A Film by Celso Ad Castillo: "Virgin People" (1996)

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

Virgin People, a film by Celso Ad Castillo, opened in theaters on April 11, 1996. This Four Aces Films production is topbilled by Sunshine Cruz, Sharmaine Suarez, and Anna Capri in an introducing role. Other cast members include Ronaldo Valdez, Roldan Aquino, and Tonton Gutierrez.

The film, a remake of a 1984 Celso Ad Castillo film having a similar title, is touted as "The New Version of the Most Controversial Film in Asian Cinema." The film has a theme song is composed by George Canseco, while musical scoring was done by Joey Ayala. It was shot in Ultra Stereo. Following is a newspaper advertisement for the film:

A Film by Celso Ad Castillo: "Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop Sa Balat ng Lupa" (1996)

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

On January 18, 1996, Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa, a film by Celso Ad Castillo, opened in theaters. This is a remake of the 1974 similarly titled film which starred Gloria Diaz and was also directed by Castillo. The 1996 version, a co-production between Viva Films and Royale Era, has Ruffa Gutierrez in the lead role.

It can be noted that the lead actresses in these films were both beauty queens: Gloria Diaz was crowned Miss Universe in 1969, while Ruffa Gutierrez was Second Princess at the 1993 Miss World pageant. Following is a newspaper advertisement for the 1996 version of the film:

Budding Chico No More

On September 28 this year, a post delved into a budding chico tree in our backyard. More than a month later, and we are anticipating the fruits to ripen in two to three weeks time providing us a steady supply of the sweet brown fruit during the third quarter of the year.

The ripened chico are intended to be part of the line-up of fruits traditionally served on New Year's Eve dinner (Hopefully!). This is how the fruits look like as of today:

Movie Ads: "Tirad Pass: The Last Stand of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar" (1996)

On this day in 1899, the Battle of Tirad Pass was fought between Filipino revolutionary forces and Americans of the 33rd Infantry Regiment in Ilocos Sur. Brigadier General Gregorio del Pilar led the Filipinos, while Major Peyton March led the Americans. The battle resulted in the death of Del Pilar, along with 51 Filipino soldiers.

Fast forward to July 4, 1996 a film about this battle opened in theaters. Titled Tirad Pass: The Last Stand of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar, the film has Romnick Sarmenta in the title role. This Golden Lion Films presentation is directed by Carlo J. Caparas. Other cast members include Joel Torre, Tommy Abuel, Robert Arevalo, Mikee Villanueva, Mia Gutierrez, Kimberly Diaz, and Gov. Obet Pagdanganan.

The tagline on the poster reads, "Philippines 1899 ... The American troops were about to capture the President of the Republic but this young general took them to the PEAK of courage and valor. The ultimate price: His LIFE..."

Two Versions of a Fun Rhyme about Andres Bonifacio

In celebration of the one-hundred and forty-ninth anniversary of the birth of Andres Bonifacio, we might recall a Tagalog fun rhyme about him that is part of our childhood memories. One of the most popular versions of this rhyme follows:

"Andres Bonifacio, 'atapang 'a tao.
'Aputol 'a kamay, hindi 'atakbo.
'Aputol 'a paa, hindi 'atakbo.
'Apugot 'a ulo, hindi 'atakbo.
'Aputol a uten, atakbo atulin."

TRANSLATION:

"Andres Bonifacio, a brave person
His hand gets cut off, he does not run.
His foot gets cut off, he does not run.
His head gets cut off, he does not run.
His penis gets cut off, he runs very fast."

Another version alters the last two lines:

"Andres Bonifacio, 'atapang 'a tao.
'Aputol 'a kamay, hindi 'atakbo.
'Aputol 'a paa, hindi 'atakbo.
'Apatak 'a kalamansi, 'Atakbo atulin.' 

TRANSLATION:

"Andres Bonifacio, a brave person
His hand gets cut off, he does not run.
His foot gets cut off, he does not run.
With a drop of calamansi, he runs very fast."

"Supremo" (2012): A Biographical Film about Andres Bonifacio

Today we celebrate the one-hundred and forty-ninth anniversary of the birth of Andres Bonifacio, Known as "The Great Plebeian," Bonifacio was a founder and Supreme Leader of the Katipunan, revolutionary society during the late 19th century.

As Filipinos commemorate Bonifacio's heroism it was an opportune time that Alternative Vision Cinema and Strawdogs Studio Productions partnered in making Supremo, a biographical film about Andres Bonifacio. According to the film's Facebook page, the film depicts Andres Bonifacio as husband, brother, soldier and a revolutionary hero.

Under the direction of Richard V. Somes, Supremo has Alfred Vargas in the title role. Other cast members include Mon Confiado, Nicco Manalo, Alex Vincent Medina, Edmon Romawac, Shielbert Manuel, Lehner Mendoza, Manu Respall, Jeff Fernandez, Banjo Romero, Alex Cabodil, Nica Naval and Hermie Concepcion.

Following is the trailer for  Supremo:

Sibuyas (Onion)

Sibuyas (onion) is one of the plants mentioned in the Tagalog folk song Bahay Kubo. Scientifically known as Allium cepa, the sibuyas is a common ingredient in Philippine cuisine. The bulbs are chopped for sautéed dishes, while the young onion plants (sibuyas na mura) impart a mild, pleasantly pungent taste to food.