LVN’s Ibong Adarna to grace the big screen at ManiPopCon

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Pop Culture Convention (ManiPopCon), in partnership with ABS-CBN’s Sagip Pelikula, is bringing Filipino cinema classics to geeks from Nov. 17 to 19 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Cinephiles will be treated to cinematic gems such as LVN’s Giliw Ko (1939), Sa Init ng Apoy (1980), Captain Barbell (1973), Tisoy! (1977), Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara (1995), and Omeng Satanasia (1977).

These are undoubtedly some great films, but the definite highlight is the scanned and digitally enhanced Ibong Adarna film that was released back in 1941 by LVN Pictures, Inc.

Starring Fred Cortes and Mila Del Sol and directed by Vicente Salumbides, the film was inspired by the early 19th-century Filipino epic poem that is sure to be familiar to most Filipinos who have read it in school.

A compelling story about family, love, and adventure, Ibong Adarna focuses on the lives of three brothers: Don Juan, Diego, and Pedro and their quest to find the legendary Adarna bird which has healing powers that they believe will cure their father.

ABS-CBN’s Sagip Pelikula pushed for Ibong Adarna to be included in ManiPopCon’s lineup as it was a truly groundbreaking film during its time.

Sagip Pelikula’s Leo Katigbak said, “Ibong Adarna is one of five films from pre-World War II that is known to survive in full. That alone is substantial value. It is also based on a piece of Filipino literature and the technology used by the film from matte backgrounds, forced perspective, etc, were all up to par with what Hollywood was using at the time.”

“It is also the first Filipino film with hand-colored elements, specifically the Adarna bird which was hand painted in color whenever it would sing, something we tried to replicate with our enhancement,” he added.

ABS-CBN’s Sagip Pelikula pursues its mission to restore and preserve old Filipino films in high regard as it believes that the artform is of utmost importance to Filipinos and the nation.

“Films are a reflection of our culture whether what is on screen or the happenings around it. It is a document of our past, history, culture and all things heritage, which is sadly something we as a culture do not particularly record so it is often forgotten. ABS-CBN’s Sagip Pelikula tries to ensure that what is left is preserved for today’s generation as well as the future to see, appreciate and ensure its survival.” Katigbak said.

Sagip Pelikula has already received some rave reviews from those who had watched remastered Filipino films.

Praise, however, while greatly appreciated, is not the priority for the project.

“That’s (on the films resonating with the audience) basically the best compliment we can get, that people are reacting favorably and enjoying the films. From our perspective, we don’t expect most people to embrace the unfamiliar or the forgotten but if you get even a few interested, that is a reward in itself and hopefully, they will enjoy the process of discovery and share it with others.” Katigbak said.

Attendees at ManiPopCon will find that Ibong Adarna provides a fresh perspective to the epic poem.

“One of our missions for ManiPopCon is for the event to be a multicultural and multigenerational affair and it is our honor to partner with ABS-CBN’s Sagip Pelikula to provide a platform for geeks of all generations to enjoy their ManiPopCon experience by providing them with these Filipino classics,” chief geek officer of ManiPopCon Marco Aventajado said.

Schools are encouraged to bring their students to ManiPopCon to enjoy Ibong Adarna via the magic of cinema and also be enthralled by the beauty and talent of some of the early titans of Philippine movies.