Diosdado Macapagal story on big screen

In 1963, the film-bio of President Diosdado Macapagal was shown all over the country in preparation for his re-election. Leopoldo Salcedo portrayed the title role, supported by, among others, Jose Padilla Jr., Liza Moreno, Lina Cariño, Jay Ilagan, Rosa Aguirre, Oscar Keesee and Danilo Jurado as the young Macapagal.

The big-screen film-bio traced the life and times of the President, from an impoverished childhood in Lubao, Pampanga, to student years (bar top-notcher), to public life (congressman, vice president, and finally the highest position in the land).

Another Diosdado Macapagal-inspired movie was Gerardo de Leon’s Daigdig ng mga Api, which turned out to be more than propaganda picture, a classic. Unfortunately, to date no existing copy of the film can be found.

Macapagal lost in his re-election bid against Ferdinand Marcos, who stayed in office for nearly 20 years. - RKC