In celebration of the month-long LVN film festival, ABS-CBN Film Restoration has returned to the UP Film Institute with the theatrical premiere of the scanned and enhanced version of the 1950 classic “Mutya ng Pasig” last April 22.
Inspired by the music of Nicanor Abelardo, the LVN classic was one of the few surviving films from the 1950’s manually restored in-house in 4k resolution for over 120 hours.
“Naswertuhan po namin ang ‘Mutya ng Pasig’ dahil hindi madaming pelikula ang nag-survive during this time. After the manual restoration, this probably is the clearest it has looked in 70 years, mas malinaw pa siya ngayon kaysa noong una siyang ipinalabas,” Leo Katigbak, head of ABS-CBN Film Restoration and Archives said.
The supernatural melodrama revolves around the story of Mercedes (Rebecca Gonzales) and her infant after being banished by Dr. Modesto (Jose Padilla Jr.) based on suspicious gossip. Chased by Modesto’s dog, Mercedes drowns in the Pasig River while her infant survives and grows up as the beautiful Consuelo (Delia Razon), who like her mother is to be crowned queen of Pasig. Due to an unfortunate incident, Consuelo’s boyfriend brings the unconscious Consuelo to the now-retired Dr. Modesto whose servant recognizes Consuelo’s birthmark.
Film lovers can catch other restored LVN classics for free this month at UPFI Film Center starting with “Triplets” (4 PM) on May 5, “Anak Dalita” (2PM) on May 6, “Sandata at Pangako” (5PM and 4PM) on May 6 and May 16, and “Mutya ng Pasig” (4PM) on May 10.