I’ve been thinking all day how I can transcribe my recordings during the educators forum with regards to the movie Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli, the latest film by Director Gil Portes with Aljur Abrenica on the title role. And honestly, I could not begin. I am quite worried not to give justice to such a beautiful story with my writing. I have my fears, yet here I am, trying hard to compose whatever it is that I can contribute for the promotion of the movie that began showing in theaters on September 21.
Let me relate to you the words of Ralph Eya, the Education Director of DAKILA. “Heroism begins in the mind,” he said. “The fact na nagtanong ka lang, nagsimula na ang heroism, at natatapos sa aksyon. Sa pagtaya ng industriya, sana, tumaya rin ang audience. Kung walang support from the audience, wala ring mangyayari. Ang ganitong cinema, hindi form of entertainment lang… sana magpatuloy kahit sa conversation everyday. Sana, i-practice ang saysay ng kasaysayan natin. Ipagpatuloy ang lahing dakila.”
Eric Ramos mentioned that this is already the third movie about Apolinario dela Cruz, or Hermano Puli. In 1979 there was one where Tommy Abuel was the lead actor, and another indie film last year. This is the third and the biggest, so far.
In 1995 while filming a movie in Lucban, Quezon, an old man handed the story of Hermano Puli to Gil Portes. The filmmaker loved it and made it his mission to have it filmed; and after 21 years, it had been realized. They consulted Prof. Rhina Boncocan of UPLB since the life of Hermano Puli was her masteral thesis. According to UP Prof. Alvin Campomanes, this film is 80% to 90% historical. It is a movie, not a documentary.
“Hindi lang sya taga-Quezon. Kailangang malaman ng buong mundo, siya lang ang lumaban para sa religious freedom.” -Gil Portes
Who is Hermano Puli? Find out and see how actors gave justice to their respective roles. If you want producers to make more of this kind of a movie, support the film. And later, if you want to know more about his life, read the book of my friend and cousin-in-law, Ryan Palad. He has a comprehensive study about Apolinario dela Cruz, the hero and martyr from Tayabas (now Quezon). The hero that lived two decades ahead of Jose Rizal and fought for what is right for the Filipinos in his time, for all time!
I still have not written anything about the movie. I still cannot begin writing about it. Maybe because I want you to experience history by watching it now. Maybe because you need to see it first so you can find out why the heroism that happened in the 1800s is so contemporary. Or maybe because… I simply cannot write.
lifelong learning 