Movies That Mark 30th Year in October 2024

At least nine Filipino movies were released in theaters in October 1994. At present, some of these movies can be viewed on YouTube, while others are occasionally aired on free television.


Si Ayala at si Zobel
Pedrito Masangkay: Walang Bakas Na Iiwan
The Secrets of Sarah Jane: Sana'y Mapatawad Mo
Lab Kita, Bilib Ka Ba?
Separada
Marami Ka Pang Kakaining Bigas
Ging, Gang, Gooly Giddiyap: I Love You, Daddy
Batang Lansangan
Talahib at Rosas


Details of each mentioned title follow.

Si Ayala at si Zobel

Original Release Date: October 05, 1994

Production Company: OctoArts Films

MAIN CAST

Anjo Yllana    ...    Ayala

Ogie Alcasid    ...    Zobel

Babalu    ...    Soriano

Janet Arnaiz    ...    Jannet

Jennifer Mendoza    ...    Jenny

Kier Legaspi    ...    Carlo

Michael V.    ...    Keempee

Nova Villa    ...    Lilit Chunin

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Junn P. Cabreira

Screenplay    ...    Mike Tan

Cinematography    ...    Rudy Dino

Production Design    ...    Rolly Bernardo

Editing    ...    Segundo Ramos

Musical Direction    ...    Sunny Ilacad

Executive Producer    ...    Orly R. Ilacad

NOTES:

*** The title characters are apparently inspired by Zobel de Ayala, the surname of one of the wealthiest families in the country. According to Forbes, Jaime Zobel de Ayala and his family are ranked eighth in the Philippines' 50 Richest. This aspect of the movie foreshadows a rags-to-riches plot. 

Pedrito Masangkay: Walang Bakas Na Iiwan (Tagalog: No Trace Will Be Left)

Original Release Date: October 05, 1994

Production Company: First Films

MAIN CAST

Ian Veneracion ... Pedrito Mangsakay

Andy Poe    ...    Capt. Briones

Cristina Gonzales    ...    Charing

Beth Tamayo    ...    Jennifer

Karen Timbol    ...    Torres

Dick Israel    ...    Sarmiento

Subas Herrero    ...    Jose

Perla Bautista    ...    Caridad

Michael Alano    ...    Santos

Mikee Villanueva    ...    Nurse

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Francis 'Jun' Posadas

Story and Screenplay    ...    Erwin T. Lanado

Cinematography    ...    Rosendo Buenaseda

Production Design    ...    Nesty Ramirez

Editing    ...    Rogelio Salvador

Musical Direction    ...    Marita Manuel

Executive Producer    ...    Eddie Chua and Roy Chua

The Secrets of Sarah Jane: Sana'y Mapatawad Mo (Tagalog: Hoping for Your Forgiveness)

Original Release Date: October 05, 1994

Production Company: Regal Films

MAIN CAST

Gelli De Belen    ...    Sarah Jane

Richard Gomez    ...    Bong

Jomari Yllana    ...    Francis

Karla Estrada    ...    Armie

Melissa Mendez    ...    Lisa

Ogie Diaz    ...    Don

Monti Tirasol    ...    Jet

Candy Pangilinan    ...    Regina

Jun Palatiao    ...    Isanay

Robert Aviles    ...    Robert

Juan Flavier    ...    himself

Sarah Jane Salazar    ...    as herself

Justo C. Justo    ...    as himself

Al Tantay    ...    Roland

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Maryo J. Delos Reyes

Story    …    Justo C. Justo

Screenplay    ...    Jake Tordesillas

Cinematography    ...    Charlie Peralta

Production Design    ...    Benjie De Guzman and Tata Esteban

Editing    ...    George Jarlego

Musical Direction    ...    Jaime Fabregas

Executive Producer    ...    Lily Monteverde

NOTES:

*** In 1994, Sarah Jane Salazar became the second Filipino to go public with HIV. The first one was Dolzura Cortez, whose life story had been made into the 1993 film Dahil Mahal Kita (Tagalog: Because I Love You: The Dolzura Cortez Story).

Lab Kita, Bilib Ka Ba? (Tagalog: I Love You, Do You Believe?)

Original Release Date: October 12, 1994

Production Company: MovieArts Inc. and Aries Vision Productions

MAIN CAST

Robin Padilla ... Carlos / Billy

Ruffa Gutierrez ... Gemma

Charito Solis ... Chayong

Jess Lapid Jr. ... Marco

Jaclyn Jose ... Olga

Amado Cortez ... Mario

Dan Alvaro ... Alvaro

Ramon Christopher ... Boogie

Gabriel Romulo ... Romulo

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Gene 'Bo' Palomo

Screenplay    ...    Humilde 'Meek' Roxas

Production Design    ...    Tito Macatunggal

Editing    ...    Rene Tala

Musical Direction    ...    Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producer    ...    Inday Badiday

NOTES:

*** Inday Badiday, the executive producer, was more popularly known as a television talk show host. Gene 'Bo' Palomo, the director, was her life partner.

Separada (Tagalog: Separated)

 

Original Release Date: October 12, 1994

Production Company: Star Cinema

MAIN CAST

Maricel Soriano    ...    Melissa

Edu Manzano    ...    Dodie

Sharmaine Arnaiz    ...    Sandy

AiAi Delas Alas    ...    Cookie

Teresa Loyzaga    ...    Benny

Patrick Garcia    ...    Vincent

Angelica Panganiban    ...    Jenny

Eddie Rodriguez    ...    Melissa's Father

Liza Lorena    ...    Carmela

Lani Mercado    ...    Susan

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Chito S. Roño

Screenplay    ...    Ricardo Lee and Tessie Tomas

Cinematography    ...    Joe Batac

Production Design    ...    Ernest Santiago

Editing    ...    Joe Solo

Musical Direction    ...    Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producers    ...    Charo Santos-Concio and Lily Monteverde

NOTES:

*** The movie marks the first collaboration between lead stars Maricel Soriano and Edu Manzano after the annulment of their marriage. They maintain friendly relations.

*** Maricel Soriano plays the role of Melissa Neri, an advertising executive. The co-writer, actress Tessie Tomas, used to work in the advertising industry.

*** Dance group StreetBoys are featured in a scene depicting a television commercial shoot. Chito S. Roño is the founder of StreetBoys.     

Marami Ka Pang Kakaining Bigas (Tagalog: You Have to Eat More Rice)

Original Release Date: October 19, 1994

Production Company: Viva Films

MAIN CAST

Eddie Garcia    ...    Digoy

Rustom Padilla    ...    Jude

Gloria Diaz    ...    Azon

Michelle Aldana    ...    Monette

Paquito Diaz    ...    Maj. Montero

Luz Valdez    ...    Monette's Mother

Jimmy Fabregas    ...     Monette's Father

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Jun Aristorenas

Story and Screenplay    ...    Amado Lacuesta

Cinematography    ...    Johnny Araojo

Production Design    ...    Ronnie Cruz and Jojo Magno

Editing    ...    Rene Tala

Musical Direction    ...    Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producer    ...    Vic Del Rosario Jr.

NOTES:

*** The opening credits of this 1994 feature stores that sell rice for as low as 14 pesos per kilogram. As of September 2024, average prices range from 49 to 60 pesos per kilogram. 

Ging, Gang, Gooly Giddiyap: I Love You, Daddy

Original Release Date: October 20, 1994

Production Company: Regal Films

MAIN CAST

Manilyn Reynes    ...    Star

Romnick Sarmenta    ...    Bong

Jimmy Santos    ...    Tatay Rudolf

Gina Pareño    ...    Nanay Bella

Nanette Inventor    ...    Doña Tiny

Jackie Forster    ...    Trixie

Sharon Bustamante    ...    Cindy

Eric Fructuoso    ...    Emil

Joey Marquez    ...    Don Arnaldo / King Arthur

Patricia Ann Roque    ...    Patricia

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Manny Castañeda

Story and Screenplay    ...    Joel Mercado, Jillmer Dy, and Wali Ching

Cinematography    ...    Ricardo Jacinto

Production Design    ...    Monching Escobar

Editing    ...    Edmund 'Bot' Jarlego and Efren Jarlego

Musical Direction    ...    Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producer    ...    Lily Monteverde

Batang Lansangan (Tagalog: Street Child)

Original Release Date: October 26, 1994

Production Company: Moviestars Productions

MAIN CAST

Ronnie Ricketts    ...    Rodrigo

Raymond Bagatsing    ...    Raffy

Efren Reyes Jr.    ...    Tomas Grano

Sheila Ysrael    ...    Maricris

Sunshine Cruz    ...    Perly

Bob Soler    ...    Coun. Centeno

Romy Diaz    ...    Pusoy

Janice Jurado    ...    Delia

Dinky Doo Jr.    ...    Estong

Carol Dauden    …     Alice

Ricky Rellosa    ...    Peping Hapon

Mon Tulfo    ...    Selmo

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Leonardo L. Garcia

Story ... Cora A. Cristol

Screenplay    ...    Gerry Tirazona

Cinematography    ...    Baltazar Dauz

Production Design    ...    Jonathan Gabriel

Editing    ...    Ruben Natividad

Musical Direction    ...    Mon Del Rosario

Executive Producer    ...    Victor Villegas

NOTES:

*** Mon Tulfo, a journalist, is introduced in this movie. He plays the role of a barangay chairman.

Talahib at Rosas (Tagalog: Tall Grass and Roses)

Original Release Date: October 26, 1994

Production Company: Viva Films

MAIN CAST

Cesar Montano    ...    Jacob Villapando

Anjanette Abayari    ...    Abba Jalandoni

Dante Rivero    ...    Col. Conde

Albert Martinez    ...    Mayor Jake Jalandoni

Bembol Roco    ...    Kumander Baleleng

Ramon Christopher    ...    Jamil

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Jose 'Kaka' Balagtas

Story and Screenplay    ...    Humilde 'Meek' Roxas

Cinematography    ...    Ver Dauz

Production Design    ...    Sonny Valencia

Editing    ...    Renato De Leon

Musical Direction    ...    Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producer    ...    Vic Del Rosario

NOTES:

*** Albert Martinez and Cesar Montano played the role of national hero Jose Rizal in movies that were released in 1997 and 1998. Incidentally, the director is also named Jose.

Movies That Mark 30th Year in September 2024

At least eight Filipino movies were released in theaters in September 1994. At present, some of these movies can be viewed on YouTube, while others are occasionally aired on free television.

Resbak: Babalikan Ko Kayo!
Tunay Na Magkaibigan: Walang Iwanan, Peksman
Iukit Mo Sa Bala!
Kalabog en Bosyo
Col. Billy Bibit, RAM
Greggy en Boogie: Sakyan Mo Na Lang, Anna
Lagalag: The Eddie Fernandez Story
Forever

Details of each mentioned title follow.

Resbak: Babalikan Ko Kayo! (Tagalog: Resbak: I Will Get Back At You!)

Original Release Date: September 07, 1994

Production Company: Sunlight Films

MAIN CAST

Ronald Gan    ... Daniel

Tirso Cruz III ... Joseph

Dan Alvaro ... Kevin

Rina Reyes ... Jazz

Ramon Christopher ... Dave

Isabel Granada ... Jenny

Rhey Roldan ... Dennis

Boy Fernandez ... Benjo

Bobby Benitez ... Sammy

SELECTED CREW

Direction     ... Roland S. Ledesma

Story ... Edd'j Contreras

Screenplay ... Eddie Joson

Cinematography ... Rudy Quijano

Production Design ... Mamerto Valerio

Editing ... Ruben Pantua

Musical Direction ... Egay Monsalve

Executive Producer ... Estela O. Ledesma

NOTES:

*** Resbak is a Filipino slang term that means to fight back. It is derived from the phrase 'wrest back.' 

Tunay Na Magkaibigan: Walang Iwanan, Peksman (Tagalog: True Friends, No Leaving Behind)

Original Release Date: September 07, 1994

Production Company: Moviestars Productions, M-Zet Films

MAIN CAST

Phillip Salvador ... Daniel

Vic Sotto ... Estong

Mat Ranillo III ... Mateo

Sarah Jane Abad ... Angela

Larry Silva ... Mando

Ritchie D'Horsie ... Aga

Yoyong Martirez ... Sgt. Jose

Atoy Co ... Sgt. Castillo

Roldan Aquino ... Julio

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Tony Y. Reyes

Story and Screenplay ... Tony V. Reyes, Humilde 'Meek' Roxas 

Cinematography ... Sergio Lobo

Production Design ... Noel Luna

Editing ... Eduardo 'Boy' Jarlego

Musical Direction ... Homer Flores

Executive Producer ... Marvic Sotto and Victor Villegas

NOTES:

*** Peksman is a Tagalog slang term said to assure someone that you were telling the truth or that you would fulfill a promise. The peks- is derived from the Spanish word pecado (sin) to form the Tagalog phrase kasalanan man.

Iukit Mo sa Bala! (Tagalog: Etch It on Bullet!)

Original Release Date: September 14, 1994

Production Company: Star Cinema, Megavision Films

MAIN CAST 

Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr. ... Dr. Roberto 'Bobby' Guerrero

Gabby Concepcion ... Rico Velez

Nanette Medved ... Noemi

Mat Ranillo III ... Vice Mayor Mario Ocampo

Luis Gonzales ... Mayor Roman Guerrero

Marita Zobel ... Norma Guerrero

Lito Legaspi ... Congressman Velez

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Pepe Marcos

Story and Screenplay ... Jose N. Carreon and Genaro 'Nerdy' Cruz

Cinematography ... Danny Bustos

Production Design ... Arthur Sta. Maria

Editing ... Joe 'Cocker' Salle

Musical Direction ... Mon Del Rosario

Executive Producer ... Lily Y. Monteverde, William Lao and Charo Santos

NOTES:

*** The story is based on Nerdy Cruz's work that is serialized in POGI Komiks, a comic-magazine aimed at a predominantly male audience. Pogi is a Tagalog word that means handsome or good-looking. Interestingly, Bong Revilla is the titular actor in the Alyas Pogi action film series.

Kalabog en Bosyo

Original Release Date: September 14, 1994

Production Company: Viva Films

MAIN CAST: 

Janno Gibbs ... Kalabog

Dennis Padilla ... Bosyo

Charlene Gonzales ... Marlene

Agot Isidro ... TV Reporter

Leo Martinez ... Chief Basilon

Rod Navarro ... Don Valentin / Diego

Raffy Rodriguez ... Amboy

Charina Scott ... Snow White

Richard Bonnin ... Don Valentin's Right Hand

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Ben Feleo

Story and Screenplay ... Reynaldo Castro, Ben Feleo, Ana Santos and Ma. Renette Torres

Cinematography ... Ernie Dela Paz

Production Design ... Randy Gamier

Editing ... Efren 'Lodging' Jarlego

Musical Direction ... Ricky Del Rosario

Executive Producer ... Vic Del Rosario

NOTES:

*** The story is based on characters created by cartoonist Larry Alcala. In 2018, Alcala was posthumously conferred the National Artist for Visual Arts title and the Grand Collar of the Order of National Artists. 

*** GMA Network co-produced Kalabog en Bosyo, but the company is not credited in the opening and closing credits. The company's logo appeared in the movie's posters in theaters and newspaper ads.

Col. Billy Bibit, RAM

Original Release Date: September 21, 1994

Production Company: Viva Films

MAIN CAST: 

Rommel Padilla ... Col. Billy Bibit

Paquito Diaz ... Hadji Muhran

Daniel Fernando ... Capt. Lapeña

Efren Reyes Jr. ... Abdul Hassim

Jorge Estregan ... Salupdin

Bing Loyzaga     ...     Odette

Robin Padilla ... Col. Gringo Honasan

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... William G. Mayo

Story and Screenplay ... Eddie M. Mayo and Henry Nadong

Cinematography ... Vic Anao

Production Design ... Melchor Defensor

Editing ... Ruben Pantua

Musical Direction ... Jaime Fabregas

Executive Producer ... Vic Del Rosario

NOTES:

*** RAM is the acronym that refers to the Reform the Armed Forces Movement. The movement comprised a group of officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. During the 1980s and 1990s, RAM staged a number of attempts to seize power in the country.

Greggy en Boogie: Sakyan Mo Na Lang, Anna (Tagalog: Greggy and Boogie: Just Ride on It, Anna)

Original Release Date: September 21, 1994

Production Company: Regal Films

MAIN CAST: 

Benjie Paras ... Greggy

Babalu ... Boogie

Sheryl Cruz ... Anna

Nova Villa ... Hilda

Paquito Diaz ... Rigor

Noel Trinidad ... Don Bartolome

Antoinette Taus ... Buchikik

Tom Taus Jr. ... Buchokoy

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Efren 'Loging' Jarlego

Story and Screenplay ... Jake 'Tambo' Valdez

Cinematography ... Oscar Quirejero

Production Design ... Cesar Jose

Editing ... Edgardo Jarlego

Musical Direction ... Mon Del Rosario

Executive Producer ... Lily Y. Monteverde

NOTES:

*** This movie has elements apparently inspired by Charlie Chaplin's City Lights. Anna (Sheryl Cruz) is a poor flower girl who is hoping for a cure for her blindness. Noel Trinidad (Don Bartolome) is an alcoholic millionaire who is a friend to Greggy and Boogie when drunk but does not recognize them when sober. 

Lagalag: The Eddie Fernandez Story

Original Release Date: September 28, 1994

Production Company: Star Cinema, Megavision Films

MAIN CAST: 

Rudy Fernandez ... Eddie Fernandez

Dawn Zulueta ... Dulce Lukban

Tirso Cruz III ... Roy Panganiban

Jess Lapid Jr. ... Tony Bagyo

Andy Poe ... Ricky

Dick Israel ... Roldan Aquino

Willie Revillame ... Berting Labra

Rosa Rosal ... Mrs. Fernandez

Jean Garcia ... Cindy

Eula Valdez ... Sarah

Chin Chin Gutierrez ... Rosie

Claudine Barretto ... Pops Fernandez

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Romy Suzara

Story and Screenplay ... Jose N. Carreon and Jojo Lapus

Cinematography ... Pablo 'Ambo' Bautista and Ricardo Remias

Production Design ... Joey Luna

Editing ... Edgardo 'Boy' Vinarao

Musical Direction ... Jaime Fabregas

Executive Producer ... Lily Y. Monteverde, William Lao and Charo Santos-Concio

NOTES:

*** Lagalag is the Tagalog term for wanderer or vagabond. It is also the name of the lead character played by Eddie Fernandez in a number of spy films in the 1960s

Forever

Original Release Date: September 28, 1994

Production Company: Viva Films

MAIN CAST

Aga Muhlach ... Chito

Mikee Cojuangco ... Isabel

Pilar Pilapil ... Purita

Dante Rivero ... Iking

Tonton Gutierrez ... Albert

Tommy Abuel ... Gusting

Bing Loyzaga ... Beth

Marjorie Barretto ... Vivian

Angelu De Leon ... Cindy

Rosemarie Gil ... Mrs. Campos

Johnny Wilson ... Mr. Campos

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Rowell Joseph Santiago

Story and Screenplay ... Tatus Aldana, Jose Dalisay Jr. and Ricky Lee

Cinematography ... Marissa Floirendo

Production Design ... Tatus Aldana

Editing ... Ike Jarlego Jr.

Musical Direction ... Louie Ocampo

Executive Producer ... Vic Del Rosario Jr.

NOTES:

*** Forever marks the movie debut of Mikee Cojuangco. It showcases her skills as an equestrienne. 

*** GMA Network co-produced Forever, but the company is not credited in the opening and closing credits. The company's logo appeared in the movie's posters in theaters and newspaper ads.

Dolphy and His Children in "Kung Anong Puno, Siyang Bunga"

Kung Anong Puno, Siyang Bunga (Tagalog: What the Tree Is, So Is Its Fruit) is a 1971 Filipino comedy - family drama film directed by Luciano Carlos. 

Produced by Dolphy's RVQ Productions, the film was the company's fourth anniversary presentation. 

It was top-billed by Dolphy, Gloria Romero, Sahlee Quizon, Manuel 'Boy' Quizon, Katy de la Cruz and Panchito.

Photo Credit: RVQ Productions

SYNOPSIS

Rodolfo 'Dolfo' Vera (Dolphy), a composer with a wife and two children, was just released from prison after being granted with a presidential pardon in time for Christmas. 

As he reflects on the events that led to his plight, a series of flashbacks was shown.

About fifteen years ago Dolfo went home and found his wife Rebecca (Gloria Romero) in a seemingly compromising situation with another man.

He accidentally killed the man during the ensuing scuffle, resulting in a prison term.

Harboring the feeling that Rebecca was unfaithful to him, Dolfo resolved never to see Rebecca again.

One day, a new prisoner arrived and turned out to be an accomplice of the man who died in the said scuffle.

This new prisoner disclosed that a setup was hatched to make it appear that Rebecca was committing infidelity.

With this information, Dolfo proved that he had made wrong accusations against Rebecca.

His efforts to apologize to and make amends with his wife proved futile, as the letters he wrote mysteriously failed to get into his wife's hands.

From the prison, Dolfo stayed for a while in the house of his cousin (Balut) and made plans on how to reach his family.

Dolfo found out that Rebecca and their two children lived in the house of his mother-in-law (Katy de la Cruz).

The children, Malou (Sahlee Quizon) and Marlon (Boy Quizon) are now teenagers who grew up without knowing their father. 

Dolfo applied for a job as a family driver. Rebecca saw her and talked about how things have changed.

Malou suddenly appeared and asked her mother who is the man she is talking to. 

Dolfo promptly said that he is the new driver, and Malou said that he is hired.

Malou found a father figure in the Dolfo, and music became their shared interest.

On the other hand, Marlon was antagonistic toward Dolfo.

Growing up without a guidance from a father figure, Marlon gravitated toward vices.

Meanwhile, Rebecca's mom was furious to find out that Dolfo is in her house.

She was also the one who made actions to alienate Dolfo from his children, reaching to the point of setting up a false tomb that bears Dolfo's full name.

She eventually agreed for Dolfo to work as a stay-in family driver on the condition that he will not reveal himself to their children as their father.

Another condition is that Dolfo should allow Rebecca to get married to Ferdinand (Panchito).

Rebecca's mother thinks Ferdinand is the better choice.

A drug deal gone wrong put Marlon in danger, prompting Dolfo to come to the rescue and almost lose his life in the process.

The incident served as the catalyst for Dolfo's reconciliation with Marlon and the rest of the family.

OTHER NOTES:

Zandro Zamora, later known for villainous roles in action movies, was cast as Zandy, Malou's suitor.

Photo Credit: RVQ Productions / Cinema One

*** Like many other movies from RVQ Productions, family members are part of the cast. Sahlee and Boy Quizon are Dolphy's children. The late Georgie Quizon, who played the role of the hippie houseboy, was Dolphy's brother.

*** Panchito's character is Ferdinand, a namesake of the Philippine president at the time of the movie's release.

*** In a scene inside the police station, Dolfo complains that the youth are into shenanigans and watch a lot of bomba movies. During that period, the bomba genre was characterized by gratuitous use of sex scenes.

*** Taglines: "This Is Definitely the Most Bombastic Picture of 1971," "The Family That Hates Each Other Kills Each Other"

*** A musical number featuring Dolfo and Malou was set on a rainy night. It samples 'rain' songs such as "Rain Rain, Go Away," "Singin in the Rain" and "Raindrops Keep Fallin On My Hand."

*** A number of shots were made at the Lamesa Park, a public park with lots of trees. The Tagalog translation of the movie title is 'What the Tree Is, So Is Its Fruit.'

Photo Credit: RVQ Productions / Cinema One

*** Speaking of parks, Dolfo has a musical number that features the song "MacArthur Park."

Video Credit: RVQ Productions / Cinema One

Hilarious Sequence in "I Do? I Die! (D'yos Ko 'Day!)"

A few years ago a sequence from the 1997 Filipino comedy film I Do? I Die! (D'yos Ko 'Day!) went viral on social media and remained popular ever since.

The main characters in this sequence are Bernardo 'Bernie' Mendiola (Edu Manzano), Domeng (Babalu) and Mokong (Redford White).

Bernie is the owner of an antiques shop, and Domeng and Mokong are his employees.

One morning, Bernie fired Domeng and Mokong after catching them sleeping on the job. 

Bernie made the decision without knowing that Domeng and Mokong were tired from the overnight tasks assigned by the shop manager (Joji Isla).

Instead of getting a bonus and a vacation for their sleepless shift, Domeng and Mokong embarked on an amusingly futile quest to find a new job.

After choosing a country club as their initial prospect, they approached the manager (Cesar Mozo) and ask him if there are any job vacancies.

The club manager told them he will refer them to the club's president and then asked them to wait for the meantime.

As they waited at the driving range, Domeng and Mokong saw a golfer who keeps on missing the ball.

They taunted  this golfer; Domeng advised him to use a basketball instead of a golf ball while Mokong said he should just pick the golf ball and throw it away.

Domeng topped the barrage of insults with a remark about a marble.

The club manager then approached the golfer, who turned out to be Bernie.

Photo Credit: ABS-CBN Star Cinema

After getting introduced by the manager as the club president, Bernie laughed mockingly at Domeng and Mokong.

Still optimistic following the missed job opportunity at the club, Domeng and Mokong chanced upon a long line of applicants at a construction site.

They fell in line only to find out that Bernie (again!) is the owner.

As they tried to find another job, Domeng and Mokong saw a few beggars who are asking for alms from motorists. 

Domeng and Mokong had a lightbulb moment and dressed as beggars too.

Domeng reasoned out to Mokong that begging is a highly profitable venture. 

He added that there would be no boss like Bernie, and that there would be no taxes.

They chose a car and tapped on the window.

To their consternation, the car owner turned out to be Bernie who laughed at them ridiculously (again!)

Photo Credit: ABS-CBN Star Cinema

Domeng and Mokong then resolved to seek revenge against Bernie. 

Their attempts to get back at Bernie set a chain of uproarious misadventures toward the end of the movie.

Following is a portion of the movie which includes the sequence.

Video Credit: ABS-CBN Star Cinema

50th Metro Manila Film Festival: Sine Sigla sa Singkwenta

The Metro Manila Film Festival is celebrating its fiftieth edition this year. 

As part of the festivities, the MMFF organizers launched the Sine Sigla sa Singkwenta (Tagalog: Cinema Vigor at Fifty) screenings.

Photo Credit: Official Facebook Page of the Metro Manila Film Festival

The organizers selected 50 movies that had been chosen as official entries in past editions of the annual event. 

Some movies in the selection are critically-acclaimed titles, while others have gained status as classics.

There are also a handful of box-office hits that stayed relevant in Filipino popular culture.

Digital restoration and remastering techniques are also a crucial factor in making Sine Sigla sa Singkwenta happen.

However, there are also glaring omissions that sparked dissatisfaction among cinephiles.

We are speculating that these omissions resulted from the unavailability of original release prints, among other reasons.

The movies are going to be screened in theaters nationwide from September 11 to October 15, 2024.  

The ticket price is 50 pesos, much cheaper than the regular rate of at least 200 pesos.

Following is a list of the fifty movies. The year of release is indicated in the parentheses. 

Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon (1976)

Insiang (1976)

Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo (1976)

Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising (1977)

Mga Bilanggong Birhen (1977)

Atsay (1978)

Ang Panday (1980)

Brutal (1980)

Langis at Tubig (1980)

Karma (1981)

Himala (1982)

Moral (1982)

Bad Bananas sa Puting Tabing (1983)

Karnal (1983)

Shake, Rattle, and Roll 1 (1984)

The Moises Padilla Story (1985)

Captain Barbell (1986)

Agila ng Maynila (1988)

Imortal (1989)

Shake, Rattle, and Roll II (1990)

Darna (1991)

Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! The Movie (1991) 

Kung Mawawala Ka Pa (1993)

May Minamahal (1993)

Magic Temple (1996)

Jose Rizal (1998)

Markova (2000)

Tanging Yaman (2000)

Yamashita: The Tiger's Treasure (2001)

Ang Alamat ng Lawin (2002)

Mano Po (2002)

Crying Ladies (2003) 

Blue Moon (2005)

Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (2006)

Ang Panday (2009) 

Ang Tanging Ina Mo (2010)

Manila Kingpin: The Untold Story of Asiong Salonga (2011)

One More Try (2012)

Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo (2014)

Feng Shui II (2014)

Walang Forever (2015)

Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2 (2016)

Die Beautiful (2016)

Sunday Beauty Queen (2016)

Ang Larawan (2017)

Gandarrapido: The Revenger Squad (2017)

Rainbow’s Sunset (2018)

Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2019)

Big Night (2021)

Firefly (2023)