From Nuffnang

Friday, October 4, 2024

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.

Friday, September 27, 2024

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.

Friday, September 20, 2024

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

Saturday, September 14, 2024

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

Friday, September 13, 2024

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)