Basic Information: Directed: Cesar Gallardo; Story: Augusto Buenaventura; Screenplay: Augusto Buenaventura; Cast: Joseph Estrada, Mario Montenegro, Barbara Perez, Eddie Garcia, Gloria Sevilla, Johnny Monteiro, Vic Silayan, Yolanda Guevarra, Eddie Infante, Elsa Boufard, Jose Vergara, Ely Ramos Jr., Jose Garcia, Rafael Jimenez, Romy Diaz, Jose Padilla Jr., Anita Linda, Lou Salvador Jr., Angelo Ventura, Jay Ilagan, Vilma Santos, Rene Rueda, Avel Morado, Ben Datu, Lou Salvador; Executive producer: Joseph Estrada; Original Music: Ariston Avelino; Cinematography: Felipe Sacdalan; Release Date: Disyembre 30, 1966 – Enero 9, 1967; Production Co.: Emar Productions; Film Poster: Video 48
Plot Description: Story of Tomas Ronquillo (Joseph Estrada) before the Spanish revolt of 1896. His struggle to fight for his family and the oppressive Spaniards.
Film Achievement: The 15th Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards Night was held 1n 1967 for the Outstanding Achievements for the year 1966. - Best Picture - Ito ang Pilipino — Emar Pictures; Best Actor - Joseph Estrada; Best Supporting Actor - Eddie Garcia; Best Story - Augusto Buenaventura; Best Cinematography - Felipe Sacdalan; Best Director Nomination - Cesar Gallardo; Best Actress Nomination - Barbara Perez; Best Supporting Actress Nomination - Gloria Sevilla — Ito ang Pilipino
Film Reviews: - “…In 1966, Estrada was “just” an actor portraying a bandit fighting the Spaniards, led by Eddie Garcia. Directed by Cesar “Chat” Gallardo, an important scene in the film featured the late Vic Silayan telling the young Estrada that he would be the country’s next president-to which, Estrada’s character answered in disbelief, saying it was impossible, because he could neither read nor write! Prophetically, the historical film presaged the actor’s political career. Who would have known that he’d become the 13th president of the Philippines?! At the screening, Estrada’s leading lady, Barbara Perez, who was first seen in 195’6′s “Chabacano,” was in the audience to watch the “lost” film revived by the Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (SOFIA). The actress shares: “Back then, I kept getting in and out show biz, especially when I had to give birth!…” - Rica Arevalo (READ MORE)
"...Director-scriptwriter Totoy Buenaventura, one of President Joseph Estrada’s favorite filmmakers, is this year’s lifetime achievement awardee of the Manila Film Festival. A Manileño, Buenaventura was born on Feb. 2, 1933 in Tondo, Manila, where he also finished elementary (Magat Salamat Elementary School) and high school (Torres High School). He took up bachelor of arts at Far Eastern University in downtown Manila. Buenaventura wrote scripts and directed films set in Manila, many of which starred Joseph Estrada. The Manila Film Festival honored him with a best director award in 1971 for “Ang Uliran.” Buenaventura’s writing and directorial credits include “Geron Busabos,” “Ito ang Pilipino,” “Erap Is My Guy,” “Bakya Mo Neneng,” “Kumander Alibasbas,” “Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa,” and “Sa mga Kuko ng Agila,” all starring Josesph Estrada..." - Sol Jose Vanzi, June 5, 1999 (READ MORE)
Ang Giting ng Pilipino - "Ang katutubong giting ng mga Pilipino ang pinapaksa ng pelikulant Ito Ang Pilipino ng Emar Pictures. Ang pakikipaglaban ng magigiting na bayani upang matamo ang kalayaan ay siyang nagpapagalaw sa pelikulang ito na tinatampukan nina Joseph Estrada at Barbara Perez. Kasama rin dito sina Mario Montenegro, Johnny Monteiro at Elsa Bouffard. Sa iba't ibang yugto ng panahon mula kay Lapulapu, nagpamalas ang lahing kayumanggi ng kagulat-gulat na giting at tapang sa mga bansang nang-alipin sa ating kapuluan. Sa panahon ng pananakop ng mga kastila, hindi mabilang na pagbabangon ang nakatala sa kasaysayan upang malagot ang gapon ng pagkakaalipin. Sa kabila ng pagiging maliit at mahinang bansa, ang Pilipinas ay hindi nawawalan ng mga anak na hindi natakot magbuwis ng buhay sa maraming mararwal na larangan alang-alang sa kalayaan, maging noong lumunsad ang mga Amerikano at nitong huli ay nang pataksil na manalasa ang mga Hapones. Napapanahon madin ang pelikulang katulad ng Ito Ang Pilipino upang maipakilala ang katutubong kabayanihan ng mga Pilipino." - Tagumpay Magazine, 21 December 1966 (READ MORE)
