Ronwaldo Reyes retro in focus: FPJ as film director

Manila, Philippines - The 2011 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival that opens this weekend at the Cultural Center of the Philippines is the one festival of Filipino films that has encouraged the flowering of local talent, explored the creative possibilities of film art, and promoted the new Philippine cinema.

Make that old and new.

One major component of the movie bash is a look at vintage filmsófor this year, a retrospective of the films of the icon and legend Fernando Poe Jr. also known by his acronym FPJ, or Da King. FPJ’s accomplishments were, and continue to be, unmatched in local cinema. As actor and box-office star, he was peerless, prolific, his action dramas and comedies lapped up by hordes of excitement-hungry moviegoers. As producer, he was astute and instinctive. As industry leader and individual, he was strong, influential and generous.

He received virtually every recognition from every group that mattered, including the National Artist award and an honorary Gawad Urian.

Little attention, however, has been given to his work as director, and he helmed several films which showed his expertise as a story-telling and visual stylist. In this light, the Society of Film Archivists for Film (Sofia), the CCP, FPJ Productions Inc. and Cinemalaya have banded together to include in this year’s film event the FPJ-directed movies. Sofia members looked at the King’s oeuvre and selected a short list of his work as filmmaker.

But first, did you know that FPJ originally used the directorial moniker D’Lanor? Later, he made the switch to Ronwaldo Reyes. In conversations with the press, the late actor-filmmaker said that he had changed his directorial name to Ronwaldo Reyes in homage to two individuals. Reyes was taken from his idol and mentor, the Premiere premier star Efren Reyes, while Waldo, the masculine form of Wolda, came from yet another person. FPJ was quoted as saying that Wolda was lifted from Ethelwolda Ramos, the veteran showbiz writer and de facto Dean of Showbiz Press. Ron, which completes the name, came from FPJ’s real name Ronald Allan Poe.

And here are the nine titles of films directed by FPJ which festivalgoers may feast on. The brief notes quoted or paraphrased are from Sofia and the CCP, whose Ed Cabagnot provided us this list. All screenings, except for the gala night, are at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde (Dream Theater).

Matimbang Ang Dugo Sa Tubig (1967), gala invitational screening at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater), July 18, 6:15 p.m.

Here, FPJ shares top billing with real-life brother Andy Poe in an adventure story that is quite dramatic and seems out of character of the action king of Pinoy Cinema. In this early work, D’Lanor reveals his craftsmanship as filmmaker. Also stars Perla Bautista, Quiel Segovia, Lito Anzures. Directed by D’Lanor. Music by Ariston Avelino. Andy Poe was the true Fernando Poe Jr.

Ang Panday (1980), July 19, 12:45 p.m.

Flavio, played by FPJ, is a blacksmith who witnesses the fall of a meteor. He forges from the meteor a bladed weapon that is magically transformed into a sword. Flavio becomes the unwitting blacksmith who faces evil, personified by Lizardo, played by Max Alvarado, the early perennial favorite villain to FPJ’s hero. Co-stars Liz Alindogan, Paquito Diaz, Lito Anzures, Martha Sevilla, Bentot Jr. Directed by Ronwaldo Reyes. Story: Carlo J. Caparas. Screenplay: Fred Navarro. Music: Ernani Cuenco. Editor: Augusto Salvador. The movie spawned sequels and remakes even after FPJ’s death.

San Bernardo (1966), July 20, 12:45 p.m.

This is FPJ’s directorial debut. Quite expectedly, it is a Filipino western. The story features local cowboys with FPJ and Jess Lapid displaying their expertise in horseback riding, gunfight and fistfight. Co-stars Rebecca, Lito Anzures. Directed by D’Lanor. Music: Tony Maiquez.

Baril Sa Aking Kamay (1966), July 21, 12:45 p.m.

Action-drama in the best FPJ tradition. The final minutes of the film, according to film researcher Teddy Co, is a tour de force of choreographed shootout. With Helen Gamboa, Eva Montes, Lito Anzures, Jay Ilagan. Directed by D’Lanor.

Tatlong Hari (1968), July 22, 12:45 p.m.

Three action titans FPJ, Joseph “Erap” Estrada and Jess Lapid join forces in a drama-action story. A good third of the film is devoted to the childhood of the three major characters. D’Lanor shows that he is not merely interested in meaningless action story. Co-stars Paquito Diaz, Lito Anzures, Yolanda Guevarra. Directed by D’Lanor. Music by Ariston Avelino.

Alupihang Dagat (1975), July 23, 12:45 p.m.

Breath-taking action scenes set against the raging waves of the sea. FPJ’s mise en scène deserves a second look. FPJ leads a cast including Elizabeth Oropesa, Paquito Diaz, Vic Diaz, Max Alvarado, Mary Walter. Directed by Ronwaldo Reyes. Story: Pablo Gomez. Screenplay: Fred Navarro. Music: Ernani Cuenco. Cinematography: Sergio Lobo. Editor: Augusto Salvador. Sound: Manuel Daves.

Ang Padrino (1984), July 23, 3:30 p.m.

FPJ plays his iconic quiet man, defender of the people through peaceful means, until he is pushed to violence. Ang Padrino is another proof that FPJ is not all empty action movie director. The role of Eddie Romero (in collaboration with Fred Navarro, one of FPJ’s favorite screenwriters) is instrumental in making this one of the best FPJ films. Starring FPJ, Coney Reyes, Johnny Delgado, Ruel Vernal, Fred Montilla, Max Alvarado, Lito Anzures, Rez Cortez, Ricky Davao. Directed by Ronwaldo Reyes. Screenplay: Eddie Romero and Fred Navarro. Music: Ernani Cuenco. Cinematography: Ver Reyes. Editor: Augusto Salvador.

Isang Bala Ka Lang! (1983), July 24, 12:45 p.m.

The iconic hero avenges the oppressed and uses his gun to execute justice. Isang Bala Ka Lang! is another tough drama with FPJ displaying his rapid punching style that only he can do convincingly. Starring FPJ, Marianne de la Riva, Julie Vega, Paquito Diaz, Vic Diaz, Johnny Wilson, Fred Montilla. Directed by Ronwaldo Reyes. Screenplay: Fred Navarro. Music: Ernani Cuenco. Cinematography: Ver Reyes.

Langit At Lupa (1967), July 24, 3:30 p.m.

Set against the war as backdrop, FPJ plays a guerilla soldier who falls in love with a nun (Susan Roces). The hero follows his heart and not even war or the cloistered convent could stop him from pursuing his loved one. Interesting trivia: The painting of Susan Roces in the movie was done by Fernando Amorsolo. Starring FPJ, Susan Roces, Lito Anzures, Lou Salvador Jr. Directed by D’Lanor. Music: Ariston Avelino.