Mendoza, Andrew F. Dr. Arsenia Lucy
P. Dev (Friday; 4:00pm - 5:00pm) October 30, 2015
Reaction Paper: Felix Y. Manalo Directed by Joel Lamangan under Viva Films, the epic-historical-biographical film “Felix Manalo” broke two Guiness World Record (Largest Attendance for Film Screening and largest Attendance for Film Premiere) on its international premiere night held last October 5, 2015 at Philippine Arena, Ciudad de Victoria, Bocaue, Bulacan. The said film was also a major production of the church, Iglesia ni Cristo and with its whole support, the movie became more than just a successful one; it was a mega-blockbuster hit. Originally, it was a 6-hour film, but during its premiere, only the cut-short 3-hour version was screened. The film is a historical drama portraying the life of Bro. Felix Ysagun Manalo, the first executive minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo and regarded as the messenger of God in these last days. The film was shot in a sepia-like filter which gave me the impression of it being shot in an era where colored pictures have yet to exist. The soundtrack and music video of the film entitled “Ang Sugo ng Diyos sa mga Huling Araw” was released on October 4, 2015 at the Philippine Arena. It was performed by Sarah Geronimo, composed by Joan and Ryan Solitario and arranged by Louie Ocampo. It made the hair on the back of my neck stand up as it played and it also moved me like how a worship service hymn would. It revolves on how Bro. Felix Manalo survives all the struggles, and the problems he faced just to discover the one true church. The purpose of the said film is to know, learn and share the history of how the Iglesia Ni Cristo was established. As a member of the Church of Christ, I really appreciated every second of the movie especially in the Japanese period. It made my faith so much stronger. Words can’t explain how grateful I am that I’m a member of the Church of Christ. I was also shocked that even my classmates and friends who aren’t INC members appreciated the film. It was a great movie, a religious movie not just only for the INC members but also for those with different religious views. Glory be unto God.