Star Cinema's Adaptations of Tagalog-Dubbed Anime Series

Many of us who were children in the 1990s remember the Tagalog-dubbed anime series Princess Sarah and Cedie: Ang Munting Prinsipe (Cedie: The Little Prince). Who can forget Sarah Crewe's riches-to-rags-then-back-riches story? I bet there are many who still recall Miss Minchin, her tormentor, with hate. Cedric "Cedie" Errol, on the other hand, is the boy from Brooklyn who turned out to be the heir of the Earl of Dorincourt, his grandfather. With Cedie's charm and innocence, the grumpy Earl becomes the benevolent and beloved benefactor to his tenants.

Both were part of ABS-CBN's programming for young people that time. The television network's film production outfit, Star Cinema, was also just starting back then. As Star Cinema celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year, it can be recalled the two of its best-remembered productions were movie versions of those programs. 

Sarah ... Ang Munting Prinsesa opened in theaters on June 7, 1995. It stars Camille Prats in the title role. Mat Ranillo III played the role of Ralph Crewe, Sarah's father, while Jean Garcia was Miss Minchin, the headmistress of Sarah's borading school. Angelica Panganiban, currently one of the network's top stars, portrayed the role of Becky, Sarah's best friend. 

Cedie was released in theaters on May 8, 1996. Tom Taus Jr. played the title role, while Ronaldo Valdez portrayed the Earl of Dorincourt. Jaclyn Jose and Mark Gil were Annie and James, Cedie's parents, in the movie. Both movies were under the direction of Romy V. Suzara.