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PEQUE Gallaga was recently honored with The Natatanging Gawad for Lifetime Achievement in Filmmaking by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino during the 32nd Gawad Urian held on September 19 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, a founding member of the Manunuri, described Gallaga as "the epitome of the complete Filipino cinema artist," stating that it is only fitting for Gallaga to be recognized by all who cherish Filipino cinema "before the sun fully sets on the film industry."
The fluctuations of mainstream cinema's fortunes seem mirrored in Gallaga’s career—a dedicated filmmaker known for box-office successes and adept reinventions of commercial genres, especially horror and fantasy films. While mainstream commercial cinema faces challenges, independent and out-of-studio films have demonstrated vitality and resilience, propelling Filipino cinema to new international acclaim. This renewed hope partly stems from the rise of regional cinema, nurtured through Gallaga’s generous mentorship. Gallaga has received several Urian awards: Best Director for "Oro Plata Mata" in 1982; Best Production Design for "Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?" (shared with Laida Lim Perez) in 1976; and for "Manila By Night: City After Dark" in 1980.
Gallaga gained prominence with "Ganito Kami Noon..." directed by Eddie Romero. This significant historical film premiered in the same year as notable works like Brocka's "Insiang," Ishmael Bernal's "Nunal sa Tubig," Lupita Concio's "Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo," Gerry de Leon's "Banawe," Mike de Leon's "Itim," Mario O'Hara's "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos," and Gil Portes' debut "Tiket Mama, Tiket Ale, Sa Linggo ang Bola"—making 1976 the height of the second golden age of Philippine cinema. Gallaga’s early career exemplifies the reality that great filmmakers often do not merely influence one another but collaborate closely, frequently through informal apprenticeships. Brocka worked with Romero as a scriptwriter; Mike de Leon collaborated with Brocka and later Romero as a cinematographer. Gallaga, who completed studies in Commerce and Liberal Arts at De La Salle University and briefly attended architecture school at the University of Santo Tomas, contributed to Romero’s and Bernal’s films (notably "Manila By Night") as a production designer. Also an actor, Gallaga appeared in "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos" and Brocka’s "Gumising Ka, Maruja" (1978).
Gallaga emerged as a full-fledged filmmaker with his second directorial effort, "Oro Plata Mata" (1982), followed by "Scorpio Nights" (1985), considered two of his finest works. In both films, Gallaga demonstrates expansive directorial vision combined with the detailed eye of an art director, blurring the lines between the roles. As writer of "Oro Plata Mata," Gallaga arguably transcended or fully embodied the auteur theory, serving as both author and creator. He continued this mastery in "Virgin Forest" (1985), "Unfaithful Wife" (1986), and through his innovative revival of the horror genre with the highly successful "Shake, Rattle and Roll" series. His "Once Upon a Time" (1988) offered a brilliant reinterpretation of Filipino folklore, starring Dolphy as the mythical tikbalang of the Filipino netherworld. Meanwhile, his "Gangland" (1998) may have sparked the contemporary gritty urban street drama, as seen in provocative films like Brillante Mendoza's "Tirador" and Jim Libiran's "Tribu."
Based in his hometown of Bacolod, Gallaga continues to create films while serving as artist-in-residence and teaching theater and film at the University of St. La Salle. He has mentored upcoming filmmakers and media artists such as Jay Abella, Manny Montelibano, Vicente Groyon, and Richard Somes. A versatile and visionary artist of remarkable endurance, Gallaga stands as one of the elder statesmen of Philippine cinema.
