Eddie Romero Legacy remembered

Ganito Siya Noon, Paano Tayo Ngayon?

Marking what would have been his 100th year, a momentous centennial celebration honored Eddie Romero’s life and legacy on November 20, 2024, at Dusit Thani Manila.

Born on July 7, 1924, in Dumaguete, Romero’s influence continues to resonate, and the said  gathering  united colleagues, loved ones, and admirers inspired by his cinematic vision and dedication to Philippine culture. Together, they  paid tribute not only to his invaluable contributions to film but also to his enduring spirit as a storyteller who brought the Filipino experience to a global audience.

“You can be anything you want to be as long as you like what you’re doing and strive to be good, if not the best at it. You can be a carpenter but be darn good at it and like it,” 

Eddie Romero’s son, Joey Romero, recalls his father saying—a mantra that defined not only his life but also his legacy. Known for his humor, artistry, and relentless pursuit of excellence, Romero transformed Philippine cinema with stories that captured the spirit of Filipino culture, identity, and resilience. 

In an era when local films rarely reached beyond the archipelago, he ensured they did, inspiring audiences far and wide with his insightful, often playful, explorations of history and humanity.

One of Eddie Romero’s most celebrated films, Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? (1976), delves deeply into Filipino identity and culture during the Spanish colonial era, skillfully blending humor, drama, and historical insight. Widely regarded as a masterpiece of Philippine cinema, this film reflects powerful themes that recur throughout Romero’s works, including the epic Aguila (1980), which spans generations to explore the impact of colonization and war on the Filipino spirit.

Beyond these, Romero’s Kamakalawa (1981) immerses viewers in pre-colonial Philippines, shedding light on indigenous Filipino mythology and social structures, while Banta ng Kahapon (1977) takes a modern approach, examining political corruption and social injustice. Romero is also known for his Filipino War Trilogy, which includes The Passionate Strangers (1966), Manila, Open City (1968), and The Walls of Hell (1964), a series that captures the brutality of war and resilience in the face of conflict. Beyond entertainment, Romero’s films are cultural reflections that have elevated Philippine cinema to an art form.

Proclaimed a National Artist, Romero’s legacy stretches beyond his films. He was a visionary activist for Philippine cinema.