Movies That Mark 30th Year in January 2026

 At least 13 Filipino movies were released in theaters in January 1996. At present, some of these movies can be viewed on YouTube, while others are occasionally aired on free television.

Mabangis na Lungsod

Dyesebel

Batang Z

Sariwa

Sa Kamay ng Batas

Anak, Pagsubok Lamang ng Diyos

Oki Doki Doc: The Movie

Impakto

Adan Lazaro

Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa

Hindi Lahat ng Ahas ay Nasa Gubat

May Nagmamahal sa Iyo

Ober da Bakod 2: Da Treasure Adbentyur

Ganti ng Puso

Details of each mentioned title to follow.

Mabangis na Lungsod (Tagalog: Fierce City)

Original Release Date: January 04, 1996

Production Company: Libran Films

MAIN CAST

Monsour Del Rosario    ...    Major Sandos

Cynthia Khan    ...    Captain Yiang

Yuen Biao    ...    Li Chin Tang

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Alan Chung San Chui and Bun Yuen

Screenplay    ...    Ging Siu Fok

Cinematography    ...    Eduardo 'Baby' Cabrales and Stephen Tak-Yip Poon

Production Design    ...    Neal 'Buboy' Tan

Editing    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

Musical Direction    ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

Producers    ...    Wai Shing Chung and Wai Lam

NOTES:

*** The storyline follows two police officers who go undercover in the Philippines to bring down a criminal organization.

*** Known in international markets as Tough Beauty and the Sloppy Slop  

Dyesebel  

Original Release Date: January 04, 1996

Production Company: Viva Films  

MAIN CAST

Charlene Gonzales    ...    Dyesebel

Matthew Mendoza    ...    Fredo

Gloria Diaz    ...    Banak

Jaclyn Jose    ...    Lucia

Albert Martinez    ...    Gildo

Maritoni Fernandez    ...    Dyangga

Dindi Gallardo    ...    Bangenge

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Emmanuel H. Borlaza

Story and Screenplay    ...    Emmanuel H. Borlaza, Frank G. Rivera (based on Mars Ravelo's comic)

Cinematography … Gener Buenaseda  

Production Design … Ben Payumo  

Editing … Danny Gloria  

Musical Direction … Nonong Buencamino  

Executive Producer … Vic Del Rosario Jr.

NOTE:

*** Plot Synopsis from VHS: "Dyesebel, a mermaid born to a childless couple, is forced to leave her home and survive on her own because the barrio-folks believe she carries bad luck. She is adopted by Banak, an adult mermaid. She grew up to be a beauty but the adoptive daughter of the queen of the sea envies her. This forced her to go back to the human world where she once lived. This time a lady, she meets Fredo, a human, and they fall in love. They struggle for the love they share and they end up victorious."

Batang Z 

Original Release Date: January 04, 1996  

Production Company: MAQ Productions

MAIN CAST

Tom Taus Jr. … Umpoy / Batang Z

Jorge Estregan … Dr. Zyke

Melissa Mendez … Corina

Berting Labra … Lucio

Dan Pacia … Itok

Marco Ballesteros    ...    Peping/Pintado

Charles Jordan Sabalboro    ...    Dodong/Ninja Tech

Marivic Dueñas    ...    Neneng/Amazona

Karel Marquez    ...    Upeng/Roller Girl

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Bey Vito

Story and Screenplay    ...    Rolf Mahilom

Cinematography    ... Clodualdo 'Ding' Austria

Production Design    ...    Pete 'Apo' Manansala

Editing    ... Edmund 'Bot' Jarlego

Musical Direction    ...    Jessie Lasaten

Executive Producer    ...    Marie Sherida Monteverde and Douglas Quijano

NOTE:

*** The titular child superhero leads a group that includes Pintado, Tech-Ninja, Rollergirl and Amazona in their fight against Dr. Zyke, who plots world domination via mind control through video games.

Sariwa  

Original Release Date: January 04, 1996

Production Company: Seiko Films

MAIN CAST

Priscilla Almeda    ...    Susie

Romnick Sarmenta    ...    Luisito

Leandro Baldemor    ...    Nardo

Gina Pareño    Cristy

Jaime Fabregas    ...    Facundo

Luz Valdez    ...    Aurora

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Rico Mambo

Story and Screenplay    ...    Genaro 'Nerdie' Cruz

Cinematography    ...    Felizardo Bailen

Production Design    ...    Sonny Maculada

Editing    ...    Ferren Salumbides

Musical Direction    ...    Bienvenido Medina

Executive Producer    ...    Robbie Tan

NOTE:

*** The storyline follows Susie, who is caught in the middle of her mother Cristy's troubles. Cristy, a gambler drowning in debt owed to Facundo and Aurora, discovers that Luisito, Facundo's son has taken an interest in Susie. Seeing an opportunity, Cristy devises a scheme involving her daughter to free herself from the weight of her obligations.

### **Sa Kamay ng Batas**  

Original Release Date: January 1996  

Production Company: [information to be provided upon availability]  

**MAIN CAST**  

Edu Manzano … Alex Calderon  

John Estrada … Frankie  

Eric Fructuoso … Darwin  

Alma Concepcion … Thelma Calderon  

Willie Revillame … Elvis  

**SELECTED CREW**  

Direction … Pepe Marcos  

Story and Screenplay … Manuel “Fyke” Cinco, Henry Nadong, Edu Manzano, Mike Relon Makiling  

Cinematography … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Production Design … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Editing … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Musical Direction … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Executive Producer … [information to be provided upon availability]  

---

### **Anak, Pagsubok Lamang ng Diyos**  

Original Release Date: January 1996  

Production Company: FLT Films  

**MAIN CAST**  

Robin Padilla … Rico  

Sharmaine Arnaiz … Kathryn  

Tirso Cruz III … Warden  

Ramon Christopher … Dennis  

Ricky Davao … Escandor  

**SELECTED CREW**  

Direction … Deo J. Fajardo Jr.  

Story … Robin Padilla  

Screenplay … Jose N. Carreon, Deo J. Fajardo Jr.  

Cinematography … Romeo Huete  

Production Design … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Editing … Francis Vinarao  

Musical Direction … Vehnee Saturno  

Executive Producer … Rose Flaminiano  

---

### **Oki Doki Doc: The Movie**  

Original Release Date: January 1996  

Production Company: Star Cinema  

**MAIN CAST**  

Aga Muhlach … Doc Aga  

Babalu … Mang Berto  

Claudine Barretto … Toni  

Paolo Contis … Paolo  

Carmina Villarroel … George  

**SELECTED CREW**  

Direction … Efren Jarlego  

Story and Screenplay … Loida Viriña  

Cinematography … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Production Design … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Editing … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Musical Direction … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Executive Producer … Soc Jose  

---

### **Impakto**  

Original Release Date: January 1996  

Production Company: Regal Films  

**MAIN CAST**  

Gelli de Belen … Doray  

Antonio Aquitania … Hermie  

Daria Ramirez … Salve  

Cherry Pie Picache … Noemi  

Candy Pangilinan … Melba  

**SELECTED CREW**  

Direction … Don Escudero  

Story and Screenplay … Wali Ching  

Cinematography … Ely Cruz  

Production Design … Sammy Aranzamendez  

Editing … Danny Gloria  

Musical Direction … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Executive Producer … Lily Y. Monteverde  

---

### **Adan Lazaro**  

Original Release Date: January 1996  

Production Company: Premiere Productions  

**MAIN CAST**  

Roi Vinzon … Adan Lazaro  

Sunshine Cruz … Rowena  

Eddie Rodriguez … Col. Roque  

Tony Ferrer … Vertigo  

Roldan Aquino … Gen. Roxas  

**SELECTED CREW**  

Direction … Pepe Marcos  

Story … Roi Vinzon  

Screenplay … Henry Nadong  

Cinematography … Danny Bustos  

Production Design … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Editing … Pepe Marcos  

Musical Direction … Rey Magtoto  

Executive Producer … Espiridion Laxa  

---

### **Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa**  

Original Release Date: January 1996  

Production Company: Viva Films  

**MAIN CAST**  

Ruffa Gutierrez … Isabel  

Dick Israel … Litoy  

Alain Sia … Simon  

Paquito Diaz … Provo  

Dindi Gallardo … Elyang  

**SELECTED CREW**  

Direction … Celso Ad. Castillo  

Story and Screenplay … Celso Ad. Castillo  

Cinematography … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Production Design … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Editing … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Musical Direction … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Executive Producer … William C. Leary  

---

### **Hindi Lahat ng Ahas ay Nasa Gubat**  

Original Release Date: January 1996  

Production Company: [information to be provided upon availability]  

**MAIN CAST**  

Lito Lapid … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Anjanette Abayari … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Perla Bautista … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Ramon Christopher … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Michael de Mesa … [information to be provided upon availability]  

**SELECTED CREW**  

Direction … Augusto Salvador  

Story and Screenplay … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Cinematography … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Production Design … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Editing … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Musical Direction … [information to be provided upon availability]  

Executive Producer … [information to be provided upon availability]  

---

### **May Nagmamahal sa Iyo (a.k.a. Madonna and Child)**  

Original Release Date: January 1996  

Production Company: Star Cinema, Regal Films  

**MAIN CAST**  

Lorna Tolentino … Louella  

Ariel Rivera … Nestor  

Claudine Barretto … Janine  

Stefano Mori … Conrad  

Jaclyn Jose … Editha  

**SELECTED CREW**  

Direction … Marilou Diaz-Abaya  

Story and Screenplay … Ricky Lee, Shaira Mella Salvador  

Cinematography … Eduardo Jacinto  

Production Design … Jude Quinito, Malou Dugtong, Noel Ribaya  

Editing … Jess Navarro  

Musical Direction … Nonong Buencamino  

Executive Producer … Charo Santos-Concio, Lily Y. Monteverde, Malou N. Santos  

---

### **Ober da Bakod 2: Da Treasure Adbentyur**  

Original Release Date: January 1996  

Production Company: Viva Films  

**MAIN CAST**  

Janno Gibbs … Mokong  

Anjo Yllana …

Nostalgic Pinoy Party Food: Hot Dog and Marshmallows on Stick

During parties back in the day, especially in the Eighties, one colorful centerpiece never failed to appear—and it remains vivid in my memory: hot dogs and marshmallows skewered on barbecue sticks.

I will not mention the year but I had such a centerpiece on my fifth birthday party (so far the only birthday party I ever had).

The hot dog could be skewered whole, or for uniformity, sliced into pieces the same size as the marshmallows. Each stick would then be inserted into a pineapple, watermelon, or cabbage—depending on what suitable fruit or vegetable was available. 

There were no definite standards about what to use as a base. As long as the base could support the skewers, it was good enough. Sometimes, even the trunk of a banana tree was used.

For the child I was back then, this edible centerpiece was truly stimulating to the senses. The aroma and savory taste of cooked hot dog paired with the sweetness of colorful marshmallows created a delightful contrast. 

When the marshmallows came in pastel colors, they matched the predominant aesthetic of the Eighties. And if the base was wrapped in foil, the whole presentation sparkled even more.

This centerpiece also carried social symbolism. Each stick of hot dog and marshmallows seemed to represent the hosts and guests of the gathering. The way each stick was anchored into a single base depicted a shared focus: collective joy.

Although this centerpiece continued to appear at parties during the Nineties and early 2000s, its presence seemed to fade as the 2020s arrived.

Perhaps people have become more health-conscious and practical, especially due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. After all, we know that hotdogs and marshmallows are processed foods. There are also added safety concerns because of the protruding sticks.

If given the chance, I would still love to see this centerpiece to the new generation.

What I want to experience once more is its nostalgic value. In light of the concerns I have mentioned, I will remind myself and others to "eat with caution."

And if they ever ask what this centerpiece means, I will wholeheartedly share the little reflection I have just offered.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Musings on "Batibot" and Smoked Milkfish

The TV program Batibot and its accompanying soundtrack remains a part of our childhood memories. One of the catchiest songs from that soundtrack is "Tinapang Bangus" (Tagalog: Smoked Milkfish).

Main cast of Batibot

Photo Credit: Wazzup Pilipinas 

It was about three decades ago when I first heard Kiko Matsing and Pong Pagong singing the repeating lines that attest to the deliciousness of smoked milkfish:

Tinapang bangus, tinapang bangus

Masarap ang tinapang bangus ...

Recently, while at the supermarket, I suddenly remembered this song. As I looked into the freezer in the seafood section, I noticed the neatly stacked packages of smoked and deboned milkfish.

(The milkfish is much bonier than other food fish. I prefer it deboned to enjoy the mild, slightly creamy flavor. For most people, the belly is the choice part of the milkfish.)

With the tune of "Tinapang Bangus" playing in my head, I reflected on the contrasting forces of heat and cold: heat that creates its distinct flavor, and cold that extends its shelf life.

My mind then veered towards various aspects of this ray-finned fished found throughout the Indo-Pacific.

In the Philippines, milkfish is popularly known as the national fish. However, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts has declared that this is not the case as it has no basis in Philippine law.

The fish plays a major role in the economy of Dagupan that this city in Pangasinan province hosts the annual Bangus Festival.

Meanwhile, the reverse-racist Filipino term mestisang / mestisong bangus is used to refer to someone who is half-European or half-American.

In 1963, a film titled Mestisang Bangus was produced by a company called Golden Harvest Promotion.

I am imagining that the funds used to create the Mina Aragon were derived from a bountiful bangus harvest.

As I realized that I was staying too long near the freezer, I did not overthink further. I bought the smoked milkfish—and I will enjoy it fried (not mestizo/mestiza anymore) while recalling the moments I spent watching Batibot as a child.

Fried Tinapang Bangus

Photo Credit: Devour.Asia