The film "Urduja" sets a higher standard

APT Entertainment owned by Antonio P. Tuviera seems to be engaged with setting a higher standard for Philippine animation feature. Undoubtedly, “Urduja” is the finest full-length animation picture so far ever produced and created by an all-Filipino artistic team in the history of cinema in the country.

Using Pangasinan’s epic tale of a native warrior princess Urduja, the decision to adapt the myth into a full-blown picture surely ignites once more the possibility of another Golden Age for us. However, Filipino audience should support this humble beginning as they venture into another set to show on December 2008 with its title "Dayo."

The myth tells the story of Urduja (originated from “Urja” which means “breath’), daughter of the old chieftain Lakanpati who is about to pass his throne to her in order to lead the kingdom of Tawilisi situated along the shoreline of Lingayen Gulf with neighbor China Sea. Limhang, a Chinese pirate, accidentally lingered the paradise and sees Urduja on a shore. The encounter of the two starts its usual Filipino mythical problems such as Urduja’s arranged wedding for another warrior (Simakwel); other rival community; other Chinese pirates to kill Limhang among other convoluted sub-plots but finally reaches towards a joyful resolution, the love of Urduja and Limhang for each other.

The film’s highest points were, of course, the character images created in collaboration with the Seventoon and Imaginary Friends, two of the hardworking teams we have in Philippine animation circuit. The late Mina Caliguia, another enthusiastic producer of animation and a former colleague in the National Commission for Culture and the Arts on Cinema representing the new media that includes animation, might have been proud of this achievement. The hand-drawn images and its absolutely terrific movements made this film a quality product. Animators should have thought of something more Pinoy-looking characters though. At one scene, Urduja had the slight semblance of Mulan (Disney Pictures). Another point that made the film so strong was the use of music. Noel Zarate is known for his theatrical melodies used in Filipino theater musicals as he furnishes good selections of melodies for Regine Velasquez (voice of Urduja). Voices used became credible, among other notable prescriptions were Eddie Garcia (voice of Lakanpati), Cesar Montano (voice of Limhang), Allan K (voice of Tarsir), Jay Manalo (voice of Simakwel), Michael V (voice of Kukut), Johnny Delgado (voice of Wang) and Ruby Rodriguez (voice of Mayumi). The direction was strongly compressed, thus, keeping up a tight pace. Thank to Director Reggie Entienza who also made its screenplay and story adaptation for its outstanding quality-controlled vision. Finally, bravo to the Tuvieras as well for a job well done.

As for the audience, make sure to catch up this film. This is the only way to bring back another Golden Age in Philippine cinema through its new media – animation.