Movies That Mark 30th Year in January 2024

At least eight Filipino movies were released in theaters in January 1994. At present, some of these movies can be viewed on YouTube, while others are occasionally aired on free television.

Johnny Tiñoso and the Proud Beauty

Mistah: Mga Mandirigma

Tasya Fantasya: Maid in Heaven

Once Upon a Time in Manila

Chinatown 2: The Vigilantes

Hindi Pa Tapos ang Laban

Suwapings

The Elsa Castillo Story: Ang Katotohanan

Details of each mentioned title follow.

Johnny Tiñoso and the Proud Beauty

Original Release Date: January 04, 1994

Production Company: Seiko Films

MAIN CAST

Jestoni Alarcon ... Johnny Tiñoso

Gretchen Barretto ... Belita De Guia / Beauty

Romnick Sarmenta ... Kikong Engkanto

Rey 'PJ' Abellana ... Enriquito

Sharmaine Arnaiz     ... Selina

George Estregan ... Father of Johnny

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Carlo J. Caparas

Story ...    Nick Joaquin

Screenplay ... Floy Quintos

Cinematography ... Raymond Bajarias

Production Design ... Gabby Francisco

Editing ... Efren Jarlego

Musical Direction ... Rey Magtoto

Executive Producers ... Robbie Tan

Mistah: Mga Mandrigma (Tagalog: Warriors)

Original Release Date: January 04, 1994

Production Company: Viva Films

MAIN CAST

Robin Padilla     ... Mario Cariño

Rustom Padilla ... Lt. Flavier

Roi Vinzon ... Lt. Duterte

Daniel Fernando ... Daniel Aquino

Joko Diaz ... New Recruit

Anna Roces ... Linda

Rommel Padilla ... Remy De Jesus

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Ricardo 'Bebong' Osorio

Story ...    Mario Cariño

Screenplay ... Humilde 'Meek' Roxas

Cinematography ... Joe Batac and Ricardo Herrera

Production Design ... Judy Lou De Pio

Editing ... Rene Tala

Musical Direction ... Robinhood C. Padilla and Mandy Ferrer

Executive Producers ... Vic Del Rosario Jr.

Tasya Fantasya: Maid in Heaven

Original Release Date: January 11, 1994

Production Company: Golden Lions Films Productions Inc.

MAIN CAST

Kris Aquino ... Tasya / Crisanta

Alvin Patrimonio … Alvin

Paul 'Bong' Alvarez … Bong

Jerry Codiñera ... Jerry

Zandro 'Jun' Limpot … Jun

Barbara Perez … Barbara Alcuaz Vergara

Robert Arevalo … Berto

Dick Israel ... Mayor Miguel Beltran

Mitch Valdez … Head Housekeeper

Almira Muhlach … Almira

Bomber Moran … Bombo

Ramil Rodriguez … Ramil Vergara

Bella Flores … Bella Alcuaz

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Carlo J. Caparas

Story and Screenplay ... Carlo J. Caparas

Cinematography ... Ernesto Dominguez

Production Design ... Gabby Francisco

Editing ... Abelardo Hulleza

Musical Direction ... Rey Ramos

Executive Producers ... Carlo J. Caparas and Donna Villa Caparas

Once Upon a Time in Manila

Original Release Date: January 11, 1994

Production Company: M-Zet Films, Harvest Films International

MAIN CAST

Vic Sotto ... Jet

Cynthia Luster ... Lt. Cynthia Wang 

Gloria Sevilla ... Amparo Lagman

Larry Silva ... Chairman Shepherd

Val Sotto ... Sgt. Beltran

Ritchie Reyes ... Tom

Yoyong Martirez ... Dong

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Tony Y. Reyes

Story and Screenplay ... Marvic Sotto and Tony Y. Reyes

Cinematography ... Joe Tutanes

Production Design ... Jojo Magno

Editing ... Eduardo 'Boy' Jarlego

Musical Direction ... Mon Del Rosario

Executive Producer ... Marvic Sotto, Tony Tuviera and Jose Yu

Chinatown 2: The Vigilantes

Original Release Date: January 12, 1994

Production Company: Four N Films

MAIN CAST

Monsour Del Rosario ... Mario Tinagan

Baldo Marro ... Capt. Mike Chan

Dawn Zulueta ... Mylene

Efren Reyes Jr. ... Alex Tang

Toby Alejar ... Rey Lao

Lovely Rivero ... Linda

Atoy Co ... Raymond Kho

Cristina Esquerra ... Malou

Ruel Vernal ... Steve Crane

Howard Zaleta ... Atoy

Zandro Zamora ... Lt. Real

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Manuel Marcos and Roger Baruelo

Screenplay ... Jerry O. Tirazona

Cinematography ... Pablo Bautista

Production Design ... Benjie De Guzman and Tata Esteban

Editing ... Abelardo Hulleza

Musical Direction ... Mon Del Rosario

Executive Producer ... Manuel Nuqui

Hindi Pa Tapos ang Laban (Tagalog: The Fight Is Not Yet Over)

Original Release Date: January 25, 1994

Production Company: Viva Films

MAIN CAST

Fernando Poe Jr. ... Carding Villamar

Johnny Delgado ... Congressman Doliente

Michelle Aldana ... Clarissa

Paquito Diaz ... Dario

Berting Labra ... Vicente

Ruel Vernal ... Hepe

Eddie Arenas ... Peping Villamar

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Ronwaldo Reyes

Story ... Pablo S. Gomez

Screenplay ... Manny Buising

Cinematography ... Sergio Lobo and Ver Reyes

Production Design ... Ben Payumo

Editing ... Augusto Salvador and Ben Tala

Musical Direction ... Jaime Fabregas

Executive Producer ... Vic Del Rosario Jr.

Suwapings

Original Release Date: January 26, 1994

Production Company: Safari Films

MAIN CAST

Lou Veloso

Noel Trinidad

Cynthia Patag

Mely Tagasa

Tia Pusit

Vangie Labalan

Johnny Wilson

Philip 'Kuhol' Supnet

SELECTED CREW

Direction, Story and Screenplay ... Manny Reyes

Cinematography ... Herky Del Mundo

Production Design ... Gail Vicente

Editing ... Ferren Salumbides and Elsa Abellana

Musical Direction ... Max Jocson

Executive Producer ... Mother Lydia, Madam Elizabeth, and Sister Selene

The Elsa Castillo Story … Ang Katotohanan (Tagalog: The Truth)

Original Release Date: January 27, 1994

Production Company: OctoArts Films

MAIN CAST

Kris Aquino ...    Elsa Castillo

Eric Quizon ... Fred Castillo

Miguel Rodriguez ... Ted Boorman

Johnny Delgado ... Dario

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...     Laurice Guillen

Story and Screenplay ... Ricardo Lee

Cinematography ... Eduardo Jacinto

Production Design ... Edgar Martin Littaua

Editing ... Efren Jarlego

Musical Direction ... Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producer ... Orly Ilacad

"Ako'y Tao, May Dugo at Laman!" (I Am Human, with Blood and Flesh!): A Drama Movie from the 1970s

Ako'y Tao, may Dugo at Laman! (Tagalog: I Am Human, with Blood and Flesh!) is a 1970 drama film directed by Armando Garces. Based on a story by Mars Ravelo and a screenplay by Romy Galang, the film was produced by F.G.O. Film Productions. The film chronicles the struggles of women who have been away from their husbands for a long time.

Photo Credit: FGO Film Productions / Philippine Cinema Vault

PLOT

Luisa (Helen Gamboa), Lorna (Rita Gomez), Nati (Leila Morena) and Agueda (Perla Bautista) are married to the sailors Edgar (Ramil Rodriguez), Jesse (Eddie Garcia), Dencio (Leopoldo Salcedo) and Bianong (Carlos Padilla Jr.), respectively. The men have been away from their wives for five years, except for Dencio who has not visited Nati and their children for 20 years.

In the village where the movie is set, it seems like that majority of the married women have sailor husbands. The four women protagonists appear to represent the emotional struggles that have to do with having an absent partner.

Luisa and Lorna are the best of friends, but they have contrasting personalities. Luisa is steadfast in her faithfulness to Edgar, while Lorna persistently longs for male companionship. In an effort to avoid the act of committing infidelity, Lorna keeps on drowning herself in alcohol.

In moments of despondency, Lorna always goes to Luisa's place for solace. Despite her manifestation of emotional strength, Luisa is doggedly troubled by the overbearing mother-in-law Etang (Etang Discher).

Etang keeps on reminding that Luisa's house is the product of Edgar's hard work. She constantly pressures Luisa to stop seeing Lorna, dismissing the latter as a bad influence. Beteng (Eddie Infante), Etang's henpecked husband, has a trusting attitude toward Luisa.

Nati seems to cope with her situation by volunteering for church work. Nati's husband, Dencio, has been absent for a long time that their son Luis (Roldan Aquino) grew up resenting him. 

Luis, her wife Ester and their two children live with Nati. He is friendly with Marciano (Marciano Noble), a neighbor that he considers as a father figure. With Luis' encouragement, Marciano regularly visits Nati's house to help in chores. 

Luis makes efforts such that Nati and Marciano develops romantic feelings towards each other. He frequently invites Marciano to help in household chores. These actions are appreciated by Nati. The resolute Luis even asked Marciano to malinger, so there would be a pretext for Nati to visit him. 

Nati's visit provided an opportunity for her and Marciano to remember their past romance at the Hinulugang Taktak falls in Antipolo. They did not end up in the altar, but they still love one another. Marciano suggested for her and Nati to go away, but Nati honors her marital bond with Dencio.

Agueda (Perla Bautista), a sari-sari store owner, is vocal about her revulsion towards Bianong. She is outspoken about a disturbing wish - for Bianong's ship to get involved in an accident and capsize. 

Berta (Gina Laforteza), a lesbian neighbor, is attracted to Agueda. Mokong (Vic Vargas), the village skirt-chaser, is hitting on the wives of the sailors with varying degrees of success. He tried to rape Agueda, but he failed.  

In the aftermath of the incident, Berta offered herself to Agueda as a protector-friend. Agueda then revealed that Bianong raped her during their honeymoon. Instantly transformed into Agueda's confidant and shoulder to cry on, Berta was invited by Agueda to live in the latter's house. After a certain period, Berta was evicted because she tried forced herself on Agueda.

Mokong's futile attempt to sexually assault Agueda opened a chance to satisfy his libido. As he tried to escape the ire of Agueda's neighbors, Mokong chanced upon Lorna who stands in the doorway to her house.

Mokong and Lorna gazed lustfully at one another, and they went on to spend the night together in her bedroom. The morning after Lorna found out that Mokong wants money for his "service," so she promptly tells him to get out of her house.

A worried Luisa went to Lorna's house and discovered Mokong, who immediately departed the bedroom. Etang and Beteng saw Mokong in the doorway. Intrigued by the uproar, Luisa's parents-in-law made an unwelcome entrance.  

Lorna told Luisa that she intended to write a letter to Jesse, informing her of the infidelity. Etang then barged into Lorna's bedroom and hurled insults at its owner. In retaliation, Lorna revealed a secret previously unknown to Luisa: Etang was already pregnant with Edgar when she married Beteng. Lorna's disclosure silenced Etang. After admitting that he was well aware of this reality, Beteng requested Luisa not to tell Edgar anything about this secret to his parentage.

One day, Luisa and a female companion were waiting for a bus bound to Manila. A car stopped in front of them. It was driven by Mario (Eddie Gutierrez), Luisa's former boyfriend. Mario offered Luisa and her companion a ride.

Luisa and her companion agreed to accompany Mario to a restaurant and have a snack with. Luisa's companion took leave to go to a restroom, so Mario grabbed the chance to admit to Luisa that he still loves her. When her companion returned to their table, Luisa told her that they have to leave. That night, a confused Luisa played Edgar's recording of the poem "How Do I Love Thee."

Mokong continues to loiter in front of Lorna's house, hoping for a repeat of their dalliance. Luisa then requested Mokong not to disturb Lorna anymore. Mokong interpreted the Luisa's entreaty as a display of attraction, so he harassed her.

Mario happened to be driving his nearby, and a fistfight with Mokong ensued. Impressed with the way Mario defended Luisa, Mokong begged for the scuffle to stop. Luisa welcomed Mario to her house, so she can treat the wound on his face. Mario seized the opportunity to ask Luisa for a meeting at nine o'clock the next day. Etang and Beteng arrived as Mario's car departed, allowing Etang to accuse Luisa of infidelity. 

Luisa agreed to meet Mario, but nothing happened between them inside the motel room. As the radio in the room played a recording of "How Do I Love Thee," a feeling of deep guilt hounded Luisa. Mario emphasized that Edgar is a fortunate man because he married a faithful woman. This episode prompted Luisa to seek counsel with the parish priest (Ben Rubio). 

One by one, the sailor husbands returned home. Jerry (Jerry Pons), Dencio's friend, told Nati that Dencio will go home after visiting a sibling in Manila. Meanwhile, Edgar's homecoming moment with Luisa was spoiled by Etang's resentful nagging. Articulating a sense of entitlement, Etang was expecting that Edgar would go to the house she shares with Beteng.

After performing the pagmamano (honoring gesture) to his parents, Edgar told them to leave his house. Referring to the letters sent to him, Edgar had reached the conclusion that his mother constantly harasses Luisa so their marriage breaks apart. A separation means that the money Edgar sends to Luisa would be shifted go to Etang. Edgar also disclosed that he has resigned from the Navy, intending to give all his savings and house to Etang. He and Luisa would then leave the house.

A furious Etang then debased Luisa, claiming that Luisa and Lorna cover up each other's transgressions. The now-defiant Beteng then stood up in defense of Luisa. He made it known that he could not stand Etang anymore. Beteng reconsidered the decision to leave Etang on the condition that she will refrain from bothering Edgar and Luisa.

Mokong is outside Agueda's store, hoping to apologize before leaving for Sangley Point. Resigning that Agueda will not forgive him, Mokong hailed a taxicab. Incidentally, Bianong is the passenger. After a few greetings, Mokong took the taxicab and shouldered Bianong's fare. 

Agueda initially met Bianong with a cold shoulder, but she forgave him after he acknowledged that his stay with the Navy made him realize that he was wrong about treating women. 

As for Dencio, he preferred having a drinking spree with friends over a dinner with family. Nati's efforts to prepare a sumptuous feast went to naught, so Luis went furious. 

The morning after, a confrontation between an intoxicated Dencio and an infuriated Luis led to the heartbreaking confession that Dencio has another family in the U.S. Father and son eventually forgave one another. Dencio entrusted Nati to Marciano.

As Jesse got out of a taxicab, Etang approached him and told him that she has something important to say. The scene cuts to an enraged Jesse who stands in the doorway, angry that another person informed him of Lorna's cheating. Jesse claimed she did not receive the revelatory letter from Lorna. Lorna showed him a proof that she sent the letter via registered mail. 

Although Lorna expressed the preparedness to leave the house, she shifted the blame to Jesse. After leaving the house and boarding a bus, a despondent Jesse ran after the departing vehicle. The bus stopped and Lorna got out of it. Jesse and Lorna hugged and kissed each other, then walked home (leaving the handbag and suitcase on the road).

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Helen Gamboa ... Luisa

Eddie Gutierrez ... Mario

Perla Bautista ... Agueda

Ramil Rodriguez ... Edgar

Eddie Garcia ... Jess

Leila Morena ... Nati

Leopoldo Salcedo ... Dencio

Carlos Padilla Jr. ... Bianong

Vic Vargas ... Mokong

Rita Gomez ... Lorna

Gina Laforteza ... Delta

Eddie Infante ... Beteng

Manolo Noble ... Marciano

Etang Discher ... Etang

Doming Viray ... Domeng

Maya Fuentes ... Ester

Johnny Baylon ... Jun

Jimmy De La Fuente ... Jimmy

Roldan Aquino ... Luis

Ben Rubio ... Priest

Jerry Pons ... Jerry (uncredited)

Matimtiman Cruz ... Maring (uncredited)

Full Movie: Cinema One / YouTube

Fifty Editions of the Metro Manila Film Festival

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is an annual film festival organized by the Metro Manila Development Authority.

Except for its first edition in 1975, the MMFF runs from Christmas Day through New Year's Day and into first weekend of January in the following year.

Movie theaters show only films that are approved by the MMFF's jurors during the course of the festival.

As the MMFF marks its fiftieth edition this year, let us recall the official entries that have been selected for the much-awaited event since 1975.

A variation of the MMFF logo (1975 - 2009)

MMFF logo (2010 - 2016)

MMFF logo (2016 - present)

1st Metro Manila Festival (a.k.a. 1st Metropolitan Film Festival)

September 21, 1975 to September 30, 1975

Alat!

Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi

Batu-Bato sa Langit (Ang Tamaa'y Huwag Magagalit..!)

Diligin mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa

Kapitan Kulas

Karugtong ang Kahapon

Postcards from China

Siya'y Umalis, Siya'y Dumating

2nd Metro Manila Film Festival (a.k.a. 1976 Filipino Film Festival)

December 25, 1976 to January 3, 1977

Barok 

Dateline Chicago: Arrest the Nurse Killer

Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon

Insiang

The Interceptors

Kisame Street

Makahiya at Talahib           

Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo           

Puede Ako, Puwede Ka Pa Ba

The Rebel Hunter (True-to-Life Story of Brig. Gen. Romeo Gatan)

3rd Metro Manila Film Festival

December 24, 1977 to January 2, 1978

Babae ... Ngayon at Kailanman

Bakya Mo Neneng

Banta ng Kahapon

Mga Bilanggong Birhen

Burlesk Queen

Inay

Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising

Sa Piling ng mga Sugapa

Walang Katapusang Tag-araw

4th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1978 to January 3, 1979

Atsay

Garrote: Jai Alai King

Ang Huling Lalaki ng Baluarte

Jack n'Jill of the Third Kind

The Jess Lapid Story

Katawang Alabok

Kid Kaliwete

Rubia Servios

Salonga

5th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1979 to January 3, 1980

Alabok na Ginto

Ang Alamat ni Julian Makabayan

Bugoy

Ina Ka ng Anak Mo

Kadete

Kasal-Kasalan, Bahay-Bahayan

Ang Lihim ng Guadalupe

Mamang Sorbetero

Modelong Tanso

Ang Sisiw ay Isang Agila

6th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1980 to January 3, 1981

Basag

Bona

Brutal

Dang-Dong

Kape't Gatas

Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo

Langis at Tubig

Ang Panday

Taga sa Panahon

Tembong

7th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1981 to January 3, 1982

Ang Babae sa Ulog

Indio

Init O' Lamig

Kamlon

Kapitan Kidlat

Karma

Kisapmata

Pagbabalik ng Panday

Rock n' Roll

Tropang Bulilit

8th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1982 to January 3, 1983

The Cute ... The Sexy n' the Tiny

Desire

Haplos

Himala

Magindanao

Moral

Ang Panday: Ikatlong Yugto

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

Tatlo Silang Tatay Ko

Tulisan ng Pasong Musang

9th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1983 to January 3, 1984

Bad Bananas sa Puting Tabing

Bago Kumalat ang Kamandag

D'Godson

Gunfighter

Hot Property

Karnal

Over My Dead Body

Tengteng De Sarapen

10th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1984 to January 3, 1985

Alapaap

Atsay Killer: Buti Nga Sa'yo

Bukas ... May Pangarap

Bulaklak sa City Jail

Idol

Misteryo sa Tuwa

Muntinlupa

Ang Panday IV: Ika- Apat na Aklat

Shake, Rattle & Roll

11th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1985 to January 3, 1986

Ano ang Kulay ng Mukha ng Diyos?

Boboy Tibayan: Tigre ng Cavite

Bomba Arienda

God … Save Me!

Hee Man: Master of None

I Can't Stop Loving You

Menudo at Pandesal

The Moises Padilla Story: The Missing Chapter

Oks na Oks Partner

Paradise Inn

12th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1986 to January 3, 1987

Bagets Gang

Bangkay Mo Akong Hahakbangan

Captain Barbell

Halimaw

Payaso

Salamangkero: The Magician

Tuklaw

13th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1987 to January 3, 1988

1+1=12+1 (Cheaper by the Dozen)

Action Is Not Missing (Crack Platoon)

Anak Badjao

Huwag Mong Buhayin ang Bangkay

Olongapo ... The Great American Dream

The Untold Story of Melanie Marquez

14th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1988 to January 3, 1989

Agila ng Maynila

Celestina Sanchez, Alyas Bubbles - Enforcer: Ativan Gang

Itanong Mo sa Buwan

Magkano ang Iyong Dangal?

Patrolman

Pik Pak Boom

15th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1989 to January 3, 1990

Ang Bukas ay Akin (Langit ay Uusig)

Imortal

Irosin: Pagputok ng Araw ... Babaha ng Dugo!

Last Two Minutes

Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig ni Elias Paniki

Tupang Itim

16th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1990 to January 3, 1991

Ama ... Bakit Mo Ako Pinabayaan?

Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?

Baril Ko ... Ang Uusig!

Espadang Patpat

Shake, Rattle & Roll II        

Tumakbo Ka ... Hanggang May Lupa

17th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1991 to January 3, 1992

Contreras Gang

Darna

Juan Tamad at Mister Shooli: Mongolian Barbecue

Magdalena S. Palacol Story

Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!

Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M.

Shake, Rattle & Roll III

18th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1992 to January 3, 1993

Andres Manambit: Angkan ng Matatapang

Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal

Engkanto

Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! Part 2

Shake, Rattle & Roll IV      

Takbo ... Talon ... Tili!!!

19th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1993 to January 3, 1994

Doring Dorobo: Hagupit ng Batas

Gaano Kita Kamahal

Inay

Kung Mawawala Ka Pa

May Minamahal

Pusoy Dos

20th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1994 to January 3, 1995

Kanto Boy 2: Anak ni Totoy Guapo

Lucas Abelardo

Mama's Boys 2: Let's Go Na!

Ang Pagbabalik ni Pedro Penduko

Shake, Rattle & Roll V       

Wanted: Perfect Father

21st Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1995 to January 3, 1996

Dahas           

Father en Son

Huwag Mong Isuko ang Laban

Isko: Adventures in Animasia

Magic Kombat

Muling Umawit ang Puso

22nd Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1996 to January 3, 1997

Aring King King: Ang Bodyguard Kong Sexy

Emong Salvacion: Humanda Ka ... Oras Mo Na!

Kahit Kailan: Love Forgives

Magic Temple

Rubberman: Up, Up and Away!

Trudis Liit

23rd Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1997 to January 3, 1998

Adarna: The Mythical Bird

Anak ng Bulkan

Babae

Magic Kingdom: Ang Alamat ng Damortis

Nasaan ang Puso

Padre Kalibre

24th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1998 to January 3, 1999

Babae sa Bintana

Hiwaga ng Panday

Jose Rizal

Kasal-kasalan Sakalan

Puso ng Pasko

Sambahin ang Ngalan Mo

25th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 1999 to January 3, 2000

Ako ang Lalagot ng Hininga Mo

Bulaklak ng Maynila

Esperanza: The Movie

Muro-Ami

Pepeng Agimat

Sa Piling ng Aswang

26th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2000 to January 3, 2001

Deathrow

Markova: Comfort Gay

Ping Lacson: Super Cop

Spirit Warriors

Sugatang Puso

Tanging Yaman

27th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2001 to January 3, 2002

Bagong Buwan

Bahay ni Lola

Di Kita Ma-Reach

Hubog

Susmaryosep! Four Fathers

Tatarin

Yamashita: The Tiger's Treasure

28th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2002 to January 10, 2003

FIRST BATCH

Ang Agimat: Anting-Anting ni Lolo

Ang Alamat ng Lawin

Dekada '70

Home Along da Riber

Hula Mo ... Huli Ko

Lapu-Lapu

Mano Po

 

SECOND BATCH

Lastikman

Spirit Warriors: The Shortcut

29th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2003 to January 8, 2004

FIRST BATCH

Captain Barbell

Crying Ladies

Fantastic Man

Filipinas

Homecoming           

Malikmata

Mano Po II: My Home

 

SECOND BATCH

Bridal Shower

Gagamboy

30th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2004 to January 5, 2005

 

Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita

Enteng Kabisote: Okay ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend

Lastikman: Unang Banat

Mano Po III: My Love

Panaghoy sa Suba

Sigaw

So Happy Together

Spirit of the Glass

31st Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2005 to January 7, 2006

FIRST BATCH

Enteng Kabisote 2: Okay Ka Fairy Ko: The Legend Continues

Exodus: Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom

Kutob

Mano Po 4: Ako Legal Wife

Mulawin: The Movie           

Shake, Rattle & Roll 2k5   

Terrorist Hunter

 

SECOND BATCH

Blue Moon

Lagot Ka sa Kuya Ko!

Mourning Girls

32nd Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2006 to January 7, 2007

Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend Goes On and On and On

Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo

Ligalig

Mano Po 5: Gua Ai Di

Matakot Ka sa Karma

Shake, Rattle and Roll 8   

Super Noypi

Tatlong Baraha

Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh

33rd Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2007 to January 7, 2008

 

FIRST BATCH

Bahay Kubo: A Pinoy Mano Po!

Enteng Kabisote 4: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko: The Beginning of the Legend

Katas ng Saudi

Resiklo

Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo

Shake, Rattle and Roll 9

SECOND BATCH

Anak ng Kumander

Banal

Desperadas

34th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2008 to January 7, 2009

Baler

Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia

Desperadas 2

Iskul Bukol 20 Years After: The Ungasis and Escaleras Adventure

Magkaibigan

One Night Only

Shake, Rattle & Roll X

Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat

35th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2009 to January 7, 2010

Ang Darling Kong Aswang

I Love You, Goodbye

Nobody, Nobody But... Juan

Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love

Ang Panday

Shake, Rattle & Roll XI

Wapakman

36th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2010 to January 7, 2011

 

Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote

Dalaw

Father Jejemon

Rosario

RPG Metanoia

Shake, Rattle and Roll 12

Super Inday and the Golden Bibe

Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na 'To!)

37th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2011 to January 7, 2012

 

Enteng ng Ina Mo

My House Husband: Ikaw Na!

Ang Panday 2

Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story

Segunda Mano

Shake, Rattle & Roll 13

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

38th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2012 to January 8, 2013

Si Agimat, si Enteng Kabisote at si Ako

El Presidente: General Emilio Aguinaldo Story and the First Philippine Republic

One More Try

Shake, Rattle and Roll Fourteen: The Invasion

Sisterakas

Sosy Problems

The Strangers

Thy Womb

39th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2013 to January 7, 2014

 

10,000 Hours

Boy Golden

Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy

Kaleidoscope World           

Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng Prequel

My Little Bossings

Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay

Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir

40th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2014 to January 7, 2015

 

The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin

Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo

English Only, Please

Feng Shui 2

Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2

Muslim Magnum .357: To Serve and Protect

My Big Bossing

Shake, Rattle & Roll XV

41st Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2015 to January 7, 2016

All You Need Is Pag-ibig

Beauty and the Bestie

Buy Now, Die Later

Haunted Mansion

Honor Thy Father

My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore

Nilalang

#Walang Forever

42nd Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2016 to January 7, 2017

 

Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: #ForeverIsNotEnough

Die Beautiful

Kabisera

Oro

Saving Sally

Seklusyon

Sunday Beauty Queen

Vince & Kath & James

43rd Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2017 to January 7, 2018

All of You

Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad

Meant to Beh

Ang Panday

Deadma Walking

Haunted Forest

Ang Larawan

Siargao

44th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2018 to January 7, 2019

 

Aurora

Fantastica

The Girl in the Orange Dress

Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles

Mary, Marry Me

One Great Love

Otlum

Rainbow's Sunset

45th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2019 to January 7, 2020

Miracle in Cell No. 7           

Mission Unstapabol: The Don Identity

The Mall, The Merrier

Sunod

3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon!

Culion

Mindanao

Write About Love

46th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2020 to January 8, 2021

Coming Home

Fan Girl

Isa Pang Bahaghari

Magikland

Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim

Pakboys Takusa

Suarez: The Healing Priest

Tagpuan

The Boy Foretold by the Stars

The Missing

47th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2021 to January 7, 2022

A Hard Day

Big Night!

Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw

Huwag Kang Lalabas

Kun Maupay Man it Panahon

Love at First Stream

Nelia

The Exorsis

48th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2022 to January 7, 2023

 

Labyu with an Accent

Nanahimik ang Gabi

Partners in Crime

My Teacher

Deleter

Family Matters

Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told

My Father, Myself

49th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2023 to January 14, 2024

Family of Two

Kampon

Penduko

Rewind

Becky & Badette

Broken Hearts Trip

Firefly

GomBurZa

Mallari

When I Met You in Tokyo

50th Metro Manila Film Festival

December 25, 2024 to January 7, 2025

And the Breadwinner Is...

Green Bones

Himala, Isang Musikal

The Kingdom

Strange Frequencies: Haunted Hospital

Topakk

Hold Me Close

My Future You

Uninvited

Espantaho

"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

Lyrics from "Mga Awiting Batibot," Part 1: "Kung Gusto Mong Sumaya" and "Abakada sa Awit at Senyas"

A few weeks ago, we posted an article about the television soundtrack Mga Awiting Batibot.

The following will be part of a series of companion articles, each individually focusing on selected tracks

The original Filipino lyrics, an English translation, and a few notes are provided in each article.

For this article, the focus will be on the songs Kung Gusto Mong Sumaya (Tagalog: If You Want to Have Fun) and Abakada sa Awit at Senyas (Tagalog: Alphabet in Song and Gestures).

Photo Credit: Wazzup Pilipinas

Kung Gusto Mong Sumaya (Tagalog: If You Want to Have Fun)

Kung gusto mong sumaya, kung gusto mong sumigla

Igalaw mo (4x), igalaw ang iyong ulo

Kung gusto mong sumaya, kung gusto mong sumigla

Igalaw mo (4x), igalaw ang iyong paa

Kung gusto mong sumaya, kung gusto mong sumigla

Igalaw mo (4x),  igalaw mo ang mga kamay

Kung gusto mong sumaya, kung gusto mong sumigla

Igalaw mo (4x), igalaw buong katawan mo

ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

If you want to have fun, if you want to be energetic

Move your (4x), move your head

If you want to have fun, if you want to be energetic

Move your (4x), move your feet

If you want to have fun, if you want to be energetic

Move your (4x), move your hands

If you want to have fun, if you want to be energetic

Move your (4x), move your whole body

Abakada sa Awit at Senyas (Tagalog: Alphabet in Song and Gestures).

Halina't pag-aralan, itong abakada

Bigkasin ninyo at isesenyas ko

A ... B ... K ... D ... E

Ituloy na natin, sa awit tapusin

Ang abakada, kaydali pala

G ... H ... I ... L ... M

Sa senyas pala ay kayang-kaya

Na makanta ang abakada

N ... NG ... O ... P ... R

Ituloy na natin, sa awit tapusin

Ang abakada, kaydali pala

S ... T ... U ... W ... Y

Kaysarap awitin, abakada natin

Kung may sumesenyas at may bumibigkas

ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

Come and let's study, this alphabet

Pronounce and I will gesure

A ... B ... K ... D ... E

Let's continue, end it with song

The alphabet, so easy indeed

G ... H ... I ... L ... M

With gestures by the way, you can really do 

To sing the alphabet

N ... NG ... O ... P ... R

Let's continue, end it with song

The alphabet, so easy indeed

S ... T ... U ... W ... Y

NOTES:

In 1939, the Abakada alphabet was adopted for the Tagalog-based Wikang Pambansa (now Filipino).

When enumerating each consonant in the "indigenized" Latin alphabet, it is always pronounced with an ⟨-a⟩ suffix. For instance, "ba", "ka", etc. This approach is also the foundation for the nomenclature of the Abakada alphabet.

In 1987, the Abakada alphabet has since been superseded by the adoption of the Filipino alphabet. The Filipino alphabet has additional eight letters and repositioned letter K.