The three Passions of “1521″ are: First, to make mainstream the epic true story of the bravery and heroism of the Philippines’ first and legendary hero, Datu Lapu-lapu who fought for freedom and with his mean defeated the Spanish invaders at the epic Battle of Mactan in April 1521! Such unprecedented gallantry of pre-colonial Filipinos has changed the course of world history and yet it remains to be virtually unknown or unknown to the rest of the world. Lapu-Lapu’s unparalleled heroism became the core inspiration of the Philippine Revolution of 1898 against Spain that led to the Pearl of the Orient Seas’ independence after more than 350 years of Spanish colonization.
Secondly, “1521” will showcase the great civilization and cultural heritage of the Lahing Kayumangi (Brown Race) to the world demonstrating that the pre-colonial ancestors were not savages as previously, mistakenly known. Lastly, “1521” features the enlightened and empowered women of pre-colonial Philippine societies whose uncommon stories could inspire many modern audiences to rise above their society-imposed stereotypes to live their destiny!
The historic red carpet launch events of “1521” for movers, shakers, and influencers in California, North Carolina, and Texas have been successfully overbooked, and the turnout astoundingly overwhelming. In Culver City, California, last June 12, 2023, the exact day of the Philippines 125th Independence Day almost 300 Hollywood Fil-Am celebrities, business & community leaders, press & media showed up which easily filled up the venue’s maximum capacity of 240 people.
This October 2nd, “1521” will reach another history-making milestone as it will become the most widely distributed Philippine-themed, global story feature film in the United States by a Philippine-born producer. America will, for the first time ever, stand amaze when Filipino Americans flex their Bayanihan spirit by going out in droves to theaters in their neighborhoods and bringing with them their entire “Barangay”!