Celebrate Philippine Film History with TBA Studios’ ‘Habambuhay’ docuseries
Celebrate Philippine Film History with TBA Studios’ ‘Habambuhay’ docuseries
The poster for Habambuhay: Remembering Philippine Cinema
After almost two years removed from the country’s celebration of one hundred years of Philippine cinema, the industry faced existential hurdles brought about by the global pandemic. Despite the odds, it adapted, transformed, and ultimately blossomed its way back into cinemas.
The recent discourse surrounding Philippine cinema has been filled with a longing for a new golden age. The demand for better Filipino films has surged with a quickening and feverish pulse. In looking forward to the future, one would not be remiss to look back and honor the legacy of our cinematic past.
‘Habambuhay,’ produced by TBA Studios (Heneral Luna, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral), aims to do exactly that. In this 2-part docuseries, the artists behind the incredible history of filmmaking in the country and who paved the way for the Philippine Cinema we know and love today will be celebrated and honored.
The docuseries will feature directors such as Lav Diaz, Brillante Mendoza, and actors such as Nora Aunor, Gloria Romero, Cherie Gil, and the late Eddie Garcia.
Lav Diaz in Habambuhay: Remembering Philippine Cinema
The first part is an omnibus episode titled: “Sandaan (100), Sangandaan (Crossroads) / Philippine Cinema at the Crossroads.” It traces the humble beginnings of Philippine cinema with pioneer filmmaker Jose Nepomuceno and his zarzuela movie Dalagang Bukid in 1919. As Philippine cinema progressed, it saw master directors at the peak of their powers in the ‘50s and ‘60s, such as Gerry De Leon, Lamberto Avellana, Manuel Silos, to name a few. During the political turmoil of the ‘70s and ‘80s, the era saw breakthrough films from Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, and Mike De Leon. All of them paved the way for the rise of independent filmmaking of the new millennium with auteurs such as Brillante Mendoza and Lav Diaz.
Award-winning screenwriter and director Doy Del Mundo helmed this special two-part series of Habambuhay.
The second part is called “Showbiz Clan: The Eigenmann Legacy,” and highlights the colorful life and illustrious career of Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil, along with their renowned family of actors. Three of their children—Mark Gil, Michael de Mesa, and Cherie Gil—are among the country’s most awarded and highly regarded thespians, having all worked with the industry's top-notch filmmakers. In turn, these children begot children of their own, who, like their parents and grandparents before them, are now on the rise and continuing their family’s legacy. Altogether, the Eigenmann clan has created a major niche for themselves, continuing to leave a mark in the Philippine film industry through their outstanding performances.
“Habambuhay: Remembering Philippine Cinema” will be available for streaming on YouTube (TBA Studios) on Jan. 28 at 8 p.m.
Visit TBA Studios for more updates.
