This is definitely an iconic Filipino film that symbolizes the Filipino pop culture of the 80's. Due to its commercial success, the sequel immediately follows in the same year.
33. Dekada '70 (2002)
Directed By: Chito S. Roño
Cast: Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon, Piolo Pascual, Marvin Agustin, Carlos Agassi, Danilo Barrios, John Wayne Sace, Kris Aquino, Ana Capri, Dimples Romana, Jhong Hilario, Carlo Muñoz, Tirso Cruz III, Orester Ojeda, Marianne de la Riva
Dekada '70 is the story of a family caught in the middle of the tumultuous decade of the 1970's. It details how a middle class family struggled with and faced the new changes that empowered Filipinos to rise against the Marcos government. These series of events all happened after the suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus, the proclamation of Martial Law, the bombing of Plaza Miranda, the random arrests of political prisoners. The oppressiveness of the Marcos regime made people become more radical. This shaping of the decade is all witnessed by the female character, Amanda Bartolome, a mother of five boys. While Amanda's sons grow, form individual beliefs and lead different lives, Amanda awakens her identity to state her stand as a Filipino citizen, mother and woman. Dekada '70 introduces the new generations of Filipino readers to a story and a family of a particular time in Philippine history. Its appeal lies in the evolution of its characters that embody the new generation of Filipinos. It is the story about a mother and her family, and the society around them that affects them. It is a tale of how a mother becomes torn between the letter of the law and her responsibilities as a mother.
34. Kakaba kaba ka ba? - Subtitle: Does Your Heart Beat Faster? (1980)
Directed By: Mike De Leon
Cast: Christopher De Leon, Charo Santos-Concio, Jay Ilagan, Sandy Andolong, Boboy Garovillo, Johnny Delgado, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Leo Martinez, Moody Diaz, Joe Jardy, Danny Javier
Kakabakaba Ka Ba? (English: Does Your Heart Beat Faster?) is a musical-comedy film produced by LVN Pictures (in its last offering) in 1980, with Mike de Leon as director. The film revolves on two couples who found themselves in conflict with the foreign commercial giants that control the Philippine economy, the Japanese and the Chinese. Moreover, it involved the Catholic Church which has a stranglehold on the Philippine society itself. The film reflects on the Philippine economy and society being primarily controlled by other forces for their own benefits and become instruments in performing illegal activities. Actors Christopher de Leon, Sandy Andolong, Jay Ilagan and Charo Santos starred as main heroes in the story, while Johnny Delgado and APO Hiking Society's Buboy Garovillo portrayed as main villains.
Famous Quote / Movie Line:
"Siguro nu'ng nagbuhos ng katalinuhan ang Diyos, nakapayong ka." - Jay Ilagan
35. Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros - Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (2005)
Directed By: Auraeus Solito Story: Michiko Yamamoto
Cast: Nathan Lopez, Soliman Cruz, JR Valentin, Neil Ryan Sese, Ping Medina, Bodjie Pascua, Elmo Redrico, Ivan Camacho, Lucito Lopez, Jett Desalesa
The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (Filipino: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros) is a 2005 award-winning Filipino coming-of-age film about a gay teen who is torn between his love for a young cop and his loyalty to his family. The film competed under 1st Cinemalaya Film Festival in 2005. The film was the official entry of the Philippines to the 79th Academy Awards. It holds the distinction of being one of the very few digital films released in 2005 to do well at the tills. It also made the rounds of international film festivals.
Maxi (Nathan Lopez) is a 12-year-old effeminate gay boy who lives in the slums with his father and brothers who are petty thieves. The story primarily revolves around the conflict between his love for handsome young police officer Victor (JR Valentin), and his family's illegal livelihood. Neo-realist in orientation, the film is a tale of lost innocence and redemption amidst the poverty of Manila's slums.
Maxi behaves like a girl, wearing clips or hairband in his hair and bangles on his wrists and even wearing lipstick. He is teased by neighbors and former school friends. His sexuality is, however, fully accepted by his two brothers and by his father. One night he is accosted by two men who attempt to molest him, but is saved by the appearance of Victor. Victor does not have a girlfriend, and his sexuality is never revealed. He rebuffs Maxi's advances, and when Maxi's father and brother bogs' friends teaching Victor a lesson. Maxi came and rescues the pitiful Victor and he cleaned Victor's wounds and cooks breakfast for Victor and felt sorry to his friend. Victor became affectionately stoking Maxi's head even when the boy steals a kiss.
After Maxi's father is killed by Victor's boss, Maxi resists Victor's attempts to renew their friendship. The closing scene shows Maxi walking past Victor who has parked by the roadside on Maxi's way to school. He ignores Victor as he passes him, hesitates momentarily as he crosses the road, then goes on his way. This last scene is a homage to the final scene of "The Third Man".
Can a 12-year old lad who wishes he were a girl navigate the mean streets of Manila? Maxi cooks, cleans, and sews for his father and older brothers who are petty criminals. He's sweet, clever and hardworking, at ease with being gay, pinning a flower in his hair, swinging his hips when he walks, vamping with friends. He's seen adults hug and kiss and he's watched romantic movies, so on the verge of puberty, he develops a crush on Victor, a kindly young cop. Maxi's heart and loyalties are on a collision course: Victor is investigating crimes that lead him to Maxi's family. In the land of the morning, is there a place for this child of the sun returning?
Besides the main actors, the other people we see in the movie are the director's real neighbors.
36. Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo - Once A Moth (1976)
Directed By: Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara Story: Marina Feleo-Gonzales
Cast: Nora Aunor, Jay Ilagan, Gloria Sevilla, Perla Bautista, Eddie Villamayor, Paquito Salcedo, Lily Miraflor, Leo Martinez, Nanding Fernandez, Luz Fernandez, German Moreno, Carlos Padilla Jr.
Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo, (Once A Moth) is a 1976 Filipino film. It concerns a Filipino nurse, Cora de la Cruz, who dreams of moving to America. When her brother was killed, her ideals change. The film criticizes American military presence in the Philippines.
The de la Cruzes and the Santos are two lower-middle-class families who live in Pampanga. Cora de la Cruz is a nurse who dreams of living in the United States. Her papers are ready and she seeks employment at an American hospital. She hopes to get a green card allowing her to stay, achieve immigrant status and then bring her family to America for a better life. Cora's mother and younger brother encourage her but her father, Ingkong disagrees. He believes that moving to America is a betrayal of their country, typical of an old colonial mentality. Bonifacio Santos is Cora’s fiancee. He intends to join the U.S. Navy so that he can be with Cora in America. His mother and their maid are saving to help him with the expenses. The families make no reference in their plans to instances of crime, including murder, committed by American soldiers in the Philippines who are indemnified against prosecution under laws of extraterritoriality. Bonifacio's mother works at a commissary at an American base. She is mistreated by a Filipino female guard, who strips Santos of her “smuggled” panties and waves them like a flag to the delight the American male guards. Santos takes the matter to court with no success and the guard retaliates by raiding her store. Bonifacio becomes disenchanted with America and abandons his plans. Cora is appalled at the failure of the Philippine courts to provide justice for Mrs. Santos but continues with her plans to leave for America. On the night of her despedida (farewell party), Cora's brother is shot dead by an American soldier while scavenging in the garbage dump of the American base. Cora stays to seek justice for her brother. She discovers that the case cannot continue as the soldier has been reassigned to another country.
Knowing that the administration of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos would not allow the public showing of any films criticizing the American existence in the Philippines, the producers tapped Nora Aunor to star in the film believing that the superstar has connection with the president and his wife Imelda Marcos. The film, despite being critical to the presence of the United States military bases, was indeed released due to this factor.
Famous Quote / Movie Line:
"My brother is not a pig! My brother is not a pig! Ang kapatid ko ay tao, hindi baboy damo!" - Nora Aunor
Sneaky Danny (Daniel Fernando) peeping through a hole in the steamy Scorpio Nights (1985)
37. Scorpio Nights (1985)
Directed By: Peque Gallaga Story: T.E. Pagaspas, Rommel Bernardino
Cast:
Orestes Ojeda, Anna Marie Gutierrez, Daniel Fernando, Eugene Enriquez,
Amanda Amores, Mike Austria, Pen Medina, Uro Q. dela Cruz, Lore Reyes, Rafael
Salonga, Caloy Balasbas, Carlito Abrasia
It is about a love triangle between a young
man, a married woman and her husband who is a police who first got tangled because of their uncontrolled
urge to make love. The release of the film became very controversial but played
a key role in defining the Filipino erotic films during its decade. This is the
story of a forbidden love affair between a college student (Daniel Fernando)
and an unfaithful housewife (Ana Marie Gutierrez).
In a crowded, multi-apartment house,
a young student peeps on his neighbours making love and subsequently develops a
steamy affair with the neighbour's wife. The affair slowly becomes an obsession
and spins out of control.
The film happened in a shabby
apartment where a student resides just above the room of a security guard and
his wife. Every day, the husband goes home, eats his dinner, washes the dishes,
goes straight to bed and makes love with his wife. The student plays peeping
tom to the two and every night looks through a hole in his floorboard. Not able
to control his urges, he goes to the room of the wife where he does the same
things that the girl's husband does to her with no resistance. The two perform
the act repeatedly until they fall in love with each other. The security guard
husband finds out that his wife is cheating on her when one day he walks in on
them while having sex and shoots both. He then shoots himself after. The film is
considered one of the most controversial and important films during its time.
Not only is the movie provocative but it is also commended for its social
relevance. It portrayed the chaotic economy of that year when Ninoy Aquino's
assassination was still very much talked about, towards the beginning of the
end of the Marcos regime.
In one sex sequence where Anna Marie
Gutierrez had to spit her saliva straight into the mouth of Daniel Fernando,
the actress did not utilize her own but of Karo syrup used for pancakes.
Korean film Summertime (2001)
directed by Jae-ho Park is based on this movie.
38. Ora Pro Nobis - Subtitle: Fight For Us (1989)
Directed By: Lino Brocka Story: Jose F. Lacaba
Cast: Phillip Salvador, Dina Bonnevie, Gina Alajar, Ginnie Sobrino, Abbo de la Cruz, Pen Medina, Joel Lamangan, Gerard Bernschein, Ernie Zarate, Jess Ramos, Obby Castañeda, Pocholo Montes, Bon Vibar, Raquel Villavicencio
The film title is a Latin phrase which means "pray for us" alludes to the lead character of the film which is a priest.
In 1985, in the obscure town of Dolores, the Orapronobis, a cult under the leadership of Kumander Kontra (Roco), murders a foreign priest who gave the last rites to an alleged rebel, who was also executed by the same group. At the success of the 1986 EDSA revolt, political detainees, led by Jimmy Cordero (Salvador), celebrate the fall of the dictatorship. All political prisoners are released, including Jimmy, an ex-priest-turned-underground revolutionary. Not long after Jimmy marries a human rights activist, Trixie (Bonnevie). Jimmy becomes an advocate of human rights. Despite Trixies protests, Jimmy and Trixies brother, Roland (Lorenzo), go with a fact-finding mission to Dolores to investigate the latest crime committed by the Orapronobis. Jimmy meets Esper (Alajar), his ex-girlfriend. He finds out that he has a son with her, Camilo (Herrera). They agree to keep Jimmys true identity a secret form the boy. Conniving with the military, the Orapronobis step up their acts of terror.
Jimmys group is forced to evacuate the townspeople to the town church, then later to Manila. Back in Manila, Jimmy turns down a friend's invitation to rejoin the underground movement. Later, he and Roland are ambushed. Jimmy survives, but Roland does not. He recovers and shortly after that, Trixie gives birth to their child. Soldiers raid the refugee center with a masked man who identifies several of the barrio folk as rebels. The refugees and the human rights activists complain to the government. Esper and her son are abducted by the Orapronobis who accuse Esper of helping the rebels. She is raped and beaten up by Kumander Kontra in front of Camilo. Fighting back, she shoots at Kontra. In a hysterical rage, Kontra goes on a shooting rampage, killing Esper, Camilo and the captured barrio men. Later, the military bring the casualties to the town where Jimmy weeps over the bodies of Esper and his son. The film ends with Jimmy contacting his old colleague from the underground.
The opening scene where Major Kontra killed a priest, was based on an actual incident in 1985 where cult leader Norberto Manero brutally murdered Italian Catholic priest Father Tulio Favali.
39. Kailangan Kita (2002)
Directed By: Rory B. Quinto Story: Shaira Mella Salvador, Raymond Lee
Cast: Aga Muhlach, Claudine Barretto, Johnny Delgado, Liza Lorena, Jericho Rosales, Dante Rivero, Cholo Escaño, Nicole Judalena, Igi Boy Flores, Cris Villanueva, Rissa Mananquil-Samson, Gerald Madrid, Ces Quesada, Madeleine Nicolas, Jon Achaval
After being away for 17 years, New York-based chef Carl (Aga Muhlach) returns to the country to marry his supermodel fiancée, Chrissy, in her hometown of Albay. The bride-to-be, however, is still stuck in Europe for a photo shoot. Carl takes care of the preparations with Chrissy’s family and eventually falls for her sister, Lena (Claudine Barretto).
40. Saan Darating Ang Umaga? (1983)
Directed By: Maryo J. de los Reyes Story: Fanny Garcia
Cast: Maricel Soriano, Raymond Lauchengco, Nida Blanca, Jaypee De Guzman, Nestor de Villa, Chanda Romero, Flora Gasser, Angie Ferro, Angie Ferro, Alma Lerma
A family's source of joy becomes the cause of all their grief. After years of trying to have a son, a couple finally decides to adopt one. While Shayne their only child is receptive at first, she finds herself getting increasingly jealous of Joel who has become the couple's center of attention. Shayne realizes that her adopted brother is no threat at all when he demonstrates his affection for her. But just when harmony is restored in the family, tragedy strikes during a beach excursion. Acting on a dare by Joel, Shane's father drifts afar from the shore and drowns. Shane's mother suffers a breakdown and blames Joel for the tragedy. Albeit Shane tries to hold the family together, the mother becomes inconsolable and demands that she return the boy to the orphanage. Now, Shayne must make the painful choice whether to keep her brother or submit to her mother's wishes.
Famous Quote / Movie Lines:
"Wala sa damit, wala sa kulay ang pagmamahal, Nasa puso, nasa utak!" - Maricel Soriano
(Love is not in the dress nor in colors, it is in the heart, it is in the brain!)
41. Tuhog (Subtitle: Larger Than Life) (2001)
Directed By: Jeffrey Jeturian Story: Armando Lao
Cast: Ina Raymundo, Klaudia Koronel, Jaclyn Jose, Irma Adlawan, Dante Rivero, Nante Montreal, Raymond Nieva, Eric Parilla, Crispin Pineda, Frank Rivera, Desi Rivera, Celeste V. Lumasac, Albert Zialcita, Jessette Prospero, Russell Zamora
A movie production company wants to make a film based on a newspaper report of a man convicted of raping his granddaughter. The producer and director interview the girl and her mother, assuring them that the film will be tastefully done. But when the women turn up for the screening, they are dismayed to find their story turned into a sexploitation flick called "Lust for Flesh." They leave the cinema halfway, feeling they have been violated all over again.
42. Manila By Night - City After Dark (1980)
Directed By: Ishmael Bernal Story: Ishmael Bernal
Cast: Charito Solis, Alma Moreno, Lorna Tolentino, Rio Locsin, Cherie Gil, Gina Alajar, Orestes Ojeda, William Martinez, Bernardo Bernardo, Johnny Wilson, Jojo Santiago, Sharon Manabat, Mitch Valdez
Manila By Night also known as City After Dark is a 1980 Filipino Gawad Urian Award winning drama film directed by critically acclaimed director Ishmael Bernal and starred Gina Alajar and Charito Solis. Released at the height of the Marcos regime, the film uncovers the other face of Manila by depicting the ugly aspects of life in the city - unemployment, prostitution, drug addiction, and lack of decent housing. Considered as one of Bernal's masterpieces, it is an epic multi-narrative of people who have shady pasts and are trying to exist in an unforgiving world.
The hidden nightlife of ordinary people living in Manila unveils. Lovers and families' conflicts are radically pitted against each other as they live in the night streets rampant with drugs and prostitution. The outstanding narrative explicitly unravels the various characters and episodes. Actually named Manila By Night, this landmark film of Ishmael Bernal depicts the darkness of city life so vividly that it was once prohibited to use the word 'Manila' on its title thus it was named City After Dark instead.
The film's events take place in the course of several nights, involving various protagonists and the city itself. William Martinez plays a folk singer from a rich family who becomes addicted to heroin through the influence of lesbian pusher and pimp, Cherie Gil. Martinez's mother in the movie, played by Charito Solis, is herself a reformed prostitute who, like Lady Macbeth, is obsessed with cleaning her hands to remove the dirt of her past. She does her best to be respectable after marrying an ex-cop played by Johnny Wilson. Meanwhile, Cherie Gil's character is in love with a blind masseuse, played by Rio Locsin, with two illegitimate children. Locsin lives with Jojo Santiago, whose character fantasizes of earning American dollars while working in Saudi Arabia. Another character, portrayed by Alma Moreno, is a nurse who, in reality, is a call girl. Her live-in taxi-driver lover, played by Orestes Ojeda, is fooling around with a waitress played by Lorna Tolentino, who is the presumed girlfriend of a gay couturier played by Bernardo Bernardo. As dawn breaks over the city, the bizarre lives of the characters of Manila's nightlife seem like an alter-ego of the respectable, busy daytime world.
The fake nurse device of Alma Moreno's prostitute-in-nurse attire was taken from a real-life motel slaying case a year before the production of the movie.
43. Minsan Minahal Kita (2000)
Directed By: Olivia Lamasan Story: Ricardo Lee, Olivia Lamasan
Cast: Sharon Cuneta, Richard Gomez, Edu Manzano, Carmina Villaroel, Angel Aquino, Ciara Sotto, Rosemarie Gil, January Isaac Bodlovic, Marvin Agustin, Kristine Hermosa, Bonggoy Manahan, Ama Quiambao, Andrea del Rosario, Gabe Mercado, Patty Wilson
Experiening problems in their marriages, two people (Sharon Cuneta, Richard Gomez) unexpectedly meet and fall and love.
Muro-Ami (1996) poster
44. Muro Ami (1999)
Directed By: Marilou Diaz- Abaya
Cast: Cesar Montaño, Pen Medina, Amy Austria, Rebecca Lusterio, Jerome Sales
Muro Ami (Reef-Hunters) is a Filipino film that depicts one of the worst forms of child labor in the illegal fishing system.
Fredo (Cesar Montano) is a fisherman who has endured more than his share of hardship in life; his wife and child both perished in a boating accident, and today Fredo approaches each trip to the sea with the angry determination of a man out for revenge. Fredo commands a crew of young people from poor families as he takes his rattletrap ship into the ocean in search of fish that live along the reefs, snaring catch with an illegal netting system. Not all of Fredo's youthful sailors are willing to put up with his abusive arrogance, however, and even his father Dado (Pen Medina) and close friend Botong (Jhong Hilario) have grown weary of Fredo's tirades. Fredo's body is beginning to betray him as well, and as he and his crew damage the sea's reef beds in search of fish, no one is certain how much longer he will be able to continue.
Maestro Fredo, a tyrant captain, fixates to claim the treasures of the sea -- no matter what, in whatever diabolical technique for as long as he profits. He employs dozens of men, mostly children, in his dangerous expeditions. Conditions aboard the ships are oppressive. Children are often overworked and his crew is furious with the way they are living. He blames the sea for claiming the lives of his family and he exacts revenge by plundering its depths.
Directed By: Maryo J. de los Reyes Story: Vanessa R. Valdez
Cast: Maricel Soriano, Aga Muhlach, Angelica Panganiban, Dante Rivero, Chin Chin Gutierrez, Bobby Andrews, TJ Trinidad, Baron Geisler, John Arcilla, Gerald Madrid, Marc Acueza, Bart Guingona, RS Francisco, Anita Linda, Eva Darren
Though he is already married to a devoted physician (Maricel Soriano), a man (Aga Muhlach) falls in love with a vivacious flight attendant (Angelica Panganiban).
46. Ama, Ina, Anak (1996)
Directed By: Jose Javier Reyes
Cast: Maricel Soriano, Edu Manzano, Angelica Panganiban, Boots Anson-Roa, Jolina Magdangal, Rico Yan, Jackie Lou Blanco, Cherry Pie Picache, Teresa Loyzaga, Subas Herrero, Nonie Buencamino, Stefano Mori, Mike Austria, Imelda Trinidad, Naty Mallares
A childless couple adopt a child, but problems arise when the wife become pregnant.
Dreamy Hilda Koronel shows her sweet demeanor while in idyllic Baguio City in Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising (1977)
47. Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising - When You Dream And Wake Up (1977)
Directed By: Mike De Leon
Cast: Christopher de Leon, Hilda Koronel, Laurice Guillen, Moody Diaz, Danny Javier, Boboy Garovillo, Bibeth Orteza, Briccio Santos, Oya de Leon
Filmed in Baguio and Sagada in 1977, it's the coming-of-age story of a young college student, Joey (Christopher de Leon) who has lost all sense of direction and meaning in life, waking up every morning to the same old day that went before; fruitless, senseless and lifeless. He's a carefree kind of guy who just bums around with his friends. The only thing that inspires him is music. The problem is, he has yet to finish writing a song, which turns out to be the movie's theme song, and the theme song of his awakening (hence, it's called "Joey's Theme", one of the reasons why I also love this film!)
Then Joey meets Ana (Hilda Koronel) and she immediately sweeps him off his feet. A very sweet friendship develops between the two. All of a sudden Joey's world is turned upside down, and his mornings are never the same again. It seems he's finally found the inspiration to complete his song.
But the inspiration soon turns into disillusion when he learns that Ana is married and has a child.
It was touted by many as the most romantic Filipino movie ever made.
Directed By: Cholo Laurel Story: Ricardo Lee, Cholo Laurel
Cast: Claudine Barretto, Jericho Rosales, Diether Ocampo, Hilda Koronel, Gloria Diaz, Irma Adlawan, Dante Rivero, Jhong Hilario, Lovely Rivero, Neri Naig, Katherine Luna, Kathryn Bernardo, Sean Ignacio, Joshua Dionisio, Chiqui del Carmen
Two adopted siblings find themselves falling for each other and announce their decision to marry, much to everyone's initial chagrin.
Official theme song of the same title featuring some scenes in the movie Bituing Walang Ningning (1985)
49. Bituing Walang Ningning - Star Without Shine - Lackluster Star (1985)
Directed By: Emmanuel H. Borlaza Story: Nerissa Cabral
Cast: Sharon Cuneta, Cherie Gil, Christopher De Leon, Jay Ilagan, Joel Torre, Tommy Abuel, Chanda Romero, Lorli Villanueva, Vicky Suba, Lito Pastrana
Aspiring singer Dorina Pineda (Sharon Cuneta) is a simple woman with big dreams from a poor family who idolizes the superstar singer Lavinia Arguelles (Cherie Gil). She sells sampaguita flower garland during the day to help her aunt who is taking care of her and also to save up to buy stuffs related to or attend events by Lavinia Arguelles. At one of her gig, she was discovered and was helped by Nico Escobar to be a singer to replace Lavinia who left for United States. Dorina is already popular and is making a name when Lavinia returned to the Philippines and was surprised to see her loyal fan becoming a singer. She put her to shame one time in one of her album launching much to the dismay of everyone most especially for the hurt and insult received by Dorina. From then on, she promised to revenge and surpass Lavinia her idol and make it big time. In the end, she chooses love over career while Lavinia chooses to be a superstar forever than love at the last concert of Dorina Pineda. This was the explanation of the song of the same title for Dorina Pineda.
Famous Quote / Movie Line:
"You're nothing but a second rate trying hard, copycat!” - Cherie Gil as Lavinia Arguelles
“Sinira mo lang ang kanta, binaboy mo! baliw ang nagsasabing isinilang na ang katapat ko. You'll never make it! You're nothing but a second-rate trying hard copycat!” - Cherie Gil
“Noong una hinangaan kita, pero nang makilala kita, sinabi ko sa sarili ko na hindi lang kita papantayan, lalampasan pa kita!” – Sharon Cuneta
50. Dahas (Violence) (1995)
Directed By: Chito S. Roño Story: Roy Iglesias
Cast: Maricel Soriano, Richard Gomez, Tonton Gutierrez, Efren Reyes Jr., Sheila Ysrael, Maila Gumila, Marita Zobel, Rez Cortez, Ray Ventura, Anthony Taylor, Gamaliel Viray, Nonie Buencamino, Mon Confiado, Gio Santos, Felindo Obach
Maricel Soriano, Richard Gomez and Tonton Gutierrez do the dance macabre in this thriller with a fine fetish for violence. Maricel is Luisa who gets raped by an unknown assailant, a few nights before she gets wed to Jake. When the latter discovers Luisa's prenuptial chastity in question on their first night, a whole new bizzare turn of events unfold -- something the poor Luisa reacts to in a chillingly weird way. Dreams become nightmares, love turns to rage.
51. Inagaw Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin (You Took Everything From Me) (1995)
Directed By: Carlos Siguion-Reyna Story: Bibeth Orteza, Oscar Miranda, Carlos Siguion Reyna
Cast: Maricel Soriano, Snooky Serna, Eric Quizon, Tirso Cruz III, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Robert Arevalo, Jess Evardone, Marilyn Mortiz, Merle Suba, Yoly Unabia
Set in a quiet, rural Filipino village, tale revolves around a sibling rivalry between Jacinta (Maricel Soriano), a woman who appears to be the ultimate dutiful daughter and wife, and Clarita (Snooky Serna), her more beautiful sister, who left town a decade ago. Over the years, Jacinta has manipulated the entire community to believe that, despite being rejected by her father Arcadio (Robert Arevalo) and ignored by her mother Almeda (Armida Siguion-Reyna), she has sacrificed her life for her parents as well as for her own hubby Peping (Tirso Cruz III). Tension builds when the more suave Clarita returns with her husband to confront her past - and to come to terms with her jealous, resentful sister. Flashbacks reveal dark, shattering secrets that eventually tear the family apart.
52. Moral (1982)
Directed By: Marilou Diaz-Abaya Story: Ricardo Lee
Cast: Lorna Tolentino, Gina Alajar, Sandy Andolong, Anna Marin, Juan Rodrigo, Michael Sandico, Ronald Bregendahl, Lito Pimentel, Mia Gutierrez, Christopher Ng, Laurice Guillen, Dexter Doria, Claire de la Fuente
Joey, Kathy, Sylvia and Maritess are not only classmates — they are the best of friends. Joey is a drug user who sleeps around. Kathy is a mediocre singer who will stop at nothing to fulfill her dream of the big-time. Sylvia is a liberated woman who finds security in the love of her ex-husband who is now living in with another man. Maritess plays the role of a conventional housewife, who is reduced to a baby-making machine. In the span of three years — from 1979 to 1982 — the film traces the lives of these four women through their seemingly desperate but also interwoven experiences, and in their attempts to resolve their individual problems, are mirrored the different faces of the woman in our society today.
53. Maging Akin Ka Lamang (1987)
Directed By: Lino Brocka Story: Ric Aquino
Cast: Lorna Tolentino, Christopher de Leon, Dina Bonnevie, Jay Ilagan, Toby Alejar, Jaime Fabregas, Cecilia Garrucho, Subas Herrero, Koko Trinidad, Raquel Villavicencio, Ernie Zarate
The rich and beautiful Rosita (Lorna Tolentino) would do anything to win the love of the man she had become obsessed with. Still, neither her beauty nor all the money in the world gave her what she wanted.
54. Jologs (2002)
Directed By: Gilbert Perez Story: Ned Trespeces
Cast: Diether Ocampo, Patrick Garcia, Vhong Navarro, Onemig Bondoc, Dominic Ochoa, John Prats, Jodi Sta. Maria, Julia Clarete, Baron Geisler, Michelle Bayle, Assunta de Rossi, Mat Ranillo III, Jean Saburit, Bonggoy Manahan, Maribeth Bichara
Jologs portrays the intersecting stories of various working-class people who are all tied to one coffee shop and are struggling to make ends meet in the Philippines. One mother supports her family as a dancer in Japan, one college student tries to forge a relationship with his wealthy father, and one security guards tries to be a good father to his girlfriend's baby.
55. Karnal - Carnal Desires - Subtitle: Of The Flesh (1983)
Directed By: Marilou Diaz-Abaya Story: Ricardo Lee
Cast: Charito Solis, Phillip Salvador, Vic Silayan, Cecille Castillo, Joel Torre, Grace Amilbangsa, Pen Medina, Joonee Gamboa, Rolando Tinio, Ella Luansing, Vangie Labalan, Gil de Leon, Rustica Carpio
Narsing and Puring, a newlywed couple, come home to the village of Mulawin to live in the ancestral house of Narsing's father, Gusting, a land owner. Puring, his city-bred wife, resembles Narsing's dead mother who had committed suicide after having been publicly shamed and punished by her husband for her romantic liaison. Doray, Narsing's, sister, has also been a victim of her father's authoritarian rule as she has been forced to marry a man not of her choice.
Puring, feeling rejected by the townfolk, seeks companionship with a deaf-mute who, like her, has remained an outsider. She begins to develop a tender, emotional relationship with him. Narsing, who works in the Kapitolyo, asks his father for his share of the inheritance. But the father prevails upon him to stay. The couple makes a plan to go back to the city.
One night, Puring, having overstayed in the deaf-mute's hut, is hunted and dragged home by his father-in-law who present her to her husband for punishment. Narsing, however, reacts to the father's brutality, especially after his wife informs him of the old man's attempt to make advances on her. In the ensuing fight, the son slays his own father. In prison, Narsing commits suicide. Meanwhile, Puring buries alive her infant son believing it to be the devil's off-spring. At the end, Puring goes back to the city while Doray seeks out her old sweetheart, with whom she later bears a daughter who acts as the writer-narrator of the story and who pieces together the episodes of the life of her forebears.
The film was inspired by "To Take A Life", a true legal story by Teresita Añover Rodriguez published in MR. and MRS. Magazine. The film was selected as the Philippine entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 57th Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nominee.
56. Shake, Rattle and Roll (1984)
Directed By: Ishmael Bernal (segment "Pridyider"), Emmanuel H. Borlaza (segment "Baso"), (as Emmanuel Borlaza) and Peque Gallaga (segment "Manananggal")
Story: Jose N. Carreon (segment "Baso"), Amado Lacuesta(segment "Pridyider"), Uro Q. dela Cruz (segment "Manananggal")
Cast: Charito Solis, Herbert Bautista, William Martinez, Janice de Belen, Rey "PJ" Abellana, Joel Torre, Irma Alegre, Emily Loren, Arlene Muhlach, Mon Alvir, Peewee Quijano, Lito Gruet, Rosemarie Gil, Mary Walter, Tony Carreon
Shake, Rattle and Roll (1984) is the first installment in the Shake, Rattle & Roll film series composed of three episodes. Baso (glass) talks about the adventure of three friends who performed Spirit of the Glass and discovered the tale of a tragic love triangle. Pridyider (Frigidaire - a brand name for a refrigerator) revolves around a refrigerator that seemed to be "alive". Manananggal is about a teenager who courts a barrio lass without his knowledge that this lass is a monster. She eventually causes chaos to his family. It is the first of the series of the popular Filipino horror film. The film was an entry of the 10th Metro Manila Film Festival, with Herbert Bautista winning Best Actor.
57. On The Job (2013)
Directed By: Erik Matti Writer: Michiko Yamamoto, Erik Matti
Cast: Gerald Anderson, Piolo Pascual, Joel Torre, Joey Marquez, Michael de Mesa, Leo Martinez, Angel Aquino, Vivian Velez, Shaina Magdayao, William Martinez, Rayver Cruz, Empress Schuck
A gritty film noirish about four men struggling to survive and a make living for themselves and their respective loved ones. Two are former prison inmates, hired as contract killers, and the two other are law enforcers and investigators, caught in the loop of corrupt government officials. Mario intends to go straight when he gets parole, and Daniel a younger inmate and Mario's apprentice, is set to replace him as hired killer. Joaquin and Francis are the police officers tangled in a moral conflict. The two groups inevitably collide.
58. Bayan Ko: Kapit Sa Patalim – My Country: Gripping The Dagger (1985)
Directed By: Lino Brocka Story: Jose F. Lacaba
Cast: Phillip Salvador, Gina Alajar, Venchito Galvez, Ariosto Reyes Jr., Bey Vito, Mona Lisa, Aida Carmona, Joe Taruc,Khryss Adalia, Louella, Gamay Arkoncel
Arturo and his wife, Luz Manalastas, both work in a printing press. After Luz becomes pregnant, Arturo ("Turing") is forced to ask for a raise. When he does so, his boss asks him to sign a waiver stating that he is not part of any Labor Union. Soon after, his friends inform him that they are starting a labor union and that they are inviting him to join them. Because of the waiver, he cannot. He is branded by his mates as a traitor, and is treated badly by them. Soon after, the printing press is closed down, and the hospital where Luz is confined will not let Luz go until Turing comes up with the money to pay them. This leads Turing to pursue a life of crime.
Turing Manalastas, a printing press worker, and his pregnant wife Luz, also a worker, can hardly make both ends meet. When a strike breaks at his work place, he refuses to join to protect his job, thus eliciting the ire of his fellow workers. His wife's pregnancy and eventually the enormous hospital bill he is forced to settle upon the birth of his first child compels him to turn to crime. At the end, having been driven to take matters into his own hands, Turing meets his tragic fate.
The story was loosely based on incidents that made news in the early 1970s before the Martial Law era, such as a strike that paralyzed Manila, the kidnapping of a businessman and the shoot-out between the kidnappers and police. Thus, the film made censors uneasy and its release was delayed with the intent of finding a way to keep the movie from being released. All rally scenes were ordered deleted, as well as the title song. Eventually, a few scenes portraying live sex shows were also cut out, and the film was released. The film was then smuggled into France and was shown at the 1985 Cannes Film Festival. A sensation was caused when Brocka announced to the international media that Bayan Ko was banned in his homeland for unexplained reasons. Due to this furor, the government realized that the film was highly critical of the current regime and ordered Brocka's arrest. He was eventually released.
59. Burlesk Queen (1977)
Directed By: Celso Ad. Castillo
Cast: Vilma Santos, Rosemarie Gil, Rolly Quizon, Leopoldo Salcedo, Roldan Aquino, Joonee Gamboa, Chito Ponce Enrile, Dexter Doria, Yolanda Luna, Celso Ad. Castillo, Estrella Kuenzler, Pat Ilano, Mervyn Samson, G.V. Misa, Rio Locsin
Burlesk Queen is a 1977 drama film directed by Celso Ad Castillo about a poor girl who found herself working in the world of burlesque performers in order to alleviate her family's poverty. The lead role is masterfully played by Vilma Santos, who sheds her good girl image for the first time in this role.
To support her paralytic father, Chato (Vilma Santos) works as a utility girl for a burlesque star Virgie Nite (Rosemarie Gil). But when Virgie gets drunk on the night of her scheduled show, Chato pitches in for her. And she becomes an instant sensation. Enthused by the initial acceptance of the audience, she defies her father's admonitions and presents herself to the manager and thus, becoming the new burlesque queen.
Mang Roque (Leopoldo Salcedo) Chato's father learns about the incident and declares that he will sell his soul to the devil but never her daughter's body. Chato however is exceedingly enthused by her acceptance of the theater audience she presents herself to Louie the theater manager and christens her Tzarina,the young goddess. Chato carries a young romance w/ Jessie a typical rebellious youth ignores his parents and elope w/ Chato. Their romance leads into a brief happy life and when his mother traces the couple and makes him choose between Chato and the parents he chooses the parents. Chato returns to the theater w/all the frustrations behind her. She succumbs into Louie's invocations of arts in order to make her dance again but she is a few months on the family way, when she makes the grand performance, it becomes also her last.
60. Ina Ka Ng Anak Mo - You're The Mother Of Your Child (1979)
Directed By: Lino Brocka Story: Jose Dalisay Jr. , Leticia Fariñas
Cast: Lolita Rodriguez, Nora Aunor, Raoul Aragon, Lorli Villanueva
Ina ka ng Anak Mo (lit. You Are the Mother of Your Daughter) is a 1979 Filipino film and an official entry to the 1979 Metro Manila Film Festival.
This is Lino Brocka's masterful melodrama about a husband who falls in love with his mother-in-law.
The story portrays the everyday life of Renata (Lolita Rodriguez) and her daughter Ester (Nora Aunor), who is married to Luis (Raoul Aragon). Unfortunately, Ester and her mother get into a heated argument resulting to Renata feeling emotional about it. She then confides to Luis about her problems, which results to one night of passionate union.
This is Nora's first movie under the direction of Lino Brocka and an entry to the 1979 Metro Manila Film Fest. It was also the first and the only collaboration and acting duel between two of the greatest actresses of the Philippine Cinema; Nora Aunor and Lolita Rodriguez.
This is a story of day-to-day living by Renata played by Lolita Rodriguez, her daughter Esther played by Nora Aunor and Esther's husband Luis (Raul Aragon). For his desire to have a better life, Luis would try to go to Saudi Arabia to provide a bright future their own families but it is against the will of Esther. When there is a dispute between the mother and daughter, Renata was so disappointed of Esther's behavior. One time, she poured to Luis her resentment to her daughter that cause temporary lapse in their own. The revelation of their infidelity made the relationship between the mother and daughter weaker.
Famous Quote / Movie Line:
"Hayop... Hayuuup... Hayuuuppp" - Nora Aunor
61. Mila (2001)
Directed By: Joel Lamangan Screenplay: Ricardo Lee
Cast: Maricel Soriano, Piolo Pascual, Princess Punzalan, Cherry Pie Picache, Kaye Abad, Serena Dalrymple, Jiro Manio, Angelica Panganiban, Luis Alandy, Noni Buencamino, Eva Darren, B.J. De Jesus, Kathleen Hermosa, Mel Kimura, Alfred Labatos, Don Laurel, Tony Mabesa, Mario Magallona, Bea Nicolas, Tom Olivar, Jim Pebanco, Caridad Sanchez, Florencio A. Pili
The film was based on the life story of Anita Pamintuan who died during her fight for proper wages and compensation for public school-teachers in the Philippines.
Famous Quote / Movie Line:
“ibang mundo... maraming tao... iba ibang mukha.... LAKAD NG LAKAD,,, HINDI NAMAN ALAM KUNG SAN PUPUNTA,,,, kung minsan maganda rin yung,,, hindi mo alam kung san ka papunta,,, MAGUGULAT KA NALANG NANDUN KA NA!” – Maricel Soriano
62. Sukob (2006)
Directed By: Chito S. Roño Story: Chito S. Roño
Cast: Kris Aquino, Claudine Barretto, Wendell Ramos, Boots Anson-Roa, Ronaldo Valdez, Bernarda Palanca, Liza Lorena, Maja Salvador, Raquel Villavicencio, Jhong Hilario, Maureen Mauricio, Glaiza de Castro, Cris Daluz, Neil Ryan Sese, Ku Aquino
A Filipino couple working overseas return to their hometown to get married; however, a deadly curse follows the couple based on the superstition that marriage should not take place within a year of the death of an immediate relative. Sandy (Kris Aquino) and Dale (Wendell Ramos) both overseas workers in Dubai are busy preparing for their wedding. Upon reaching her home, Sandy learns from her mother Tessie (Boots Anson-Roa) what happened to her friend Helen. A short time after Helen's father died, Helen proceeded with her wedding. A few weeks after the wedding, Helen's husband dies in a plane crash. As Helen goes to the crash site, she dies in a bus accident. A few weeks later, Helen's mother suddenly disappears inside her house. Their bodies have never been recovered. Sandy proceeds with her own wedding. During the ceremony, she suffers from nosebleed and starts seeing glimpses of a ghostly flower girl. It turns out that she is not the only one who saw it. Maja, a psychic and the daughter of her husband's cousin, also saw the flower girl. Hours later, Sandy and Phil learn that the van carrying some of the secondary sponsors met an accident. When they get to the site, the bodies of the victims could not be found. Instead, they see a bridal cord.
63. Brutal (1980)
Directed By: Marilou Diaz-Abaya Screenplay: Ricardo Lee
Cast: Amy Austria, Gina Alajar, Charo Santos-Concio, Jay Ilagan, Johnny Delgado, Perla Bautista, Joonee Gamboa, Nello Nayo, Boy Sabiniano, Robert Tongco
A woman after killing her husband and his friends goes into post-traumatic shock and withdraws from any form of communication. A feminist journalist becomes interested in the case and resolves to unravel the truth behind the murders.
64. Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak (1990)
Directed By: Lino Brocka Screenplay: Ricardo Lee
Cast: Dina Bonnevie, Christopher de Leon, Eddie Garcia, Charo Santos-Concio, Bembol Roco, Allan Paule, Francis Magalona, William Lorenzo, Perla Bautista, Anita Linda, Lucita Soriano, Timothy Diwa, Maureen Mauricio, Ernie Zarate, Ray Ventura
A teenage boy befriends a starlet who is having an affair with an ambitious mayor. As the elections are coming up, the mayor's wife wants him to get rid of his mistress. The starlet agrees to stop the affair on condition that the mayor help release her boyfriend from jail. The mayor does so, but wants the former jail-bird to kill his political rival.
65. Heneral Luna (2015)
Directed By: Jerrold Tarog Story: Henry Francia, E.A. Rocha, Jerrold Tarog
Cast: John Arcilla, Mon Confiado, Arron Villaflor, Jeffrey Quizon, Paulo Avelino, Joem Bascon, Archie Alemania, Arthur Acuña, Alex Vincent Medina, Marc Abaya, Alvin Anson, David Bianco, Jennifer Blair, Nonie Buencamino, Mylene Dizon, Edgar Ebro, Julia Enriquez, Ketchup Eusebio, Anthony Falcon, Kevin Limjoco, Dennis Marasigan, Leo Martinez, Lorenz Martinez, Japo Parcero, Allan Paule, Bing Pimentel, Brent Metken
Set during the Filipino-American war, Heneral Luna follows the life of one of Philippine history's most brilliant soldier General Antonio Luna as he tries to lead his countrymen against colonial masters new and old, and to rise above their own raging disputes to fulfill the promise of the Philippine revolution.
66. Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit (1984)
Directed By: Maryo J. de los Reyes Story: Via Hoffman
Cast: Maricel Soriano, Charito Solis, Ronaldo Valdez, Liza Lorena, Gina Alajar, Michael de Mesa, Arlene Muhlach, Francis Martinez, William Martinez, Robert Campos, Ramil Rodriguez, Jaime Fabregas, Yvette Quijano, Jennifer Sevilla, Tara Friño
A highly ambitious goddaughter abuses all her relationships to reach high society, crushing her integrity as she quenched her thirst for power and influence.
67. Kubrador - The Bet Collector (2006)
Directed By: Jeffrey Jeturian Story: Ralston Javier
Cast: Gina Pareño, Fonz Deza, Nanding Josef, Soliman Cruz, Joe Gruta, Domingo Landicho, Neil Ryan Sese, Miguel Castro, Nico Antonio
The Bet Collector (Tagalog: Kubrador) is a 2006 Filipino drama film that centers on an aging bet collector finds her mundane existence suddenly transformed by an unforeseen series of events and jueteng, the game of numbers dating back to the Philippines' Spanish colonial period from (1521 to 1898).
In this starkly realistic narrative, director Jeffrey Jeturian presents a captivating portrait of a once-proud woman, haunted by memories of a dead son and hounded by the police, and her fragile and lonely life as a "kubrador". An ordinary meaningless existence can suddenly be challenged by the perplexing game of life, luck and death.
Amelita or Amy is an aging jueteng kubrador (bet collector). Despite the regular crackdown on the illegal numbers game, she clings to the job she has known for more than 20 years. She walks around the poverty-stricken squatter’s neighborhood collecting bets from her regular patrons every day. Her husband Eli, who is equally aging, can only manage to help by manning their small sari-sari (variety store). Amy’s grown up children have all left home. Her eldest daughter Mona works as a domestic helper abroad. Her second daughter, Juvy, who is always pregnant, lives with her in-laws. Amy’s youngest son, Eric, a young soldier, recently died on combat duty in Mindanao.
68. Mga Munting Tinig - Small Voices (2002)
Directed By: Gil Portes
Cast: Alessandra De Rossi, Dexter Doria, Gina Alajar, Amy Austria, Bryan Homecillo, Pierro Rodriguez, Irma Adlawan, Malou Crisologo, Noni Buencamino, Tony Mabesa, Leilani Navarro
Melinda (Alessandra de Rossi) is a new substitute teacher at the Malawig Elementary School, located in a poor remote barrio. A young university graduate, her family expects her to look for work abroad, but in her idealism she takes on a challenging job in the provincial public school, which lacks resources and has corrupt personnel. The heavy monsoon rains and the nearby NPAs also add to her difficulties.
The children are indifferent to their studies, having been affected by the hopelessness around them. Melinda tries to motivate them by capitalizing on their interest and talent in singing. She takes advantage of a funding opportunity to enter them in a choral contest. She encounters some resistance, however, from the school administration and from the parents of her students. Furthermore, the death of one of the choral group’s members at the hands of the Armed Forces of the Philippines casts a pall on their once joyful preparations. Melinda, however, constantly tries to rise above these challenges.
It is the only Filipino film to be released by Warner Bros. Pictures.
69. Pahiram ng Isang Umaga - Lend Me One Morning (1989)
Directed By: Ishmael Bernal
Cast: Vilma Santos, Gabby Concepcion, Eric Quizon, Zsa zsa Padilla, Billy Crawford, Olivia Cenizal, Tita Muñoz, Gil de Leon, Dexter Doria, Subas Herrero, Cris Vertido
Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga revolves around Juliet (Vilma Santos) who found herself struggling against an ever-escalating series of problems. A determined single parent, she manages to raise a child while remaining successful in her career as an advertising executive. Everything in her life seems to go well until she is diagnosed with a terminal disease. For her son’s sake, and without revealing her condition, she is forced to resolve her most important life relations: rekindling first her connections with her parents, and then with the very man who fathered her son. In the twilight of her life, she meets and falls in love with a beleaguered artist Ariel (Eric Quizon) who is constantly depressed and perpetually contemplating suicide. She slowly loses her health but unknowingly reawakens Ariel desire to live, and they both engage in a meaningful affair – one that makes each day they live through together more meaningful than the last.
70. Batang PX (1997)
Directed By: Jose Javier Reyes Story: Jose Javier Reyes
Cast: Patrick Garcia, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Edu Manzano, Anna Larrucea, Nida Blanca, Cherry Pie Picache, Laura James, Eula Valdez, Piolo Pascual, Albert Martinez, J.R. Herrera, Gilleth Sandico, Joshua Spafford, Don Laurel
Former nightclub singer Tessie (Zsa Zsa Padila) is a single mother living with her son Christopher aka Amboy (Patrick Garcia), a teenager who longs to meet his American soldier father meanwhile Tessie firmly believes her new boyfriend Dante (Edu Manzano) is the right man for her.
71. Dahil Mahal Na Mahal Kita (1998)
Directed By: Wenn V. Deramas Story: Mari Mariano
Cast: Claudine Barretto, Rico Yan, Diether Ocampo, Jaclyn Jose, Isabel Rivas, Jan Marini, Lailani Navarro, Marita Zobel, Lito Legaspi, Farrah Florer, Donnie Fernandez, Lui Villaruz, CJ Tolentino, Dino Banzon, Rad Dominguez
Tenaciously straight-laced Miguel (Rico Yan) and campus bad girl Mela (Claudine Barretto) shock the people around them when they decide to go out, but they are too smitten with each other to notice any objection set against their union. The two eventually realize that it takes more than physical attraction to maintain a relationship, for their personality differences turn their initial sweetness into petty arguments and misunderstandings. Their respective bitter exes deal the final blow that sever any chance of reconciliation between the two, as the scheme leaves Miguel feeling cheated and Mela distrusted. Both, however, still feel that the only person who can fill the chasm created by their separation is each other--but how can they have a lasting relationship without trust?
72. Bagong Bayani: The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995)
Directed By: Joel Lamangan Story: Bonifacio Ilagan, Ricardo Lee
Cast: Nora Aunor, Amy Austria, Rita Avila, Ian de Leon, Julio Diaz, Kristine Garcia, Bennette Ignacio, Jaclyn Jose, Tony Mabesa, Ara Mina, Vina Morales, Frank Rivera, Caridad Sanchez
A true to life story of a Filipino domestic helper who is accused of murdering her fellow domestic helper Delia Maga and her employer's son in Singapore.
The Flor Contemplacion Story is a 1995 film produced by Viva Films about the story of the Filipina domestic helper who was hanged in Singapore for allegedly killing her fellow maid. The story was chronicled in a film which operates on various personal, social and political levels. Both controversial and critically acclaimed, it has brought Nora Aunor numerous citations for her intense portrayal as the fallen heroine of the story.
The Flor Contemplacion Story was screened and exhibited in different film festivals around the world. The film won the Princess Pataten Statue for best actress for its lead star, Nora Aunor and the film won the Golden Pyramid Award at the 1995 Cairo International Film Festival. The highest recognition a Filipino Film ever received. Aunor also swept all the best actress awards given by the different award giving bodies in the Philippines including the Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role given by the Young Critics Circle.
Just like many impoverished people, Flor (Aunor) thought that by working abroad she could give her family a better life even though it means sacrificing her own happiness. She decided to work as a domestic helper in Singapore thinking that this could be the answer to her problems. Unlike many other servants, Flor was well-treated by her employers.
However, in 1995, she was arrested and was falsely charged of killing her fellow Filipina, Delia Maga and the little boy that she was caring for. Unfortunately, all evidence points to Flor's innocence. After a hasty trial, the Singapore government finds Flor guilty and sentences her to death by hanging. Her predicament brings an outpouring of sympathy from Filipinos, who refuse to believe her guilt. There was also a national appeal for clemency and a re-investigation to be done. Even the office of the President appealed to the Singaporean Government. However, the Singapore Government remained steadfast with their decision.
Flor was executed in March 1995. The film also examines the effects of Flor's absence upon her family. Her husband, unable to stand the wait, begins an affair and then forces the two oldest girls to marry.
Famous Quote / Movie Line:
“I… did not kill… anybody!” – Nora Aunor
