Demetrio Bilbatúa Rodríguez
The great filmmaker Demetrio Bilbatúa and the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and Mexico.
By Annette Olmos
Demetrio Bilbatúa in Miscelanea Denegri, 1962
The 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and Mexico. The celebration marked the path for both countries to rediscover and reflect on their deep cultural and historical ties created long ago, even before the formal establishment of relations on the 14th. April 1953.
Remembering the legacy of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon, which served as an economic connection between East and West, facilitated the exchange and enrichment of customs, traditions, and values. It was a pioneering system of globalization, which operated for more than two hundred and fifty years, this shipping route being the longest-lasting of its time and the founder of the mutual understanding and fruitful collaboration that both nations enjoy to this day.
Wedding of Demetrio Bilbatúa and Teresa Ferrer Gómez
Demetrio Bilbatúa with President Miguel Alemán Velasco
The Philippines and Mexico are sister nations, in addition to the historical bond, share the political, economic, and sociocultural cooperation, as well as exchanges of high-level visits that have occurred in these seven decades of diplomatic relations.
With French
star Martine Carol
In 1960 Vice President Diosado Macapagal made the first recorded visit by a Filipino official to Mexico. One of the most important state visits he received was that of his counterpart, the president of Mexico, Adolfo López Mateos, to whom he extended an invitation because Mexico participated in the Pacific War for the liberation of the Philippines from the rule of the Japanese. In 1962, President López Mateos made the first State Visit in which commercial, political, and cultural rapprochement and interest resurfaced, a visit in which he also met with former Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo.
In Guaymas, Sonora, with Presidente Adolfo López Mateos
Monument commemorating the heroic Squadron 201, in Manila Philippines
Postage stamp commemorating the visit of President Adolfo López Mateos to the Philippines
With President Luis Echeverría
This international tour was filmed by the great filmmaker, creator, and lens artist Demetrio Bilbatúa Rodríguez, who documented this historic gathering with the Philippines. As a result of López Mateos' successful visit to this country, 1964 was designated as the "Year of Mexican-Filipino Friendship", and various celebrations were held in Manila to celebrate it, such as lecture series, exhibitions, exhibitions of Mexican films, etc. Monuments were also donated to commemorate the IV Centenary of the maritime expedition that united both peoples and gave rise to the voyages of the famous "Manilla Galleon".
At the Costa Alegre of Jalisco with the New York models Margaret Randall and Stacy Carter
The distinguished director and producer who gave life to the most important documentaries in Mexico
The national communication award was presented to him by the President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto
The Bilbatúa family with President Enrique Peña Nieto
Two associates of LPyLJ Editions, Ricardo and Francisco López-Portillo y Lancaster-Jones, were invited to the New Art Company headquarters by the famous director to witness, the short film that Bilbatúa filmed for President López Mateos during the 1962 visit to the Philippines, the López-Portillo y Lancaster-Jones brothers in turn awarded recognition to Demetrio, celebrating his life, career and invaluable participation as a great film documentary filmmaker. Talking about Demetrio is not only talking about a great filmmaker, it is talking about the distinguished director and producer who gave life to the most important documentaries in Mexico.
Along with Annette Olmos, Demetrio receives a recognition from Ricardo and Francisco López-Portillo y Lancaster-Jones
Today, the presence of Philippine companies in Mexico and vice versa is proof of the potential for a greater influx of bilateral investments. The Philippines and Mexico will embark on new paths in the years to come. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Viva Mexico!