Movies That Mark 30th Year in May 1996

At least 12 Filipino movies were released in theaters in May 1996. At present, some of these movies can be viewed on YouTube, while others are occasionally aired on free television.

Ang Tange Kong Pag-Ibig

SPO4 Santiago: Sharpshooter

Cedie

Nights of Serafina

Wanted: Perfect Mother

Hagedorn

Takot Ka Ba sa Dilim?

Mga Nagbabagang Labi

Tolentino: Lumaban Ka Hanggang Gusto Mo!

Hindi Ako Ander! Itanong Mo Kay Kumander

Mula Noon Hanggang Ngayon

Itataya Ko ang Buhay Ko

Details of each mentioned title follow.

Ang Tange Kong Pag-Ibig (Tagalog: My Stupid Love)

Original Release Date: May 1, 1996

Production Companies: Mother Studio Films and M-Zet Films

MAIN CAST

Vic Sotto    ...    Restituto Roso

Maricel Soriano    ...    Amanda Moran

Ruby Rodriguez    ...    Cutie

Yoyong Martirez    ...    De Niro

Larry Silva    ...    Tyopips

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Danilo P. Cabreira

Story and Screenplay     ...    Danilo P. Cabreira and Bibeth Orteza

Cinematography    ...    Johnny Araojo and Romulo Araojo

Production Design    ...    Abel Molina

Editing    ...    Rogelio Salvador and Joe Solo

Musical Direction    ...    Mon Del Rosario

Executive Producers    ...    Lily Monteverde and Marvic C. Sotto

NOTES:

*** Prior to this movie, Vic Sotto has worked with Maricel Soriano in other films. In those films, Vic Sotto is cast as part of the comedic trio Tito, Vic, and Joey. Age Doesn't Matter and I Have Three Hands are among those films.

*** Ruby Rodriguez joins Yoyong Martirez and Larry 'Pipoy' Silva as the trio of sidekicks. In most Vic Sotto movies oth, Richie D'Horsie completes the said trio.

SPO4 Santiago: Sharpshooter

Original Release Date: May 1, 1996

Production Companies: Mahogany Pictures and Viva Films

MAIN CAST

Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr.    ...    SPO4 Jaime 'Jimmy' B. Santiago

Tonton Gutierrez    ...    Boy Palomar

Ina Raymundo    ...    Elsa Lopez

Dindi Gallardo    ...    Santiago’s Wife

Raymond Bagatsing    ...    Boy’s Goon

SELECTED CREW

Direction and Editing    ...    Pepe Marcos

Story    ...    Jaime Santiago

Screenplay    ...    Jojo M. Lapus

Cinematography    ...    Danny Bustos

Production Design    ...    Sonny Maculada

Musical Direction    ...    Mon Del Rosario

Executive Producers    ...    Victor Villegas and Vic Del Rosario Jr.

NOTE:

*** Jaime Santiago himself attended the premiere with lead actor Bong Revilla, but had to leave early when he heard of a hostage situation taking place in Tondo. After negotiations proved unsuccessful, Santiago positioned himself in a nearby house and shot the hostage taker and rescued the hostage who was a one-year-old girl.

Cedie

Original Release Date: May 8, 1996

Production Company: Star Cinema

MAIN CAST

Tom Taus Jr.    ...    Cedric 'Cedie' Errol

Ronaldo Valdez    ...    Earl of Dorincourt

Jaclyn Jose    ...    Annie Errol

Mark Gil    ...    Capt. James Errol

Subas Herrero    ...    Mr. Hobbs

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Romy V. Suzara

Story    ...    Fumio Ishimori (based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett)

Screenplay    ...    Mari L. Mariano

Cinematography    ...    Joe Batac Jr.

Production Design    ...    Manny B. Morfe

Editing    ...    Joyce Bernal

Musical Direction    ...    Nonong Buencamino

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

NOTE:

*** This movie is an adaptation of the popular TV anime series Little Prince Cedie which was in turn based on the 1886 children's novel Little Lord Fauntleroy by English playwright and author Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Nights of Serafina

Original Release Date: May 8, 1996

Production Company: Mother Studio Productions

MAIN CAST  

Giorgia Ortega    ...    Serafina

Mike Magat    ...    Albert

John Apacible    ...    Anton

Angelika dela Cruz    ...    Diana

Joan Jackson    ...    Betty

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Joey Gosiengfiao

Story and Screenplay    ...    Ricky Lee, Jonas Sebastian, Frank Rivera

Cinematography    ...    Rey De Leon

Production Design    ...    Judy Lou de Pio

Editing    ...    Edmund 'Bot' Jarlego

Musical Direction    ...    Jessie Lasaten

Executive Producer    ...    Lily Y. Monteverde

NOTE:

*** Follows the story of Serafina, a woman from the slums of Manila, and Anton, a wealthy logger. After getting married, they move to Anton's house on a tropical island where they live with his domineering mother.

Wanted: Perfect Mother

Original Release Date: May 8, 1996

Production Company: Neo Films

MAIN CAST  

Christopher de Leon    ...    Dante Zulueta

Regine Velasquez    ...    Sam

Bing Loyzaga    ...    Bing

Bobby Andrews    ...    Arnel

Kate Gomez    ...    Crissy

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Ike Jarlego Jr.

Story    ...    Mars Ravelo

Screenplay    ...    Melissa Mendoza-Del Rosario

Cinematography    ...    Jun Pereira

Production Design    ...    Manny Morfe

Editing    ...    Marya Ignacio

Musical Direction    ...    Jesse Lasaten and Louie Ocampo

Executive Producer    ...    Vic del Rosario Jr.

NOTE:

*** Based on a similarly titled novel by Mars Ravelo that was serialized in Pilipino Komiks. This komiks novel was adapted into a movie of the same title in 1970

Hagedorn

Original Release Date: May 16, 1996

Production Company: Merdeka Films

MAIN CAST  

Fernando Poe Jr.    ...    Edward Hagedorn

Sharmaine Arnaiz    ...    Elena Marcelo

Jun Aristorenas    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

Bob Soler    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

Dante Rivero    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

SELECTED CREW  

Direction    ...    Ronwaldo Reyes

Story    ...    Edward Hagedorn

Screenplay    ...    Manuel Buising, Senen Dimaguila, and Henry Nadong

Cinematography    ...    Ver Reyes

Production Design    ...    Arnold De Jesus

Editing    ...    Augusto Salvador and Rene Tala

Musical Direction    ...    Jaime Fabregas

Executive Producers    ...    Edmer Lim and Lolita Lim

NOTE:

*** A biographical film based on the life and times of Edward Solon Hagedorn. Hagedorn was the mayor of Puerto Princesa, Philippines, and later the representative of Palawan's 3rd congressional district. At the time of the movie's release, Hagedorn was serving his second term as mayor.

Takot Ka Ba sa Dilim? (Tagalog: Are You Afraid of the Dark?)

Original Release Date: May 22, 1996

Production Company: Viva Films

MAIN CAST

Angelu de Leon    ...    Carly

Rica Peralejo    ...    Mariel

Bobby Andrews    ...    Jude

Onemig Bondoc    ...    Eddie Boy

Red Sternberg    ...    Rico

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Don Escudero

Story and Screenplay    ...    Jose Javier Reyes

Cinematography    ...    Marissa Floirendo

Production Design    ...    Tots Sanchez-Mariscal

Editing    ...    Danny Gloria

Musical Direction    ...    Archie Castillo

Executive Producer    ...    Vic R. Del Rosario Jr.

NOTES:

*** The main cast members are mainstays of the television youth-drama series T.G.I.S.

*** The opening scene has an off-screen manananggal flying over a house. Don Escudero did the production design for the Manananggal episode of the 1984 film Shake, Rattle & Roll. 

Mga Nagbabagang Labi (Tagalog: Smoldering Lips)

Original Release Date: May 23, 1996

Production Company: Seiko Films

MAIN CAST

Jestoni Alarcon    ...    Dindo Valdez

Rosanna Roces    ...    Carol

Daniel Fernando    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

Sheila Ysrael    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

Marita Zobel    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Victor Tango

Story and Screenplay    ...    Salvador Royales

Cinematography    ...    Rosendo Buenaseda

Production Design    ...    Ronnie Cruz

Editing    ...    Ferren Salumbides

Musical Direction    ...    Bienvenido Medina

Executive Producer    ...    Robbie Tan

NOTE:

*** The third collaboration between Rosanna Roces and Jestoni Alarcon after the 1995 films Dodong Scarface and Di Mapigil ang Init.

Tolentino: Lumaban Ka Hanggang Gusto Mo! (Tagalog: Tolentino: Fight Untily You Wish!)

Original Release Date: May 23, 1996

Production Company: Regal Films

MAIN CAST

Lito Lapid    ...    Ramon Tolentino

Joanne Quintas    ...    Cristy

Ruel Vernal    ...    Servando Reyes

Jess Lapid Jr.    ...    Moro

Sylvia Sanchez    ...    Clara

Melissa Mendez    ...    Sonia

SELECTED CREW

Direction, Story, and Screenplay    ...    Jojie Vitug

Cinematography    ...    Romulo Araojo

Production Design    ...    Gabby Francisco and Francisco 'Nono' Gracia

Editing    ...    Rogelio Salvador and Joe Solo

Musical Direction    ...    Mon Del Rosario

Executive Producer    ...    Lily Monteverde 

NOTES:

*** A bus involved in a car chase scene has the words 'TOM CAT" emblazoned on it. Lito Lapid topbilled a 1979 film Tom Cat.

*** The opening scene features cast members on the beach dancing to the Los Del Rios song Macarena.

Hindi Ako Ander! Itanong Mo Kay Kumander (Tagalog: I Am Not Henpecked! Ask My Wife)

Original Release Date: May 30, 1996

Production Company: Neo Films

MAIN CAST

Janno Gibbs    ...    Tomas Dacuycoy

Bing Loyzaga    ...    Cindy Romero

Alyssa Gibbs    ...    Princess

Pilita Corrales    ...    Doña Luisa

Elizabeth Ramsey    ...    Matilda

SELECTED CREW

Direction and Editing    ...    Edgardo 'Boy' Vinarao

Story and Screenplay    ...    Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario

Cinematography    ...    Jun Pereira

Production Design    ...    Manny Morfe

Musical Direction    ...    Ricky del Rosario

Executive Producer    ...    Vic Del Rosario Jr.

NOTE:

*** Family comedy starring real-life couple Janno Gibbs and Bing Loyzaga with their daughter Alyssa.

Mula Noon Hanggang Ngayon (Tagalog: From Then Until Now)

Original Release Date: May 30, 1996

Production Company: Star Cinema

MAIN CAST

Aiko Melendez    ...    Beverly

Chin Chin Gutierrez    ...    Maxine

Jomari Yllana    ...    Nico

Robin Da Roza    ...    Paolo

Dante Rivero    ...    Nico's father

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Khryss Adalia

Story    ...    Shaira Mella Salvador and Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario

Screenplay    ...    Shaira Mella Salvador, Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario, Jojo Atienza, and Khryss Adalia

Cinematography    ...    Joe Tutanes

Production Design    ...    Edel Templonuevo

Editing    ...    Pat Ramos

Musical Direction    ...    Nonong Buencamino

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

NOTE:

*** Directorial debut of Khryss Adalia, who has served as assistant director in a number of movies since the 1980s.

Itataya Ko ang Buhay Ko (Tagalog: I Will Bet My Life)

Original Release Date: May 30, 1996

Production Companies: Seiko Films and Reflection Films

MAIN CAST

Rudy Fernandez    ...    Capt. Edmond Rosario

Dawn Zulueta    ...    Andrea Serrano

Pia Pilapil    ...    Rebecca

Ricky Davao    ...    Cesar Padua

Mat Ranillo III    ...    Lt. Torres

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Jose N. Carreon

Story and Screenplay    ...    Jose N. Carreon and Ricky Lee

Cinematography    ...    Ricardo 'Carding' Herrera

Production Design    ...    Arthur Sta. Maria

Editing    ...    Edgardo 'Boy' Vinarao

Musical Direction    ...    Jaime Fabregas

Executive Producers    ...    Robbie Tan and Victoria Lorna A. Fernandez

NOTE:

*** TAGLINE: "A Man's Honor ... A Man's Last Breath!"

Red Bananas with Heart in the Jungle: Notes About a Staple Fruit in Filipino Movies

If you watched Pinoy movies in the late 80s or 90s, you probably know Starzan: The Shouting Star of the Jungle. What stuck with me was the detail that the red banana gave him extraordinary strength. So I was shocked when I saw at the market that red bananas actually exist. 

I used to think the red banana was just a fictional fruit from the imagination of Joey De Leon (actor and co-writer) and Tony Y. Reyes (director and co-writer).

Starzan poster

Photo Credit: Regal Films

Going back to the real-life red banana, I immediately bought two pieces at 12 pesos each. The taste was unusual — almost with a hint of strawberry. Maybe it was just my imagination, since I already associate the color red with strawberries. The vendor said it is seldom availale in the market, so the next time I see it, I will buy again.

As the taste of the red banana lingered in my tongue, I was pushed to think about the connection between bananas and Pinoy movies. 

In Efren 'Loging' Jarlego's Og Must Be Crazy (Dolphy as Og), the setting was also the jungle. 

Og Must Be Crazy poster 

Photo Credit: RVQ Productions / Video 48

There is a tribal wedding scene at the start, and bananas were used as the sacramental food -- akin to the Christian host. Og officiated the wedding, feeding banana pieces to the groom Et (played by Babalu) and his bride.

Interesting trivia: ZsaZsa Padilla was the leading lady in both Starzan and Og Must Be Crazy. In both films, Panchito played her character's father. Just to be clear, ZsaZsa Padilla was not the bride who ate the banana in Og Must Be Crazy.

Let's now discuss Apoy sa Dibdib ng Samar (Tagalog: Fire in the Bosom of Samar) Bananas were used in a different guise as a plot device in this film by Jose 'Kaka' Balagtas. Who could forget the iconic line delivered by Mark Lapid as the policeman Daniel Giron: 

"Oo, inaamin ko, saging lang kami. Pero maghanap ka ng puno sa buong Pilipinas, saging lang ang may puso!" 

("Yes, I admit, we are just bananas. But search all the trees in the Philippines, only bananas have hearts!")

Apoy sa Dibdib ng Samar DVD cover

Photo Credit: North East Films / Regal Entertainment

The jungle became the battleground against illegal logging, with a policeman from the city returning to his province to defend the environment.

Looking closely, there is a pattern: Starzan and Og moved from jungle to city, then back to the jungle. Daniel Giron, on the other hand, went from city back to the jungle. 

Through the comedy and action-drama genres, bananas are depicted as symbols of extraordinary strength, made-up ethnic ritual, and eco-activist heart.

If you are curious, you can find these movies on YouTube. As for me, I’ll stop overthinking for now and just eat the remaining red banana.

Comments on "Si Ayala at si Zobel" and "Ang Pinakamahabang Baba sa Balat ng Lupa"

Si Ayala at si Zobel (Tagalog: Ayala and Zobel) and Ang Pinakamahabang Baba sa Balat ng Lupa (Tagalog: The Longest Chin in the Face of Earth) are two comedy films from the 1990s that are part of our guilty pleasure list.

We would like to share some thoughts on these movies, both of which have been viewed for the nth time.

***

Photo Credit: OctoArts Films

Si Ayala at si Zobel is a 1994 movie that employs humor to shed light on the most Filipinos' aspirations to become wealthy.

The protagonists are implicitly named after the Zobel de Ayala family, one of the richest in the country.

Ironically, Ayala (Anjo Yllana) and Zobel (Ogie Alcasid) portray janitors -- members of the working class.

One day, they got a windfall. From there, hilarious situations arise.

More than thirty years later, the same economic woes beleaguer Filipino society. The working-class dream of getting a huge amount of wealth strikes a chord in this movie.

Si Ayala at si Zobel is escapist entertainment that digs into the working-class dream of getting rich. It is not the type that will earn the approval of critics, but will be enjoyable to the masses.

These views come with a caveat: some of the humor might be considered politically incorrect, given today's sensibilities.

***

Photo Credit: Good Harvest Productions / IMDb

The late Filipino comedian Pablo Martin Sarmiento, better known as Babalu, had a screen name that refers to his long, sharp chin (baba is the Tagalog term for chin).

Released in 1997, Ang Pinakamahabang Baba sa Balat ng Lupa is the first one of movies starring Babalu having a title that explicitly mentions the anatomical feature for which he became famous.

The title is translated to English as The Longest Chin in the Face of Earth.

Babalu plays a supporting role to the lead comedian(s) or is cast in equal billing with other comedians in the majority of the entries in his filmography. (For example, Si Ayala at si Zobel)

For a welcome change, Ang Pinakamahabang Baba sa Balat ng Lupa is one of the few movies in which Babalu is the lead comedian. It is a quintessential movie STARRING Babalu.

Released a year before Babalu's passing in 1998, the movie Ang Pinakamahabang Baba sa Balat ng Lupa is definitely one of the movies that will define his place in the history of Filipino comedy movies.

"Bago Lumamig ang Sabaw" (Before the Broth Turns Cold): The Movie That Brought Joseph Estrada and Nida Blanca for the First Time

Bago Lumamig ang Sabaw (Tagalog: Before the Broth Turns Cold)  is a 1976 Filipino romantic comedy film directed by Cesar 'Chat' Gallardo and written by Edgardo M. Reyes.

The film stars Joseph Estrada and Nida Blanca as a garbage truck driver and a teacher who became the accidental guardians of a widower's child. As they took care of the young boy, they unexpectedly fall in love with each other.

The title is inspired by the idiom 'humigop ng mainit na sabaw' (Tagalog: 'to sip some hot broth'), which means to attend a wedding reception or to get married. In Filipino tradition, newlywed couples serve hot broth to the guests.

Photo Credit: Lea Productions / IMDb

PLOT

Jose 'Jo' Nazareno is a garbage truck driver, assisted by Teroy and Bert. They work for the Department of Public Safety - Talimbas. One day, a child stops them to ask for help because his mother is about to give birth. Unable to reach the hospital in time, the mother delivers a baby boy inside the truck.

When Jo returns home, he hears strange noises from the neighboring apartment unit. Peeking through a hole in the wall, he sees a woman spraying insecticide. Her name is Aurea 'Auring' Makahiya. Auring accuses Jo of peeping, but Joe explains that a man used to live there, and they would exchange cigarettes through that hole.

From then on, the Jo and Auring started to quarrel over many things, such as who gets to use the shared bathroom first. Jo also teases Auring for still being single.

One day, Jo sees Auring struggling to get a ride. He offers her a lift, but she refuses. Auring is actually on her way to the home of Mr. Noble, a wealthy widower looking for a private tutor for his son Bombot. Auring gets accepted for the job, though Mr. Noble worries she might not endure the boy's mischief.

The introduction between teacher and student goes poorly. Bombot shakes Auring's hand with a frog hidden in his palm. He later places a banana on her chair. Despite these pranks, Auring remains patient.

Meanwhile, Jo is mugged by drunkards but manages to fight them off. At the Noble mansion, Betty—soon to be Mr. Noble’s wife—is secretly involved with Gildo, a gambler. Betty tells Gildo she will marry Noble, but he dismisses it, seeing Mr. Noble only as a source of money while he provides her "physical needs."

Auring befriends Bombot's nanny, Miding. From Miding, she learns that Bombot used to be kind but became sullen and stubborn after his mother died in an accident years earlier. The same accident left Mr. Noble paralyzed. According to Miding, Bombot refuses to accept anyone replacing his mother.

Betty eventually marries Mr. Noble, who has become impotent due to the accident. Betty understands his condition. But when the couple returns home, Bombot snubs his stepmother.

Meanwhile, Gildo faces problems with Tiger, the syndicate head, for failing to deliver proper gambling accounts. At home, the nanny Inday cooks ginataan for Mr. Noble and Betty, but Bombot sabotages it by adding a dead cockroach. Enraged, Mr. Noble strikes his son, prompting Bombot to run away. He ends up at the garbage dump collected by Joe and his crew. Joe takes him in, and Auring learns of the boy's escape.

Jo brings Bombot along to work, while Auring informs Mr. Noble that the boy is safe. Joe suggests Bombot stay with them for now, as he is still afraid. Joe refuses Noble’s ₱2,000 reward, saying Bombot is simply "hungry for freedom."

Later, Bombot agrees to return home on the condition that Joe picks him up daily with the truck. Betty asks Jo to drive her to the beach. Auring, watching from afar, seems jealous. At the beach, Betty tries to seduce Jo, but he refuses, saying he will not take advantage of someone vulnerable.

Soon after, Jo visits Auring in her apartment unit, saying he has something to confess. Auring grows annoyed when Jo admits he is simply hungry and asks if she has food. Rico, a former co-teacher turned successful businessman and referee, also visits Auring. To provoke Joe's jealousy, Auring claims she and Rico will picnic in Tagaytay.

The picnic is not a romantic meeting; Auring's other former co-teachers also joined her and Rico. Joe and Bombot suddenly arrive, pretending to be Auring's husband and child. Tensions rise, and Joe fights with Rico, but later apologizes when he learns Auring and Rico are not romantically involved. Rico's wife even breaks up the fight. As days went by, Joe and Auring grew closer to each other. At the party of the Department of Public Safety - Talimbas, Joe chose Auring as his date.

Meanwhile, Gildo suffers repeated gambling losses. He demands money from Betty and becomes disappointed with the ₱1,000 she gives from her allowance. He needs ₱30,000 to pay Tiger. He repeatedly calls Betty, and went to the point of threatening blackmail. Betty then calmly told him she has confessed everything to Mr. Noble, who has forgiven her.

At a time that Bombot begins to soften toward his stepmother, a desperate Gildo orders his men to kidnap the child. Auring is caught in the attempt to save him. 

Tiger gots arrested, so Gildo lowers the ransom from ₱100,000 to ₱70,000. Joe, along with Teroy and Bert, rescued Bombot and Auring. They were also able to return the ransom money to Mr. Noble.

In the end, Joe and Auring marry in a civil ceremony. Their bridal car is Joe's garbage truck, unknowingly carrying a stowaway—Bombot. The movie ends with Bombot surprising the newlywed couple with his presence in the matrimonial bed.

MAIN CAST

Joseph Estrada    ...    Jo

Nida Blanca ... Auring

Ric Rodrigo ... Mr. Noble

Paquito Diaz ... Gildo

Vivian Velez ... Betty

Czar 'Bong Che' Victor ... Bombot

Teroy De Guzman ... Teroy

Bert 'Tawa' Marcelo ... Bert

Lorli Villanueva ... Pregnant Woman

Ruben Rustia ... Judge

Carlos Padilla Jr. ... Rico

Estrella Kuenzler ... Miding

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Cesar 'Chat' Gallardo

Story and Screenplay ... Edgardo M. Reyes

Cinematography ... Ricardo Periodica

Musical Direction ... Ernani Cuenco

Full Movie: Lea Productions / Cinema One / YouTube

"Maharot" (Flirty): An Erotic Romantic Drama Film from 2005

Maharot (Tagalog: Flirty) is a 2005 Philippine erotic romantic drama film directed by Cesar S.B. Abella. The film is about Cecil (Kuhdet Honasan) and her romantic entanglements with the brothers Venel (Clark Concepcion) and Bong (Dann De Dios), as well as the police officer James (Jon Romano).

Scene featuring Kuhdet Honasan as Cecil

Screen Capture: El Niño Films / Cinemo / YouTube 

PLOT

Cecil is a fish vendor in the town of Bagac. Her husband is Bong, a fisherman. One day, Venel, a soldier and Bong's brother, returned from Mindanao and found Bong drinking with friends. Venel tells his brother that he has separated from his wife Tina and has asked for leave from the camp.

Cecil and Venel had once been lovers, but they parted ways when Venel was forced to marry Tina, the daughter of his commanding officer. In Venel's absence, Cecil and Bong grew close and eventually got married. However, Cecil later entered into a relationship with James, a police officer who is the son of Estela and brother of Neneng.

At Estela's eatery, Neneng works alongside Rey. One evening, Venel sees Rey and Neneng kissing by the shore, which stirs his emotions. When he returns home, he finds Cecil alone, and they end up kissing and making love.

The next day, Venel goes to Cecil's stall, but James arrives, seemingly wanting to meet Cecil again. Venel invites both Cecil and James to eat out, but James refuses. Alone with Cecil, Venel's idea of "eating out" turns out to be staying in a motel, where they sleep together once more and talk what transpired during their time apart.

Cecil and Venel saw Bong drinking at Estela's eatery with James, Primo, and Turo. Later, Bong and Cecil go home and make love, while Venel briefly drinks with James before leaving. Left behind with Neneng, Venel gives her unsolicited advice about relationships. That night, Venel and Cecil sleep together again while Bong is asleep. The following day, Venel picks Neneng up from school, and the two begin to fall for each other.

At a small store, James meets Patrick. They discover that Primo and Turo ran off with money from a drug deal and lost it gambling. At the eatery, Rey confronts Neneng after seeing Venel pick her up from school, leading to their breakup. Troubled and unable to sleep, Neneng goes to Venel's house and agrees to his invitation to "eat out."

Cecil meets James at a motel, intending to end their affair out of pity for Bong. James refuses, claiming he has fallen for her, and threatens Bong's life. In the next room, Venel and Neneng are together. James becomes furious upon learning of Venel's involvement with his sister, but before he can attack Venel, an unidentified gunman arrives and fatally shoots him.

Time passes and Venel has to go back to Mindanao to fulfill his duty. Aside from hoping for Cecil and Bong to have their own child, Venel promised to marry Neneng upon his return.

Eight months later, Venel comes back to Bagac. He has lost an arm in an encounter in Mindanao. With both Cecil and Neneng pregnant, the brothers agree to stand as godfathers to the children soon to be born.

MAIN CAST

Kuhdet Honasan ... Cecil

Clark Concepcion ... Venel

Dann De Dions ... Bong

Jon Romano ... James

Shane Villarama ... Neneng

Kryven Lacson ... Rey

Boy Ranay ... Primo

Pilo Loreto ... Turo

Tess Orias ... Estela

SELECTED CREW

Direction, Story, and Screenplay ... Cesar S.B. Abella

Cinematography ... Jun Linda

Production Designer ... Erick Dela Cruz

Editing ... Tony Sy

Musical Direction ... Willy Islao

Full Movie: El Niño Films / Cinemo / YouTube

Reflection on the Tagalog Version of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" Anime Series

It was already the 1990s when I first watched the Tagalog version of the anime TV series The Adventures of Tom Sawyer on ABS-CBN. 

At the time, I thought the series was new. But when I eventually gained access to Google, I learned that it had actually first aired in Japan back in 1980.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was part of the World Masterpiece Theater timeslot on Fuji Television. 

In December 2025, the series' final episode marked its 45th anniversary.

Its age and setting did not hinder its popularity, especially among the Batang '90s (Kids of the '90s.)

Many viewers, including the young-at-heart, were able to relate to Tom's curiosity and adventurous spirit.

Even in the original series’ opening theme song, these aspects were already encapsulated. 

The title was "Dare yori mo tooku he"—which, if translated into Tagalog, means "farther than anyone has reached."

Meanwhile, the opening lyrics of the Tagalized version’s theme song were: 

"Humayo ka, Kaibigang Tom Sawyer / Maglakbay kung saan mo man naisin ..."

("Go forth, my friend Tom Sawyer / Travel wherever you wish ...")

Now let's discuss the show itself. The protagonist Tom seems trapped within the social norms imposed by family and the education system. 

Aunt Polly and his teacher Mr. Dobbins serve as the gatekeepers of these norms. 

Injun Joe, on the other hand, is a representation of danger. At a young age, Tom experienced an existential threat.

Aunt Polly, Mr. Dobbins, and Injun Joe were all adults—there was an element of intergenerational conflict.

Looking at characters closer to Tom's age: Huckleberry "Huck" Finn and Becky Thatcher. Tom had rapport with each of them.

Huck is Tom's best friend, his partner in mischief. Even though Huck was marginalized in the conservative town of St. Petersburg, he and Tom bonded over their shared curiosity and adventurousness.

Becky is Tom’s love interest. Tom's crush on Becky is relatable to all viewers, young or old. They  might deny it, but viewing Tom and Becky brought memories of first crushes.

The friendship between Tom and Huck, and the puppy love between Tom and Becky, provided balance to the intergenerational conflict I mentioned earlier.

Because of this nostalgic and entertaining series, I developed an interest in reading the source novel written by Mark Twain.

There's still much more to discuss about the anime TV series and the novel, but perhaps I'll save that for another time.

Tom Sawyer with Huckleberry Finn and Becky Thatcher

Photo Credit: Nippon Animation

Movies That Mark 30th Year in March 1996

At least 12 Filipino movies were released in theaters in March 1996. At present, some of these movies can be viewed on YouTube, while others are occasionally aired on free television.

Cara Y Cruz: Walang Sinasanto!

Diego

Milyonaryong Mini

Segurista

Sana Naman

Tubusin Mo ng Bala ang Puso Ko

Ang Misis Kong Hoodlum

Sa Aking mga Kamay

Humanda Ka … Babalikan Kita!

Kristo

Madaling Mamatay, Mahirap Mabuhay

Sariwang Bulaklak

Details of each mentioned title follow.

Cara Y Cruz: Walang Sinasanto!

Original Release Date: March 6, 1996

Production Company: Viva Films

MAIN CAST

  

Raymart Santiago    ...    Berting

Dennis Padilla    ...    Boggart

Jun Aristorenas    ...    Don Sebastian

Donita Rose    ...    Belen

Amanda Rose    ...    Hilda

Efren Reyes Jr.    ...    Tata Negro

Ana Bautista    ...    Provincial Bar Girl

Danny 'Brownie' Pansalin    ...    Provincial Police Officer

SELECTED CREW

 

Direction    ...    Jun Aristorenas

Story and Screenplay    ...    Henry Nadong

Cinematography    ...    Ramon Marcelino and Sergio Lobo

Production Design    ...    Arthur Sta. Maria

Editing    ...    Renato de Leon

Musical Direction    ...    Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producer    ...    Vic Del Rosario Jr.

NOTES:

*** Jun Aristorenas directed and acted in many cowboy films in the ’60s; this was one of his later works.

***    The film paired Raymart Santiago and Dennis Padilla in a buddy-action comedy format.

Diego

Original Release Date: March 6, 1996

Production Company: Mahogany Pictures

MAIN CAST

Jestoni Alarcon    ...    Diego Sebastian

Shirley Fuentes    ...    Marissa

Mark Gil    ...    Miguel Sanvictores

Dick Israel    ...    Arman Miraflor

Conrad Poe    ...    Maj. Ventura

SELECTED CREW

 

Direction    ...    Augusto Salvador

Story and Screenplay    ...    Humilde 'Meek' Roxas

Cinematography    ...    Baby Buenaceda

Production Design    ...    Alex Ochoa

Editing    ...    Rene Tala

Musical Direction    ...    Jimmy Fabregas

Executive Producer    ...    Victor Villegas

NOTES

*** Augusto Salvador edited numerous films starring Fernando Poe Jr. before becoming a director.

*** In the early 2000s, Jestoni Alarcon played in the TV series Pangako Sa 'Yo (Tagalog: Promise to You) another character with the same given: Diego Buenavista.

Milyonaryong Mini (Cebuano: Impostor Millionaire)

Original Release Date: March 7, 1996

Production Company: Star Cinema

MAIN CAST

  

Anjo Yllana    ...    Berting

John Estrada    ...    Cosme

Sheryl Cruz    ...    Salud

Manilyn Reynes    ...    Petra

Subas Herrero    ...    Mang Minggoy

SELECTED CREW

  

Direction and Screenplay    ...    Tony Y. Reyes

Story    ...    Marcos Sacol

Cinematography    ...    Rey De Leon

Production Design    ...    Melchor Defensor

Editing    ...    Eduardo 'Boy' Jarlego

Musical Direction    ...    Jaime Fabregas

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

NOTES:

*** This movie is based on a Cebuano-language sitcom about mistaken identity.

*** The film's musical director, Jaime Fabregas, also acts in this movie as Don Rafael, the father of Berting.

*** The second film collaboration between Anjo Yllana and Sheryl Cruz after Sobra Talaga ... Over in 1994.

Segurista (Tagalog: Dead Sure)

Original Release Date: March 13, 1996

Production Company: Neo Films

MAIN CAST  

Michelle Aldana    ...    Karen Fernandez

Gary Estrada    ...    Sonny Reyes

Ruby Moreno    ...    Ruby Dimagiba

Albert Martinez    ...    Jake

Julio Diaz    ...    Eddie

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Tikoy Aguiluz

Story    ...    Tikoy Aguiluz, Jose Lacaba, and Amado Lacuesta Jr.

Screenplay    ...    Jose Lacaba and  Amado Lacuesta Jr.

Cinematography    ...    Jun Dalawis

Production Design    ...    Edgar Martin Littaua

Editing    ...    Mirana Medina-Bhunjun and Edgardo 'Boy' Vinarao

Musical Direction    ...    Jessie Lasaten

Executive Producer    ...    Vic Del Rosario Jr.

NOTES:

*** Lead actress Michelle Aldana had won the Miss Asia Pacific title in 1993, following the footsteps of previous beauty pageant winners who ventured into the movies.

*** This movie is the official submission of the Philippines for the 'Best Foreign Language Film' category of the 69th Academy Awards in 1997.

Sana Naman

Original Release Date: March 14, 1996

Production Companies: MAQ Productions and Kaizz Ventures 

MAIN CAST

Judy Ann Santos    ...    Bless

Gladys Reyes    ...    Noreen

Tirso Cruz III    ...    Zandro

Joel Torre    ...    Pilo

Jean Garcia    ...    Lerma

Charlie Mendoza    ...    Oliver

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Boots Plata

Screenplay    ...    Dado Lumibao

Cinematography    ...    Arnold Alvaro

Production Design    ...    Ronaldo Cadapan

Editing    ...    Danny Gloria

Musical Direction    ...    Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producers    ...    Marie Sherida Monteverde and Douglas Quijano

NOTE:

*** At the time of this film's release, Judy Ann Santos and Gladys Reyes were also busy with the production of the daytime TV drama series Mara Clara.

Tubusin Mo ng Bala ang Puso Ko (Tagalog: Redeem My Heart with Bullets)

Original Release Date: March 14, 1996

Production Companies: OctoArts Films and Cinemax Studios

MAIN CAST

Edu Manzano    ...    Lorenzo

Anjanette Abayari    ...    Kate

Mark Gil    ...    Frank

Bembol Roco    ...    Lt. Miranda

Ronaldo Valdez    ...    Alfredo

Jenette Fernando    ...    Karen

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Toto Natividad

Story    ...    Edu Manzano

Screenplay    ...    Humilde 'Meek' Roxas, Jake Tordesillas, and Henry Nadong

Cinematography    ...    Ramon Marcelino

Production Design    ...    Alex Ochoa, Sonny Felix

Editing    ...    Joyce Bernal and Toto Natividad

Musical Direction    ...    Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producer    ...    Orly Ilacad

NOTES:

*** Lead actor Edu Manzano wrote the story, demonstrating his versatility beyond acting. He also wrote the story of two movies he starred in: Zacarias in 1994 and Sa Kamay ng Batas, also in 1996.

*** Anjanette Abayari is a former beauty queen who ventured into acting. She won the Bb. Pilipinas Universe title in 1991, but had to resign and give up her crown over the issue of her residency.

Ang Misis Kong Hoodlum (Tagalog: My Hoodlum Wife)

Original Release Date: March 20, 1996

Production Company: Neo Films

MAIN CAST  

Joey de Leon    ...    Andy

Jessica 'Gracia' Cortez    ...    Grace

Gloria Romero    ...    Olympia

Paquito Diaz    ...    Valentino

Raffy Rodriguez    ...    Doggie

Max Alvarado    ...    Gorgonyo

April Boy Regino    ...   Boyong

SELECTED CREW  

Direction    ...    Efren 'Loging' Jarlego

Story and Screenplay    ...    Ely Matawaran

Cinematography    ...    Oscar Querijero

Production Design    ...    Randy Gamier

Editing    ...    Edgardo 'Totoy' Jarlego

Musical Direction    ...    Ricky Del Rosario

Executive Producer    ...    Vic Del Rosario Jr.

NOTE:

**** In this film, Max Alvarado plays the role of Gorgonyo. In the 1978 film Gorgonya, he plays the title role.

Sa Aking mga Kamay (Tagalog: In My Own Hands)

Original Release Date: March 21, 1996

Production Company: Star Cinema

MAIN CAST

Christopher de Leon    ...    Joven dela Rosa

Aga Muhlach    ...    Gene Rivera

Chin Chin Gutierrez    ...    Camille dela Rosa

Kier Legaspi    ...    Dino

Amy Austria    ...    Anne

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Rory B. Quintos

Story    ...    Olivia M. Lamasan

Screenplay    ...    Ricky Lee, Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario, and Benjou Elgincolin

Cinematography    ...    Romeo Vitug

Production Design    ...    Elfren P. Vibar

Editing    ...    Jesus Navarro

Musical Direction    ...    Nonong Buencamino

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

NOTE:

*** Departing from his usual matinee-idol roles in romantic drama movies, Aga Muhlach plays the rare villain role as a serial killer in this movie.

*** The film is considered one of the best Filipino psychological thrillers of the ’90s.

Humanda Ka … Babalikan Kita! (Tagalog: Get Ready ... I'll Get Back to You!)

Original Release Date: March 21, 1996

Production Company: Solar Films

MAIN CAST

Ronald Gan Ledesma    ...    Boy

Bembol Roco    ...    Dolfo

Tony Ferrer    ...    Servando

Shirley Fuentes    ...    Malu

Beverly Vergel    ...    Mrs. Kee

SELECTED CREW  

Direction    ...    Roland S. Ledesma

Story and Screenplay    ...    Fred Joson

Cinematography    ...    Rudy Quijano

Production Design    ...    Monching Escobar and Mamerto Valerio

Editing    ...    Ruben Pantua

Musical Direction    ...    Jessie Lazatin

Executive Producer    ...    Estela O. Ledesma

NOTE:

*** Second film starring Ronald Gan that features the word "babalikan" in its title. The first one is Resbak: Babalikan Ko Kayo! in 1994.

Kristo (Tagalog: Christ)

Original Release Date: March 27, 1996

Production Company: Cine Suerte Productions,  Fallout Studios, and Oasis of Love Movement 

MAIN CAST  

Mat Ranillo III    ...    Jesus Christ

Rez Cortez    ...    Judas Iscariot

Ruel Vernal    ...    Simon Peter

Michael Locsin    ...    John the Beloved

Charmaine Rivera    ...    Virgin Mary

SELECTED CREW  

Direction    ...    Ben 'M7' Yalung

Story and Screenplay    ...    Emmanuel H. Borlaza, Ruben Arthur Nicdao, and Ben Yalung

Cinematography    ...    Larry Manda

Production Design    ...    Ruben Arthur Nicdao

Editing    ...    George Jarlego

Musical Direction    ...    Lutgardo Labad

Executive Producer    ...    Benjamin G. Yalung

NOTE:

*** Mat Ranillo III portrayed the title role in the 1988 film Lorenzo Ruiz: The Saint ... A Filipino.

*** Kristo is also an adaptation of a stage presentation that were performed every Lenten season during the late '80s and early '90s.

Madaling Mamatay, Mahirap Mabuhay (Tagalog: Easy to Die, Hard to Live)

Original Release Date: March 27, 1996

Production Company: Neo Films

MAIN CAST  

Ronnie Ricketts    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

Mariz Ricketts    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

Mark Gil    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

Dindi Gallardo    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

German Moreno    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

SELECTED CREW  

Direction, Story, and Screenplay    ...    Ronnie Ricketts

Cinematography    ...    Joe Tutanes

Production Design    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

Editing    ...    Francis J. Vinarao

Musical Direction    ...    Jessie Lasaten

Executive Producer    ...    Vic del Rosario Jr.

NOTES:

*** The movie is about a former military officer, who took the job of a school security chief to probe the mysterious circumstances behind the death of his best friend.

*** The movie is a follow-up to Ronnie Ricketts' directorial debut, 1995's Huwag Mong Isuko ang Laban (Tagalog: Do Not Give Up the Fight). Moving forward, he both wrote and directed most of his movies.

Sariwang Bulaklak (Tagalog: Fresh Flower)

Original Release Date: March 28, 1996

Production Company: El Niño Films

MAIN CAST

Mikee Villanueva    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

Tonton Gutierrez    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

Sheila Ysrael    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

Fred Moore Delos Santos    ...   Pogi 

Annabel Amir    ...    Bella

SELECTED CREW  

Direction    ...    Cesar S.B. Abella

Story    ...    Cesar S.B. Abella and Gani Recio

Screenplay    ...    Gani Recio

Cinematography    ...    Rico Enriquez

Production Design    ...    Lawin Ranay

Editing    ...    Tony Sy

Musical Direction    ...    Rey Ramos

Executive Producer    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

NOTES:

*** The film's title is a metaphor often used in Filipino movies to suggest innocence or youth.

*** Sariwang Bulaklak is the movie that launched Mikee Villanueva as a lead actress.