JUST A THOUGHT: When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life or the life of another. – Helen Keller

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BIG STARS STAND TALL: You can tell the big stars from the small fry when networks gather their contract artists on special occasions. GMA Network’s newest project, the production of its own rendition of “Lupang Hinirang” meant for theatrical audiences, assigns name roles to top stars while also-rans play nameless heroes from our history.

The new cinematic version retells Philippine history through a succession of carefully-crafted reenactments of historical events from Lapu-Lapu’s victory over Magellan’s troops in the Battle of Mactan to the Filipinos’ peaceful revolt in pursuit of democracy in the 1986 People Power Revolution at EDSA.

The new version, conceived out of strengthened corporate partnership between GMA Network and SM Cinemas, was produced in close coordination with the National Historical Commission. The commission recognized network’s efforts to instill nationalism and patriotism among the Filipino people through such a video film.

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PREMIERES SUNDAY: GMA’s own version of “Lupang Hinirang” premieres Sunday on “Party Pilipinas” with an all-star cast playing national heroes. Leading the pack is Richard Gutierrez, cast in the role of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon, looking elegant and every inch a gentleman of the old school, while Dingdong Dantes plays Gen. Gregorio del Pilar, strong and mighty on horseback.

Playing other important roles are the network’s equally important actors, including: Dennis Trillo as Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Aljur Abrenica as Lapu-Lapu, Mark Anthony Fernandez as Andres Bonifacio, Marvin Agustin as Jose Rizal.

The roster of Kapuso stars playing icons in Philippine history includes, in alphabetical order: Victor Aliwalas, Alvin Aragon, Bea Binene, Iza Calzado, Bodie Cruz, Gabby and Geoff Eigenmann, Carlo Gonzalez, Carl Guevarra, Dion Ignacio, Paolo Paraiso, Enzo Pineda, Rhian Ramos, Marian Rivera, Arthur Solinap, Mike Tan, JC Tiuseco, Dennis Trillo, and TJ Trinidad.

They are joined by Ogie Alcasid, Heart Evangelista, Eddie Garcia, Jaya, Zoren Legaspi, German Moreno, Regine Velasquez, Carmina Villaroel, Jillian Ward. Not to be left behind are the stars of News and Public Affairs: Arnold Clavio, Mike Enriquez, Vicky Morales, Howie Severino, Jessica Soho, and Mel Tiangco.

Shot wholly in high-definition (HD) digital video technology, the national anthem is scheduled to roll soon on the big screens of SM across the country. It will also be part of GMA’s sign-on and sign-off messages marking the beginning and end of each day’s broadcast.

“Lupang Hinirang,” which runs for two and a half minutes, is directed by Paul Ticzon, who says it took his team 10 months of meticulous research and preparation to shoot the vignettes.

Ticzon is also the AVP for Post Production Operations Division of GMA.

(nescuar@yahoo.com)