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.

Movie Ads: Lito Lapid in "Gascon: Bala ang Katapat Mo!" (1993)

Senator Lito Lapid, who has been a Senator of the Philippines since 2004, celebrates his fifty-seventh birthday today. Lapid was a major action star in Philippine politics prior to his foray into politics. One of his action films was  Gascon: Bala ang Katapat Mo!

Released on January 12, 1993, the film also stars Ruffa Gutierrez, who was crowned Second Princess at the Miss World beauty pageant later that year. Under the direction of Rogelio Salvador, Gascon: Bala ang Katapat Mo! also stars Tirso Cruz III, Jess Lapid Jr., Bob Soler, Janine Barredo, Max Laurel, and Isabel Granada.

This is a newspaper advertisement for the film:

Sonny Parsons, the Sharpshooter, in "Capt. Rassul Alih: Hindi Sayo ang Mindanao"

Capt. Rassul Alih: Hindi Sayo ang Mindanao, a film starring Sonny Parsons opened in theaters on January 20, 1993. This Magdalena Films production also stars Fred Moro, Melissa Mendez, Lani Lobangco, Patrick dela Rosa, Edgar Mande, Erick Borbon, and Paquito Diaz. Parsons directed the film with Jerry O. Tirazona: