Thanks and More Power to ABS-CBN Film Restoration

The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season may have delayed but not stopped me from extending heartfelt gratitude to ABS-CBN Film Restoration for giving me a ticket for two to the screening of the digitally restored version of  the Mike de Leon classic, Hindi Nahahati ang Langit, last November.

Photo credit: ABS-CBN Film Restoration

The 1985 movie adaptation is based on a Tagalog Komiks series by Nerissa Cabral. The powerhouse cast includes Christopher de Leon, Edu Manzano, Dina Bonnevie and Lorna Tolentino. Hindi Nahahati ang Langit is one of the more than 60 movies that have been remastered by ABS-CBN Film Restoration. Its trailer follows:

Video credit: YouTube / ABS-CBN Film Restoration

The organization emphasizes in its slogan: "We all deserve to see classic films." As I fully support this statement, I express my thanks  to ABS-CBN Film Restoration's efforts. The remastering of old movies allows the new generation of audiences to get a glimpse of Filipino culture in the past.

As the New Year begins, I am hoping that ABS-CBN Film Restoration will continue to achieve success. Its advocacy should become known to other enthusiasts  of Philippine cinema and culture, in general.

Two Movies about the "Chop-Chop Lady Murder Case"

In early 1994, two movies about the Elsa Castillo murder case, infamously known as the "Chop-Chop Lady Murder Case" opened in theaters. OctoArts Films' The Elsa Castillo Story: Ang Katotohanan and FLT Films' Chop-Chop Lady: The Elsa Castillo Story.

OctoArts Films' presentation opened on January 27 that year. It has Kris Aquino in the title role. Important supporting roles were portrayed by Eric Quizon, Miguel Rodriguez, and Johnny Delgado. Laurice Guillen, Delgado's real-life wife directed this production.

FLT Films' version opened on February 2, with Lorna Tolentino in the title role. Under the direction of Edgardo "Boy" Vinarao, it also featured Mat Ranillo III, Mark Gil, and Amy Austria. Aside from featuring the witness Rio Ravelo as himself, the movie capitalized on endorsements from Epimaco Velasco, the Director of National Bureau of Investigation, and Adelina Santos, the victim's mother.

A Marilou Diaz-Abaya Film: "May Nagmamahal Sa Iyo" (1996)

[NOTE: As a tribute to the late film director Marilou Diaz-Abaya, we will be presenting some newspaper movie advertisements that are part of our collection.]

May Nagmamahal Sa Iyo, a film by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, opened in theaters on January 25, 1996. This Star Cinema presentation is topbilled by Lorna Tolentino,  Gina Pareño, Jaclyn Jose, Claudine Barretto, and Ariel Rivera.  The film also introduces child star Stefano Mori.

Dulce sung the similarly-titled theme song of this movie, which tells the story of a mother's search for her long-lost son.

A Marilou Diaz-Abaya Film: "Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo" (1993)

[NOTE: As a tribute to the late film director Marilou Diaz-Abaya, we will be presenting some newspaper movie advertisements that are part of our collection.]

Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo, a film by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, opened in theaters on August 5, 1993. This Regal Films presentation is topbilled by Lorna Tolentino,  Edu Manzano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and Gabby Concepcion. The film also introduces then-child stars Antoinette Taus, Tom Taus, Jr., and Sarah Jane Abad.

Zsa Zsa Padilla sung the theme song, titled Paano ang Gabi Kung 'Di Ka Mamasdan Sa Pagtulog Ko Pa'no Kung Di Ka Mahagkan...