Celebrating the knighthood of Briccio Santos

It was a private affair at the home of the French Ambassador Gilles Garachon and Madame Isabelle Garachon in Forbes, one that required the most formal behavior. And yet the mixed group of some 20 film industry practitioners, press members, embassy personnel, dignitaries and friends made us feel very much at home.

Perhaps, it was because the Ambassador and his wife were themselves exceedingly approachable. And also because Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chair Briccio Santos, his wife Peachy and relatives also felt at home. They treated each other like friends and indeed, we found out that they were friends of long standing, from the time Briccio and Peachy lived in Paris years ago.

The occasion was the conferment on Briccio by the French Government represented by Amb. Garachon as Chevalier dans l’Ordre de la Légion d’honneur or Knight in the French National Order of the Legion of Honour that traces its roots to Napoleon Bonaparte on the 19th of May, 1802. In his address, the Ambassador spoke of the ties that bound Briccio’s and his families. The award, he said, was the highest decoration given by the French government. “So that’s why it’s the oldest one and also the highest-ranking French medal of honor. And we are very, very proud and happy to give it to Briccio.”

We were made to understand that the Order is divided into five degrees, the highest being Chevalier for Knight, and the one conferred on Briccio.

Amb. Garachon went on to praise Briccio’s dedication to his work, the passion with which he brought to each project, his background as an artist and a filmmaker in his younger years. Every Pinoy in the house couldn’t help but be proud.

A statement from the French Embassy acknowledged that France, known to be the birthplace of cinema, strongly commends the works and achievements of Briccio and recognizes his efforts in the development and promotion of the Philippine cultural identity through cinema — specifically, the preservation of film heritage through the creation of the National Film Archives of the Philippines

Chairman Briccio in his response conceded that the honor was, “a recognition, not only for me, but also for our country, in our continuing struggle to bring culture to the forefront of national consciousness. Thank you for this honor. You have my deepest assurance that I will do my very best to be worthy of the distinction that your country, through you, have bestowed on me tonight.”

After the formalities, it was time for dinner and roaming around to greet friends and make new ones. We met long-time friend and pioneer in the handmade tile industry Lanelle Abueva; film director/producer Tikoy Aguiluz, chief creative force behind the highly-successful Cinemanila International Film Festival, which is now on its 13th year; Dr. Raul Sunico, CCP president; Marixi Prieto, PDI chair; writers Sarge Lacuesta, Karla Delgado, Phillip Cu-Unjieng; Teddyboy Locsin; film preservation advocate Dr. Marti Magsanoc; Dr. Benito Legarda; Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala; film director and UP film professor Ed Lejano; Teofilo Pilando Jr., deputy executive secretary; Maria Zenaida Angara Collinson of the DFA Office of European Affairs; Patrick Deyvant, director of Alliance Francaise de Manille; lawyer Marco Sardillo, Intramuros administration head; artist Gus Albor; businessman Pedro Roxas; film producer Dondon Monteverde; Sonny Tinio; Lito Cruz of IBC 13; Buster Virata and many others, including a surprise meeting with Gemma Cruz-Araneta’s son Leon.

Briccio also announced the continuation of the Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival, the groundbreaking of the permanent facility for the National Film Archives and the full operations of the Cinematheque in Zamboanga City.

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