‘He created a mindset not to accept that everything is Pinoy film and TV is all about escape; he espoused progressive thinking, a true maverick.’
The death of film stalwart, acclaimed screenwriter and filmmaker Armando “Bing” Lao at the Philippine Heart Center at the age of 75 rocked showbiz last Tuesday.
Lao was a towering figure in Philippine cinema, known for his award-winning screenplays, such as “Itanong Mo sa Buwan,” “Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig,” “Takaw Tukso,” “Pila Balde,” ““Tuhog,” “Serbis.” He later started the Found Story school of filmmaking, where he mentored countless aspiring artists.
Lao’s influence extended beyond the classroom, as he also served as creative consultant on numerous internationally-recognized films, such as “Kubrador,” “Kinatay,” “Masahista,” “Foster Child,” “Here Comes the Bride,” “Taklub,” “Mindanao,” “‘Ma Rosa,” “Tribu,” “Bwaya,” “Pamilya Ordinaryo,” “Bagahe,” “Verdict,” “John Denver Trending,” “Ang Pagong at ang Matsing,” and many more. He also directed “Byaheng Lupa,” “Ad Ignorantiam” and “Dukit.”
A memorial service will be held at the Arlington Memorial Chapels on Araneta Ave.until June 21, Friday. Cremation will take place on June 22, Saturday at 8 a.m.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines paid tribute to the revered filmmaker, saying: “Lao pioneered the Found Story School of filmmaking, a scriptwriting approach that he believes best captures the essence of Filipino reality by drawing inspiration from real-life objects and phenomena. He mentored over 40 batches of workshoppers in Found Story filmmaking workshop, guiding aspiring and professional storytellers in creating films that resonate deeply with audiences.”
CCP enumerated Lao’s award-winning movies which received recognition from awards-giving bodies here and abroad.
“His depiction of Filipino culture and experiences has helped promote the nation’s heritage through film, serving as a cultural archive for future generations,” the statement also said.
Earlier this year, the Film Development Council of the Philippines honored Sir Bing Lao and cited his substantial body of work in Philippine cinema, Bing Lao wrote the screenplays of Brillante Mendoza’s “Kinatay” and “Serbis,” Chito Roño’s “Itanong Mo sa Buwan,” and Jeffrey Jeturian’s “Kubrador.”
It further underscored the value of his workshops, “Lao also founded the influential ‘Found Story’ workshops, teaching filmmakers how to create impactful stories that reflect the lived experiences of Filipinos.”
In honor of his legacy, the FDCP conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award to Lao at this year’s Parangal ng Sining.
A heartfelt message was written by Atty. Joji Alonso, president of Quantum Films and one of Sir Bing’s closest friends and collaborators. She revealed, “Many people don’t know that my first foray into the business was via a movie made for television, which you wrote ‘Karugtong ng Bukas’ – which starred Aga Muhlach and Pinky de Leon and directed by no less than National Artist Ishmael Bernal.”
“Eventually, you wrote the screenplay for my very first full length film – ‘Minsan Pa’ (shot on 35MM ). It would go on to win awards including Best Film from the Young Critics Circle and the Entertainment Press. Sadly though, the movie bombed at the box office.
“During one of our many hour-long conversations, you shared that you felt guilty that I lost my savings and you wanted to shift paradigms and offer an alternative and cheaper mode of story telling. With ‘Kubrador’ directed by Jeffrey Jeturian, the ‘found story’ evolved. It went on to win over 40 awards both local and international. It even landed among the Urian ‘best of the decade.’
“Then we crossed to the commercial realm and together with Christopher Martinez, we made ‘Here Comes the Bride’ which grossed over 135M. But despite its success, you wanted to make more found story films.
“You told me you wanted to direct a film yourself. And ‘Biyaheng Lupa’ was born, with John Victor Tence and myself, producing. We were so proud when you won the Lino Brocka Jury Prize at the Cinemanila International Film Festival.
“This was followed by another film that I produced and you directed – ‘Ad Ignorantiam.’ It went on to win the New Wave Special Jury Prize of the MMFF.
“When I formed the production company, I asked you to suggest a name. And you immediately said ‘Ji, bagay ang Quantum.’ I recall having a huge grin because your choice was just perfect!
“When I produced ‘Posas’ with Law Fajardo and Zig Dulay, ‘Bisperas’ with Jeffrey and Paul Sta Ana, ‘Bwaya’ with Francis Xavier Pasion, you were there for and with us every bit of the way. And all films ended up winning Best Film for Cinemalaya.
“When I decided that I wanted a shot at directing myself, you asked me to join your workshop at Tree House. This was the place that inspired me to make ‘Last Order’ and you immediately approved the concept. With your help and guidance, the short went on to win Best Short Film in Pyongyang, North Korea.
“I can ramble on and on but it all boils down to the fact that you were that touch of Midas for every project that you dipped your fingers into. We all became better because of you.
“And outside the realm of movie making, you were a friend whom I will always adore for your kindness, generosity and selflessness. Each time my heart was broken, you would always find the right words of comfort.
“When I saw your condition when you returned from Catanduanes in the midst of a legal battle, I knew deep inside that this was not the life you would have wanted to live. I prayed for God to heal you completely or to put an end to your suffering.
“And past 4 Tuesday morning, God answered one of my prayers. The pain is finally over.
You are now free and by God’s grace, now enjoying eternal rest.
“Salamat Bing for teaching me the colors of places and characters, the epiphanies, the universe, the truth.
“Armando Lao. Bing as we all know him. Accountant. Screenwriter. Director. Teacher.
Mentor. You tirelessly wore too many hats.
“But for me – you will always stand out as my fiercely loyal friend.”
Bing Lao’s Found Story scriptwriting process made such a significant difference and impact in Filipino filmmaking and in his students. He told stories about the Filipino reality: realism versus escapism.
“Sa Found Story, hindi natin kailangang makipagsabayan sa Hollywood,” Sir Bing said.
He created a mindset not to accept that everything is Pinoy film and TV is all about escape; he espoused progressive thinking, a true maverick. It is no surprise his mentees and co-workers are rallying behind Sir Bing to become a National Artist.
