Four Filipino Comedy Movies

Comedy is one of the most popular genres in the history of Philippine movies. Following are some newspaper advertisements of Once Upon a Time in Manila, Tasya Fantasya, Swapings, and Pempe ni Sara at Pen.

Tony Reyes' Once Upon a Time in Manila opened in theaters on January 11, 1994. Based on the title, the movie might have been a spoof of the Once Upon a Time in China series of martial arts films. Filipino Vic Sotto and Japanese-born actress Cynthia Luster lead the cast of Once Upon a Time in Manila. It can be noted that Sotto would partner with child martial artist Jacky Shik in Enteng and the Shaolin Kid.  

On the same date, Golden Lions Films released Carlo J. Caparas' Tasya Fantasya. The movie is not just a combination of comedy and fantasy; it also features many Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players. Kris Aquino and 1993 PBA Most Valuable Player Alvin Patrimonio lead the cast of this fantasy comedy movie.

Movie Ads: "Magkasangga sa Batas" (1993)

Magkasangga sa Batas, an action film in which film producers from the Philippines and Hong Kong collaborated, was shown in Philippine theaters on February 3, 1993. Under the direction of Philip Ko and Erwin T. Lanado, this Golden Kay/Harvest Films release stars Edu Manzano, Cynthia Luster, Gabriel Romulo, Sheila Ysrael, Rachel Lobangco, Charlie Davao, and Monsour Del Rosario. Following is a newspaper advertisement for the film: