THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): CARMEN ROSALES, NORMA BLANCAFLOR, LIWAYWAY ARCEO, WITH FERNANDO POE, ELY RAMOS, JOSE PADILLA, JR., PRECIOSO PALMA, PEDRO FAUSTINO IN "TATLONG MARIA" (1944)

After the reported success of "The Dawn of Freedom," the Japanese decided it was time for Filipinos to produce an alternative cinema---other than that of Hollywood that has been the model for most Filipino films. Tsutumo Sawamura was tasked by the Japanese commission with uplifting the status of local movies. Sawamura wrote an adaptation of the Jose Esperanza Cruz novel, "Tatlong Maria." Gerardo de Leon was chosen to direct the film which starred Carmen Rosales, Norma Blancaflor, Liwayway Arceo, Fernando Poe, Sr., Ely Ramos and Jose Padilla, Jr. The movie extolled the virtues of living in the province and featured grand musical numbers staged at the Manila Hotel and the Jai Alai.

"Tatlong Maria" was shown simultaneously in five theaters on October 12, 1944. It was much ballyhooed all throughout its shooting. The New Philippines News, a newsreel team assembled by the Japanese, covered the shooting, showing three hundred girls preparing for musical numbers in the Winter Garden of the Jai-Alai and in the Manila Hotel. While it was successful, the film was released at a time when the Allies were moving to Manila. Martial law was declared and a curfew was imposed. Screening hours were shortened and evening shows were cancelled.

(Source: “War and its Aftermath in Philippine Cinema by Agustin Sotto)

"Tatlong Maria" (1944)

A Tatlong Maria Productions

Released thru Eiga Haikyusha

Release Date October 12, 1944/ Ideal, State, Times, Daitoa (formerly Capitol)

Direction Gerardo de Leon

Cast Carmen Rosales, Norma Blancaflor, Liwayway Arceo, with Fernando Poe, Ely Ramos, Jose Padilla, Jr., Precioso Palma, Pedro Faustino

The movie was advertised daily, for a week prior to the film's showing. 

(The Tribune, October 7, 1944)

(The Tribune, October 8, 1944)

Synopsis--- The film centers on three sisters—Maria Fe, Maria Esperanza, and Maria Caridad—raised without favoritism despite having different mothers. On the eve of Maria Caridad’s wedding to Andres Diwa, her two elder sisters disrupt the ceremony over inheritance issues and lure her to Manila, where she resists an unwanted suitor. After returning to the province to fulfill her dying mother’s wish, Caridad marries Andres, but the couple later loses their home and struggles in Manila before drawing inspiration to rebuild their lives on a modest inheritance. Years later, the fortunes of the two elder sisters collapse, leading them into poverty. Moved by compassion, Andres rescues them and brings them back to the province, where the family is reunited in a joyful celebration

(The Tribune, October 10, 1944)

(The Tribune, October 11, 1944)

(The Tribune, October 12, 1944)

 

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): LEOPOLDO SALCEDO, FERNANDO POE, ANGEL ESMERALDA, NORMA BLANCAFLOR, ROSA AGUIRRE IN "DAWN OF FREEDOM" (1944)

In December 1942, the Japanese centralized film production and distribution under Eiga Heikusa to control imported films and promote war propaganda. Its launch featured "Toyo no Gaika," a documentary showcasing Japanese military victories in the Philippines. Film became a key tool in advancing the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere by discrediting American influence, promoting Japan as Asia’s leader, and reshaping Filipino identity.

To further these aims, the Japanese produced a major propaganda film directed by Abe Yutaka, with Filipino filmmaker Gerardo de Leon as collaborator. Shot from March to August 1943 using Japanese actors and Filipino prisoners of war, the film dramatized the American withdrawal from Manila. Premiering in Tokyo in February 1944 under the title "Ano Hatte O Utte," it was later released in the Philippines as "The Dawn of Freedom" (Liwayway ng Kalayaan) and was officially premiered in March 1944 with prominent Philippine and Japanese officials in attendance.

"Dawn Of Freedom" (1944)

A Toho Super Production

Release Date March 8, 1944/ Lyric and Ideal Theatres

Direction Abe Yutaka

Cast Leopoldo Salcedo, Fernando Poe, Angel Esmeralda, Norma Blancaflor, Rosa Aguirre

Synopsis: The film begins with Manila being declared an open city. Three Filipino officers—Capt. Reyes (Leopoldo Salcedo), Capt. Gomez (Fernando Poe), and Lt. Garcia (Angel Esmeralda)—prepare to join the retreating American forces bound for Bataan. In emotional farewells, they part from their families. Before leaving, Lt. Garcia’s younger brother, Tony, asks for a keepsake: an enemy helmet.

As the Americans hastily abandon Manila in speeding vehicles, Tony is nearly run over while trying to snatch a Japanese leaflet. He is rescued by Ikejima, a Japanese soldier, who takes him to the hospital. Over time, a friendship grows between the two, leading Tony’s mother to develop trust in the Japanese.

At the front, Filipino soldiers suffer harsh treatment from their arrogant American superiors, causing unrest in the camp. Capt. Gomez eventually strays into a Japanese encampment and is struck by the compassion shown by those he had been taught to regard as invaders. Gradually, he becomes a vocal supporter of the Japanese.

The other two officers meet tragic fates. Lt. Garcia is sent on patrol and ambushed by his own suspicious American commanders. He dies clutching an American helmet, later recovered by Capt. Gomez. Capt. Reyes, meanwhile, is shot by retreating American soldiers who had taken refuge in a tunnel; as he lies dying, he manages to kill the treacherous commander.

In the final scene, after the Americans are successfully driven out, Capt. Gomez bids farewell to the Japanese soldier. He then presents Tony with the promised souvenir, bearing a note written by his late brother: “This is the helmet of the enemy.”

============================================

The movie was advertised daily for 2 weeks prior to the film's showing.

(The Tribune, February 22- 27, 1944)

(The Tribune, March 1, 1944)

(The Tribune, March 2, 1944)

(The Tribune, March 3, 1944)

(The Tribune, March 4, 1944)

(The Tribune, March 5, 1944)

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): "THE GOLDEN AGE OF PHILIPPINE THEATER"/ JANUARY, FEBRUARY 1944

By early 1944, Allied forces were intensifying preparations for a major invasion expected later in the year. Even amid such uncertainties, stage shows continued. 

(The Tribune, January 15, 1944)

(The Tribune, January 29, 1944)

(The Tribune, February 12, 1944)

(The Tribune, February 29, 1944)

THE WAR YEARS (1942-1945): "THE GOLDEN AGE OF PHILIPPINE THEATER"/ NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 1943

Toward the end of 1943, despite prevailing hardships, stage shows remained active and resilient. Reports of air attacks were closely monitored, the public was instructed to follow precautionary measures, and air-raid drills were regularly conducted.

(The Tribune, November 10, 1943)

(The Tribune, November 30, 1943)

(The Tribune, December 18, 1943)

(The Tribune, December 31, 1943)

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): "THE GOLDEN AGE OF PHILIPPINE THEATER"/ AUGUST, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 1943

Stage shows continued to thrive and were still very much alive and vibrant during the latter part of 1943. As all theatres were fully booked with their series of shows, a new president, Jose P. Laurel  was elected on September 26 under a new government, known as a second Philippine Republic, a "Japanese-run state," which was established on October 14.

(The Tribune, September 26, 1943 and October 14, 1943)

(The Tribune, August 7, 1943)

(The Tribune, August 13, 1943)

(The Tribune, August 21, 1943)

(The Tribune, August 28, 1943)

(The Tribune, September 8, 1943)

(The Tribune, September 21, 1943)

(The Tribune, September 28, 1943) 

(The Tribune, October 2, 1943) 

(The Tribune, October 13, 1943) 

(The Tribune, October 26, 1943) 

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): "THE GOLDEN AGE OF PHILIPPINE THEATER"/ JUNE AND JULY 1943

The show must go on, even amid uncertainty. Despite the ongoing war, stage shows remained vibrant and full of life.

(The Tribune, June 10, 1943)

(The Tribune, June 24, 1943)

(The Tribune, June 29, 1943)

(The Tribune, July 3, 1943)

(The Tribune, July 24, 1943)

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): "THE GOLDEN AGE OF PHILIPPINE THEATER"/ LEOPOLDO SALCEDO, ESTER MAGALONA IN LAMBERTO AVELLANA'S "BUKANG LIWAYWAY" (1943)

Big name stars like Rogelio de la Rosa, Leopoldo Salcedo, Fernando Poe, Carmen Rosales, Norma Blancaflor, Elsa Oria, Angel Esmeralda, Rosario Moreno, Puguing and Tuguing, Gregorio Ticman, among others were appearing in big theaters. Fans would lined up at Life Theater to watch Rogelio dela Rosa, Carmen Rosales at Strand,  Fernando Poe at State Theater or Leopoldo Salcedo at Avenue Theater. 

 

Stage plays were performed mostly daily and acted on by Salcedo. Most were directed by Lamberto Avellana.

Trivia--- Avellana felt reassured in returning to his first love, the theater, and he was allowed to direct the Philippine Artists League, but with a Japanese monitor. One time he was ordered to stage a Japanese play called "Bukang Liwayway" as a propaganda piece. It starred Leopoldo Salcedo as a Filipino guerrilla who had been captured by the Japanese. However, during the dramatic scene of his interrogation, he elicited supportive catcalls from the audience, distressing the Japanese monitor who ordered Salcedo to be replaced. Yet even with a different actor, the audience had the same emotional response, prompting the Japanese to shut down the play for good. 

(Source- An Exodus from Philippine Cinema to Live Theater/ Philippine Cinema (1897-2020) by Gabriel A. Vibal and Dennis S. Villegas)

(The Tribune, March 6 and 10, 1943)

Some of Leopoldo Salcedo's stage appearances 

(The Tribune, 1942 and 1943)

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): LEOPOLDO SALCEDO, ESTER MAGALONA, CARLOS PADILLA, FRED CORTES, DEANNA PRIETO, GREGORIO TICMAN AND ANITA LINDA (IN HER FIRST SCREEN APPEARANCE) IN "TIA JUANA" (1943)

LVN Pictures’ Tia Juana, one of the few films completed or partially finished before the outbreak of the war, held its first public screening in 1943. Directed by Lamberto Avellana, the film starred Leopoldo Salcedo, Ester Magalona, Carlos Padilla, Fred Cortes, Deanna Prieto, and Gregorio Ticman. It also marked the screen debut of Anita Linda, then hailed as the “vibrant stage sensation.”

The movie was released and shown at Lyric Theater, May 27, 1943. 

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): "THE GOLDEN AGE OF PHILIPPINE THEATER"/ ROGELIO DE LA ROSA, NORMA BLANCAFLOR, WITH KATY DE LA CRUZ, TUGUING & PUGUING, BIMBO DANAO, JOSE CRIS SOTO, BAYANI CASIMIRO, REBECCA GONZALES AND AN ALL-STAR CAST IN "BULAG NA PAG-IBIG" (1943)

After their successful stage appearance in "Si, Si Señorita," Rogelio de la Rosa and Norma Blancaflor came back to the theater in "Bulag na Pag-ibig," marking their first dramatic roles onstage. Billed as a gripping drama of love and prejudice, the production was presented by Filipinas Revue and directed by Gregorio Fernandez. The cast also featured Katy de la Cruz, Puguing and Tuguing, Bimbo Danao, Jose Cris Soto, Bayani Casimiro, and others.

The stage play smashed all previous box-office records and was hailed as "their greatest dramatic triumph." It ran for 5 weeks at Life Theater, from May 4 to to June 24.

(The Tribune, May 4, 1943)

(The Tribune, May 22, 1943)

(The Tribune, May 29, 1943)

(The Tribune, June 24, 1943)

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): "THE GOLDEN AGE OF PHILIPPINE THEATER"/ MAY 1943

 “Movie theaters served not only as venues for stage shows but also as covert centers of resistance. Rafael Roces, Jr., manager of the prestigious Cine Ideal, home of MGM pictures, used his theater to store weapons and communication radios as well as to host secret meetings of resistance fighters. Emerito Ramos used his office in Life Theater to hire the unemployed journalists and staff members of the newspapers El Debate, Mabuhay and Herald, all owned by J. Amado Araneta. Naturally, the office became the communication center of guerillas and underground fighters."

(Source- An Exodus from Philippine Cinema to Live Theater/ Philippine Cinema (1897-2020) by Gabriel A. Vibal and Dennis S. Villegas)

(Ad cut-outs, The Tribune, May 1943)

"Bulag na Pag-ibig"

(The Tribune, May 4, 1943)

(Ad cut-outs, The Tribune, May 1943)

"Kayumangging Kaligatan""

(The Tribune, May 24, 1943)