Gerardo De Leon stamp launching at the NCCA

Locsin Auditorium , National Commission for the Culture and the Arts, Intramuros , Manila -Philippines

NCCA- Leandro V. Locsin auditorium  stage area ( photo credit: Mr. Rey Ong de Jesus)

It was a very festive late afternoon when relatives , friends , celebrities , NCCA and Philpost officials were at the venue to grace the 100th birth anniversary of National Artist for Film .

Simaron film ( photo credit from NCCA)

Gerardo de León (September 12, 1913 – July 25, 1981) was an actor then  turned film director, who made his acting debut in the 1934 film Ang Dangal .

Actress Ms. Anita Linda and National Artist Mr. Bienvenido Lumbera

He was born as Gerardo Ilagan , a member of the famous Ilagan clan of Philippine motion pictures . The clan includes Mr. Robert Arevalo , Mr. Conrado Conde, Mr. Angel Esmeralda ,Mr. Eddie Ilagan, Mr.Ronaldo Valdez , Musical scorer Tito Arevalo and Mr. Gerardo De Leon ‘s daughter Ms. Liberty Ilagan .

Mr. Gerardo De Leon was a medical doctor by profession , but his ultimate love for film has won him over.

Ms. Anita Linda together with Ms. Liberty Ilagan

He made at least eight more films as an actor before he became a director. He made his directorial debut in 1939. Bahay Kubo starring Fely Vallejo ( who he later married)

During World War II, De Leon–who was living in Manila–was “selected” by the Japanese occupation authorities to direct several propaganda films aimed at the Filipino population to show them the “benefits” of the Japanese invasion and takeover of their country.

Ms. Liberty Ilagan

After the war ended De Leon and several of his staff were arrested by the new Philippine government, imprisoned and charged with collaboration with the enemy–an offense punishable by death. At their trial, however, many former guerrillas testified in De Leon’s behalf, and pointed out that while he was working for the Japanese making propaganda films he was at the same time involved in underground resistance work with the guerrillas. De Leon and his staff were cleared and released.

Mr. Robert Arevalo short speech

Nicknamed “Manong“, de León holds the sole distinction of being the most awarded film director in the history of the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences’ FAMAS Awards , the Philippines’ Oscars. From 1952 to 1971, he was awarded seven FAMAS Awards.

Ms. Liberty Ilagan -daughter of Mr. Gerardo de Leon, Mr. Ceasar N. Sarino ( Philpost chair ) and Mr. Felipe M. De Leon Jr. ( NCCA chairperson  )

His film credits spanned over three decades- spanning from late 1930’s to the late 1970’s . Many accredit his works as part of the Philippine Golden Age of Movies . Gerardo de León died on July 25, 1981, aged 67.

ceremonial presentation of First Day Cover to Ms. Liberty Ilagan

Ms. Liberty Ilagan holds the framed stamps and FDC cover

The individual stamp cost Php 10.00 each and First Day Cover is available for SALE at the Manila Central Post Office – Liwasang Bonifacio -Ermita , Manila and Major Post Offices nationwide.

Special commemorative Gerardo De Leon framed stamps and FDC

Attention : Madam Elenita San Diego – Philippine Postal Corporation- Philatelic Section – Since the Philpost website is down for more than 1 1/2 months , a lot of philatelists , online writers, bloggers are clamoring that they will be furnish a technical description of the recent stamp issues like the quantity, perforation, water marks, printer , stamp designer. etc….   I think that WE the loyal Customers of Philpost want to get updated with the recent stamp issues and not just for a FEW anointed ones !

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