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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

PHILIPPINES FINEST FILMS FROM 1930s - 2014 (101-200) 2nd of 3 Series



The Philippines' finest films from 1930s - 2014 in ranking order (101-200). This is just the second part of three series.
 


Elsa (Hilda Koronel) confronting her husband Louie (Dindo Fernando) in Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan (1982)


101. Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan - How Often Is Seldom? (1982)
Directed By:  Danny L. Zialcita

Cast:  Vilma Santos, Hilda Koronel, Dindo Fernando, Suzanne Gonzales, Alvin Enriquez, Angie Ferro, Odette Khan, Gloria Romero, Josephine Estrada, Ronaldo Valdez, Tommy Abuel

They are two women in love with one man. One is the wife, the other is the mistress. And between them, the man whose love and time they share. But even the most discreet of affairs can be laid open, and the most submissive of wives can lose her patience. Vilma Santos, Hilda Koronel and Dindo Fernando lend their thespic talents to this moving tale of love, betrayal and retribution.

Famous Quote / Movie Line:

“Once, twice, thrice, gaano ba kadalas ang minsan?"Hilda Koronel


102. Baby Tsina (1984)

Directed By:  Marilou Diaz-Abaya



Cast:  Vilma Santos, Rez Cortez, Rolando Tinio, Zeny Zabala, Cecille Castillo, Chanda Romero, Len Santos, J.J. Zorilla, Gamaliel Viray, Raquel Villavicencio, Jograd de la Torre, Johnny Delgado, Dorothy Pal, Romy Romulo, Rago Apollo



Alyas Baby Tsina/Alias Baby China (1984) was based on the true legal story of Evelyn Duave Ortega, aka Baby Tsina.  (She was called this alias in court documents because she looked Chinese.  Otherwise there are no references to anything Chinese in her story or the film.)  Duave was found guilty in 1971 of murder, and several appeals while on death row culminated in a Supreme Court decision seven years later that declared her innocent and released her from prison.


103. Batang West Side (2001)
Directed By: Lav Diaz

Cast: Yul Servo, Joel Torre, Gloria Diaz, Angel Aquino, Priscilla Almeda, Raul Arellano, Arthur Acuña, Ruben Tizon, Jomar Roldan, Michelle Salvador, Ged Merino, Joseph Pe

An epic five hour film that delves into the murder of a young man in the sidewalk of New Jersey, USA that became an investigation of a Filipino-American community

A Filipino teenager is shot to death on the sidewalk of New Jersey, USA. An investigation starts into his death. His family members and friends are interviewed. Along the way, we find out not only more about him but about the community of Filipinos in America in general, including the destructive effect of the drug "shabu" on its youth. The detective who handles the case also has his own personal demons to settle with his violent past.





Marilou (Eugene Domingo) has to inherit the barber shop after the death of her husband and learn how to haircut in Barber's Tales (2013)


104. Barber's Tales (2013)
Directed By: Jun Lana          Story: Peter Ong Lim, Elmer L. Gatchalian, Benedict Mique

Cast: Eugene Domingo, Eddie Garcia, Iza Calzado, Gladys Reyes, Sharmaine Buencamino, Noni Buencamino, Daniel Fernando, Sue Prado, Nicco Manalo, Jess Mendoza, Nora Aunor

The film stars Eugene Domingo as Marilou, a widow who is forced to take her late husband’s job as community barber during the end of Marcos era.

Barber's Tales is set in the rural town in the Philippines during the end of Marcos dictatorship, and tells the story of newly widowed Marilou (Eugene Domingo) who inherits the town's only barbershop from her husband- a business that has been passed down by generations of men in her husband's family. With no other means of support, she musters the courage to run the barbershop. But as to be expected, she fails to attract any customers. But a touching act of kindness she extended to Rosa, a prostitute who works in the town brothel, leads to an unexpected opportunity. Rosa, who now considers Marilou a friend, urges her prostitute friends to pressure their male clientele into patronizing Marilou's barbershop. The men have no choice but to grudgingly oblige out of fear that Rosa will expose their infidelity to their wives.


The film won a Best Actress trophy for Eugene Domingo at the 2013 Tokyo International Film Festival.




Some of the hot scenes in the sexy film Salawahan (1979) 



105. Salawahan - Capricious (1979)
Directed By: Ishmael Bernal

Cast: Jay Ilagan, Matt Ranillo, Rio Locsin, Sandy Andolong, Rita Gomez, Mark Gil, Stella Ruiz, Pinky Arambulo, Rene Requiestas, Ruthie Roces, Bongchi Miraflor, Lily Miraflor, Joey Aquino

A witty sex comedy about two young cousins who trade places for their courtship strategies which ends up hilarious. One of the most quotable Filipino films ever due to its sexual innuendos and ambiguity.


Famous Quote / Movie Line:

Bakit hindi mo ko kaladkarin sa batalan at gahasain?
O, diyos ko! Anong sinabi ng oblation ng UP!  -
Rene Requiestas

(Why don't you drag me to the field and rape me? Oh my god! What can the UP Oblation say?)

Biologically, I'm 33. Intellectually, I'm 60. And I hope I look 18. -
Rita Gomez
Rita: How do you like my position er I mean my opinion?
Jay: Well, I respect your opinion. And I love your position!





106. Kaleldo - Summer Heat (2006)
Directed By:  Brillante Mendoza

Cast:  Johnny Delgado, Cherry Pie Picache, Angel Aquino, Juliana Palermo, Allan Paule, Criselda Volks, Lauren Novero, Liza Lorena, Rita Magdalena, Coco Martin

The story is set in Guagua, Pampanga a decade after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo which ravaged the province with lahar. It follows the lives of Rodolfo "Mang Rudy" Manansala, a woodcarver, and his three daughters and their relationships with the people close to them in the span of seven summers. Grace, the youngest daughter, marries the mama's boy Conrad, and has to face the reality of leaving the ancestral house, to which she is deeply rooted, to go and live with her in-laws. Much against her will, to the point of staging an escape, she yields to the dictates of tradition. Yet she manages to cope up with married life, and on the fourth year of her marriage gets pregnant with her second child. Lourdes, the middle daughter and married to the weakling Andy Pineda with whom she has a daughter, goes into an illicit affair with a bank manager, for which reason Mang Rudy succumbs to a heart attack and becomes bedridden. For a while numbed by the infidelity of his wife, Andy later realizes his insignificance and retaliates by beating up and nearly killing Lourdes. Lourdes atones for her guilt by ministering to Andy's wounds after he joins the rituals of the flagellants during the Holy Week. However, they both decide to separate. Jess, the eldest daughter, is a lesbian whose bitter luck in life is being unwanted by her own father. Yet she serves Mang Rudy to the hilt after he gets bedridden and makes the common sense of allowing her girlfriend Rowena to move in at the Manansala house, not so much for their own convenience as lovers but for Rowena to help in looking after Mang Rudy and in helping out with the household chores. But when a conflict arises between Lourdes and Rowena, Mang Rudy sends Rowena away. A year later, Mang Rudy succumbs to a second attack and when he dies several months later, Rowena sets foot on the ancestral house once more to pay her last respects. At the wake, Rowena comes to the realization that, like Andy, she never belonged and finally decides to leave Jess. Rowena gets married while Jess, along with her sisters, moves on with life. The story is told in three segments, with each segment told from the point of view of the three daughters. Attached to each segment are social occasion popularly observed in the province of Pampanga in the Philippines, with a symbolic motif for each, represented by the elements sun, fire, water, air, blood, moon and earth. With Rowena's wedding at the end of the film, as in Grace's wedding at the start, a full cycle of life transpired.


107. Zamboanga (1936)
Directed By:  Eduardo de Castro

Cast:  Fernando Poe Sr., Rosa del Rosario

In the shores of Sulu lives the sea-faring tribe that is ruled by Datu Tanbuong. His granddaughter, Minda (Rosa del Rosario) is betrothed to be married to Danao (Fernando Poe), who is a handsome young pearl fisher who presents a handful of impressive pearls to the datu. However, a visitor to Danao and Minda's wedding celebration is Hadji Razul, a chief of another tribe who has feelings for Minda. He then solicited the help of a renegade American captain to abduct Minda. Minda was abducted, and a tribal war ensued. In the end, Danao kills Hadji Razul, and the film ends with Minda and Danao (Mindanao) sailing into the sunset.


108. Nukso ng Nukso (1959)
Directed By: Fred Daluz               Story: Virgilio 'Beer' Flores

Cast:  Pugo, Bentot, Sylvia La Torre, Eddie San Jose, Rosa Aguirre, Nelda Lopez Navarro, Val Castelo, Merle Tuazon

In Nukso nang Nukso, Pugo is Mang Nano Batekabesa, the wily, scheming but lovable 'manggagantso' or swindler who concocts the most ingenuous scams to finance his little vices, like jueteng or cockfighting. Bentot is Bitoy, his overgrown child who unwittingly exposes the scams, perennially getting his father into trouble with Aling Rosa (Rosa Aguirre). Sylvia La Torre is Mang Nano's daughter, Sebya, whose trademark is her fine singing voice and habitual use of cliche English expressions. Eddie San Jose is Aling Rosa's dim-witted son Eddie Biscocho, married to Sebya, a fact Mang Nano never fails to exploit in perpetrating his scams.

It was based on a popular radio program, Sebya, Mahal Kita from a story created by 'Beer' Flores.



Hong Kong and Philippine motion picture studios work together to create this masterpiece about a woman bandit - Sanda Wong (1954)


109. Sanda Wong (1954)
Directed By:   Gerardo de Leon   

Cast:   Danilo Montes, Gil de Leon, Lilia Dizon, Ligaya Lopez, Jose Padilla Jr., Lola Young

Hong Kong cinema joins forces with Philippines cinema in this mythical tale of adventure, romance and brotherhood set in pre-war China. In a remote fishing village, a wealthy landowner calls on the Snake Devil to protect his priceless family treasures, but this isn't enough to stop the bandit Sanda Wong from attempting the raid when he learns about the treasure. Directed by Gerardo de Leon and filmed in Hong Kong.


110. Fe, Esperanza, Caridad (1974)
Directed By: Cirio H. Santiago, Lamberto V. Avellana, Gerardo de Leon

Story: Donato Valentin, Rino Bermudez,  Ikong, Jojo Lapus

Cast: Nora Aunor, Dindo Fernando, Ruben Rustia, Jay Ilagan, Divina Valencia, Bert LeRoy Jr., Rosa Aguirre, Romy Lapus, Rino Bermudez, Ronaldo Valdez, Patria Plata, Subas Herrero, Laurice Guillen

The film is a trilogy featuring Nora Aunor giving life to the stories of three women: Fe, an emerging movie superstar who has an invalid husband, Esperanza, a young wife living in a middle-class neighborhood in the city and Caridad, a young novice who was seduced by the devil himself.

The first segment revolves around the love story of Fe, the singer discovered by a talent manager Tony Artiaga (Dindo Fernando). Fe soon becomes the big star, and then painfully witnesses her manager who is now her husband sink into despondency and booze and was addicted to alcohol and gambling that gradually destroys the fame, that Fe is now experiencing. Even before the husband dies, you know it already that it is the film A Star is Born borrowed up to the last line of Judy Garland: “Hello, everybody, this is Mrs. Norman Maine” to Aunor’s “Ako si Mrs. Artiaga.”This first episode was directed by Cirio H. Santiago

Telling the story of this cigarette vendor being wooed by a rich man, Vic (Bert Leroy, Jr.), even as her shy suitor, Domeng (Jay Ilagan) a jeepney driver, remains loyal, we see a tale of hope told without the ponderous air usually associated with that discourse. There is the subplot of a duplicitous “rich” boy passing on to Esperanza his drug dealing, without the heroine’s knowledge and this becomes, like any subplots, distracting when the story, however, is on Doming, the driver, and Esperanza with her dreams and ambitions. Furthermore, with grandma Maring's advice (Rosa Aguirre) and with the help of brother Boyet (Romy Lapuz), Domeng and Esperanza got married. The second episode gives a reason to appreciate Lamberto V. Avellana’s insight as a filmmaker.

Gerardo de Leon vividly describes the story of Caridad (Nora Aunor), a nun who loves Rodrigo (Ronaldo Valdez), the gardener in the convent. Caridad is experiencing a complex feeling of a woman fighting for the love she has for Rodrigo and her bow as a nun. When Caridad discovered that Rodrigo and Satan are the same entity, Rodrigo made her life like hell. Although repugnant, Caridad continued dealing with Rodrigo in the hope that she could convince him to return to the Lord. In return for that plea, Caridad will do anything, even jump off the cliff.


111. Huk, Sa Bagong Pamumuhay (1953) *
Directed By:   Lamberto V. Avellana                 Story:   Rolf Bayer

Cast:   Jose Padilla Jr., Celia Flor, Ven Medina, Rosa Aguirre, Joseph de Cordova, Leroy Salvador, Miguel Lopez, Rolf Bayer, Vic Silayan, Ezar Visenio

Carding (Jose Padilla Jr) almost kills the landlord who steals his family's land.

Huk sa Bagong Pamumuhay was the third film of its kind that LVN Pictures produced to aid the government's propaganda effort against the spread of communism in the country. The first was Kontrabando, produced in 1950, and the second was Korea, made in 1952 which dealt with Filipino soldiers sent to Korea as part of the first-ever 'coalition of the very willing' - to help fight what was basically America's war. The film was written by a young reporter named Benigno Aquino Jr, and directed by Lamberto V. Avellana. Sadly, no print or negative of Korea film exists today, only photographs.

In 1953, with extensive help from the CIA, soon-to-become President Ramon Magsaysay and the USIS (United States Information Service) launched a nationwide campaign to convince the rebels to lay down their arms and promised those who surrendered not only financial assistance but their own parcel of land, specifically in Kapatagan, Lanao. Thus was Huk sa Bagong Pamumuhay made.

But the film itself, as directed by Lamberto V. Avellana transcended propaganda. In fact, it remains a powerful drama with unforgettable performances by most of the film's actors - specifically, Jose (Pempe) Padilla Jr, who plays Carding, the anti-Japanese guerrilla turned Huk when his family's land is taken over by the greedy landlord; Joseph de Cordova as Maxie, the communist recruiter who assures Carding that only a communist can be a true Filipino; Carding's wife Trining (Celia Flor), and finally Leroy Salvador, who plays Jesus, Carding's brother-in-law who shoots Carding in the arm, foiling his attempt to escape the military.



112. Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M. (1991)
Directed By:   Elwood Perez              Story:   Ricardo Lee

Cast:   Nora Aunor, Lotlot de Leon, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Juan Rodrigo, Subas Herrero, Marissa Delgado, Dexter Doria, Marilyn Villamayor, Eddie Infante, Nanding Fernandez, Soxy Topacio, Beverly Salviejo, Evelyn Vargas


Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M. is a 1991 Metro Manila Film Festival entry that tells the story of a singer-entertainer Pacita M. ( Nora Aunor) in a seedy Quezon City nightclub. Pacita, has chosen the "unworthy" occupation of becoming a singer and standup comedian, and this is another source of conflict between her and the girl's proud, aristocratic grandmother. Pacita, in earlier scenes is shown as one lacking in manners, is being tried for killing her daughter, Grace (Lotlot de Leon). She has attempted to disconnect the respirator that sustains the life of her comatose daughter. This highly acclaimed movie directed by Elwood Perez bravely tackles the sensitive issue of euthanasia.

Pacita M (Nora Aunor) is an aging bar singer in a seedy Quezon City Night Club who reaches the lowest point in her life and realizes that she has accomplished nothing noteworthy. Her only source of joy and inspiration is her daughter Grace (Lotlot de Leon), she's the apple of her mother's protective eyes.

However, tragedy struck the family when Grace was accidentally shot in the head by a stray bullet just as she was about to go off to college turning her into a human vegetable. Adding to the tragedy, Grace's leg has to be amputated due to gangrene. The situation forces Pacita to seek reconciliation with her wealthy, status-conscious mother (Armida Sigioun-Reyna).

Although initially Pacita holds out for a miracle and hopes for the recovery of her daughter, she relents and seeks to allow Grace a dignified death by turning off her respirator. The emotional battle accompanying this decision becomes a personal epiphany for Pacita.

113. Ligaya Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin (1997)
Directed By:  Carlos Siguion-Reyna             Story:  Bibeth Orteza

Cast:  Rosanna Roces, John Arcilla, Isabel Granada, Chanda Romero, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Pen Medina, Eva Darren, Ihman Esturco, Crispin Pineda, Myrna Castillo, Rubirosa

"Ligaya ang itawag mo sa akin, yan ang trabaho ko nagbibigay Ligaya" Is a lovely prostitute's tagline to those men asking for her name. Ligaya, played by the beautiful Rosanna Roces is a harlot who's fed up, and saved up. She meets an honest Farmer named Polding who's the answer to her Life's misery.

Ligaya (Rosanna Roces), a lovely veteran prostitute who works for Lolay (Chanda Romero). Fed up, Ligaya wants a way out so she earns money believing she could start anew with lots of it. Until she meets Polding (John Arcilla), a young and honest farmer who visits the brothel house where she works; Polding offers her the respectable way of life. Ligaya clings to the hope that Polding’s love for her will be her ticket to a decent life. She moves in Polding’s house and together they live as a happy couple. But her past does not seem to be ready to let her go. Polding’s mother starts insulting her because of her former life, and she gets raped by Polding’s stepfather. Once again, she is subjected to humiliations brought by her lover’s family. Her past clients are also making her life miserable by their frequent taunting. Worst is when Polding also starts to make her feel dirty.


114. Bata bata Paano Ka Ginawa? (1998)
Directed By:   Chito S. Roño             Story:  Lualhati Bautista

Cast:   Vilma Santos, Carlo Aquino, Serena Dalrymple, Ariel Rivera, Albert Martinez, Raymond Bagatsing, Cherry Pie Picache, Angel Aquino, Rosemarie Gil, Dexter Doria, Cita Astals, Andrea del Rosario, Lucy Quinto

A women's rights activist and mother of two, Lea have been abandoned by the fathers of her children. Her daughter and son are at crucial transitional ages and she struggles to provide for them while maintaining her hectic job at a woman's crisis center. Soon though, the job and her budding romance with co-worker Johnny threaten Lea's role as mother when her children's fathers return to accuse her of neglect.

Famous Quote / Movie Line:

"Akala mo lang wala pero meron, meron, meron" - Carlo Aquino



A fast forward horror comedy, Kakaba kaba ka ba?(1980) features dancing and singing nuns way ahead of Sister Act.



115. 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


On The Job (2013) Movie Poster 


116. 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 noir 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. 



117. Ifugao (1954)
Directed By: Gerardo De Leon

Cast: Efren Reyes Sr. , Johnny Monteiro, Leila Morena, Fernando Royo, Gloria Sevilla, Leticia Ojera, Leonora Ruiz, Jennings Sturgeon, Mario Barri

It was the first film to focus on the lifestyle of the Ifugao mountain tribe of the Cordillera mountain region of the Philippines with authenticity. The film uses the picturesque locale of the Ifugao rice terraces in Banaue (called the Eight Wonder of the World) to full advantage.

Serialized in Hiwaga Komiks, Ifugao tells about the conflict between mountain warriors and the American colonizers during the early years of the US regime

The film won the Best Director award for De Leon, Best Actor award for Reyes Sr., and Best Screenplay for Cirio H. Santiago and Santiago "Ding" M. De Jesus in the 1955 Asian Film Festival in Singapore.



118. Asiong Salonga (1961)
Directed By:   Pablo Santiago             Story:   Amado Pagsanjan

Cast:   Joseph Estrada, Jose Padilla Jr. Yolanda Guevarra, Guia Gomez, Boy Francisco, Paquito Diaz, Vic Diaz

A film based on the life of Asiong Salonga, a notorious gang leader who was responsible for several illegal activities but miraculously escaped and survived thru his impeccable wit and charm. Played by Joseph Estrada, Asiong had gone and passed thru a lot of mazes, even married to a beautiful Fidela and won the heart of Emilia but his mother often told him: "a man who lives in gun would definitely died thru it...."

In the later part of the 40s and early part of the 50s, the name Asiong Salonga brought fears and chills to the residents of Tondo and its environs. Salonga, a dreaded and notorious gang leader, and the likes of Totoy Golem, Toothpick, Boy Zapanta and other toughies that time, Tondo became a bloodbath of gangland violence.

This film is so popular and due to the notoriety of the real life character, Asiong Salonga has a lot of remakes in the movie including the most recent one, Manila Kingpin.


119. Biglang Yaman (1949)
Directed By:   Jose Climaco

Cast:  Pugo, Togo, Jaime de la Rosa, Rosa Rosal, Rita Amor, Gil de Leon, Eduardo Infante, Engracio Ibarra

This film is a hilarious satire of people who have suddenly become rich.  Pugo & Togo are balut vendors who fortuitously save Rosa Rosal's life. They adopt her and care for her as their own daughter. Jaime de la Rosa is a rich suitor who falls in love with Rosa, although his father cannot accept her poverty. But Rosa turns out to be the orphaned daughter of a rich couple.

A huge hit when it was released, Biglang Yaman was also Rosa Rosal's first starring role in a film.


120. Bagets - Teens (1984)
Directed By:   Maryo J. De Los Reyes            Story:   Jake Tordesillas

Cast:  William Martinez, Herbert Bautista, JC Bonnin, Raymond Lauchengco, Aga Muhlach, Eula Valdez, Jobelle Salvador, Yayo Aguila, Chanda Romero, Baby Delgado, Rosemarie Gil, Liza Lorena, Celia Rodriguez

This film is about experiencing the forbidden, experiencing rejection, hating your parents and hating the world around you. It is also about discovering what's hot, discovering what's cool, discovering your first true love and discovering who you are. The growing up years can be such a wild time but not when you've got the best guys to hang out with. Five chaste young men immerse themselves in the superficiality and superfluity of adolescence over the course of their last year in high school. But as they make their gradual transition from boyhood to manhood, they realize it is their formidable bond that stands as the real deal. It stars a generation that gave rise to a new youth culture.

This is definitely an iconic Filipino film that symbolizes the Filipino pop culture of the 80s. Due to its commercial success, the sequel immediately follows in the same year.




A scene in the poignant drama film Pieta (1983)



121. Pieta  (1983)
Directed By: Carlo J. Caparas

Cast: Charito Solis, Ace Vergel, Vivian Velez, Luis Gonzales, Mario Montenegro, Bomber Moran, George Estregan, Max Alvarado, Rodolfo "Boy" Garcia, Vic Diaz, Deborah Sun, Johnny Wilson, Lucita Soriano, Janette Zervoulakos, Ernie Ortega

The story of a passionate and undying love of a mother to his criminal son even in the most trying, compromising and difficult situations.






Johnny Delgado making a documentary in Aliwan Paradise (1992), illustrates some individual sudden rise to fame



122. Aliwan Paradise (1992)
Directed By:   Mike De Leon     Story:   Clodualdo Del Mundo Jr.

Cast:   Raul Arellano, Melissa De Leon, Johnny Delgado, Julio Diaz

          Aliwan Paradise is the second episode of a 1992 Asian anthology called Southern Winds. Four leading Asian directors (from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan) each directed an episode in the anthology in order to dramatize the theme of a changing Asia. Aliwan Paradise is the second of these episodes, ably directed by Mike de Leon.
          Outside, Julio Madiaga (Julio Diaz) and Ligaya Paradiso (Melissa de Leon), characters from Lino Brocka’s Maynila: sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag (Manila in the Claws of Neon, 1975), reunite under more heartbreaking circumstances. While Brocka uses the characters as symbols for the Filipino’s tragic search for happiness, De Leon infuses the characters with biting cynicism. Julio, although still madly in love with his former sweetheart, is more aware of the world and its inhumane devices. Ligaya, on the other hand, has totally abandoned romanticism for fatalist worldliness. Their reunion, in rebellion to Brocka’s grappling with a certain sense of hopefulness although futile, becomes more of a resolution to ideals that have become insignificant in a world where survival is the lone virtue that is worth fighting for.
          De Leon’s view of the future is both hilariously fantastic and uncomfortably real. Although obviously inspired by the near-fascist regime of Ferdinand Marcos, the film’s setting can be read as a caricature of a Filipino society that is addicted to the pleasure of illusions, to the fleetingly amusing, to the ephemeral and the unreal. The Philippines is obviously in a state of grave penury. People are crowded outside the theatre of the Impresario (brilliantly played by Johnny Delgado) to take their chance at impressing him and his inutile jury to land a job. The Impresario, under strict orders by her superior (a woman who appears only as a sketch that looks a lot like Imelda Marcos), is looking for a new type of entertainment, something that has not been seen before, and something that will and should sell.
          De Leon however mixes his cynicism with timeless wit and humor. Doy del Mundo’s screenplay is essentially a satire, resting more on the ingenuity of the idea rather than the lives of its characters or the depth of the narrative.
          Willie Revillame, whose sudden rise to fame happened decades after Aliwan Paradise, has the same wile as the Impresario, acknowledging the wealth in both feeding from and feeding the poor.


 

Jose Rizal (Joel Torre) kisses the cross before his execution in Bayaning 3rd World (1999)


123. Bayaning 3rd World - Third World Hero (1999)
Directed By:  Mike De Leon              Story:  Clodualdo del Mundo Jr.

Cast:  Ricky Davao, Cris Villanueva, Joel Torre, Daria Ramirez, Joonee Gamboa, Rio Locsin, Cherry Pie Picache, Lara Fabregas, Ed Rocha, Bon Vivar

Bayaning 3rd World (English: 3rd World Hero) is a 1999 Filipino film directed by Mike de Leon that examines the heroism of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal, particularly on his supposed retraction of his writings against the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines during the Spanish colonization period in the country.

Two filmmakers try to create a film venturing on the life of Jose Rizal. Before they do that, they try to investigate on the heroism of the Philippine national hero. Of particular focus is his supposed retraction of his views against the Roman Catholic Church during the Spanish regime in the Philippines which he expressed primarily through his two novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. The investigation was done mainly by "interviewing" key individuals in the life of Rizal such as his mother Teodora Alonso, his siblings Paciano, Trinidad, and Narcisa, his love interest and supposed wife Josephine Bracken, and the Jesuit priest who supposedly witnessed Rizal's retraction, Fr. Balaguer. Eventually, the two filmmakers would end up "interviewing" Rizal himself to get to the bottom of the issue.




Some scenes in the film Bilanggo Sa Dilim (1987)



124. Bilanggo sa Dilim - Prisoner in the Dark  (1986)
Directed By: Mike De Leon         Story: John Fowles, Jose Almojuela, Bobby Lavides

Cast: Joel Torre, Cherie Gil, Rio Locsin, Edu Manzano

Mike De Leon's screen adaptation of John Fowles' creepy novel The Collector, Bilanggo sa Dilim is about obsession.

A young photographer, who calls himself Lito (Joel Torre), becomes obsessed with Margie (Rio Locsin), a pretty but desperate student who moonlights as a prostitute. Luring Margie to his far-off beach house, Lito turns her into a virtual prisoner under his total control. But Margie’s easy submission to his demands turns him off and his obsession turns to Marissa (Cherie Gil), a lovely and smart fashion designer/model whom he idealizes as the perfect captive. He abducts Marissa and brings her to his beach house. Introducing himself as Eddie this time, he soon realizes that Marissa is far from the girl he fantasized about.

“Bilanggo sa Dilim” was the first Filipino feature-length film shot entirely on analog video. It premiered as the opening film of the First Independent Film and Video Festival at the Wave Cinema in August 1986.



125. Kampanerang Kuba - Hunchbacked Lady Church Bellringer (1974)
Directed By:   Nilo Saez      Story:   Pablo S. Gomez

Cast:   Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Celia Rodriguez, Dindo Fernando, Rossana Marquez, Perla Bautista, Tony Santos Jr., Ernie Garcia

Based on the popular comic series by Pablo S. Gomez, Kampanerang Kuba started with Andang (Vilma Santos), a hunch back bell-ringer running away from the people in the market. She was accused of stealing. When she got back from the church (where she lives and work), she was confronted and physically assaulted by Tateng (Celia Rodriguez) for no justifiable reason. Thankfully, Father Damian, the old sick priest intervened. He has long been her protector. Andang felt sad when she found out that Father Damian is leaving. On his absence, a young priest, Father Agaton (Edgar Mortiz) will take over. Aside from ringing the bell, Andang clean and feed the piglets (owned by Ellen and Tateng, they are the church’s caretakers). She normally eats with her bare hands while talking to her patron saint, Saint Martin. She talks and treats the idol alongside the church’s bell towers like they are humans. Meanwhile, Tateng, the daughter of the head caretaker, Ellen (Patria Plata), is a sex maniac who loves to abuse Andang. She also seduces men in exchange of material things like jewelry.

One time Andang caught Tateng having sex with Crispin (Dindo Fernando) inside the church, when Tateng found out that she was around, she physically abuse her. Then the following day, while feeding the piglets, Tateng verbally abuse her. Andang retaliate and the two had mud-wrestling inside the pig pen. Tateng’s mother Ellen was about to join the fight when Father Agaton arrived and intervened. The next day, a group of women arrived and accused Tateng of accepting gifts from their husband that they own. When Tateng overheard the loud complaints, she quickly went to Andang and pretended she wanted to make amends and gave her a necklace. When the group of women finally faced Tateng, she lied and told them to look for the jewelry at Andang.

The women then went to Andang and accused her of stealing. Afraid of her safety, Andang went to the church’s roof telling them that if they will not stop, she will jump. Tateng convinced Andang not to jump and that she is her friend. The trusting Andang came back and was welcome by the women with physical assaults. They tied her down with a long rope and dragged her on the ground until Crispin, who riding the horse (where Andang was tied down) reached the town’s mountain hill where he threw Andang’s lifeless body. When Andang miraculously regained consciousness, she was seen talking to her patron saint, Saint Martin. He blessed her and was able to bring her back to the church. There, she was blessed by the Virgin Mary. A holy miracle happened, flower petals falls down from the sky and holy lights beams Andang. She slowly changed from the ugly hunch back girl into a beautiful woman. As it turned out she became Sandra Belmonte. A woman long gone and who was once the topic of town gossips. Sandra’s two sister found her into the church the next day. Surprised and very thankful, they brought her back to their big home. Andang now assumed the identity of Sandra. Sandra as it turned out has suitor, Roel (Ernie Garcia) who she didn’t like. She also discovered that she missed her life as Andang and now sure that she is in love with Father Agaton.

Can’t control her feelings anymore, she went to the church for the Catholic ritual of confession. And with Father Agaton, she confesses her love for him. Tateng overheard this, and coerced the priest to have sex with her in exchange for her silence but failed. In retaliation, she spread this information to the town’s people. Headed by Tateng’s admirer, Max Alvarado, the priest was confronted by the angry people. The priest denied the affair. The town’s people decided to tied the priest into a post and burn him. This is because the priest doesn’t want to leave the church. When Sandra who was with Roel, discovered what was happening, she luckily escape madness and went inside the church to pray to Saint Martin. Her pray were answered by the sudden ringing of the church’s bells followed by a loud thunder. It started to rain killing the fire and saving the poor priest. It was a miracle. Tateng’s sinful mind cleared and she ask Father Agaton’s forgiveness, who gladly obliged. Father Agaton then search for Sandra when her suitor Roel appeared. They both went to the church tower and saw Andang instead. It has its television remake in 2005.



126. Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank (2011)
Directed By: Marlon Rivera                  Story: Chris Martinez

Cast: Eugene Domingo, JM De Guzman, Kean Cipriano, Cai Cortez, Cherry Pie Picache, Jonathan Tadioan, KC Marcelo, Mercedes Cabral

Jocelyn, Rainier, and Bingbong are three film school graduates who are dead set on making an Oscar-worthy film. They set out to do a quick pre-production as a courtesy call to their lead actress played by Eugene Domingo, and a thorough inspection of their film's major location, the Payatas dumpsite. They believe they have a winning script and the energy and drive to make their dreams come true no matter what the cost.





Theme song of the movie of the same title Saan Darating Ang Umaga? (1983) sang by Raymond Lauchengco who also appears in the movie featuring some of the scenes in the film.


127. 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!)





An unforgettable confrontation scene in Kung Mahawi Man Ang Ulap (1984) where the characters played by Hilda Koronel, Christopher De Leon and Amy Austria said their famous lines. This is a story of hatred, rivalry and act of desperation in a house full of unsettled differences.




128. Kung Mahawi Man Ang Ulap (1984)
Directed By: Laurice Guillen    Story: Gilda Olvidado, Orlando Nadres, Lualhati Bautista

Cast: Hilda Koronel, Christopher de Leon, Amy Austria, Gloria Romero, Eddie Garcia, Isabel Rivas, Michael de Mesa, Tommy Abuel, Yasmin Ayesa, Ester Chavez, Jimmy Javier, Rudy Meyer, Virginia Montes, Metring David


 

The happy life of Catherine and her widowed mother changed for the worse when Pablo and his family moved in as their tenants. In no time at all, her mother had gotten married to Pablo and was providing for his entire family. To make things worse, Pablo's daughter wanted Catherine's boyfriend for herself. As if these were not enough, Catherine killed Pablo's son, when he attempted to rape her. Pregnant with her boyfriend's child, she ended up in jail. However her mother, now sick and reduced to poverty, could do anything to help her. Still, she lived for the day when she would be able to reclaim what was and is rightfully hers.

Catherine's (Hilda Koronel) misery begins when her mother Minda (Gloria Romero) accommodates Minda's old flame Pablo Acuesta (Eddie Garcia) and his parasitic family, who takes advantage of Minda's obsessive desire for Pablo. Then Catherine learns that Minda has married Pablo who starts digging into their joint bank accounts. To spite Catherine, Pablo's daughter Rita (Amy Austria) makes Catherine's boyfriend Rustan (Christopher De Leon) drunk to trick him into bed. Catherine leaves home to live with her godmother where she kills Jojo (Michael De Mesa), Pablo's repulsive son who tried to rape her. Rustan leaves for the U.S. while Catherine, pregnant with his child, gives birth in prison. Rita goes to Rustan's mother to fleece her of money by claiming that the child is her son with Rustan. Will the cloud of trouble ever clear for Catherine?

Famous Quotes / Movie Line:

Rita Acuesta (Amy Austria) :
Papatayin mo ako? Mamatay-tao kang talaga! 

Catherine (Hilda Koronel) : Hindi ako mamamatay-tao at yan ay alam na alam ninyo! Anong mapapala ko kung papatayin ko kayong lahat? Pagmasdan mo ang mukhang ito. Basahin mo sa pagmumukhang ito ang di mabilang na kasalanan na ginawa niyo sa'kin, sa aking anak at sa aking ina! Kung wala kayong kasalanan, wala nang matatawag na kasalanan sa mundong ito. Pati kinabukasan ko pinatay ninyo. Pati katarungan gusto niyong patayin pero nagkakamali kayo. Hindi makikinig sa inyo ang langit at lalong hindi makikinig sa inyo ang impiyerno dahil napakasama ninyo! Napakasama ninyo!

[pause]
 


Catherine (Hilda Koronel): Aalis kayo. Sa pusali kayo nanggaling. Sa pusali kayo babalik.   



Ekstra (2013) Film Poster



129. Ekstra - Subtitle: The Bit Player (2013)
Directed By: Jeffrey Jeturian            Story: Zig Madamba Dulay, Antoinette Jadaone

Cast: Vilma Santos, Marian Rivera, Piolo Pascual, Cherie Gil, Richard Yap, Cherry Pie Picache, Pilar Pilapil, Tom Rodriguez, Eula Valdez, Terence Baylon, Ruby Ruiz

This movie tells the story of a bit player and how significant an extra in a movie is.

Loida Malabanan (Vilma Santos) is a single mother who successfully raised her daughter by playing as an extra in a movie. She dreams of having a big break while working with small screen actors.
 





130. Venganza (1957)
Directed By: Manuel Conde

Cast: Mario Montenegro, Carlos Padilla Jr., Joseph de Cordova, Eusebio Gomez, Jose Corazon de Jesus, Perla Bautista

The film is a story of the oppressed men who stood up and fight against all odd.



131. Patikim Ng Pinya (1996)
Directed By:   Abbo De La Cruz    

Cast:   Rosanna Roces, Leandro Baldemor, Natasha Ledesma, Dencio Padilla, Carol Dauden, Anton Bernardo, Joey Galvez, Vangie Labalan, Luz Fernandez

This is the story of a seductive woman, Myra (Rosanna Roces), who as a fruit vendor finds it to her advantage to be charming and gracious to the men folks. But it is to a young stranger, with whom she falls in love at first sight, that she will experience sweet sorrow that will take everything she has to survive.



132. Gumising Ka, Maruja (1978)
Directed By:   Lino Brocka        Story:   Tony Perez      Novel:   Mars Ravelo

Cast:   Susan Roces, Phillip Salvador, Mario O'Hara, Laurice Guillen, Mary Walter, Manny Ojeda, Fritz Ynfante, Peque Gallaga, George Atutubo, Ronnie Lazaro


Gumising Ka Maruja is a horror movie cult classic from director Lino Brocka. Released in 1978, the movie is about a bride who committed suicide on her wedding night several decades back and appears to have been reincarnated in an actress-producer.

The name in the title refers to Maruja Isable Sevilla y Mira (Roces), who poisons herself when forced to marry a man she does not love. This was at the turn of the century but several decades later, she is reincarnated as a young producer-actress, Nina Concepcion. Nina is hell-bent on filming the legend involving the couple of ill-starred lovers. However, wandering ghosts and possessions by this incarnate entities in a haunted ancestral home keep Nina's cast busy. Events come to a height when the past collides with the present.

This film was a remake of the original film Maruja in 1967 which stars also Susan Roces and Romeo Vasquez. It was further remade into a 1996 film of the same title, Maruja and starred by Carmina Villaroel, Rustom Padilla and Noni Mauricio. Finally the television version was done in 2009 with Kristine Hermosa in the lead role.






Scenes from the movie Madrasta (1996) that needs someone's empathy


133. Madrasta (1996)
Directed By:  Olivia M. Lamasan 

Cast:  Sharon Cuneta, Christopher de Leon, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Claudine Barretto, Patrick Garcia, Camille Prats, Nida Blanca, Teresa Loyzaga, Eula Valdez, Cris Villanueva, Rico Yan, Koko Trinidad, Tita Muñoz, Vangie Labalan, Cheng Avellana

Mariel (Sharon Cuneta) marries Edward (Christopher de Leon), an annulled man who has three kids namely Rachel (Claudine Barretto) 15, Michael (Patrick Garcia) 11, and Liza (Camille Prats) 5. Mariel knew from the start that it would not be easy and  thus a complicated marriage. Aside from being a wife she also needs to become stepmother to her husband’s three children from his previous marriage. Rachel openly dislikes Mariel and makes it a point to make her feel it. Michael, on the other hand, is withdrawn and incommunicative. He shuts out any effort by Mariel to reach out to him. Liza, who hungers for motherly love, gives Mariel a chance. Edward is not much help to Mariel. Clearly he is still suffering from past wounds, particularly on his first wife walking out on him. He has never been good at articulating his feelings least of all to the people he loves. A few years passed and things still don’t get easier for Mariel. She feels more and more alienated from her new family. This is underscored when Sandra (Zsa Zsa Padilla), Edward’s first wife and the children’s mother, comes back from the U. S. for a visit. Sandra’s sudden comeback evokes strong varying reactions from each of the children and Edward. Mariel feels like an intruder not welcome to play a part in this deep familial conflict. Mariel leaves them and returns home to her mother. Away from Edward and the children, Mariel realizes the meaning of her role in the lives of the people she has learned to love. It was a mistake to expect the children to accept her as their new mother. When Edward and the children come for her, Mariel feels ready at last to do what she’s always wanted all along, to come home.

Famous Quote / Movie Line:
"I was never your partner, I’m just your wife... kaya di mo ako nirerespeto." - Sharon Cuneta





134.  Naglalayag - Subtitle: Silent Passage (2004)
Directed By:  Maryo J. De Los Reyes        Story:  Irma Dimaranan

Cast: Nora Aunor, Yul Servo, Aleck Bovick, Celia Rodriguez, Jaclyn Jose, Chanda Romero, Pen Medina, Gino Antonio, Irma Adlawan, Alberto de Esteban, Boy Abunda, Lloyd Samartino, JV Villar


Naglalayag (Silent Passage) is a 2004 Filipino movie that tells the story of a May–December affair between a middle-aged judge and a young taxi driver. Brilliantly acted by Nora Aunor and Yul Servo, the couple’s story brings to light society’s perceptions of gender, age, and class.

Dorinda (Nora Aunor), a state prosecutor turned judge on the edge of a mid-life crisis, finds herself completely alone. Her only son Dennis resides in the US with his wife. She has been a widow for years but lonely she isn’t, she’d always tell everyone. Truth is, she lives an empty life.

Some twist of fate has her meeting Noah (Yul Servo), a young taxi driver who is poles apart from her own social and economic backgrounds. They guy is in mourning after his father, also a cabbie, died in the hands of a hold-up gang.

Dorinda is a judge and menopausal. Noah is a taxi driver and a virile 20-year old. They don’t fit the equation. But, this what makes their relationship interesting, if not exciting.
 

135. 48 Oras - 48 Hours (1950)
Directed By: Gerardo De Leon         Story: Cesar Gallardo, Ding M. De Jesus (Screenplay)

Cast: Rogelio de la Rosa, Virginia Montes, Enrico Pimentel, Lopito, Nena Cardenas, Oscar Kesse, Conrado Conde, Patria Plata, Bebong Osorio, Dely Atay-atayan

The story of a deeply wounded man who only has 48 hours to find out his perpetrators before a bullet in his chest could fatally reach his heart.

The film starts with an attempted prison escape. Two men are chased by prison guards, and the warden is alarmed of the planned escape and orders the guards to bring them back at all costs. A treacherous corner frustrates their escape as prison guards block their way to recapture them and bring them back to the warden. The two men are Carding (Rogelio dela Rosa) and Melchor (Enrico Pimentel), innocent yet convicted for the death of Carding's wife and mother, respectively. The plot follows Carding as he tries to prove his innocence by escaping from the prison then, finding the true perpetrator of the heinous crime.



136. Bitayin si... Baby Ama! (1976)
Directed By:  Jun Gallardo

Cast: Rudy Fernandez, Alma Moreno, Anita Linda, Paquito Diaz, Rodolfo "Boy" Garcia, Lucita Soriano, Michael Murray, Renato del Prado, Jose Garcia

            The film is about Marcial Baby Ama who becomes a gang leader with his own prison mob.
            Marcial Ama gained folk hero status when his biography was filmed in 1976 with the movie "Bitayin Si baby Ama" starring the late action star Rudy Fernandez and local sex siren Alma Moreno. According to the film he was jailed for stealing money for a friend's education. His youthful good looks have made him a target inside the jail and he was eventually nicknamed "Baby" on account of his baby-face. He was repeatedly sodomised and the final straw was when his pregnant wife was lured to a small hut by a prison guard and was raped. The event proved traumatic to the couple as his wife chose to commit suicide with their unborn child.
            That's where all hell broke loose. He became a "hit man" inside the cell, rapidly disposing his tormentors and eventualy becoming leader of his own prison mob. He was credited for leading the biggest jail-riot in Muntinlupa Penitentiary history and was sentenced to death via electric chair. And the movie "Anak Ni Baby Ama" followed with the life story of his son Kevin "Baby Ama" Calo, who was also sentenced to death via electric chair.

Additional Info: His given the nickname "Baby Ama" because he is the youngest most notorious leader of one of the rival gangs inside the prison in his time. His gang was "SIGE SIGE" and his mortal enemy who was PRIMITIVO "Ebok" ALA of "OXO" gang. Because of this two, the biggest and bloodiest jail riot in Muntinlupa arised and led to them to be sentenced of death in electrocution, Baby Ama was electrocuted in 1961 at the age of 16 but "Ebok" is given a second chance.

KEVIN "BABY AMA" CALO – he’s not the son of Marcial "Baby" Ama. He was named "Baby Ama" because he's life story inside the prison is more likely to Marcial Ama. He is also became a leader in the prison where Marcial Ama's prison, and they both electrocuted in the same reason. Or in other word his like the resurrection of MARCIAL "BABY" AMA



137. Abakada...Ina – ABC Mother (2001)
Directed By:   Eddie Garcia

Cast:  Lorna Tolentino, Albert Martinez, Nida Blanca, Alicia Alonzo, Bobby Andrews, Joanne Quintas, Matet de Leon, Aiza Marquez, Hannah Camille Bustillos, Jaime Fabregas, Pocholo Montes

Abakada Ina is a film dedicated to all women who strive to be the best for their children. It is about an illiterate woman named Estella who married Daniel and had three beautiful daughters. Since Estella had stopped studying when she was still a child, she always had an argument with her mother-in-law named Matilda. Matilda loves her grandchildren very much that she didn't want them to become illiterate like their mother. Matilda taught everything she knew to Estella's children. She tried to be a mother to them. Matilda wanted to raise them the way she raised her children, Daniel and Jojo. Because of this, Estella felt that she doesn't have a place in them, that she cannot do anything but to sell in the market. Daniel came back home from his work on the ship and he tried to live with his family away from his mother. It was a very tough decision for them but they did it because they believe that they could fulfill their dreams in a place far from where they grew up. Unfortunately, many bad things had happened so they decided again to go back to Matilda though Estella knew that she would be hurt again by her. Daniel and Estella broke up and they both struggle to make their family get back again. Estella studied again and Daniel chose to pursue the course he really wanted. They wrote letters to each other and promised to one another that no matter what happen, the "Daniel and Estella" they knew would be together and love each other with all their hearts all over again.



138. Serafin Geronimo: Ang Kriminal ng Baryo Concepcion (1998)
Directed By: Lav Diaz              

Cast: Raymond Bagatsing, Tonton Gutierrez, Angel Aquino, Ana Capri, Dindi Gallardo, Raymond Keannu, Richard Joson, Lawrence David, Lorli Villanueva

A man appears to a female reporter and claims he is the famous kidnapper that has the world astir and promises to turn himself in if she listens to his story. Though she is suspicious of him, she starts to fall more and more into his story.





The formidable comic duo of Pugo and Togo as the Conjoined Twins / Siamese twins in Kambal Tuko (1952)


139. Kambal Tuko - Conjoined Twins / Siamese Twins (1952)
Directed By:   F.H. Constantino              Story:   Nemesio E. Caravana

Cast:   Pugo, Togo, Gil de Leon, Carmencita Palma, Eddie San Jose, Inday Jalandoni, Joseph de Cordova, Chuchi, Ramon Monroy

First shown at the Life Theater, 25 April -- 4 May 1952, Kambal Tuko is undoubtedly one of Pugo and Togo's best vehicles with the comic tandem as the conjoined twins Momoy and Popoy






The popular confrontation scene between Babette (Nora Aunor) and her mother Sofia (Anita Linda) in Bakit Bughaw Ang Langit? (1981)


140. Bakit Bughaw Ang Langit? - Why Is The Sky Blue? (1981)
Directed By: Mario O'Hara       Story: Lydia Collantes Villegas, Greg Tadeo

Cast: Nora Aunor, Dennis Roldan, Alicia Alonzo, Anita Linda, Raquel Montesa, Metring David, Mario Escudero, Carpi Asturias, Rene Hawkins, Mely Mallari, Len Santos

Mario O'Hara deeply moving drama about a woman befriending a retarded man.

 Mario O'Hara's Bakit Bughaw ang Langit? (Why is the Sky Blue? 1981) opens by way of introduction with panoramic views of Manila. We see the arrival of Babette Gomez (Nora Aunor) at an apartment complex—or rather, the arrival of her family; movers unload a truckload of furniture and carry it into their newly rented apartment. O'Hara's camera watches as the family unpacks and settles in, and we come to know something about each by the way he or she acts within the camera frame--imperious Sofia (Anita Linda), bossing everyone around her; sullen Nardo (Mario Escudero), dutifully carrying out his wife's orders; beautiful Lorie, who barks like her mother, but at a lesser volume; quiet Babette, their other daughter, who hurries about doing most of the work along with the movers.

We meet the neighbors: Marta (Melly Mallari) who owns the "sari-sari" (grocery) store at the complex entrance; Cora (Alicia Alonzo) and her out-of-work husband Domeng (Rene Hawkins); Luring (Metring David) who sells clothes to neighbors as a sideline; Luring's son Bobby (Dennis Roldan), a mental cripple who likes to play basketball. Only Mang Jesus (Carpi Asturias), a courtly old gentleman, seems to notice Babette's plight; they talk about the little cacti she's raising, and she says something about them without any particular emphasis--that they flourish on very little care and water--that summarizes her life up to that point. Later, Luring offers Sofia some clothes, telling her story in the process--that she's raising Bobby by herself; that she's having a difficult time as she must work and can't bring her son along. Sofia has a proposal: instead of paying for the clothes, maybe Babette can go over every day and feed Bobby while Luring goes to work.

And so Babette finds herself with a plate of food at Luring's door, looking in (you think of young women in fairy tales peering into the monster's den, wondering at the silence). She finds Bobby upstairs, chained, sets the food before him; he sits hunched over the plate, eating with his fingers. Later, Babette asks Bobby for his basketball-- to clean it, she explains; Bobby gives it after some hesitation. For the first time in the picture, O'Hara cuts to a closeup— of Babette's face, then of Bobby's (before this, the film had been made up of long and medium shots). They have connected with each other.  




141. Mano Po (2002)
Directed By:  Joel Lamangan

Cast:  Maricel Soriano, Richard Gomez, Kris Aquino, Ara Mina, Eddie Garcia, Tirso Cruz III, Eric Quizon, Cogie Domingo, Jay Manalo, Gina Alajar, Amy Austria, Boots Anson-Roa, Maxene Magalona, Allan Paule, Jim Pebanco

During the Chinese Revolution in 1949, young Chinese copra trader named Fong-Huan marries Elisa, a young and pretty Filipina. The couple’s children, Daniel and Linda, were raised in a mixture of Chinese and Filipino-Hispanic tradition. These richly cultured people are the ancestors of a dysfunctional third-generation family whose daughters tell their own stories of joy, struggle, and the complex realities in the life of Filipino Chinese families.



142. Mortal (1975)
Directed By: Mario O'Hara

Cast: Lolita Rodriguez, Rosanna Ortiz, Anita Linda, Dindo Fernando

Based on a  true story, O'Hara's film debut about a young man named Antonio recovering from a mental illness.




Dr. Joseph Dumalilon (Raymart Santiago) talks with Dolores (Angel Aquino) upon his homecoming in Mumbaki (1996)


143. Mumbaki (1996)
Directed By:   Tony Perez                 Story:   Amado Lacuesta

Cast:  Raymart Santiago, Albert Martinez, Joel Torre, Rachel Alejandro, Ruby Moreno, Ace Espinosa, Angel Aquino, Ray Ventura, Pen Medina, Rolando Tinio

Mumbaki is an Ifugao religious specialist meaning "sayer of prayers".The story is about the son of an Ifugao chieftain named Joseph who returns to his tribe after the death of his father (an Ifugao chieftain who was killed in a tribal dispute with the Alimit tribe). He was about to leave the Philippines to U.S. with his fiance, however was obliged to return to the Lidum tribe where he was chosen to lead the battle against the Alimit tribe.




144.  Silveria (1958)
Directed By:   Octavio Silos             Story:   Mars Ravelo

Cast: Dolphy, Daisy Romualdez, Marlene Dauden, Tony Marzan, Eddie Garcia, Panchito

A 1958 Fantasy film about a talking horse named Silveria. This film is based on the popular comic series by Mars Ravelo




145. 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.

146. Kadenang Bulaklak - Chained Flowers (1993)
Directed:  Joel Lamangan                   Story:  Lualhati Bautista

Cast:  Vina Morales, Ana Roces, Donna Cruz, Angelu de Leon, Nida Blanca, Gloria Romero, Charito Solis, Boots Anson-Roa, Luis Gonzales, Gary Estrada, Rustom Padilla, Dale Villar, Raffy Rodriguez, Giselle Sanchez, Pinky Amador

This film is about four sisters who were separated when their parents died from a vehicle accident; ten years later, they meet again intertwined by the song they sing with their mother when they were young.




Scenes from Calvento Files: The Movie (1997) based on true crime stories - an epileptic girl who was raped and thrown in a deep well and an obsessed man who goes after a woman and her child after they broke up



147. Calvento Files: The Movie (1997)
Directed By:  Michael de Mesa, Laurenti Dyogi

Cast:  Claudine Barretto, Rio Locsin, Diether Ocampo, Lito Pimentel, Ray Ventura, Noni Buencamino, John Estrada

Based on true crime reports that took place recently at the time of the filming, Calvento Files is divided into two episodes namely, Balintuwad and Inay, May Momo. Episode 1, Balintuwad, is the story of a fifteen-year-old epileptic girl who was gang-raped and drowned by her captors the night she sneaked out to watch her sister's prom. Eventually, the perpetrators are revealed to be schoolteachers, the very people who are supposed to safeguard children's welfare. Episode 2, Inay, May Momo, tells the story of a young mother and her daughter who undergo a terrifying ordeal when the husband is hacked to death by the mother's spurned lover. The widow presses charges against the killer, but the killer hounds both the woman and her traumatized daughter in an attempt to scare them to dropping the charges against him.



148. Burgis - Burgeoise (1981)
Directed By:  Lino Brocka

Cast:  Gabby Concepcion, Amy Austria, Isabel Rivas, Rez Cortez, Louella, Johnny Wilson, Soxy Topacio, Bey Vito


After Juni Locsin (Gabby Concepcion) was expelled from the college he is studying, he is forced to continue studies at Eastern College of the Republic, a common university. It contrasts the kind of lifestyle the teen used to live in a lavish and fortunate environment. The spin of Burgis narrative starts here by Lino Brocka. Gradually, Juni got the trust and friendship of classmates because of superior wealthy life which he often invited for hang outs and snacks his new peer. Juni admires Nedy (Amy Austria), a classmate but the young lady ignores him. To make her jealous, she often mentioned Sheryl (Isabel Rivas), a close friend who has just arrived from United States. Juni was hated by the group of Bogart (Rez Cortez) who often makes some foolish pranks out of him. He even removed Juni's car tires and put some graffiti. One time Juni attempted to fight Bogart but he never succeed instead he was beaten together with his group. In his desire to avenge the shame he suffered, he decided to face and fight Bogart again. Due to the problems he caused and brought to the family, his parents decided to send him to America to further pursue his studies. For Juni's imminent departure Sheryl prepared a party where she invited Juni's peers in college and his rich friends in a resort. There is a misunderstanding between Sheryl and Nedy that caused an altercation. They were warned and stopped by Juni to his classmate and Nedy's dismay. To restore their closeness, Juni helped Nedy win Miss Business Administration, a beauty pageant in their college.

The film tackles the Philippines society's difference between the upper high class class and the lower poor class and reminded the viewers that the Philippines is the next Africa leaping backward because of the great divide and the distance grow longer as time goes by.



149. Ikaw Na Sana:The Movie (1998)
Directed By:  Mac Alejandre

Cast:  Angelu De Leon, Bobby Andrews, Gladys Reyes, Jake Roxas, Carmi Martin, Cherry Pie Picache

The story starts out 19 years ago when Barbara Rosales (Carmi Martin) arrived at their enormous villa to find her stepsister Corazon Rosales (Cherrie Pie Picache) with her ex-boyfriend Edgardo Perez (Julio Diaz) talking to Corazon's father and Barbara's stepfather as he gave them his blessings regarding their relationship. Barbara was furious after Gardo chose her stepsister over her and begged him to rekindle their romance in exchanged of her, changing her old ways for him. But Gardo refused, and expressed he loved Corazon because she knew how to love unlike Barbara who only loved herself.

Bound to get her revenge, Barbara resorted in a series of schemes against her stepsister Corazon. But the secret won't be kept for long when her stepfather learned what she was doing to his only daughter that's why he threw her out from the house.

At Blanca's (Angelu de Leon) 18th birthday celebration, they will burn the tree causing Blanca to spontaneously burn. But unknown to them, a friend of Corazon was into the occult and sensed that the child was cursed. She gave Blanca a charm to protect her so when Barbara and the witch set the tree on fire Blanca will not die. The charm although it was weak protected her and only half of Blanca's face got burned. After the tree was burned, a seed remained. Like the tree, whatever happens to the seed, Blanca will feel it. From then on, Barbara kept the seed and will use it to torment Blanca at her will.



150. El Presidente (2012)
Directed:   Mark Meilly

Cast:   Jorge Estregan, Nora Aunor, Christopher de Leon, Cristine Reyes, Cesar Montano, Alicia Mayer, Allan Paule, Allen Dizon, Alvin Anson, Archie Adamos, Baron Geisler, Bayani Agbayani, Crispin Pineda


          El Presidente (English: The President; Filipino: Ang Pangulo) is a 2012 biopic film based on the life of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippine Republic.
          The story is told in flashbacks as Emilio Aguinaldo thanks the US government for giving him the opportunity to attend the full restoration of Philippine independence on July 4, 1946.
          The film begins with his capture by Philippine and US forces under Frederick Funston's command in 1901, then flashes back to 1886, when an old woman gives Aguinaldo and his childhood friend Candido Tirona cryptic prophecies. Ten years later, Aguinaldo is inducted into the Katipunan and later assumes leadership of its Cavite chapter while becoming mayor of Cavite El Viejo. When the trouble breaks out in Manila in late August 1896, Aguinaldo tries to assure the Spanish provincial government of non-interference and covertly marshals his forces despite a lack of weapons. Learning that the Spanish mostly put their forces in Manila, Aguinaldo finally mobilizes his troops and takes the command of the Katipunan forces in Cavite.
          As the rebels gain ground in Cavite and several provinces, its Magdalo and Magdiwang factions convene to elect a provisional government. Andrés Bonifacio oversees the Tejeros Convention, which elects Aguinaldo as president, Mariano Trías as vice-president and himself as interior minister. He storms out of the convention when Daniel Tirona objects to his election. Aguinaldo's brother Crispulo informs him of his accession and convinces him to leave his troops just as he was seeking to defend against the Spaniards at Pasong Santol. The rebels are defeated and Crispulo is killed. Meanwhile, an embittered Bonifacio establishes his own revolutionary government and is later arrested. Aguinaldo is concerned about Bonifacio's actions and wanted him exiled, but the War Council advises his execution.
          Several months later, Aguinaldo leaves Cavite with most of his forces intact and makes it to Biac-na-Bato in Bulacan, where he signs the Pact of Biak-na-Bato and heads for Hong Kong. There he meets with US officials who approach him with offers of support and recognition of a new Philippine Republic amidst the Spanish–American War. Aguinaldo returns to the Philippines and formally declares independence from Spain. As the Malolos Congress convenes, Felipe Agoncillo tries to represent the new nation at the Treaty of Paris negotiations, but gets stonewalled at every turn even as US forces gradually arrive in the Philippines. The Philippine–American War breaks out in February 1899 and Antonio Luna is appointed commander of all the Filipino forces. He is assassinated three months later and the Filipino troops are gradually routed by the Americans. As a result, Aguinaldo's forces travel all over northern Luzon to escape the Americans. General Gregorio del Pilar volunteers to lead some troops in holding them off at Tirad Pass and buy Aguinaldo time to get away. His loyal courier is later captured by the Americans while getting some medicine for his son. Now aware of Aguinaldo's hideout, Funston plans his capture.
          Having been made to accept the American occupation over the Philippines, Aguinaldo lives a quiet life, which is marred by Hilaria's passing in 1921. He meets and marries Felipe Agoncillo's niece Maria in 1930. Over the next few decades, the couple witness Philippine history unfold once more as he is defeated in the 1935 presidential elections, Japanese occupation and the restoration of full independence. In 1962, an elderly Aguinaldo and his wife comfort each other over President Diosdado Macapagal's decree to restore the actual date of the Philippine declaration of independence. In his final hours, the same woman who gave him his prophecy appears to him one more time.



151. Turumba (1981)
Directed By: Kidlat Tahimik  

Cast: Homer Abiad, Iñigo Vito, Maria Pehipol, Patricio Abari, Bernarda Pacheco, Katrin Luise, Claudia Aderes, Mino Aco, Riri Afuang, Silberio Galvez, Alma Almasan, Nita Alejo

The film is about the exploitation of a small town by a German investor.

Set in a tiny Philippine village, the inimitable Kidlat Tahimik's film focuses on a family that makes paper-mache animals to sell during the traditional Turumba festivities. One year, a department store buyer purchases all their stock. When she returns with an order for 500 more (this time with the word "Oktoberfest" painted on them), the family's seasonal occupation. 







Working Girls (2010) trailer a remake of the original 1984 movie of the same title about the different women working in a bank but the 2010 version has women with different professions. The official theme song of the 2010 movie of the same title played in the video is a revival and improved version of the original song and was performed by the all-female group Eurasia.



152. Working Girls (1984)
Directed By:  Ishmael Bernal

Cast:  Hilda Koronel, Gina Pareño, Rio Locsin, Chanda Romero, Carmi Martin, Maria Isabel Lopez, Baby Delgado, Tommy Abuel, Robert Arevalo, Edu Manzano, Joel Lamangan, Johnny Wilson, Koko Trinidad, Eddie Arenas, Raoul Aragon

Different women working in Premium Bank in Makati City in the 1980s has their own different stories to tell. One important reason for its success is its colorful characterization. Carla (Hilda Koronel) holds one of the top positions in Premium Bank and is being considered for promotion. Her closest rival is Raul (Tommy Abuel), a womanizer who gets her secretary Isabel (Rio Locsin) pregnant. Raul, however, has his eyes on Amanda (Baby Delgado) an executive from Property Management Seminars who faces stiff competition with Nimfa (Gina Pareño), a single mother who earns a living selling jewelries to employees of both companies, returning every week to bring new items and collect payment. Rose (Maria Isabel Lopez) cannot pay Nimfa on time, so she asks help from her friend, Khris (Joel Lamangan), and she eventually concedes to prostituting her body for easy money. Anne (Chanda Romero) has less financial problems than Rose, but her marriage is slowly falling apart. Taking no notice of their troubles is Suzanne (Carmi Martin), the voluptuous secretary (read: office slut) who seduces old executives and willingly offers her “assets” to them. Due to its charm and interesting twist, it has been remade in 2010 with the same title.

Famous Quote / Movie Line:

"Sabel! This must be love!" - Carmi Martin






153. Mga Mata Ni Angelita - Eyes of Angelita(1978)
Directed By:  Lauro Pacheco

Cast:  Julie Vega, Gloria Sevilla, Amado Cortez, Mat Ranillo III

           A star-studded film featuring a blind orphan named Angelita (Julie Vega) who was found unconscious by a groups of nuns after Belen (Gloria Sevilla) attempted to kill her by letting her walk straight ahead on the edge of a cliff. In the monastery, she started her deep devotion to Virgin Mary in the convent which was last seen missing her pair of eyes. Angelita started to search for her parents and along her way, touched various lives both poor and rich until she found her mother, Janet (Helen Gamboa).







Kapag Langit Ang Humatol (1990) Trailer 






Some scenes in the film Kapag Langit Ang Humatol (1990)




154. Kapag Langit Ang Humatol (1990)
Directed By: Laurice Guillen      


Story: Salvador Royales, Emmanuel H. Borlaza

Cast: Vilma Santos, Richard Gomez, Gloria Romero, Charo Santos-Concio, Kristine Garcia, Carmina Villaroel, Jeffrey Santos, Eula Valdez, William Lorenzo, Tony Carreon, Metring David, Ray Ventura, Lilian Laing, Bessie Barredo, Vangie Labalan

Guillen's Kapag Langit Ang Humatol (1990) was based on a radio serial about the vindictive story of rags to riches, Florida. She concocted a plan to revenge the abuse she suffered from the devilish matriarch, Octavia (Gloria Romero) only to discover that the child she used to exploit for her revenge is her own child.

An oppressed housemaid has transformed herself into a wealthy and powerful business mogul through sheer dint of talent, ambition and driving need to avenge herself on her tormentors. She comes back to the scene of her most abject debasement with the sole intent of humiliating the family who once made her life such a living hell. Unknowingly, she gets to exact revenge on the very person who turns out to be her own daughter by the son of her former mistress.

Famous Quote / Movie Line:

ang dating isang alila ay isa nang tinitingala!…Akin pa rin ang huling halakhak…Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha” -
Vilma Santos






Filipino version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde exemplified in Kulay Dugo Ang Gabi (1963)



155. Kulay Dugo Ang Gabi - Blood Is The Color Of The Night (1963)
Directed By:   Gerardo de Leon         Story:   Rico Bello Omagap

Cast:   Ronald Remy, Amalia Fuentes, Eddie Fernandez, Eva Montes, Celia Rodriguez, Renato Robles, Mary Walter, Paquito Salcedo, Felisa Salcedo, Andres Benitez, Fred Param, Eddie Arce

This weird and chilling tale of vampires and the undead seeking to bring their kind back to life features the evil Marco (Ronald Remy), an updated version of the vampirism Count Dracula replete with cape, fangs, and clean-shaven head!

 The Blood Drinkers is one of these films, transplanting European vampire conventions to the (then) modern-day Filipino countryside. Dr. Marco (Ronald Remy) is a (bald, wrap around shades wearing) vampire. He's also something of a mad scientist, seeking to bring his lost love Katrina (Amalia Fuentes) back from the dead through blood infusions and a new heart. He plan to take the heart Katrina needs from her twin sister Charito (also Fuentes), who was separated from Katrina at birth. Katrina's mother, who hopes that Marco can restore her to normal life, aides Marco, along with vampire Tanya (Eva Montes), a hunchback, and an acrobatic dwarf. Once Marco turns Charito's parents into vampires and Charito goes to live with Katrina's mother, only Charito's boyfriend Victor (Eddie Fernandez) and a strange priest who knows of the ways of vampires stands in the way of Marco and his allies.




156. 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.



157. Relasyon - Affair (1982)
Directed By:  Ishmael Bernal                       Story:  Ricardo Lee, Raquel Villavicencio

Cast:  Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon, Jimi Melendez, Ernie Zarate, Lucy Quinto, Manny Castañeda, Beth Mondragon, Bing Fabregas

Emil (Christopher de Leon), a young executive and his mistress Marilou (Vilma Santos), a planetarium guide decide to be live-in partners. In the process they discover each others' failing, which result in the strain in their relationship bringing about their temporary separation. When they finally decided to resume their relationship under a set-up wherein the man divides his time between his family and mistress, he dies from an attack of cerebral aneurysm. The woman decides to start a new life abroad finding strength in the love of her departed lover.

Famous Quote / Movie Line:
“Dinadaan-daanan mo na lang ako, aalis ka kung gusto mo, babalik. Tatanungin kita. ‘Uhhmm,’ ang mga sagot mo. Ano ako dito, tau-tauhan? Ni hopia nga e, di mo ako binigyan.” – Vilma Santos

"Simple lang naman ang hinihingi ko. Kung hindi mo ako marespeto bilang asawa, respetuhin mo naman ako bilang kaibigan. Kung hindi naman, respetuhin mo ako bilang tao." - Vilma Santos






158. Homecoming (2003)
Directed By:   Gil Portes         Story:   Adolfo Alix Jr.,   Senedy Que

Cast:   Alessandra De Rossi, Elizabeth Oropesa, Bembol Roco, Lester Llansang, Bryan Homecillo, Irma Adlawan, James Blanco, Dexter Doria, Allan Paule, Richard Quan


The movie tells the story of Abigael Edades (Alessandra de Rossi) who returns to her Philippine hometown from her five-year stint as a nurse in Canada. Her town mates rousingly welcome her as a hero the crass moniker ascribed by the government to hundreds of thousands of Filipinos working abroad. She finds her family in tatters, her parents estranged and living apart and her brother Jepoy living the life of drugs. But she basks in the welcome of her mother and youngest brother Noel and the devotion of her boyfriend, who proposes marriage. Her happiness is short-lived. She is diagnosed with SARS and contaminates Noel. They cause a national scare, are quarantined in Manila and are shunned by their own townspeople and the municipal government. Even her boyfriend leaves her. The hero becomes a heel. "Just a month after my return, my views on life and the people around me have irrevocably changed," she says at the start of the movie. The film tackles the issue of the prevalent epidemic that spread across the world at the time.



159. Bagong Buwan (2001)
Directed By:   Marilou Diaz-Abaya      Story:   Ricardo Lee

Cast:  Cesar Montano, Caridad Sanchez, Amy Austria, Jericho Rosales, Ronnie Lazaro, Jhong Hilario, Carlo Aquino, Jiro Manio, Noni Buencamino, Jodi Sta. Maria, Cris Daluz, Bryan Homecillo

This movie is about the Muslim rebellion in Mindanao, Philippines and its effect on civilians. It is a look at the war in Mindanao between the Philippine government (during President Joseph Estrada's short stint) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), primarily through the eyes of the Bangsamoro (or Moros as they are more popularly known).



160. Dalagang Ilocana (1954)
Directed By:   Olive La Torre       Story:   T.D. Agcaoili

Cast:   Gloria Romero, Ric Rodrigo, Rudy Francisco, Dolphy, Rebecca del Rio, Eddie Garcia, Horacio Morelos, Precy Ortega, Marcela Garcia, Tony Dungan

 A funny poignant film about an Ilocana maiden.



161. Hubad na Bayani (1977) *
Directed By:  Robert Arevalo

Cast:  Boots Anson-Roa, Robert Arevalo, Rustica Carpio, Ray Marcos, Ven Medina, Daria Ramirez, Bembol Roco

          The film explores the world of peasant revolts, cult organizations, talismans, and the fight for socio-economic reforms.
          The story revolves around Ruben (Arevalo), a peasant who dreams of saving enough money to pay for the treatment of his sick mother, the education of his sister Pilar (Daria Ramirez), as well as his own marriage to Luisa. His modest dreams are never realized as he and his family are exploited, harassed and victimized by the greedy landowners and loan sharks.
          Don Sebastian decides to convert his rice lands into sugar haciendas and when Luisa's father protests, he is burned alive in his house by Dario, the son of Don Sebastian. To force the peasants to give up their lands, landlords coerce the peasants to sell their rice after the harvest, when the price is lower, and then loan them money at usurious rates. Ruben is forced to borrow until he is buried in debt.
          To repay the family's debts, Ruben allows his sister Pilar to work in the landlord's house, where Dario rapes her and attempts to rape Luisa. Ruben's mother dies, and adding to his troubles and grief, Dario's goons beat him up when he attempts to avenge Pilar's honor.
          Ruben, Luisa and Pilar join the Colorums who, led by their Supremo, attack their landlords at a ball. The rebels capture the armory, kill Don Sebastian and take over the town, but victory is short-lived as government troops soon arrive to recapture the town. Against Ruben's advice, Supremo attacks armed only with bolos and talismans called anting-antings. There is a bloodbath, after which Ruben and his men remove the body of Supremo.
          Mistakenly, the townspeople believe that Supremo has been resurrected, just like Jesus Christ. Ruben convinces the crowd that power grows out of unity and arms and not from miracles and talismans.
          Government troops round up the rest of the men as Ruben speaks and later parades him around town as a fake hero. He is tied to the stone base where Supremo's body was exhibited. Ruben is mocked by the fickle crowd. Later he is pardoned by the government and rises again to lead his compatriots.





Three gays working in a salon imprisoned for a ridiculous crime they have committed in Bilibid Gays (1981)


162. Bilibid Gays (1981)
Directed By:  Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao          Story:  Roger Fuentebella

Cast:  Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Al Tantay, Mark Gil, Alfie Anido, William Martinez, Gabby Concepcion, Jimi Melendez, Choy Acuña, Jojo Borbon, Zeny Zabala


A hilarious movie about Helen (Tito Sotto), Dina (Vic Sotto) and Daria (Joey de Leon) are friends trying to live normal lives in spite of the rejections they went through for being gays. They were lucky enough to get jobs at a beauty salon. However, bad luck befalls when they were fired for causing trouble in the salon.




Beautiful Karen (Michelle Aldana) is entertaining a client in Segurista (1996)


163. Segurista (1996) *
Directed By: Tikoy Aguiluz     Story: Jose F. Lacaba, Amado Lacuesta

Cast: Michelle Aldana, Gary Estrada, Ruby Moreno, Albert Martinez, Julio Diaz, Pen Medina, Eddie Rodriguez, Liza Lorena, Suzette Ranillo, Teresa Loyzaga, Anthony Castelo, Roy de Guzman, Manjo del Mundo

In the daytime, Karen is an insurance saleswoman in Manila, but in the evening she works as an escort in a club. She is very successful in selling insurance to her escort clients. On the weekends she returns to her husband and daughter in the provinces, who are living amongst the volcanic ash from Mount Pinatubo. She is forced to take stock of her life when Sonny, a rich car dealer, offers to set her up in an apartment.




164. 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, Orestes 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.




An obsessed stage mother too controlling expects too much of his son whose rising popularity leads to tragedy in Stardoom (1971)


165. Stardoom (1971)
Directed By:  Lino Brocka

Cast:  Lolita Rodriguez, Walter Navarro, Lotis Key, Hilda Koronel

Director Lino Brocka directs "Stardoom" for Lea Productions, his "indictment of the corruption of values in the local movie industry." It tells of a frustrated and ambitious stage mother, Toyang (played by Lolita Rodriguez), who forces her son, Joey, into a showbiz career and ultimately ends up in a tragedy. 70s teenage heartthrob, handsome, clean-cut and the boy-next-door type, Walter Navarro starred as the son, Joey Galvez, who at the peak of his stardom was gunned down by his erstwhile girlfriend Nina (Lotis Key), in a fit of jealousy and anger.


166. Mananayaw (1978)
Tagline:  She's Wild...and Dangerous! It Takes More Than Love To Tame Her...!
Directed By:  Lino Brocka                  Story:  Jose Dalisay Jr.

Cast:  Chanda Romero, Phillip Salvador, Marissa Delgado, Mona Lisa, Ben Rubio, Rene Hawkins, Joey Luna, Alicia Alonzo, Fritz Ynfante


The movie Mananayaw is an all time favorite Chanda Romero movie. Lino Brocka brought the best in Chanda in this heart-warming movie, a story of a troubled dancer who chose love over career only to find out that when her pocket is empty love declines. Chanda's crying scene near the water pump is unforgettable; it will stay with you forever. Chanda should have won the FAMAS Best Actress award in that movie but I think because of her conflict with Lino Brocka during that time the critics (who sympathized with Lino) voted for Beth Bautista instead, who was also good in Baby Porcuna but weaker compared to Chanda's impeccable performance in Mananayaw. Philip Salvador is also good in that movie although he was not nominated.



167. Sakada (1976) *
Directed By:  Behn Cervantes       Story:  Lualhati Bautista, Oscar Miranda

Cast:  Robert Arevalo, Hilda Koronel, Pancho Magalona, Bembol Roco, Gloria Romero, Rosa Rosal, Tony Santos, Joseph Sytangco, Alicia Alonzo, Menggie Cobarrubias, Cris Michelena

          The inner workings of a family headed by a union organizer are revealed when his body is brought back to his hometown for burial.
          A sakada is a farmer who works in a sugarcane field harvesting it during the months of October to December. After this period, some sakadas who already live in the hacienda plant crops to tide them over until the next sugarcane harvest. Those who came from other provinces go back home. They are seasonal farm workers without any benefits. The plight of the sakadas is further explained as the movie develops, exposing along the way the vast gap between the rich and the poor.
         After the death of Arsenio Del Mundo, the movie follows the life of his bereaved family as they cope up with his death and their life as a family at the mercy of the haciendero's family.
          The film documents how a family always played with by fate seeks to transform their sorry plight. Ester (Hilda Koronel), after being heartbroken and seeing how his elder was brother was duped for being so trusting, decided that she wouldn't suffer again. She became a prostitute who sells her body but not her heart and soul. David (Bembol Roco), taken under the wing of a progressive Catholic priest, found the road to priesthood wanting and took a different road. Badong (Robert Arevalo), a practical thinker, resented his mother's decision to use the abuloy to send David and Ester to school. He eventually joined the union seeing no other way out of their miserable life in the hacienda but through an organized effort to advance the sakadas' demands. Flores (Rosa Rosal), Arsenio's widow, was plagued by her children's state and how life turned out for them. She also joined the union, delivering a fiery speech about the women's role in uplifting all of their lives.



168. Cain at Abel (1982)
Directed By:  Lino Brocka

Cast:  Christopher De Leon, Phillip Salvador, Carmi Martin, Cecille Castillo, Baby Delgado, Mona Lisa, Ruel Vernal, Michael Sandico, Venchito Galvez, Tonio Gutierrez

          Ellis (Christopher de León) and Lawrence (Phillip Salvador) are two quarrelling brothers set to inherit their large ranch one day from an overbearing mother. The younger brother Ellis is an errant womanizer who long ago turned his back on schooling -- and whose main pursuit in life is incidentally fathering the offspring that result from his seductions of various women including their housemaid, while planning to marry his girlfriend. His older brother Lawrence is also married, but he is not of the same profligate temperament, and he certainly does not share his brother's streak of cowardice. Events conspire to get each brother involved in local gangs, and if they continue on their collision course, their future may be much shorter than their mother's.




169. Kontrobersyal (1981)

Directed By:  Lino Brocka                  Story: Tony Perez



Cast:  Gina Alajar, Phillip Salvador, Charo Santos-Concio, Eddie Garcia, Rez Cortez, Joe Fabregas, Ariosto Reyes Jr., Soxy Topacio, Joey Luna, Nina Lorenzo, Beth Mondragon, Mike Accion, Pae Toledo, Charlie Peralta, Jonas Sebastian 



Directed by national artist, Lino Brocka, this film talks about the deplorable system of pornography which is also considered pornographic.



Charo Santos had a bitch of a character and Gina Alajar having a very daring character in this film. I may say that during those times, this film was probably treated in a porn sense. Think of your usual Basic Instinct or any film that provides nudity and coital scenes, Lino Brocka, the director, was able to provide us the sad life of actors and actresses before.



I’m sure a dark film like this can be remade with the times provided to us. I still believe that the stories supplied to us before can still be shown to us today. I know that scandals do exist, along with blackmails and other ideas that corrupt a person if ever he or she enters the crazy world of Philippine showbiz and watching Kontrobersyal today wouldn’t change much of my perception on what money and power can do in exchange of popularity and fame.



170. Deathrow (2000)
Directed By:  Joel Lamangan

Cast:  Eddie Garcia, Cogie Domingo, Jaclyn Jose, Alla Paule, Angelika dela Cruz, Pen Medina, Ray Ventura, Tony Mabesa, Spanky Manikan, Nanding Josef, Noni Buencamino, Jim Pebanco, Alvin J. Bernales, Joe Gruta


          Having strung along with delinquent friends to a home robbery that ends in a wealthy old woman's death, Manila slum youth Sonny is too stunned to get away while the others elude police capture. He's duly convicted of murder - worse, as an adult, since the orphan boy's birth certificate was lost in a fire, and his callous foster parents are nowhere to be found. Thrown into lockup among hardened lifers, the terrified 16-year-old soon finds himself at the mercy of various strong-arm cliques on death row. He's courted by booty-bandit Gabino, who plots to seize cell block "mayor" Mio's status as chief executor of the in-house drug trade controlled by rich prisoner Assunta. A few figures take a more protective than exploitive interest in the new fish. But Sonny's best ally, it turns out is old-school gangster Sinat, who at 77 is still gruff and imposing enough to survive outside all the block's warring factions. He also has the support of distant relative Gina, a church-sponsored legal advocate. As he is uninterested in the early-release petition she offers, he encourages her to take up Sonny's case instead.
          Sonny is an unloved orphan raised in the slums of Manila. Pressured by his friends, he resorts to thievery. During one heist, his friend accidentally kills an old woman. When the police arrive, Sonny gets arrested. A minor unable to prove his innocence, he was convicted for murder and sent to prison. Inside Deathrow, he is welcomed to the cruel and horrifying world of his inmates. But among these hardened souls is a gruff old man who takes Sonny under his wing. He is Sinat, Sonny's protector and savior inside prison.





Hari Ng Tondo (2014) Official Poster



171. Hari ng Tondo - King of Tondo Subtitle: Where I Am King (2014)
Directed By: Carlos Siguion-Reyna       Story: Bibeth Orteza

Cast: Robert Arevalo, Rez Cortez, Cris Villonco, Aiza Seguerra, Ciara Sotto, Liza Lorena, Lorenz Martinez, Rafael Siguion-Reyna, Lui Manansala, Carlos Canlas, Mark Tayag, Gian Magdangal, Eric Quizon, Ali Sotto, Audie Gemora

A self-made man on the verge of bankruptcy transplants his sheltered grandchildren to his birthplace for them to grow some balls. In truth, he is out to salvage his self-worth. Returning to where he was king, he discovers a kingdom in ruins.

A grandfather on the brink of bankruptcy brings his grandchildren back to the community that made and shaped him, only to find out the place is no longer the same.




172. Tatlong ina, isang anak (1987)
Directed By:  Mario O'Hara

Cast:  Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar, Miguel Rodriguez, Celeste Legaspi, Lotlot De Leon, Ian De Leon, Ronnel Victor, Joed Serrano, Tom Alvarez, Fred Capulong

          Nonoy (Miguel Rodriguez) brings a lot of women at home that’s why he is driven away by his aunts. He works in a club where he meets with friends Belle, Au, Claire, and Boobsy.
          Boobsy had an affair with Nonoy and bears a child named Baby Doll (Matet). Belle, Au, and Claire takes care of the child when Boobsy dies.




Nena (Matet De Leon) a cute, beautiful young girl with her nanny (Eugene Domingo) who will become a lovely woman in Pangarap Ng Puso (2000)


173. Pangarap ng Puso -  Dream Of The Heart Subtitle: Demons (2000)
Directed By: Mario O'Hara                


Story: Rey de Castro, Mario O'Hara, Rosario Cruz Lucero,

Cast: Matet de Leon, Leo Rabago, Hilda Koronel, Lucita Soriano, Anita Linda, Alex Alano, Mike Magat, Arman de Guzman, Judy Teodoro, Eugene Domingo, Dido de la Paz, Lilia Cuntapay

Mario O'Hara's "Demons" (Pangarap ng Puso, 2000) is about a pair of young lovers, Nena (Matet de Leon, adopted daughter of Filipino film star Nora Aunor) and Jose (Alex Alano), doing their best to live and love in an increasingly hostile world. Nena (a lovely child grown into lovely young woman, giving a surprisingly lovely performance) is from a rich family in the Negros provinces that owns a series of fishponds; Jose is from one of many poor families commissioned to clean and operate those fishponds. The film traces their relationship as it develops through the years, from childhood into adulthood, from prosperity into deep recession, from a time of peace into a time of violent political turmoil.




174. Sigaw - The Echo (2004)
Directed By:  Yam Laranas         Story: Roy C. Iglesias

Cast:  Jomari Yllana, Richard Gutierrez, Iza Calzado, Angel Locsin, James Blanco, Ella Guevarra, Lui Manansala, Tessie Villarama, Pocholo Montes, Ronnie Lazaro

Marvin savors his independence in a newly acquired unit of an old apartment building. He is frequently visited by his girlfriend Pinky. Except for the occasional noise from an apartment unit down the hallway, the place is almost perfect for Marvin. At the end of the hallway is where Anna lives with her young daughter Lara, and Bert, her jealous husband. Bert is a cop, and he has always suspected Anna of two-timing him. His frequent jealous outbursts would always lead to beatings that could be heard throughout the whole floor. Marvin would usually be awakened at night by the sound of screaming and beating from Anna's unit. Marvin complains to the building caretaker, a drunk, who would just tell him to ignore the disturbance from the apartment down the hall. Anna and her daughter would usually ask for help from Jude, who lives in an apartment unit in the middle of the hallway. Jude's apartment becomes a temporary refuge for the little girl Lara. One day, Pinky drops by Marvin's apartment and is shocked to see a woman knocking on his door. Pinky suspects Marvin is seeing another girl, which could explain why he has been acting strange lately. Marvin vehemently denies seeing another woman. It is the strange occurrences in his apartment that is making him act strange lately. Meanwhile, the beatings down the hall intensify. Jude is getting scared because the cruel cop Bert is beginning to suspect that Jude is having an affair with Anna, which isn't true. Marvin gets drawn to the couple's frequent quarrels. He even witnesses Bert chasing Anna and beating her up in the corridor. All that violence affects Marvin. At length, he musters the courage to find out more about the quarreling couple. What he finds out shocks him. Marvin uncovers a secret that will change his life and Pinky's as well. The discovery sets into motion a series of haunting that follow him and Pinky around. He decides to leave his apartment but the haunting follow them wherever they go. Marvin finally decides to confront the problem. He returns to the old apartment building to face the evil that dwells in it. What happens next shakes the very core of his beliefs about life, love and the spirit world.





175. Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw (1988)

Directed By:  Mitos Villareal


Cast:  Snooky Serna, Gabby Concepcion, Ernie Garcia, Vivian Foz, Vilma Santos, Tita Muñoz, Augusto Victa, Celina Chase, Julio Diaz, Melissa De Leon, Roland Montes


Estrella (Serna) plays a young, pretty and brainy lawyer but who has not been using her mind well in her romance with company manager Gerry (Concepcion). She feels like a whore each time Gerry brings her to his home but is too weak to resist his bedroom charm. Estrella has just passed the bar and since she's brilliant, her law office forthwith sends her abroad to handle some cases. It must have taken her several years because when she returns home her child sired by Gerry is already a grown-up girl (Celina Chase). Serna with her sweet and fragile looks, does not project the image of a bright lawyer who is making headway in her career. We never see her in the law firm she works for or even scanning over some paperwork. She is not smart to tackle her problem from the legalistic point of view. She gets pregnant but we don't see her with a bulging tummy and she delivers a baby which she gives to her cousin Aida (Vivian Foz) and her husband Roel (Ernie Garcia) for adoption. Estrella does not inform Gerry of her pregnancy when she should have. So off she goes to Germany on official business with Carina (Melissa de Leon), daughter of company owner Dona Mercedes (Tita Munoz).



176.  Andrea, Paano Ba Ang Maging Isang Ina? (1990)

Directed By:  Gil Portes                       Story: Ricardo Lee



Cast:  Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar, Lloyd Samartino, Dan Alvaro, Perla Bautista, R.R. Herrera, Melissa Mendez, Susan Africa, Juan Rodrigo, Ernie Zarate, Malou de Guzman, Lani Lizarda, Grace Amilbangsa, Joyce Bernal, Al-Rasheed


Andrea is a communist insurgent who fights the government in an armed conflict. When it is time for her to give birth, she seeks refuge in the city to her best friend Joyce who is married to Emil, a guy who has no sympathy to the likes of Andrea. When Andrea's husband is reportedly killed, she temporarily leaves her son to their care. The childless couple becomes emotionally attached to her son. But before Andrea could return to her baby, she is arrested by the military. With no news of Andrea's whereabouts and presuming her to have been dead, the couple has decided to keep the child and bring him to the United States. When they return to the country after seven years for a visit, Andrea confronts them and tries to claim his son back.

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An avid radio listener confronts his tormentor and the one who puts him to shame - a radio disc jockey in Radyo (2001)


177. Radyo (2001)
Directed By:  Yam Laranas    

Cast:  Rufa Mae Quinto, Jeffrey Quizon, Bojo Molina, RJ Leyran, Katya Santos, Louie Medel, Ronnie Lazaro,

An insane man Ruben (Jeffrey Quizon) rejected by his officemate stalks a radio disk jockey for the shame she caused him on air. Ruben, a suicidal, is making the life of DJ Mila (Rufa Mae Quinto) miserable for making fun on air on his request to play a song for his crush, Myla.



178. Senyorito at Ang Atsay (1962)
Directed By:  Tony Cayado         Story:  Jose Leonardo

Cast:  Amalia Fuentes, Juancho Gutierrez, Marlene Dauden, Chichay, Johnny Misa, Lilian Laing, Rodolfo "Boy" Garcia, German Moreno, Bella Flores, Aruray

"Senyorito At Ang Atsay" is a 1962 movie made by Sampaguita Pictures.  It stars Amalia Funtes as a beautiful young lady who experiences all sorts of jobs in the big city. Wherever she goes, men just seem to fall for her. In a later scene she finds a house that is seeking a house maid. You'll see Aruray as a Chinese maid, and my personal favorite Chichay, who interviews a group of house help applicants. She always made the audience laugh with her voice that sounded like Donald Duck. Listen carefully to her dialogue, it's absolutely hilarious! The film shows classic Chichay who never fails to bring the house down.






Paano Bang Mangarap? (1983) Official Poster



179. Paano Bang Mangarap? - How To Dream? (1983)
Directed By: Eddie Garcia         


Story: Andrea Benedicto, Nerissa Cabral, Orlando Nadres

Cast: Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, Amy Austria, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Jay Ilagan, Vic Silayan, Perla Bautista


 

The story of Lisa (Vilma Santos) & Eric (Christopher de Leon) and how they fought for their love. Lisa got pregnant with Benny (Jay Ilagan ), Eric's brother. However, Benny died in a motorcycle accident. Eric was kind enough to marry Lisa but Eric's mother (Armida Siguon Reyna) disapproved of the relationship and makes life hell for Lisa.

Meanwhile, Maya (Amy Austria) wants Eric and seduces him especially when Eric and Lisa were having marital problems. Eric and Maya promptly left for Europe leaving Lisa alone.

Despite their different social backgrounds, Lisa (Vilma Santos) and Benny (Jay Ilagan) have found their match in each other. Unfortunately, Benny dies before they could marry, and Lisa is left with no choice but to seek the help of Benny’s parents. But their arrogance is as lofty as their fortune, and to them, Lisa is nothing but an opportunist. Their only concern is their late son’s unborn child that Lisa is carrying in her womb. The only person who treats Liza with kindness is Eric (Christopher de Leon), Benny’s brother, who has secretly fallen in love with her.

 

 Famous Quotes / Movie Lines:

“Dinaya n’yo ako! Saan n’yo dinala ang anak ko?…Hindi mo alam…Sinungaling!…Kasabwat ka ng ina mo! Alam ko matagal n’yo nang plano ito!…Dinaya n’yo ako! Mga Traydor Kayo! Traydor kayong lahat!…Wala akong pakialam! Ibalik mo sa akin si Jun Jun! Ibalik mo sa akin ang anak ko! Ibalik mo sa akin si Jun Jun! Ibalik mo sa akin…”  - Vilma Santos




180. The Healing (2012) *
Directed By: Chito S. Roño       Story: Roy Iglesias

Cast: Vilma Santos, Kim Chiu, Martin del Rosario, Janice de Belen, Pokwang, Robert Arevalo, Mark Gil, Carmi Martin, Cris Villanueva, Allan Paule, Ynez Veneracion, Ces Quesada, Daria Ramirez, Chinggoy Alonzo


 

The Healing is a story of Filipino tradition wherein people are asking for help on treatment of diseases. A news about the miraculous works of a faith healer spread all over attracting the attention of people suffering from various illness coming from everywhere. All of the sudden, the faith healer stops her "healing" sessions but was forced by a new group of patient.




181. Wanted Perfect Mother (1970)
Directed By: Lino Brocka     Story: Mars Ravelo

Cast: Dante Rivero, Liza Lorena, Boots Anson-Roa, Caridad Sanchez, Mary Walter, Etang Discher, Eddie Mercado, Rebecca Domingo, Gina Alajar, Ariosto Reyes Jr., Arnold Gamboa, Snooky Serna

This is the directorial debut of the great Lino Brocka.

A 30-year-old widower realizes that his three children need a mother figure. His youngest daughter feels lonely and finds it hard to cope with schooling. He scouts around for a tutor for his daughter, someone who could also act as her playmate and friend. The lady who arrives -- a cheerful singer and tutor -- brings light to their home lives. Eventually, the father falls in love with her.



182. I.T.A.L.Y. (I Trust And Love You) (2008)
Directed By:  Mark A. Reyes               Story:  Senedy Que

Cast:  Jolina Magdangal, Rufa Mae Quinto, Eugene Domingo, Dennis Trillo, Mark Herras, Rhian Ramos, Pen Medina, Aljur Abrenica, Edgar Allan Guzman, Joaqui Valdez,  Chariz Solomon, Marvin Agustin, Ida Henares


Destiny. Is it beyond our control? Or do we make our own? These questions and other musings about the past and the future set the tone as we sail into the year's most anticipated film about love and life. Six people are brought together on a seven-day cruise that will change their lives forever. A hopeless romantic searches for the right man for her while dreaming of becoming a singer. A successful businessman searches for the truth about a woman from his past. A senior housekeeper finds out that it is never too late to find true love. A young waiter finds the woman of his dreams but she is beyond his reach. A young brat finds out that love does not have to be as complicated as her love-hate relationship with her mother. And a sexy lounge singer searches for the perfect man who will keep his promises and who will never leave her. This comedy-romance-drama-musical will make you swoon, cry, laugh, and fall in love all over again. While it takes you to three continents around the world (Asia, Africa, and Europe) it is nevertheless an intimate film about searching for love, following your dreams, and making your own destiny.



183. Una Kang Naging Akin (1991)
Directed By:  Laurice Guillen               Story:  Helen Meriz

Cast:  Sharon Cuneta, Gabby Concepcion, Dawn Zulueta, Charito Solis, Eddie Gutierrez, Michael De Mesa, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Patrick Guzman, Jinky Oda, Alicia Alonzo


Nicolas Soriano Adriano III and Vanessa Yumol are Manila's couple of the century. Nick comes from a prominent family and Vanessa is a Manila socialite who loves the arts, and they are engaged to be married. Tragedy strikes when the chopper Nick is in crashes and burns in the jungles of Palawan. Authorities find what remains of the chopper and burnt bodies and declares that there are no survivors. Unbeknownst to all who know him, Nick has survived the crash and is found by a family of indigenous people who takes him in and takes care of him. When his wounds are healed, they lead him to the nearest dirt road where he catches a bus ride to the rural city of Puerto Princesa. There he meets Dr. Mallari, a marine biologist, while helping the doctor recover his bag from a thief. Dr. Mallari takes Nick to his home and introduces him as Darwin Salvador to his older sister the unmarried Tita Agnes and her daughter Diosa, an artist. Nick a.k.a. Darwin settles in a little hut he builds near the beach. Dr. Mallari and Tita Agnes immediately take to Darwin, but Diosa clearly dislikes him and shows it in their encounters until one day she tells him why - she doesn't believe the stories he tells her father and she doesn't like it that he lies to her father. During dinner, Nick/Darwin apologizes to the family and tells them he is leaving. He also reveals to them that he made up his name (Darwin was the name of a store in Puerto Princesa, and Salvador or savior was what Dr. Mallari called him when he helped him with the thief) and his background because he has no idea who he is or what happened to him. Later in his hut as he is getting ready to leave, Diosa goes to him and tells him that they have decided not to let him leave until he regains his memory. So Darwin stays and he and Diosa grow close. While all this is happening, Diosa and Vanessa also cross paths through Diosa's manager Eli. Vanessa happens to be Eli's friend and key client who has been buying Diosa's collection of paintings. Eli and Vanessa visit Diosa while Darwin is incidentally away with Tita Agnes. When he comes back, Diosa shows him pictures of her new friend Vanessa but Darwin doesn't recognize her. Later in the night Diosa goes to Darwin's hut and they confess their feelings for each other. They become lovers and later Diosa tells her father that they are getting married. Dr. Mallari is opposed at first because they don't know for sure if Darwin isn't already married with kids, but he gives in when Diosa reveals that she is pregnant. Due to some circumstances, Eli and Vanessa miss the wedding, but Diosa asks Vanessa to be the godmother of her baby. Months later, Diosa feels the first pains of labor and Darwin rushes her to the nearest hospital. Unfortunately the doctor is in another town and Darwin leaves to get him. On their way back, their bus loses its brakes and crashes. Darwin comes to in a hospital and suddenly remembers the helicopter crash and his real name. At the same night, Diosa gives birth to Darwin Junior. Days later Diosa and her father fight about Nick whose miraculous reappearance has made the papers. Diosa wants to make herself known to Nick, but Dr. Mallari doesn't want her disrupting other people's lives and getting hurt because Nick doesn't remember anything about them. During the argument Dr. Mallari has a heart attack and dies. Diosa decides to move to Manila and she attends Nick and Vanessa's wedding. At the wedding, Nick doesn't recognize her so she goes home to Tita Agnes and Darwin Jr. Tita Agnes tells her to forget Nick/Darwin and move on. Diosa tries to keep her distance but she becomes Vanessa's best friend and Vanessa asks her to be the godmother of their first baby. Nick' mother also commissions Diosa to paint their portraits so she begins to have moments alone with Nick while he poses for his portrait. One day Vanessa accidentally slips on the escalator in a mall and loses the baby. She and Nick start to grow apart because they can't have a baby anymore. During one their painting sessions, Nick makes a move on Diosa and brings her to his secret vacation house in Tagaytay. He confesses to Diosa that he can no longer fulfill his dream of being a father with Vanessa and that he regrets being tied to her. He tells Diosa that he chooses her and they start an affair. Vanessa finds out about their affair from Diosa's jealous neighbor Ronnie (he likes Diosa) who knows about the affair. Vanessa follows them to the secret house and confronts them. After that incident, Diosa and her family move back to Puerto Princesa and Nick leaves Vanessa. Nick goes to Diosa in Puerto Princesa on Darwin Jr's birthday. That night he tells her that no matter what Vanessa tries to do he will never forget her (Diosa) and they share an emotional moment. The next morning they are awakened by Tita Agnes and Eli's frantic knocking. Vanessa has followed Nick and has taken Darwin Jr at gunpoint by the beach. To appease her, Nick tells her that he will go with Vanessa if she lets Darwin Jr. go. Vanessa lowers the gun and goes to Nick's arms and Diosa grabs her son. Later, as Diosa sits with her son on the porch, Tita Agnes comes over with Eli who says goodbye to Diosa. Then Nick appears with Vanessa behind him, also to say goodbye. Diosa gives Darwin Jr. to Tita Agnes and Nick takes the boy and hugs him. Vanessa is stricken with guilt and tells Diosa that she didn't mean to endanger her son. Vanessa is in tears and asks for forgiveness and says she forgives Diosa too. At this, Diosa becomes enraged and slaps her. All her pent-up emotions come out and she tells Vanessa that she has nothing to ask forgiveness for. In fact, it is Vanessa who still owes her. Diosa tells Vanessa that had she killed Darwin Jr, she would have killed Nick's son. Nick and Vanessa are surprised to hear this. Diosa grabs Vanessa and leads her up the stairs. Nick follows the two women. Diosa lets go of Vanessa and digs for something in a wooden chest. She hands a wedding album to Vanessa and a set of pictures to Nick. She's already crying and the whole story spills out. Nick loved Vanessa first as Nick, but he married Diosa first as Darwin. She has tried her best to stay away and let Nick/Darwin be happy, but it has been Vanessa and Nick who kept close. It was also Nick who first confessed his feelings for Diosa. Amidst tears Diosa tells Nick/Darwin that, "You were mine first (Una ka naging akin)." In the next scene, Vanessa and Nick are getting on the chopper and Diosa walks away with Darwin Jr. in her arms. Diosa and Darwin Jr. look on as the chopper flies away. Then a voice behind her calls her name. She turns and it's Nick/Darwin. She calls him Nick and Nick says it doesn't matter whether he's Nick or Darwin, but he loves her. The three of them hug and kiss.
          The story revolves around that of a blind girl named Anghelita who was given the eyes of the Virgin Mary. But having her sight back, she will see what the world really is, filled with pain and sins. So, in search for her long lost mother, she will be instrumental in changing the lives of people along her way.



184. Nympha (1971)
Directed By:  Celso Ad. Castillo   

Cast:  Rizza, Philip Gamboa, Bella Flores, Romy Diaz

          The bomba movie may be classified into two types: hard pornography, and the art film. Celso Ad. Castillo’s Nympha is an example of the latter but its defective structure prevents the director from conveying his message artistically.
          Nympha begins and ends with a scene in the cemetery where a group of people are standing around a tomb under the rain. The movie as a whole is an exposition of the events in Nympha’s life that lead to this scene. Nympha is a young girl reared and morally sheltered by a hypocritically pious elder female relative. The girl’s blind piety, however, is ripped apart by her sudden awareness of the sexually-charged environment and by her own first love affair. Eventually, she goes from man to man driven by her demonic desires. Her unwanted pregnancy finally leads to a gory, fatal abortion.
          Castillo’s structure is untenable. Enveloping scenes from Nympha’s life within the cemetery scene is unnecessary. First, it is the director himself, not any of the characters, who assumes the narrative viewpoint; and, second, the cemetery scene is not credible--- the people stand there for an unbelievably long time, and under the rain at that.
          Because of this structure, the director forgot to pursue the movie’s thematic conflict, which is, hypocritical morality versus a sexually promiscuous world. As a result, there are gaps in the story, and inconsistencies between psychological make-up of the characters, and their behavior. Lastly, while the movie clearly disapproves of moralistic hypocrisy, it ironically insists on its own ethical standards. Thus, it objects to abortion. But then, the Philippines is a Catholic country, isn’t it?




185. Eskapo (1995) *
Directed By:  Chito Roño  

Cast:  Christopher De Leon, Richard Gomez, Dina Bonnevie, Ricky Davao, Armando Goyena, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Eric Fructuoso, Farrah Florer, Paula Peralejo

This is a true to life story about the Lopez-Osmeña great escape from the Marcos Martial Law prison. Serge Osmeña (Richard Gomez) and Geny Lopez (Christopher de Leon) are among the political prisoners of the Marcos Regime. They are wrongly accused of plotting to assassinate Marcos. The Osmeña and Lopez clan virtually surrenders their economic empires to the Marcos Regime in exchange for their son's freedom but to no avail. Thus, Osmeña and Lopez were left with no choice but plan for their great escape.



186. Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita (2004)
Directed By:  Joel Lamangan                     Story:  Ricardo Lee

Cast:  Judy Ann Santos, Raymart Santiago, Jay Manalo, Dennis Trillo, Marco Alcaraz, Angelu De Leon, Jacklyn Jose, Yasmien Kurdi, Anita Linda, TJ Trinidad, Iya Villania, Tony Mabesa, Jim Pebanco


          Aishite Imasu 1941 (from the Japanese meaning I Love You; Tagalog title Mahal Kita 1941, “Mahal Kita” also meaning I love You) is a drama, romance, and war movie released in Philippines in 2004 and is a story of love, betrayal and honor in wartime set in the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines (1941–1945) during World War II.
          The date is December 1941, and the simple folks of the quiet town of San Nicolas are unaware that war is nearing upon them. Inya (Judy Ann Santos) is a lovely young lady who had just married her childhood sweetheart Edilberto (Raymart Santiago) and they're excited about starting a new family. Ignacio Basa (Dennis Trillo) is Inya's best friend, a transgender woman who has been in love with the handsome Edilberto for years. Ignacio falls for Ichiru Hamaguchi (Jay Manalo) a Japanese Army official who returns his affection, but becomes torn between fulfilling his duty to his country and his love for Ignacio.
          The arrival of the Japanese throws the town into chaos, days after the Japanese air raid in Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7 - which marked the start of the war. Meanwhile, on December 8, Japanese air bombings included Manila, Baguio, Davao, Iba and Clark fields to signal the Japanese invasion to the Philippines.
          But Edilberto, Inya and Ignacio aren't the only ones the war will change forever. Traitorous Japanese interpreter Maura (Angelu de Leon), strong-willed Tiyang Mabel (Jacklyn Jose), tough guy Anton (TJ Trinidad), and pure-hearted Julia (Iya Villania) also get caught in the winds of the war, and find themselves doing things they never thought they'd do... all for the hope of living and dying another day.
          Starting on December 1941, the guerrilla leader captain Ediberto Manalang (Raymart Santiago) was named Commander Berto, and was supported by other local guerrilla forces in the town of San Nicolas during the Fall of the Philippines. Meanwhile, battles between the Japanese and USAFFE troops ends in the Battle of Bataan on 1942 and the Bataan Death March begins on April 9 of that year. Seventy-six thousands (76,000) surrendered Filipino and American troops became prisoners of war under Japanese hands. The defeated troops were forced to march from Bataan to Tarlac.
          A few years later, local guerrilla forces led by Captain Inya Marasingan Manalang, who replaced Commander Berto in 1943 before the administration of President Jose P. Laurel of the Second Philippine Republic from Japan, achieved their victories in battles at the town. The local Filipino troops and military officers of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and Philippine Constabulary units including the local recognized guerrillas fought side by side against the Japanese forces in the Philippines from 1942 to 1945 during the main-battles for the Japanese Conflicts Counter-Insurgencies and Allied Liberation of the Philippines on 1942 to 1945. The liberation of the country by the Allies between the combined Filipino, Australian, Mexican and American soldiers on 1944 to 1945 was helpful to the recognized guerrillas to defeat the Japanese occupation troops and ends World War II.




187. Doble Kara (1978)
Directed By:  Cirio H. Santiago

Cast:  Rudy Fernandez, Rey Malonzo, Beth Bautista, Paquito Diaz, Ruben Rustia, Romy Diaz, Dick Israel

 Eddie (Rudy Fernandez) is an impatient policeman whose dark moods often caused him to act foolishly. In one raid, he killed the leader and claims it as an act of self-defense. But his superior thinks he has acted beyond reason. This prompts him to dismiss Eddie from duty. However, Eddie’s wife thinks it is a blessing since he can spend more time with her and their sick daughter. Unknown to them, when he left his post, he also left a trail of hatred and revenge from the people who have been victims of his brutal treatment. They want him to pay for what he did.






188. Hinugot Sa Langit – Subtitle: Snatched From Heaven (1985)

Directed By:  Ishmael Bernal                   Story:  Amado Lacuesta



Cast:  Maricel Soriano, Al Tantay, Rowell Santiago, Charito Solis, Amy Austria, Dante Rivero, Susan Africa, Jaime Asencio, Vic Jose, Pen Medina, Tony Pascua, Mario Taguiwalo, Leticia Tison, Ray Ventura, Aurora Yumul



Hinugot sa Langit (Snatched from Heaven) is a 1985 Gawad Urian Award winning Filipino melodramatic film directed by Ishmael Bernal based on moral values. It is considered a classic in Filipino cinema and picked up four Gawad Urian Awards. It is about an unwanted pregnancy and issues with abortion and the church.



The center of the drama is the young unmarried but pregnant Carmen Castro (Maricel Soriano) who during the first few minutes of the film informs her cousin Stella (Amy Austria). Stella scoffs and recommends abortion. The father of the child, Jerry, also recommends abortion. Her over religious landlady Juling (Charito Solis), who is busy juggling her religious aims and her legal quarrel with the poor families illegally living in her land, however strongly suggests that she keeps the baby as killing it would be a sin against God.



Carmen sees signs that would seemingly suggest an answer to her difficult decision. Her poor neighbors struggle for money to feed their children. She sees a physically malformed child vending goods outside the church. She loses her job at a financing company due to the struggling economy during that time.



Carmen eventually decides to have an abortion in a deeply moving scene with close up shots of the cold steel utensils used by the doctor to undertake it. The cold steel of the abortion tools and the close up shots in turn attempt to emphasize the coldness of killing an unborn child.



Hinugot sa Langit may be branded as pro-life but in reality, while its focus is that controversial issue, Ishmael Bernal and screenwriter Amado Lacuesta employ a number of minor side stories into the main picture to increase the social hypocrisy in the film. The Philippines, being a prominently Catholic nation declare abortion as criminally and morally wrong but the characters surrounding her aren't naturally sure of their own lives. Stella is outwardly happy and wild but inwardly is insecure and lonely. Landlady Juling, whilst attempting to be a saint is riddled with guilt which she tries to forget through her religious practices, forgetting that the world has deeper problems than her past.



189. Lorenzo Ruiz... The Saint... A Filipino! (1988)
Directed By: Maria Saret

Cast: Mat Ranillo III, Charito Solis, Dang Cecilio, Joko Diaz, Alvin Enriquez, Rose Ann Gonzales, Rosanno Abelardo, Tony Lao


Saint Lorenzo Ruiz (c.1600 - September 29, 1637), was born in Binondo, Manila, Philippines. His Chinese father taught him Chinese, and his Filipino mother taught him Tagalog. Both of his parents were Catholic. Lorenzo served at the convent of Binondo church as an altar boy. After a few years Lorenzo earned the title of "escribano" (notary). He became a member of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary. He was working as a clerk at the Binondo Church when he was falsely accused of killing a Spaniard in 1636. Prior to that, his life with his Filipino wife and three children was one of peace, contentment, and Christ-centered. Lorenzo was falsely accused of murdering a Spaniard and sought asylum on board a ship with three Dominican priests, Saint Antonio Gonzalez, Saint Guillermo Courtet, Saint Miguel de Aozaraza, a Japanese priest: Saint Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz, and a layman named Saint Lazaro of Kyoto, a leper. The boat landed at Okinawa and the group was arrested on basis of their Christian religion. They were tortured by the Japanese, but did not denounce their faith, and died as martyrs. Lorenzo Ruiz was beatified in Manila on February 18, 1981 by Pope John Paul II who canonized Lorenzo on October 18, 1987. Lorenzo's beatification was the first one outside the Vatican and is the first Filipino saint.



190.  Tisoy (1977)
Directed By:  Ishmael Bernal

Cast:  Christopher De Leon, Jay Ilagan, Charo Santos, Lorli Villanueva, Bert "Tawa" Marcelo, Ruffy Mendoza, Dexter Doria, Soxy Topacio

Based on a popular comic strip by Nonoy Marcelo, Tisoy (Christopher de Leon) is a bohemian balikbayan searching for his father. He gets help from his friends as they scour the immaculately clean Metro Manila as well as reunite with his high school sweetheart. 

Cartoonist Nonoy Marcelo created Tisoy in 1963 for the Manila Times which tells about the lifestyle of young Filipinos. His main character, Tisoy (slang for “mestizo” or a person of mixed racial or ethnic ancestry, especially, in Latin America, of mixed American Indian and European descent or, in the Philippines, of mixed native and foreign descent), and cast members such as Aling Otik, Maribubut, Caligula, Tatang, Tikyo and Kinse, soon became known in Philippine pop culture. It was adapted later for television in 1968 featuring Jimmy Morato as Tisoy and Pilar Pilapil as Maribubut. Also in the cast were Bert 'Tawa' Marcelo as Tikyo and Moody Diaz as Aling Otik. It was made into a movie in 1969 with almost the same TV cast. In 1977, Direk Ishmael Bernal revived the popular cartoon charcter with Christopher de Leon playing the title role of Tisoy and Charo Santos as Maribubut.


191. The 13th Sultan (1949) *
Directed By:   Eduardo De Castro

Cast:   Bimbo Danao, Mona Lisa, Luningning, Fernando Poe, Berting Labra, Fernando Royo, Carol Varga



192. In My Life (2009)
Directed By:  Olivia Lamasan

Cast:  Vilma Santos-Recto, John Lloyd Cruz, Luis Manzano, Vice Ganda, Nikki Valdez, Dimples, Romana, Rafael Rosell, Tirso Cruz III, Paw Diaz


          Shirley Templo (Vilma Santos-Recto) is a ruthless woman. Many people deal with her strong attitude only for fear of her cold stare, or her out lash. She works as a librarian in a school and lives in a compound that is owned by her ex-husband, Benito Salvacion (Tirso Cruz III). Many of the Salvacion family members that live near the compound even including her eldest daughter Dang (Dimples Romana) plead with her to sell it so they can make a profit and she can move to a more suitable living area. Hard-headed as she is, Shirley refuses and feels betrayed by her two daughters, Dang and Cherry for even siding with their father who left them nearly fifteen years ago. Even more upset, she finds out that Dang will want to move out of the Philippines to Australia. Leaving her alone in the Philippines since all her children moved out, Shirley decides to move to New York City with her youngest and only son, Mark Salvacion (Luis Manzano). Mark is unaware, however, that this supposed vacation of his mother is actually a permanent visit.
          Upon her arrival to the States, Shirley is picked up at the airport by Noel Villanueva (John Lloyd Cruz). Thinking he was only hired help, she rudely offers him payment for his services, but he declines. As she walks around the apartment she notices pictures of Mark and Noel being affectionate toward each other. She then realizes that Noel is, in fact, Mark's new boyfriend. Although she was aware of Mark's homosexuality since his high school years, she gives Noel plenty of trouble and hard times. The story reflects how Shirley changes her attitudes and views from two men that become a big part of her life and how she accepts the reality that has been presented to her. Unfortunately, unforeseen tragedies occur and a rift between Shirley and Noel arise. But as she understands Mark's reasons for having her be around Noel all this time, she resolves her issues with him and soon embraces him as a member of her family.



193. Manila (2009) *
Directed By:  Raya Martin, Adolfo Alix Jr.        Story:  Adolfo Alix Jr., Ramon Sarmiento

Cast:  Piolo Pascual, Rosanna Roces, Jay Manalo, Alessandra de Rossi, Anita Linda, William Martinez, Angelica Panganiban, Baron Geisler, Menggie Cobarrubias, Marissa Delgado, Cherrie Madrigal, Jiro Manio


          Manila is an independently produced twinbill film that pays homage to Lino Brocka's Jaguar and Ishmael Bernal's Manila by Night. Manila is divided into a day episode (which is loosely based on Bernal's 1980 film Manila by Night) and a night episode (inspired by Brocka's 1979 film Jaguar).
          For the day segment, Piolo Pascual portrays William, a drug addict who tries to rebuild his sense of self and reconnect with the people around him. Piolo's character is named William in honor of William Martinez who played the lead role in Manila By Night.
          For the night segment, Piolo portrays Philip, a bodyguard for a mayor's son who mistakenly believes that his boss considers him as part of the family. Piolo's character is named Philip in honor of Phillip Salvador who played the lead role in Jaguar.



194. Ploning (2008)
Directed By:  Dante Nico Garcia

Cast:  Judy Ann Santos, Gina Pareño, Mylene Dizon, Ces Quesada, Tony Mabesa, Crispin Pineda, Eugene Domingo, Tessie Tomas, Ketchup Eusebio, Ronnie Lazaro, Joel Torre, Beth Tamayo

Ploning, is a story of one man's search for the enigmatic woman who has deeply wounded him in the past. Having grown up in an illegal Taiwanese fishing vessel, Rodrigo (30 years old) returns to the beautiful island of Cuyo and is given from sunrise to sunset to look for his Ploning. In his search, he discovered that the woman he loved and adored as a boy is not the woman he thought he knew. Ploning has displayed her maternal love for Digo (the 6-year old Rodrigo) but is shrouded in her mysterious love and devotion for Tomas, her childhood sweetheart who left her when she was 16. This 30-year-old spinster who has held a special place amongst the people as a dutiful daughter, a devoted friend, a caring sister and a loving maternal figure is slowly unveiled through Rodrigo's memory and an emotional meeting with Ploning's confidante, Seling. Through his search, Ploning will be revealed as the island's most bittersweet source of selfless love.



195. Maskarados (1963) *
Directed By:  Efren Reyes

Cast:  Fernando Poe Jr., Bob Soler, Johnny Monteiro, Efren Reyes, Lani Oteyza, Nova Villa, Lauro Delgado, Oscar Keese, Lito Anzures, Nello Nayo, Pablo Virtuoso, Dencio Padilla

It's a scene wherein the young Fernando Poe, Jr. joins forces with Bob Soler, Johnny Monteiro and Efren Reyes to help the beleaguered King (Oscar Keesee) from the evil plot of his brother (Lauro Delgado) out to overthrow him. It's FPJ showing his fencing skill early in his career!




196. Nardong Putik (1972)
Directed By:  Tony Cayado

Cast:  Ramon Revilla, Max Alvarado, Gloria Romero, Alona Alegre, Rosemarie Gil, Robert Jaworski, Michael Murray, Manolo Robles, Dolphy, Marissa Delgado, Tony Ferrer, Eddie Garcia, Luis Gonzales, Teroy de Guzman, Panchito

The film is based on the true to life story of Leonardo Manecio popularly called as Nardong Putik. An amulet-wielding hoodlum from Cavite province, Putik credited his ability to survive and escape numerous ambushes and gunfights to his anting-anting (amulet). Nardong Putik's ability to elude the law and his enemies made him a legend to many people.

Nardong Putik was infamously known as the local Robinhood of Cavite during the 50's. According to the stories, Nardong Putik's body was bullet proof and he would disappear whenever he stepped on mud.




197. Tunay Na Ina (1938)
Directed By:  Octavio Silos

Cast:  Rosario Moreno, Rudy Concepcion, Tita Duran, Exequiel Segovia, Precioso Palma, Naty Bernardo

Tunay na Ina, one of only five surviving pre-war movies, tells of a mother's search for her lost daughter.

Magdalena (Rosario Moreno) becomes pregnant because she was raped by Antonio (Exequiel Segovia). Before his death, her father (Precioso Palma) gives up the baby for adoption, thinking that no man can ever understand her past. Magdalena is engaged to Roberto (Rudy Concepcion), a decent, well-off young man. Haunted by her conscience, Magdalena writes Roberto a letter, admitting her past. Her aunt, afraid that the wedding may be called off, intercepts the letter and hides it. Assuming that Roberto has accepted her in spite of her past, she marries him. Magdalena later becomes increasingly aware that Roberto does not know the truth about her. She tries to locate her lost child. Eventually, she sees a child that she thinks is her missing daughter. The child, Tita (Tita Duran), recognizes Aling Andang (Naty Bernardo) as her mother. The story of how Tita came to Andang matches the story of how Magdalena's baby was given away. Magdalena is now sure that Tita is her child. Meanwhile, Antonio comes back and blackmails Magdalena. When Magdalena later refuses to give him more money, Antonio tells Roberto the truth. Roberto throws Magdalena out of the house. She goes to Andang and Tita to spend time with her daughter, not knowing that Junior, her son by Roberto is gravely ill. Junior dies. Magdalena is only redeemed in Roberto's eyes when the aunt produces Magdalena's letter. After Andang almost comes to death on Christmas Eve, Magdalena decides to adopt both Tita and Aling Andang into their homes.





Luis Gonzales as the then Presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand E. Marcos facing trial in Iginuhit Ng Tadhana: The Ferdinand E. Marcos story (1965)


198. Iginuhit ng Tadhana: The Ferdinand E. Marcos Story (1965)
Directed By:  Conrado Conde, Jose De Villa, Mar S. Torres

Cast:   Luis Gonzales, Gloria Romero, Rosa Mia, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Vilma Santos, Chona, Tony Cayado, Ven Medina, Venchito Galvez, Jose Morelos, Marcela Garcia, Lourdes Yumul, Matimtiman Cruz, Renato Del Prado, Pablo Raymundo

"Iginuhit ng Tadhana," a political propaganda movie, tells of the life and exploits of then Philippine Presidential candidate, Senator Ferdinand E. Marcos (played by Luis Gonzales). One of the highlights of the two-and-half movie was the celebrated Nalundasan case, where the young Marcos was accused of murder.

During the filming, Imelda Marcos was on the set to give Gloria Romero pointers. It was the first time that Romero played a non-fictional character.



199. Haring Kobra (1950)
Directed By:  Richard Abelardo                     Story By:  Jose L. Santos

Cast:  Rogelio Dela Rosa, Lilia Dizon, Jose Vergara, Jose Corazon De Jesus Jr., Elena Acosta, Ben Medina, Casmot, Ramon Roy, Tita Ramirez, Etang Discher, Akong, Dimas Cortez,

Haring Kobra is a costume epic, one of the countless produced in the early 1950s, revealing the Filipino's obsession with folklore and fantasy. Among the film's more interesting features is the dual role played by Rogelio dela Rosa, the matte paintings of a mythical Balinese kingdom executed by the film's director, Richard Abelardo, and the production and costume design by National Artist Carlos 'Botong' Francisco. While working in a shipyard in Jolo, Felipe (Rogelio dela Rosa) is coerced by two henchmen of a deposed monarch, Haring Kobra, to accept a twofold mission - to impersonate him and kill the present usurper to the throne, his cousin, Rahmed (Jose Vergara) and thus stop the forthcoming marriage of Rahmed and the lovely Amahda (Lilia Dizon).




200.  Keka (2003)
Directed By:  Quark Henares

Cast:  Katya Santos, Wendell Ramos, Vhong Navarro, Ryan Eigenmann, Bobby Andrews, Marky Lopez, Jordan Herrera, Rissa Mananquil-Samson, Luis Alandy, TJ Trinidad, Tristan Enriquez, Tuesday Vargas, Rey Solo, Vanna Garcia, Helen Arevalo


Keka (Katya Santos) loses the love of her life to a violent fraternity ambush. She despairs of ever finding happiness again until, years later; she decides to ease her pain by murdering the fraternity boys, one by one.

They escaped justice due to their parents’ contacts, and they have all gone on to successful careers, particularly the frat leader, Bobby (Ryan Eigenmann), who is a heartthrob soap actor.

Keka calls on her boyfriend’s old frat brother, Bhong (Vhong Navarro), who gets her a gun, mistakenly thinking she won’t go through with her plan.