Manuel Silos’ 1959 Biyaya ng Lupa or Blessings of the Land is a heartwarming yet thrilling film that follows the story of a Filipino family-- wait, no--- of a Filipino community in the late 50s. 

Starred by Tony Santos (as Jose), Rosa Rosal (as Maria), and Leroy Salvador (Miguel), Carlos Padilla Jr. (Arturo), Marita Zobel (Angelita), and Danilo Jurado (Lito) as their children, there is just so much to love about this film. Its genius editing and sound design, generous acting and splendid cinematography but most of all, its singularly powerful and beautiful story. 

Without giving too much away, because I genuinely recommend that you go watch it, Biyaya ng Lupa tells the story of Jose and Maria’s good and bountiful life with their four children. They live peacefully in the barrio of Santa Monica until they get dragged in the animosity of Bruno (who was played by Joseph de Cordova) where the reason for his hostility is one that has transpired in unexpected means. 

Full of Filipino values and culture, the film has brought my feet back on the ground of my native land. Much of the culture before is still present now but occasionally forgotten. Love for the family, adherence to religion, hardwork and resilliency, and of course bayanihan wherein the community works together for a goal or a certain purpose, all these values and traits are slowly being replaced by much of the mainstream culture or values. 

Another reason as to why I love the film is that not only is the characters driven by FIlipino traits but it is also what saves them (bayanihan). Its as if Silos knew that it is what would save us too (for example, the emergence of community pantries in the middle of the pandemic). 

Honestly, seeing this film for the first time has been highly refreshing because Hollywood and Korean films have taken over the eyes and even hearts of many Filipinos. 

If we could just come together, perhaps we’d appreciate our history and country more. Then maybe, Philippine cinema would take over the world too.