Nick Joaquin is one of the Philippines’ most prolific authors, and one of his most iconic works is A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino, which has been regarded as the country’s national play.
In 1965, National Artist for Film Lamberto Avellana adapted the play into a film, starring Daisy Hontiveros-Avellana, Naty Crame-Rogers, Vic Silayan, and Conrad Parham.
In 2014, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) helped finance its restoration, unveiling the restored version the following year at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Now we can watch a clip from this iconic movie as the Facebook page of upcoming film Citizen Jake shared an excerpt!
Watch it below:
A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino tells the story of the Marasigan sisters, who must deal with their artist father’s creative drought, which forces them to find ways to make ends meet. The play tackles issues of family conflict and how to balance the Filipino identity with encroaching Western values.
It is currently being adapted into a film called Ang Larawan, a musical with music developed by National Artist Rolando Tinio and Ryan Cayabyab 20 years ago.
The film will be star-studded, starring Rachel Alejandro, Joanna Ampil, Celeste Legaspi, Noel Trinidad, Bernardo Bernardo, Nanette Inventor, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Nonie Buencamino, Cris Villonco, Aicelle Santos, Cara Manglapus, Sandino Martin, Paulo Avelino, and Dulce. There will also be cameos from Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, and Mikee Cojuangco.
The film will be directed by Loy Arcenas.
There is no word when it will premiere.
Are you excited for this? Share your thoughts below!
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