They say that the golden years of Philippine Cinema have past gone. But still, the legends behind it still remain. It is then right that we give back to those who made the golden years successful and where it all started.

In celebration of the National Women’s Month in March, Sister Imelda Mora, O.S.A., president of La Consolacion College Manila (LCCM) and the Family Council of LCCM headed by its president, Atty. Lynn Moreno, together with Mass Comm. Dept. and the Centre for Theatre Education and Training, will hold a unique project that will honor outstanding Filipino women who are considered living legends of Philippine Cinema. Slated on March 5, this event will also serve as a fitting finale for LCCM’s school activities for school year 2009-2010.

At the recent press conference held at the Café Barcelo at LCCM on Mendiola, stage, TV and film director (also a member of the board of trustees of the Cultural Center of the Philippines), Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso led the discussion of the conceptual framework for the project. He said that the event will be a simple but meaningful ceremony. Featured guests expected to give intermission numbers are Lea Salonga and Lisa Macuja. The event will also showcase the La Consolacion Chorale to sing songs of the golden years.

Lizaso even jested, “We will also invite Eddie Garcia and Dolphy to grace the event and they will be revealing chismis about the honorees.” He added, “We will also ask our young stars today to be presenters for the event with the help of the Philippine Association of Managers, Inc. (PAMI), through its president Junne Rufino and chairperson Ethel Ramos.”

Happening for the first time in Philippine Cinema, the awards will pay homage to the “legends” who not only gave their part to what has been the golden age of Philippine Cinema, but who also embody such values as dedication, discipline, excellence and professional integrity. They are being extolled to provide models and exemplars for the new generation to follow.

Gracing the wonderful announcement is one of the honorees, Ms. Delia Razon. FAMAS’ Lifetime Achievement Awardee who expressed, “I’m happy to be one of the honorees because it’s so nice to be recognized. All this time, I’m thinking if I really deserve it. Every where I go, they know me because I gave respect to all those who came before me.” She emphasized the difference of the stars of yesteryears with those of today. “Iba na talaga ang quality ng pag-develop ng mga artista ngayon.”

But among the young stars of today, Ms. Razon revealed her admiration for Rhian Ramos. “I like her. I saw myself in her. And I know she will be a big star someday.”

Ms. Razon is grandmother to newcomer Carla Abellana and she shared to the entertainment press present that day, “I always tell Carla to be humble. Treat the small people better.”

The other honorees, as announced, include: Mila del Sol, Anita Linda, Lilia Dizon, Virginia Montes, Fely Vallejo, Rosa Rosal, Norma Vales, Linda Estrella, Tessie Agana, Lolita Rodriguez, Gloria Romero, Sylvia La Torre, Rosita Noble, Marlene Dauden, Perla Bautista, Gloria Sevilla, Letty Alonzo, Emma Alegre, Caridad Sanchez, Bella Flores, Rebecca del Rio, and other female luminaries of the silver screen.

Together, they will be granted the Gawad Parangal sa mga Ginintuang Bituin ng Pelikulang Pilipino come March 5. Marichu “Manay Ichu” Maceda and National Artist Director Eddie Romero are expected to be the keynote speakers, representing the group of film producers of the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s – considered as the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema.