The story behind the Urian Anthology

The first Urian anthology – a collection of works by the members of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino from 1970-1979 – was launched at the Ayala Museum in Makati in December 1983. It was published by Manuel Morato who – three years later – would become chairman of the Movie & Television Review and Classification Board. This book, as far as I know, is no longer available anywhere. (Manoling must still be hanging on to a few precious copies though.) Like the LVN book (Doña Sisang & Filipino Movies) which is now out of print and which I bought for P20 many years ago, this Urian anthology is very useful to any lover of film. My copy has been borrowed (and mercifully returned) by practically all magazine shows on television that had episodes on local movies. (I once almost declared war on the now-defunct Balitang K because one of its researchers failed to return my now one and only copy several weeks after it was borrowed from my small library.)

Preparations to mount the second Urian anthology began as early as 1986 – the year I joined the Manunuri. We were asked to submit clippings of our essays and reviews for compilation. (All these clippings got lost with the changing of hands.)

Unfortunately, Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, editor of the first Urian anthology, left for Hawaii. Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera, one of the group’s founding fathers, left for Japan – while most other members just simply left the group.

Those who remained with the Manunuri also had other concerns – like making a living, for one. Calling for a meeting – with everyone present – was already a major achievement back then.

Some members who went on leave started trekking back to the group in the ’90s. Dr. Tiongson rejoined the Manunuri in 1999 after serving as artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Around this time, the group revived its plan to come up with the second Urian anthology. This was a matter that was discussed in practically every other meeting. But somehow, the members would still put things off.

Last year, Antonio P. Tuviera, producer of the long-running noontime show Eat Bulaga, volunteered to publish the second Urian book out of the goodness of his heart and his genuine concern for the Philippine movie industry. Dr. Tiongson lost no time putting things together – with the help of a small research staff and Cesar Hernando who did the book’s cover and layout. The result is a handsome hardbound book with Vilma Santos as Sister Stella L. on the cover.

The Urian Anthology 1980-1989 was finally launched last Thursday, Aug. 9, at the Via Mare Penthouse at the Philippine Stock Center Exchange Building. A program put up by Malou Choa Fagar and Poochie Rivera of Eat Bulaga accompanied the book launch.

Hosting the affair was Boots Anson-Roa who – for many years – also served as emcee of the Gawad Urian gratis et amore.

The Manunuri also invited three guest speakers from the film business to represent the local movie industry: Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda (producer), Joel Lamangan (director) and Vilma Santos (actress).

Ms. Maceda and Director Lamangan both made it to the affair and gave wonderful speeches. Unfortunately, Vilma Santos failed to make it because – by now – you must have already heard and read about the serious threat on her life. She was missed, but the group understood her predicament.

Other personalities from the entertainment industry who graced the occasion were Sen. Tito Sotto, 1977 Urian Best Supporting Actress Armida Siguion Reyna, four-time Urian winner (for acting and direction) Laurice Guillen, two-time Best Director awardee Carlos Siguion Reyna and wife Bibeth Orteza, 1982 Best Supporting Actor Tirso Cruz III, perennial Urian nominee Allan Paule, singer Lance Raymundo and Ogie Alcasid who rendered a song number at the end of the program.

For the third Urian anthology (1990-1999), the wait may no longer be that long (knock on wood!). Antonio Tuviera – bless him – has committed once more to publish this third book by the members of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino. It should be out two years from now – maybe even less.