhole, along Assumption Road, in collaboration with the Montanosa Film Festival, Cinemarehiyon, and ABS CBN Film Restoration. The new CCP film program will showcase a back-to-back screening of “Moral,” a film directed by National Artist Diaz-Abaya and written by National Artist Lee, and National Artist Kidlat Tahimik’s “Orbit 50: Letters to my Three Sons.” Attendees can participate in the post-screening talkback with the two living National Artists.
Stay tuned to the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok for screening schedules and the latest updates on the center’s shows and productions.
