My first movie

BOGART AND BERGMAN. The screening of their classic starrer was a big social event in Iloilo.

I clearly remember the very first film I saw: “Casablanca.” The adults in my family were very excited when they were invited to watch it at Mrs. Lolita dela Rama Lopez’s home in Iloilo.

An officer in the US Navy was going to screen the film, calling it “the first Hollywood movie after the Japanese occupation.” It was a big social event! I managed to include myself among the adults, who didn’t notice my “intrusion.”

As soon as we arrived at the venue, I snuck under the table and watched Ingrid Bergman, Humphrey Bogart and Paul Henreid from that unusual vantage point. I swooned when gorgeous Ingrid appeared onscreen.

Theme song

I empathized with Bogart and liked Henried’s accent. Young as I was, I was captivated by the performance of Peter Lorre and hated the character of Sydney Greenstreet! I loved “As Time Goes By,” the movie’s theme song—and sang it every chance I got.

Since I am obviously “dated,” I asked my niece, Fini, what her first movie was. “‘Lawiswis Kawayan,’ with Dolphy,” she replied. I then asked her younger cousin, Joan. Clearly indicating her age, she declared: “‘Gladiator,’ which won Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe at the Academy Awards!” “Well, ‘Casablanca’ also won the Best Picture Oscar,” I bragged back at her!

To this day, I still remember watching the film classic for the very first time. Imagine viewing your first movie under a long table!