Charito, Ric star in landmark Filipino film

Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak

, starring Charito Solis and Ric Rodrigo and shown in 1967, marks the revival of Nepomuceno Productions, founded before World War II by Jose Nepomuceno, father of Philippine movies.

The Charito-Ric starrer was produced and directed by Luis Nepomuceno, one of the sons of Jose. It introduced Liza Lorena as the daughter of the lead stars.

It was billed ‘The biggest Filipino motion picture ever!’ and ‘The first Filipino film in color by De Luxe.’

The movie was a blockbuster, shown for several months at the Manila Grand Opera House, renovated to be the home of Nepomuceno pictures. Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak, noted for its technical polish and five-hankie plot (meaning tearjerker), gave Charito Asia’s Best Actress award.

Other Nepomuceno films shown at the Opera House included Manila: Open City, Langit sa Lupa, Pipo, Ang Pulubi, The Hunted, Pacific Connection and Igorota, which gave Ric Asia’s Best Actor award.

Nepomuceno Productions would have produced Mga Tinik ng Rosas, to be topbilled by Aurora Pijuan, but the imposition of Martial Law in 1972 came in the way and the studio shut down shortly thereafter.

— RKC