Through the years, Filipinos have become witnesses to the modern media industry’s efforts and commitments to preserving the country’s history. As a cornerstone of the nation’s education, identity, culture, and communities, we turn to Independence Day every year to remind ourselves of the generations who fought for freedom before us. The films, shows, books, songs, and archives created in their honor signify our duty to uplift their meaningful narratives together with our own.
Photo: TBA Studios, Netflix Philippines, GlobePH/YouTube
They may tackle different timelines in storytelling, but these in-depth accounts of Philippine history in local movies and series have one undeniably true aspect in common: an unwavering quest for Filipinos’ humanity and freedom. They’re living proof that our independence and freedom through the years deserve continuous, long-standing honor and commemoration, not just every 12th of June.
Heneral Luna (2015)
Photo: TBA Studios/YouTube
If you ask young adults about their first eye-opener to Philippine history beyond textbooks and classrooms, several are bound to cite “Heneral Luna” as their benchmark for gaining a keen eye on the enduring subject. The 2015 epic historical film by Jerrold Tarog depicts the titular character General Antonio Luna’s unshakable resistance in fighting for the country’s freedom throughout the Philippine-American war. After earning national acclaim and leaving a lasting impact on the public, “Heneral Luna” was introduced to students across the country as supplementary material to their social studies and Araling Panlipunan scopes. A decade later, the movie remains a vital reminder for Filipinos today to protect the voices and experiences of our headstrong countrymen who incited positive social change throughout generations.
“Heneral Luna” is the first of three installments in TBA Studios’ “Bayaniverse,” a cinematic universe that honors the Philippines’ fearless heroes and prominent historical figures. You can watch “Heneral Luna” on Netflix or in select cinemas this Independence Day.
Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018)
Photo: GlobePH/YouTube
From one patriotic leader to another, “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” unveils the treacherous journey of “Boy General” Gregorio del Pilar. Following Gen. Antonio Luna’s death, del Pilar emerged as one of the youngest soldiers who commanded and fought in the monumental Battle of Tirad Pass as Filipinos’ struggle for independence against colonizers persisted. This sequel to “Heneral Luna” and part two of the “Bayaniverse” is also streaming on Netflix and returning to select cinemas for Independence Day screenings. How about a back-to-back feature while anticipating the “Bayaniverse’s” third chapter, “Quezon?” Let’s make it happen!
Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli (2016)
Photo: CreaZion Studios/YouTube
This Independence Day, we’re also imparting the life and purpose of Apolinario dela Cruz, alias Hermano Puli—one of the most fascinating yet less recognized names in Philippine history. Three decades before the execution of the three martyred priests GomBurZa, religious leader Hermano Puli was at the helm of the Confradia de San Jose. He founded and established the group in response to the Spanish colonial government’s discriminatory practices. On November 4, 1841, Hermano Puli was shot and quartered, but his name and legacy lives on nationwide, especially through the 2016 film. He still stands tall as one of the country’s pioneers of religious freedom under colonial rule. “Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli” is available as a Supercut on CreaZion Studios’ YouTube channel.
GomBurZa (2023)
Photo: JesComTV/YouTube
Your Independence Day watch list isn’t complete without one of the most impactful entries of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). In “GomBurZa,” writer and director Pepe Diokno brings the three martyred priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, and their relentless pursuit of justice to the big screen. The period film introduces Filipinos of all ages to how the priests lit a revolutionary fire in the nation’s hearts in the face of Spanish occupation. Their resolute spirit grew into a reclamation of the country’s human rights and duties to society at large. “GomBurZa” is available on Netflix alongside the rest of the 2023 MMFF’s lineup.
José Rizal (1998)
Photo: GMA Pictures/YouTube
Now restored and remastered, the riveting biographical piece on our national hero calls for a definite watch (or revisit!) this Independence Day. The film shows scenes from the writer, doctor, and activist’s life, emphasizing his transformative contributions and stories that stood their ground throughout history and the emergence of Philippine independence. The “José Rizal” team made history at the 1998 MMFF, winning 17 awards out of 18 categories that year. Some of which include Best Actor for Cesar Montano as Rizal, Best Director for Marlou Diaz-Abaya, and Best Screenplay for Jun Robles Lana, Peter Ong Lim, and National Artist for Literature Ricky Lee. “José Rizal,” remastered and restored, is streaming on Netflix.
Maria Clara at Ibarra (2022-2023)
Photo: Netflix Philippines/YouTube
History meets new-age romance and drama in “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” a fresh and dynamic Gen Z twist on Rizal’s most revered novels. When nursing student Klay Infantes struggles to keep up with a course on our national hero’s life and works, she gets transported into the colonial eras of “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” and faces a variety of challenges as she finds her footing in Rizal’s fictional colonial-era Philippines. She soon develops a lifelong friendship with the titular characters after helping them reclaim their rights and identities. You can find all episodes of “Maria Clara at Ibarra” on Netflix.
Pulang Araw (2024)
Photo: Netflix Philippines/YouTube
In “Pulang Araw,” four childhood friends and their respective families fend for themselves against all odds amid World War II and the Japanese occupation in the Philippines. The gripping war drama sheds light on Filipinos’ countless sacrifices, hardships, and cruel circumstances under a ruthless regime. Directed by Dominic Zapata, the series reminds us of the country’s tireless undertakings in regaining independence from foreign rule. The show is a testament to the rights and duties that citizens have always had, and how we must do everything in our power to not be deprived of them anymore. All 110 episodes of “Pulang Araw” are available on Netflix and YouTube.
ALSO READ: “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” Are Returning to Cinemas
How will you commemorate Independence Day this year? Tell us in the comments below!
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