University to honor filmmaker, historian

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

ANGELES CITY -- The Holy Angel University announced that this year's recipients of "The Juan D. Nepomuceno Cultural Awards" are world-renowned Kapampangan filmmaker Brillante Mendoza and American historian Dr. John Larkin.

Mendoza was noted for his Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Culture, and Larkin for his Outstanding Contribution to Research and Scholarship.

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The awardees will be honored during the University's Founders Day celebration on March 8.

Last year's awardees were National Artist Benedicto Cabrera and linguist Dr. Anicia del Corro.

Mendoza, a native of the City of San Fernando, made the Kapampangan-language films "Masahista," "Kaleldo" and "Manoro" in 2005-2006, which sparked interest in independent filmmaking in the Philippines.

It was also Mendoza's films that led the way for more Filipino films to participate in international film festivals.

Dr. Larkin is a History professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo, whose 1972 book, "The Pampangans: Colonial Society in a Philippine Province," is the first serious study on an ethno-linguistic group in the country and has helped revive interest in local history.

"The University is truly honored to be given this chance to recognize the work of these two trailblazers," said Robby Tantingco, director of the Center for Kapampangan Studies.

Tantingco revealed that Dr. Larkin was one of the inspirations for the establishment of the Center for Kapampangan Studies.

"Kapampangan historians practically consider his book their bible. He was given a tribute by the delegates of the First International Conference on Kapampangan Studies, held in 2001 at HAU," he said.

Mendoza, on the other hand, is "a generous artist who shares his talent with fellow Kapampangans by holding regular workshops for young filmmakers," Tantingco said.

"The University co-produced his film 'Manoro' which won best picture at the 2006 Cinemanila International Film Festival," he added.

The awarding ceremonies will be held at 10 a.m. of March 8 in the Academic Hall, St. Joseph Building, Holy Angel University.