By Mikee Natinga Norico
On the left side: Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President; in the center: Francis Lara Ho, producer and director of ‘1521′; and on the side: Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church.
Central Philippine University (CPU) proudly celebrates the achievements of its distinguished alumnus, Francis Lara Ho, a Nursing graduate from the Batch of 1993. A multi-talented nurse whose passion includes art and business. After graduating from College, Lara Ho decided to move to the United States and start a different life inspired by God. Shortly after his nursing career in the US, he established Inspire Studios and became its own Chief Executive Officer.
Ho’s latest cinematic masterpiece, ‘1521: The Quest for Love and Freedom,’ premiered nationwide last June 5, 2024, and received widespread acclaim and support from the CPU community and beyond.
On April 16, 2024, Ho visited the CPU President’s Office, where he shared the thrilling news of his production venture with the university’s president. The film, which has garnered multiple awards in international festivals across Sweden, Athens, and London. The CPU President extended an invitation to the entire Centralian community to support Ho’s films.
A native of Dueñas, Iloilo, Ho has dedicated ‘1521: The Quest for Love and Freedom’ to the Philippines, aiming to highlight the nation’s rich history and the heroism of its people.
“It is my family’s desire to honor our heritage, and this is our gift to the motherland,” Ho expressed during a press briefing at Water World Iloilo in Alta Tierra Village, Jaro, Iloilo City.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH, Ho addressed the mixed reactions the film’s trailer received regarding its historical accuracy. He welcomed constructive criticism, emphasizing that the film is a historical drama, not a documentary. “The Battle of Mactan is historical, but the love story is fictional,” he said.
As ‘1521: The Quest for Love and Freedom’ hits cinemas nationwide, the people of Iloilo City and the Central Philippine University community is proud of Ho’s remarkable endeavor, celebrating both his artistic achievements and his dedication to honoring Filipino heritage.