Star Cinema's Adaptations of Tagalog-Dubbed Anime Series

Many of us who were children in the 1990s remember the Tagalog-dubbed anime series Princess Sarah and Cedie: Ang Munting Prinsipe (Cedie: The Little Prince). Who can forget Sarah Crewe's riches-to-rags-then-back-riches story? I bet there are many who still recall Miss Minchin, her tormentor, with hate. Cedric "Cedie" Errol, on the other hand, is the boy from Brooklyn who turned out to be the heir of the Earl of Dorincourt, his grandfather. With Cedie's charm and innocence, the grumpy Earl becomes the benevolent and beloved benefactor to his tenants.

Both were part of ABS-CBN's programming for young people that time. The television network's film production outfit, Star Cinema, was also just starting back then. As Star Cinema celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year, it can be recalled the two of its best-remembered productions were movie versions of those programs. 

Movie Ads: "Batang Z" (1996)

Superheroes have an enduring appeal in Philippine popular culture. One proof is the movie Batang Z, a MAQ Production which opened in theaters on January 4, 1996. Tom Taus Jr. plays the lead role, while Jorge Estregan (who is now provincial governor of Laguna) portrays the lead villain. As can be observed in the advertisement, Batang Z resembles the swashbuckler Zorro.

Supporting cast members include Dan Pacia, Melissa Mendez, Berting Labra, Marco Ballesteros, Charles Sabalboro, Marivic Duenas, and Karel Santos. Bey Vito directed this fantasy movie aimed at young audiences.