Senator Grace Poe is urging young Filipinos to include classic films by the late National Artist Eddie Romero in their movie to-watch list to get a better understanding of Philippine cinema and society.
Poe made the call as she paid tribute to the National Artist for Film and Broadcast on his 100th birth anniversary on July 7.
As a celebrated and award-winning screenwriter, film director and producer of Philippine movies, Poe said Romero left behind an unparalleled and lasting legacy that continues to be celebrated by audiences across generations.
The senator said Romero's devotion to the art and commerce of cinema spanned more than 60 years.
“It is but proper to give honor to Director Eddie Romero's remarkable life and to remember his notable contributions to Philippine cinema and the arts,” Poe noted in her Senate Resolution No. 1040.
She also said the 1987 Constitution cites that “arts and letters shall enjoy the patronage of the State" and that the State shall "conserve, promote and popularize the nation's historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations.”
“Philippine cinema has been graced by the eminence of Direk Eddie Romero, and it is but fitting to pay homage to his contributions that have been nothing short of extraordinary,” the lawmaker stated.
The national artist is born to Ambassador Jose E. Romero and Pilar Sinco Romero on July 7, 1924 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Romero received the conferment as National Artist in 2003. He died on May 28, 2013.
He left behind a body of work delving into the history and politics of the country, according to Poe.
Among his most distinguished and critically acclaimed professional film credits include "Aguila" (1980), "Ganito Kami Noon...Paano Kayo Ngayon?" (1976), "Ang Princesa at Ang Pulubi' (1951), "Manila, Open City" (1968), "Banta ng Kahapon" (1977), "Kamakalawa" (1981), and his 13-part television mini-series "Noli Me Tangere" (1992).
Poe said her own father, the late National Artist Fernando Poe Jr., was honored to have worked with Romero when he starred in Aguila.
She also said Romero's contributions went beyond his film as he also served in different capacities to various cultural and professional offices and organizations.
These included the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Presidential Commission on Culture and the Arts (PCCA), Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) and the Movie Workers Welfare Fund and Film Institute, among others.