Kapuso stars in GMA's cinematic version of the National Anthem

GMA Network marks another historic landmark as it debuts a cinematic version of the Philippine national anthem 'Lupang Hinirang' featuring the brightest Kapuso stars. The theatrical version retells Philippine history through a succession of carefully-crafted and awe-inspiring reenactments of historical events, from Lapu-Lapu's victory over Magellan's troops in the Battle of Mactan in 1521, to the Filipino's peaceful revolt for democracy in the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. Director Paul Ticzon, who is also AVP for Post Production Operations Division of GMA, said the production team went through almost 10 months of meticulous research and preparation to shoot the history vignettes. "We went through this to be part of history," he said. "This two-and-a-half-minute version is something that all Filipinos could be proud of. It strengthens one's nationalism when viewed." Renowned film and television director Mark Reyes pitched the historical production concept to GMA. "This will hopefully show and remind the younger generation what our heroes went through in history for our freedom. Being part of the Network that has played a role in the scheme of history, I am edified to push in an artistic way the Filipinos' passion for this country," Reyes said. The video, which was conceived from the strengthened corporate partnership between GMA Network and SM Cinemas, advances the narration of Philippine history from the standard versions released before. The project was done in close coordination with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, who recognized the Network's efforts to instill nationalism and patriotism among the Filipino people. "Our version has an educational component. It reminds Filipinos to relearn history in a very cinematic way," said Associate Creative Director Dong Tan. The roster of Kapuso stars who played Philippine historical icons include (in alphabetical order): Aljur Abrenica, Marvin Agustin, Victor Aliwalas, Alvin Aragon, Bea Binene, Iza Calzado, Bodie Cruz, Dingdong Dantes, Gabby and Geoff Eigenmann, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Carlo Gonzalez, Carl Guevarra, Richard Gutierrez, Dion Ignacio, Paolo Paraiso, Enzo Pineda, Rhian Ramos, Marian Rivera, Arthur Solinap, Mike Tan, JC Tiuseco, Dennis Trillo, and TJ Trinidad. Also included in the video are Ogie Alcasid, Heart Evangelista, Eddie Garcia, Jaya, Zoren Legaspi, German “Kuya Germs" Moreno, Regine Velasquez, Carmina Villaroel, Jillian Ward, and more; plus News and Public Affairs' pillars composed of Arnold Clavio, Mike Enriquez, Vicky Morales, Howie Severino, Jessica Soho, and Mel Tiangco. Shot wholly in high-definition (HD) digital video technology, the national anthem is slated to roll on the big screens of SM across the country. It will also be part of GMA's sign-on and sign-off messages marking the beginning and end of each day's broadcast. SM expressed excitement over the launch of this new visual accompaniment to the century-old national anthem. "With our partnership with GMA, we will be able to show the anthem in a different way. Before we just had audio, now we have a full production with GMA," said Assistant Vice President for SM Cinemas Allan Florendo. The GMA project team is composed of multi-awarded cinematographer Ding Achacoso (Director of Photography), Paul Ticzon (Director), Vince Gealogo (Co-Director), Ingrid Navarro (Producer) and cameramen Hanniel Aguilar, Javier Delgado and Paul Arrojado. The whole campaign was conceptualized by the creative team of GMA's Program Support Department, composed of Regie Bautista (Vice President), Dong Tan (Associate Creative Director), Alex Almario (Copy Specialist), Dennis Tiu (Art Director), Hasmin Marable (Senior Project Manager), and Minette Lopez (Project Manager). Catch the Philippine TV premiere of GMA's cinematic version of the national anthem this Sunday, August 22 on Party Pilipinas. - CDM, GMANews.TV