"Tigre ng Mindanao" (Tiger of Mindanao)

Tigre ng Mindanao (Tagalog: Tiger of Mindanao) is a 1994 action-drama film directed by Noli Salvador and Jerry Tirazona. Based on a story by Randy Santos and a screenplay by Jerry Tirazona, the film was produced by Buffalo Bill Films International. The film follows the story of Manuel Verano Jr., an engineer who entered the military service after a series of injustices.

PLOT

The film begins with establishing shots of hills, rice fields and fish ponds that showcase the abundance of natural resources in Mindanao. Right after the opening credits, there were some men overlooking a wide expanse of land.

One of them declares that the property will soon to be under the ownership of Mayor Galvez (Roldan Aquino). Blueprints of the said property are then handed over by an architect to the mayor, who plans to build a subdivision and a shopping complex.

On a beach, three of the mayor's cohorts are having a drinking spree. They ogle at a lady coming out of the water. The woman, named Monica (Cristina Gonzales), is approaching a man taking shelter under a makeshift hut. This man is Engineer Manuel Verano Jr. (Jess Sanchez), her fiancé. Manuel singled-handedly beat the inebriated trio that harassed Monica. 

The town is plagued with violence. Three men assassinated a passerby they had addressed as Kapitan (village chieftain). The noise from the gunshots caught the attention of Captain Mario (Jess Lapid Jr.) and Sergeant Romano (Nick Romano), who happened to be sharing a meal at an open-air eatery. They killed the gunmen in a shootout.

Monica's mother (Perla Bautista) is complaining to Monica that Mayor Galvez pressures them to sell their family's land to him. Monica expressed worry that the mayor does not stop until he gets what he wants.

At the Verano residence, Manuel Sr. (Bert Olivar) and Manuel Jr. agreed that they will not sell their property to the mayor. Lando (Derick Hizon), the younger son, told his brother that he and his father can manage.

The father told him to focus on his studies instead. Unbeknownst to Manuel Sr., Lando had impregnated his girlfriend Naida (Isabel Granada).

Manuel visited Monica in her house and informed her that he is going back to the construction site in Polomolok the next morning. He will come back after a month to prepare for their wedding.

Captain Mario, Monica's brother, arrived and greeted Manuel. During a brief chat, it was revealed that Manuel originally wished to become a soldier. As an obedient son, Manuel pursued a career in engineering to heed his father's wish.

Near the construction site, a group of soldiers led by Colonel Sacramento (Tony Ferrer) got entangled in a crossfire with rebels. Manuel admiringly observed the encounter from afar using his surveying tripod. Right after the encounter, Manuel greeted the victorious military leader. He called Colonel Sacramento his "idol."

In the aftermath of another clash between soldiers and rebels, Manuel exchanged pleasantries with an unnamed sergeant (George Estregan Jr. in a guest role). The latter informed Manuel that Colonel Sacramento has been promoted to the rank of a general.

A convoy of vehicles made a surprise visit to Mayor Galvez's house. It carried General Sacramento, who is revealed to be a corrupt ally of the mayor. The general's retinue is led by right-hand man Rigor (Romy Diaz) and a certain Major Sta. Maria.

General Sacramento provided the mayor with rogue insurgents under his employ, so that he can terrorize continue his reign of terror over the people. Rigor introduced these bandits, who have peculiar names such as Kojak, Kumander Aswang, Bondying, and Dodong Putol of Romblon.

Meanwhile, the chief of municipal police and some of the mayor's henchmen are coercing Monica's mother to sell the property for 150,000 pesos. She was adamant, only to change her mind after one of the henchmen tried to stab Monica.

Manuel Sr. remained unshaken, much to Mayor Galvez's dismay. The mayor was so disappointed that he vented his ire on the chief of police, who got slapped on the face. General Sacramento offered to help and asked Rigor to take charge in solving the mayor's problem.

Manuel took a bus to go home (with the song "I'll Be Home for Christmas" playing in the background). He was attending the wedding of Lando and Naida. On Mayor Galvez's behest, Kumander Aswang and the rest of Sacramento's bandits massacred almost everyone in the wedding reception. 

Manuel Sr., Lando and Naida were among the casualties. A few days later at the cemetery, the lone eyewitness to the bloodshed approached Manuel and suggested for him to seek help from the authorities.

Monica and her family took refuge in the house of Uncle Ponso (Pons de Guzman). Captain Mario got upset because Monica and their mother did not inform him about the incident. With the help of a few of his men, a vengeful Captain Mario broke into the mayor's house and forcibly retrieved the document.

Captain Mario told Manuel to consider entering the military service, since the latter's childhood dream was to become a soldier. Six months later, Manuel is already accepted into the service with the rank of lieutenant. 

A montage showcased Manuel's exploits during the counterinsurgency efforts. His acts of valor earned him the moniker Tigre ng Mindanao (Tiger of Mindanao). Captain Mario asked Lieutenant Verano to embark on a secret mission to weed out the corrupt elements in their hometown. Manuel saw this an opportunity to take revenge on the people who killed his father and brother.

Although Manuel succeeded in eliminating some of these elements, Monica was kidnapped by the others. Manuel broke into General Sacramento's lair alone, but was captured by Rigor's men. General Sacramento convinced him to join the gang.

Manuel's refusal was reciprocated with acts of torture. Two of General Sacramento's bandits tried to execute Manuel, but a concealed knife in one of his boots enabled him to reverse the dire situation. While trying to escape, Manuel was shot by one of the bandits and fell into a river. 

From a distant river bank, Sergeant Romano saw and rescued an unconscious Manuel. Later in the hospital, the soldiers assigned to Manuel's security detail were flirting with the nurses. Manuel regained his consciousness and eluded the distracted soldiers.

Manuel proceeded to the house where the kidnappers brought Monica. The soldiers, led by Captain Mario, were also on their way to this place. They gunned down all the kidnappers.

However, Monica was shot by one of the kidnappers and died on Manuel's arms. Captain Mario came too late and was left grief-stricken about the fate of his sister. Manuel left in a nonchalant manner.

Still physically weakened by the events, Manuel wandered into a rebel camp. One of the rebels, Ka Lita (Chai Romero), nursed him back to health. Despite his ideological differences with the rebel leader (Dan Fernandez), Manuel became a rebel himself to fulfill his quest for justice.

Captain Mario (Jess Lapid Jr.) and Manuel Verano (Jess Sanchez)

Photo Credit: Cinema One / Buffalo Bill Films Interational /  YouTube

Captain Mario informed his men regarding Manuel's AWOL status. General Sacramento asked Major Sta. Maria to communicate with a certain Kumander Brix. Brix and his fellow rogue insurgents were supposed to kill Manuel, but they were slain by Manuel instead. Manuel later finally took revenge on Kumander Aswang and company.

Captain Mario tried to arrest Manuel for putting law on his hands. Their heated discussion about inequality and rule of law did not end favorably. Manuel proceeded to take revenge on Mayor Galvez. Captain Mario and his men followed him. One by one, Captain Mario and Manuel killed their adversaries. 

In the final confrontation, General Sacramento fell onto the ground after getting shot by Manuel. Captain Mario's arrival at the scene distracted Manuel, allowing General Sacramento to shoot Manuel. Captain Mario then shot General Sacramento. A wounded Manuel surrendered. He agreed to be taken to the camp to answer for his offenses against military code of conduct.

Full Movie: Cinema One / YouTube

Filipino Movies with Titles that Include the Word "Huli" (End or Last): 1995 to 1996

Knowledge that today is the end of February led me to browse the collection and look for Filipino movies with titles that include the word huli.  In this context, huli that means "end or last" is pronounced with stress in the second syllable. It should be noted that huli pronounced without stress means "to catch" or "to arrest." From 1995 to 1996, there were four action movies with titles that include the word huli.


Robin Padilla and Andrew E. played the role of partner cops in P're Hanggang sa Huli! (Dude, Until to the End!), a Viva Films presentation that was released on March 22, 1995. This action-comedy was directed by Ricardo "Bebong" Osorio. Other members of the cast include Mat Ranillo III, Daniel Fernando, Donita Rose, Angelu De Leon and Charlene Gonzalez.

The release of actor-turned-politician Lito Lapid's Hanggang Sa Huling Bala (Down to the Last Bullet) marks his win as provincial governor of Pampanga. It was released on May 31, 1995 just a few weeks later after the May 12 elections. Lapid's political career started in three years earlier, when he won as provincial vice governor. In the 1995 elections, Lapid defeated the incumbent Bren Z. Guiao.

This Megavision Films presentation was written and directed by Jose N. Carreon. It also features Plinky Recto, Dennis Roldan, Dante Rivero, Jess Lapid Jr., Sharmaine Suarez and Dick Israel. Hanggang Sa Huling Bala has the following tagline: "Alone and Down to His Last Bullet, Can This Man Survive the Final Battle?"


Ace Vergel, Monsour del Rosario, and Aiko Melendez were dubbed as the "The Ultimate Action Triangle"during the promotions for Huling Sagupaan (Last Battle). Vergel's career as an action star started in the late 1970s, while Del Rosario was a taekwondo champion prior to venturing into movies. Melendez is still known for her dramatic portrayals in movies and television.  Huling Sagupaan, a Regal Films presentation, opened in theaters on August 8, 1996. Philip Ko and Teddy Gomez co-directed this action movie.

Ben Balasador ... Akin ang Huling Alas! (Ben Balasador ... The Last Ace Is Mine!) had Ian Veneracion in the title role. In Filipino gambling parlance, balasador refers to someone who shuffles the cards. This co-production by OctoArts Films and Cinemax Studios opened in theaters on August 21, 1996. Under the direction of Pepe Marcos, other members of the cast include Patrick Guzman, Mark Gil, Shirley Fuentes, King Gutierrez, Charlie Davao, Bing Davao, Teresa Loyzaga and Beth Tamayo.

Movie Ads: "Ultimatum" (1994)

Ultimatum, an action movie produced by Viva Films, opened in theaters on February 23, 1994. This movie features veteran actor Eddie Garcia in the lead role, under the direction of Cirio H. Santiago. Other cast members include Dina Bonnevie and Vernon Wells.

Movie Ads: "Geron Olivar" (1994)

Geron Olivar, an action movie produced by Regal Films, opened in theaters on February 10, 1994. This movie features Lito Lapid in the title role, under the direction of Jesus Jose. Other cast members include Edu Manzano, Zoren Legaspi and Kris Aquino.

Movie Ads: "Dino Obrero: Haring Daga" (1994)

Dino Obrero: Haring Daga, an action movie produced by Pioneer Films, opened in theaters on February 2, 1994. This movie features Raymart Santiago in the title role, under the direction of Cesar SB. Abella. The story was based on a series in Pilipino Reporter Komiks magazine. Other cast members include Kier Legaspi, Liza Lorena, Lito Legaspi, Lovely Rivero, Zaldy Zshornack, Sunshine Cruz, and Jess Lapid Jr.

Two Ace Vergel Movies

Action star Ace Vergel (January 22, 1952 - December 15, 2007) was known as "The Original Bad Boy of Philippine Movies." Vergel was part of a well-known family in show business: He was the son of Alicia Vergel and Cesar Ramirez, while his sister Beverly is an actress-turned-acting-coach.

Vergel began his acting career at the age of seven. He portrayed the role of the human friend of the titular giant bird in the 1959 film Anak ng Bulkan. Following a decade-long hiatus, Vergel ventured into the action genre. He won the URIAN Best Actor award for the 1989 film Anak ng Cabron. In commemoration of the sixty-second anniversary of his birth, shown are newspaper advertisements of two of his movies shown in 1996: Seth Corteza and Huling Sagupaan.

 

Seth Corteza, a Regal Films presentation, opened in theaters on February 1, 1996. It has the tagline "Tingga ... Bakal ... Pusong Bato" (Bullet ... Steel ... Heart of Stone). This action movie was helmed by Efren C. Piñon. Other cast members include Joanne Quintas, Carlos Padilla, Jorge Estregan, Bernard Bonnin, Luis Gonzalez and Amado Cortez.

Huling Sagupaan, another Regal Films presentation, opened in theaters on August 8, 1996. It has the tagline "The Ultimate Action Triangle." Vergel led the cast along with Aiko Melendez and Monsour Del Rosario. This action movie was co-directed by Philip Ko and Teddy Gomez.

Robin Padilla and Daniel Padilla in "Sa Ngalan ng Ama Ina at mga Anak"

More than a month after starring in their respective entries to the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival, action star Robin Padilla and his nephew, teen heartthrob Daniel Padilla, will co-star in a new movie, titled Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina at mga Anak. This joint venture between Star Cinema and Robin Padilla's RCP Productions is scheduled to open in Philippine cinemas on January 29, 2014.

The film is based on the story of the Kuratong Baleleng, an anti-communist vigilante group that turned into an organized crime syndicate. The group was founded in Mindanao during the '80s. The movie also apparently indicates the industry's renewed interest in the action genre, which started to decline in the early 2000s

It can be recalled that many of Robin Padilla's past movies such as Mistah feature his real-life brothers. Other younger members of the Padilla clan such as Kylie, Bela, Matt, and RJ also play key roles in Sa Ngalan ng Ama Ina at mga Anak. Following is the first trailer for this movie.




Video Credit: YouTube / ABSstarcinema

Movie Ads: "Enteng Manok: Tari ng Quiapo" (1993)

Enteng Manok: Tari ng Quiapo, an action movie produced by Magdalena Films, opened in theaters on September 30, 1993. This movie features Eddie Garcia in the title role, under the direction of Francis "Jun" Posadas. It can be deduced that Garcia plays the role of a sabungero (cockfighter) named Enteng. Tari refers to a three- or four-inch blade attached to the leg of the cock.

The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, popularly known as the Quiapo Church, can be noticed on the advertisement. Every January 9, Filipino Catholic devotees converge to this religious landmark to observe the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Filipino Movies Having Titles that Contain the Word "Hudas"

Almost everyone knows Judas Iscariot as the Apostle who infamously kissed and betrayed Jesus Christ to the chief Sanhedrin priests in exchange for thirty silver coins. As a result, the name Judas or Hudas, in Tagalog, is typically used to accuse someone of treachery or of being a traitor.

There was even a popular saying in Taglish (mixed Tagalog and English that goes like this: "God knows Hudas not pay." (Hudas is a pun for the phrase "Who Does.") This saying is commonly seen in jeepney signage as an affront to passengers who intend to renege on paying the fare.

Many of us also remember the catchphrase, "Hudas, Barabas, Hestas!" which is regularly said by Doña Delilah (portrayed by Dely Atay-Atayan) to John Puruntong (portrayed by Dolphy) in the long-running TV sitcom John en Marsha.

We will be sharing with you posters of two Filipino action movies having titles that contain the word Hudas: Kapatid Ko si Hudas (My Brother is Judas) and Markadong Hudas (Marked Judas).

Some Pinoy Action Movies from the Mid-1990s

Once upon a time in the history of Philippine movies, the Pinoy action genre was king. Most movies belonging to this genre follow this formula: a protagonist who lives a simple existence versus the villain who would make Satan look like a saint. Of course, there is a need for the virginal lass and the hot vixen. And who will ever forget the Johnny-come-lately police force.

Despite the repetition of this formula, many aspiring actors found fame and fortune by playing lead roles in Pinoy action movies. (One of them was even elected President!) Without any further ado, here are some action movies that were released in the mid-1990s.

Monsour del Rosario and Baldo Marro played the lead roles in Chinatown 2: The Vigilantes, a Four-N-Films that saw general theatrical release on January 12, 1994. It was the sequel to 1988's Chinatown: Sa Kuko ng Dragon, which has Ramon "Bong Revilla Jr. in the lead role. Dawn Zulueta portrays the love interest of Del Rosario's character. The movie's co-directors are Manuel Marcos and Roger Baruelo.

Prior to venturing into show business, Del Rosario was the country's representative to international taekwondo competitions. On the other hand, Baldo Marro was a stunt man before clinching lead parts in action movies. His popularity increased after winning the Best Actor Award in the 1988 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Patrolman.

Fernando Poe, Jr. directed himself (as Ronwaldo Reyes) in Viva Films' Hindi Pa Tapos ang Laban, (The Fight is Not Yet Over) which opened in theaters on January 25, 1994. Other cast members include Paquito Diaz, Johnny Delgado, Dick Israel, Berting Labra, Ruel Vernal, and Max Alvarado. Michelle Aldana, 1993 Ms. Asia-Pacific, was introduced in this movie.