Family, colleagues, personalities honor National Artist Eddie Romero

MANILA -- Family, colleagues and personalities from the movie industry gathered to commemorate the life and legacy of National Artist Eddie Romero on his 100th birth anniversary. The event was also a celebration as Romero's 1976 film "Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon" has been selected for inclusion in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, honoring its role in preserving cultural heritage for the world. Romero’s sons Joey and Ancel paid tribute to their father's invaluable contributions to film. According to Joey, the event to commemorate Romero’s birth centenary centennial was also their way of thanking the film industry and its people for all the honors that its giving their father. "Ito naman brainchild in Ancel, in a way parang paying back to what the industry has been giving him (our father) in terms of honor and tributes. At the same time we're celebrating inclusion of 'Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon' sa Unesco Memory of The World," Joey, also a director, said. "Para sa amin that's really a big deal. ... sa UNESCO Memory of the World parang isinama 'yung 'Ganito Kami Noon' as a talagang document in the human condition for the country and for the entire Philippines to take notice, ganoon siya kabigat. So we are really honored that our dad was included in that program. So thanks to UNESCO chair Nick Deocampo, this is something that we truly appreciate," Ancel said. For Deocampo, a celebrated filmmaker, film educator, and chairperson of UNESCO Philippines, "Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon" captured the essence of Filipino identity, resilience, and heritage. It also embodies a legacy, a piece of history, and a powerful statement about Filipino culture and spirit. Deocampo nominated “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon” for UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, dedicated to preserving humanity’s cultural treasures. Also present at the event which celebrated the life and legacy of Romero were screen veteran Chanda Romero, who starred in her uncle's movie "Aguila," and Gloria Diaz, who starred in "Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon."