The editorial titled “Film history” (Opinion, Inquirer, 7/7/13) paid tribute to Lino Brocka, National Artist for film, for his magnificent film “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag” which earned plaudits at the Cannes Film Festival in France. It is a great film not only because of excellent directing, film editing, acting, cinematography but also because of its great story. And that great story is owed to Filipino novelist, Edgardo M. Reyes, whose other novels have also been turned into movies which had been blockbusters at the tills, like “Laro sa Baga,” “Uod at Rosas,” “Dagat sa Apoy,” “Mister Mo Lover Boy Ko,” “Ligaw na Bulaklak.” Lately, he wrote “Diwata ng Mt. Diwalwal” and “Isla,” which are good material for film.
I believe that Reyes deserves to be awarded the National Artist (NA) for Filipino novel. His works mirror the poignant struggle of the Filipino hoi polloi, like Julio Madiaga, for survival, for dignity, for a comfortable if not prosperous, life; indeed, for just a small place in the sun. His works are suffused with a humanist narrative attuned with contemporary Filipino life. If memory serves me right, Reyes has won Palanca awards.
—EDWARD B. CONTRERAS,
YMCA Bldg., J. Pacana Street,
Cagayan de oro City