Sunday, December 31, 2023

THE NINETIES # 1041: JESSA ZARAGOZA, DIETHER OCAMPO, TROY MONTERO, WITH JOHN APACIBLE, TERRY BAYLOSIS, MANNY CASTANEDA, ANGIE CASTRENCE, MENGGIE COBARRUBIAS IN "BAKIT PA? THE MOVIE" (1999)

A woman keeps looking for the 'right man' but usually the 'wrong' ones who end up breaking her heart. This time she tries once again.


"Bakit Pa? The Movie" (1999)
OctoArts Films, GMA Films
Release Date February 3, 1999
Cinematography Eduardo 'Totoy' Jarlego
Film Editor Ronald Allan Dale
Production Design Jake de Asis
Musical Director Jessie Lasaten
Story, Screenplay and Direction Jose Javier Reyes
Cast Jessa Zaragoza, Diether Ocampo, Troy Montero/ Also starring John Apacible, Terry Baylosis, Manny Castaneda, Angie Castrence, Menggie Cobbarubias, Eugene Christiansen, Rolando Inocencio, Don Laurel, Anita Linda, Gigi Locsin, Jessette Prospero, Marco Salvador, Gilleth Sandico

THE NINETIES # 1040: ALBET MARTINEZ, JOYCE JIMENEZ, WITH DAISY REYES, BIBETH ORTEZA, JAIME FABREGAS, RENATO DEL PRADO, MANNY CASTANEDA IN "SCORPIO NIGHT 2" (1999)

A reserved physics professor becomes sexually obsessed with a campus lass. One sexual encounter leads to many more until the professor loses all respectability.



"Scorpio Night 2" (1999)
Viva Films
Release Date February 2, 1999
Screenplay Erik Matti, Lorenzo 'Lore' Reyes
Cinematography Richard Padernal
Film Editor Danilo 'Danny' Gloria
Production Design Adrian Torres
Musical Director Jaime Fabregas
Executive Producer Vic del Rosario, Jr.
Direction Erik Matti
Cast Albert Martinez, Joyce Jimenez/ Also starring Daisy Reyes, Bibeth Orteza, jaime Fabregas, Renato del Prado, Manny Castaneda



VHS Cover

THE NINETIES # 1039: CESAR MONTANO, DAYANARA TORRES, WITH JOHN REGALA, BAYANI AGBAYANI, JORGE ESTREGAN, ROY ALVAREZ, GABRIEL ROMULO AND SERENA DALRYMPLE IN "TYPE KITA... WALANG KOKONTRA!" (1999)

A hard-hitting cop is requested by his cousin to pretend to be him and meet the cousin's Spanish pen pal. Trouble arises when the Spanish lady leads the cop to a wealthy antique collector who is linked to a drug syndicate.


"Type Kita... Walang Kokontra!" (1999)
Star Cinema Productions
Release Date January 27, 1999
Screenplay Henry Nadong
Cinematography Ramon Marcelino, Rudy Dino
Production Design Tito Macatunggal
Musical Director Mon del Rosario
Direction Toto Natividad
Cast Cesar Montano, Dayanara Torre/ Also starring John Regala, Bayani Agbayani, Jorge Estregan, Roy Alvarez, Gabriel Romulo and Serena Dalrymple/ Special Participation of Tracy Vergel/ with Pocholo Montes, Flora Gasser, Ernie Zarate



Trailer


Film Clip

Saturday, December 30, 2023

THE NINETIES # 1038: GARDO VERSOZA, PATRICK GUZMAN, MARCUS MADRIGAL AND AYA MEDEL (IN THE TITLE ROLE), WITH EVANGELINE PASCUAL, OGIE JULIANO, FRANK RIVERA, EDWIN O' HARA IN MARIO O'HARA'S "SISA" (1999)

In this radical interpretation of Jose Rizal's life and his Noli Me Tangere, Rizal fights for his one true love, his childhood friend and now the family maid Sisa.



"Sisa" (1999)
Good Harvest Productions
Release Date January 27, 1999
Cinematography Rey de Leon
Film Editor George Jarlego
Production Design Lorrie Castillo
Musical Director Blitz Padua
Screenplay and Direction Mario O' Hara
Cast Gardo Versoza, Patrick Guzman, Marcus Madrigal and Aya Medel (in the title role)/ Also starring Evangeline Pascual, Ogie Juliano, Frank Rivera, Edwin O'Hara, Alex Jimenez, Jerry O' Hara




VHS Cover- Front and Back


Original theatrical poster of "Sisa" (1999)
(Private Collection)

THE NINETIES # 1037: SABRINA M., ALMA SORIANO, MIKE MAGAT, WITH PAULA GOMEZ, ODETTE KHAN, NATY SANTIAGO, BANJO ROMERO, ERNIE FORTE, DANNY RIEL IN "ALIW, MASARAP NA LASON" (1999)

Five friends from affluent families commit a crime. They try to elude the hands of the law, until three of them are killed and two are apprehended and sentenced for their crime.



"Aliw, Masarap na Lason" (1999)
El Nino Films, Gift Productions
Release Date January 27, 1999
Cinematography Alfonso Chavez
Film Editor Popoy Crisostomo
Musical Director Gerry Nisteros
Story, Screenplay and Direction Cesar SB. Abella
Cast Sabrina M., Alma Soriano, Mike Magat/ Introducing Paula Gomez/ Also starring Odette Khan, Naty Santiago, Banjo Romero, Ernie Forte, Danny Riel, Ian Crosby, Eric Yulo, Tess Orias, Nonong de Andres

Thursday, December 28, 2023

THE 2023 METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL- "FIREFLY"- BEST PICTURE/ VILMA SANTOS- BEST ACTRESS/ CEDRIC JUAN -BEST ACTOR

The movie, "Firefly" won the Best Picture Award in this year's Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal, held at New Frontier theater, Tuesday, December 27. It romped away two other major awards- Best Screenplay and Best Child Actor (Euwenn Mikaell)

"GomBurZa" took home the 2nd Best Picture Award and six other awards- Best Director (Pepe Diokno), Best Actor (Cedrick Juan), Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, Best Production Design and the Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award.

Vilma Santos won the Best Actress Award for  “When I Met You in Tokyo”; Miles Ocampo, Best Supporting Actress for “Family of Two”; JC Santos, Best Supporting Actor for "Mallari."

"Mallari" and “When I Met You in Tokyo” received the 3rd and 4th Best Picture Award respectively.

See the full list of winners below:

Best Picture: “Firefly”

Second Best Picture: “GomBurZa”

Third Best Picture: “Mallari”

Fourth Best Picture: “When I Met You in Tokyo”

Best Director: Pepe Diokno of “GomBurZa”

Best Actor: Cedrick Juan of “GomBurZa”

Best Actress: Vilma Santos of “When I Met You in Tokyo”

Best Supporting Actress: Miles Ocampo of “Family of Two”

Best Supporting Actor: JC Santos of “Mallari”

Best Cinematography: “GomBurZa”

Best Sound Design: “GomBurZa”

Best Visual Effects: “Mallari”

Best Original Theme Song: “Finggah Lickin” from “Becky & Badette”

Best Editing: “K(ampon)”

Best Production Design: “GomBurZa”

Gender Sensitivity Award: “Becky & Badette”

Best Musical Score: “Mallari”

Best Float: “When I Met You in Tokyo”

Best Child Performer: Euwenn Mikaell of “Firefly”

Best Screenplay: “Firefly”

Marichu Veraperez Maceda Memorial Award: Lily Monteverde

Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: “GomBurZa”



"Firefly"


"When I Met You in Tokyo"



"GomBurZa"



"Rewind"



"Penduko"


"Mallari"


"Kampon"



"Family of  Two"



"Broken Hearts Trip"


"Becky & Badette"

Sunday, December 24, 2023

THE NINETIES # 1036: LITO LAPID, ARA MINA, WITH EFREN REYES, JR., MAT RANILLO III, ROY ALVAREZ, BRANDON LEGASPI, MIKE GAYOSO, ARNEL IGNACIO IN "TATAPATAN KO ANG LAKAS MO" (1999)

A man wrongfully accused bolts out of prison and takes refuge in a town, where he is deputized as an agent to help eliminate an illegal logging syndicate. But his secret is revealed.


"Tatapatan Ko ang Lakas Mo" (1999)
Regal Films
Release Date January 19, 1999
Cinematography Johnny Araojo
Film Editor Rogelio Salvador
Production Design Boyet Ocampo
Musical Director Dionisio 'Nonong' Buencamino
Executive Producer Lily Monteverde
Story, Screenplay and Direction Jose N. Carreon
Cast Lito Lapid, Ara Mina/ Also starring Efren Reyes, Jr., Mat Ranillo III, Roy Alvarez, Brandon Legaspi, Mike Gayoso, Arnel Ignacio

THE NINETIES # 1035: ANTON BERNARDO, KLAUDIA KORONEL, GINO ILLUSTRE AND INTRODUCING NICOLE NICOLAS, SOFIA VALDEZ, DEBBIE ROYALES IN "ANAKAN MO AKO" (1999)

A tribal chieftain and his wife are pressured to have children by their tribe, whose population has been dwindling. The situation is complicated when both turn to other lovers instead.


Anakan Mo Ako" (1999)
Seiko Film
Release Date January 13, 1999
Cinematography Felizardo Bailen
Film Editor Ferren Salumbides
Production Design Sonny Maculada
Musical Director Bienvenide 'Benny' Medina
Executive Producer Robbie Tan
Story, Screenplay and Direction Humilde 'Meek' Roxas
Cast Anton Bernardo, Klaudia Koronel, Gino Illustre/ Introducing Nicole Nicolas, Sofia Valdez, Debbie Royales/ Also starring Beverly Salviejo, Flora Gasser, Cris Daluz
(Image- VCD Cover)

THE NINETIES # 1034: ANJANETTE ABAYARI, ERIC ESGUERRA, JULIUS HENSON AND GARD ESTRADA, WITH BERNARD BONNIN, MAGGIE DELA RIVA, ALMA SORIANO, BRANDO LEGASPI IN "DIBDIBAN ANG LABAN" (1999)

Separated during a fierce battle when they were young, a woman, now a teacher, and her younger brother, are reunited after the teacher is taken hostage by the brother's band of rebels.



"Dibdiban ang Laban" (1999)
MTR Productions
Release Date January 13, 1999
Cinematography Renato 'Atoy' de Vera
Film Editor Rene Tala
Production Design Gabby Francisco
Musical Director Willie Yusi
Story, Screenplay and Direction Neil /Buboy' Tan
Cast Anjanette Abayari, Eric Esguerra, Julius Henson and Gary Estrada/ Also starring Bernard Bonnin, Maggie dela Riva, Alma Soriano, Brando Legaspi, Ida Reyes, Aila Marie, Ronnie Valle, Banjo Romero, Leo Lazaro, Danny Riel, Boy Fernandez, Rene Balan, Bobby Benitez, Mike Vergel, Martin Gonzales, Froilan Ami, Tony Martinez, Vic Felipe, Jeric Vasquez, Jerry Roman, Demi Reyes, Boy Nuguid


VHS Cover

Friday, December 22, 2023

THE NINETIES # 1033: CARMINA VILLARROEL, BOBBY ANDREWS, ONEMIG BONDOC, GLADYS REYES, RED STERNBERG, RUFA MAE QUINTO, CIARA SOTTO, RYAN EIGENMANN, BERNADETTE ALLYSON, ASSUNTA DE ROSSI AND ERIC QUIZON IN " SUMIGAW KA HANGGANG GUSTO MO!" (1999)

Terror reigns in the school campus as students get killed one after the other.


"Sumigaw Ka Hanggang Gusto Mo!" (1999)
Viva Films, Kaizz Ventures Productions
Release Date January 4, 1999
Screenplay Ian Victoriano
Cinematography Romeo Vitug
Film Editor Manet Dayrit
Production Design Ben Payumo
Musical Director Ardie O. Lopez
Executive Producers Vic del Rosario, Jr., Enrico Quizon
Story and Direction Enrico S. Quizon
Cast Carmina Villarroel, Bobby Andrews, Onemig Bondoc, Gladys Reyes, Red Sternberg, Rufa Mae Quinto, Ciara Sotto, Ryan Eigenmann, Bernadette Allyson, Assunta de Rossi and Eric Quizon/ Special Parrtgicipation- Sunshine Dizon, Kim delos Santos, Dino Guevarra, Polo ravales, Joyce Jimenez

[



VHS Cover

THE NINETIES # 1032: RITA MAGDALENA, AYA MEDEL, EMILIO GARCIA, RAMONA RIVILLA, ROY RODRIGO, LEO RABAGO, TROVADOR RAMOS, JR., IN CELSO AD CASTILLO'S " DROGA, ANG PAGTATAPAT NG MGA BABAING ADDICT" (1999)

An undercover police officer initially poses as a drug addict to penetrate an organized drug syndicate but eventually becomes drug-dependent herself.


"Droga, Ang Pagtatapat ng mga Babaing Addict" (1999)
Gloanne Films, EDL Productionas
Release Date January 4, 1999
Cinematography Isagani Sioson
Film Editor Rene Tala
Musical Director Rey Ramos
Story, Screenplay and Direction Celso Ad Castillo
Cast Rita Magdalena, Aya Medel, Emilio Garcia, Ramona Rivilla, Roy Rodrigo, Leo Rabago, Trovador Ramos, Jr.



Theatrical trailer


VHS Cover

THE NINETIES # 1031: VIC SOTTO, MICHAEL V., WITH BETH TAMAYO, LARA MORENA, LINDSAY CUSTODIO, MARICEL MORALES, REZ CORTEZ, ROMY DIAZ, JAIME FABREGAS, TERESA LOYZAGA IN "D'SISTERS (NUNS OF THE ABOVE)" (1999)

Two brothers pose as nuns to save a parochial school from the evil intents of a rich man who wants the school demolished because of a supposed treasure in tis premises.


"D' Sisters (None of the Above)" (1999)
OctoArts Films, GMA Films, M-Zet Films
Release Date January 4, 1999
Story and Screenplay Cris Pablo, Tony Reyes, Ely matawaran
Cinematography Itok Limpin
Film Editor Eduardo Jarlego
Production Design Gabby Francisco
Musical Director Yoyong Malasa
Direction Tony Y. Reyes
Cast Vic Sotto, Michael V./ Also starring Beth Tamayo, Lara Morena, Lindsay Custodio, Maricel Morales, Rez Cortez, Romy Diaz, Jaime Fabregas, Teresa Loyzaga, Bomber Moran, Anita Linda, Gary Lising/ Guest stars- Bro. Willy, Bro. Jocel and Brod Pete


VHS Cover

Saturday, December 16, 2023

THE NINETIES # 1030: EDDIE GARCIA, CHRISTOPHER DE LEON, JOMARI YLLANA, WITH ALICE DIXSON, LJ MORENO, EFREN REYES, JR., ALICIA ALONZO, CHARLIE DAVAO, MON CONFIADO IN "SAMBAHIN ANG NGALAN MO" (1998)

A young man is torn between his father who does not want him to be part of the raging war between two families and his grandfather who raised him to be his successor in that family feud.


"Sambahin ang Ngalan Mo" (1998)
MAQ Productions, Regal Films
1998 Metro Manila Film Festival Entry
Release Date December 25, 1998
Cinematography Johnny Araojo
Film Editor Jose 'Joe' Solo
Production Design Boyet Ocampo
Musical Director Dionisio 'Nonong' Buencamino
Story, Screenplay and Direction Jose N. Carreon
Cast Eddie Garcia, Christopher de Leon, Jomari Yllana/ Also starring Alice Dixson, LJ Moreno, Efren Reyes, Jr., Alicia Alonzo, Charlie Davao, Mon Confiado, Val Iglesias, Robert Aviles/ Special Participation- Pinky Amador




Original theatrical poster of "Sambahin ang Ngalan Mo" (1998)
(Private Collection)

THE NINETIES # 1029: JUDY ANN SANTOS, WOWIE DE GUZMAN, GLADYS REYES, CHRISTOPHER ROXAS, WITH ELIZABETH OROPESA, AI-AI DE LAS ALAS, TIA PUSIT, JOEY PADILLA, BERING LABRA IN "KASAL-KASALAN SAKALAN" (1998)

A young couple tries to hide their relationship from the girl's parents who dislike the boy because he is poor. The two are forced to marry each other after they are caught in the room drying their clothes. Conflict arises when they encounter a lot of disagreements while preparing for their wedding.


"Kasal- Kasalan Sakalan" (1998)
Crown Seven Ventures, Solar Films
1998 Metro Manila Film Festival Entry
Release Date December 25, 1998
Screenplay Senen Dimaguila, Ami Aguirre
Cinematography Arnold Alvaro
Film Editor Edgardo 'Boy' Vinarao, Felizardo 'Jun' Vinarao
Production Design Conrado 'Bing' Santos
Musical Director Maximiano Alcaide
Direction Edgardo 'Boy' Vinarao
Cast Judy Ann Sanos, Wowie de Guzman, Gladys Reyes, Christopher Roxas/ Also starring Elizabeth Oropesa, Ai-Ai de las Alas, Tia Pusit, Joey Padilla, Berting Labra




VHS Cover- front


VHS Cover- back

THE NINETIES # 1028: CESAR MONTANO (IN THE TITLE ROLE), GLORIA DIAZ, JOEL TORRE, JAIME FABREGAS, GARDO VERSOZA, GINA ALAJAR, TANYA GOMEZ, RONNIE LAZARO, SUBAS HERRERO, PEN MEDINA IN MARILOU DIAZ- ABAYA'S "JOSE RIZAL" (1998)

Accused of treason, Dr. Jose Rizal awaits trial and meet his counsel. The two build the case and arguments for the defense, as significant events in the central figure's life prior to his incarceration unfold.


"Jose Rizal" (1998)
GMA Films, Filmex
1998 Metro Manila Film Festival Entry
Release Date December 25, 1998
Screenplay Ricardo 'Ricky' Lee, Jun Lana, Peter Lim
Cinematography Rody Lacap
Film Editor Jesus 'Jess' Navarro, Manet Dayrit
Production Design Leo Abaya
Musical Director Dionisio 'Nonong' Buencamino
Direction Marilou Diaz- Abaya
Cast Cesar Montano (in the title role), Gloria Diaz, Joel Torre, Jaime Fabregas, Gardo Versoza, Gina Alajar, Tanya Gomez, Ronnie Lazaro, Subas Herrero, Pen Medina, ChinChin Gutierrez, Monique Wilson, Jhong Hilario, Mickey Ferriols


Film clip



THE NINETIES # 1027: JOLINA MAGDANGAL, JACLYN JOSE, RITA AVILA, CHERRY PIE PICACHE AND EDU MANZANO, WITH JASON SALCED0, ANNA LARRUCEA, EMMAN ABELEDA IN "PUSO NG PASKO" (1998)

Four miserable children are thrown out of their own house by their cruel aunts. A fairy makes their wishes come true.


"Puso ng Pasko" (1998)
Star Cinema Productions
1998 Metro Manila Film Festival Entry
Release Date December 25, 1998
Cinematography Richard Pedernal
Film Editor Danilo 'Danny' Gloria
Production Design Gina Marasigan
Musical Director Marc Aramian
Story, Screenplay and Direction Peque Gallaga. Lorenzo 'Lore' Reyes
Cast Jolina Magdangal, Jaclyn Jose, Rita Avila, Cherry Pie Picache and Edu Manzano/ Also starring Jason Salcedo, Anna Larrucea, Emman Abeleda, Justin Simoy, Korinne Lirio/ with Anita Linda, Jimmy Fabregas, Manny Castaneda, Lara Fabregas





Original theatrical poster of "Puso ng Pasko" (1998)
(Private Collection)

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

THE NINETIES # 1026: JINGGOY ESTRADA, KRIS AQUINO, WITH ROBERT AREVALO, GLORIA SEVILLA, BERNADETTE ALYSON, NARDS BELEN, BENEDICT AQUINO AND CELSO AD CASTILLO IN "HIWAGA NG PANDAY" (1998)

A gunsmith and a rich man's daughter are kidnapped by a syndicate involved in gun smuggling and kidnapping of young children. Together they escape their captors and with the help of the magic sword which he turns into a gun, they are able to subdue their enemies.


"Hiwaga ng Panday" (1998)
Golden Lions Films
1998 Metro Manila Film Festival Entry
Release Date December 25, 1998
Cinematography Jun Rasca
Film Editor Abelardo 'Dho' Hulleza
Production Design Melchor Defensor
Musical Director Alwyn Cruz
Executive Producer Donna Villa
Story, Screenplay and Direction Carlo J. Caparas
Cast Jinggoy Estrada, Kris Aquino/ Also starring Robert Arevalo, Gloria Sevilla, Bernadette Allyson, Nards Belen, Benedict Aquino, Martin Gutierrez, Caloy Salvador, Bernard Fabiosa, Atty. Pete Principe, Bobby Henson and Celso Ad Castillo/ Introducing Shiela Marie Tanyag, Joanne Salazar

Sunday, December 10, 2023

THE NINETIES # 1025: RICHARD GOMEZ, ROSANNA ROCES, WITH JOHN ESTRADA, JOHNNY MANAHAN, EFREN REYES, JR., RAYMOND KEANNU IN CHITO RONO'S "BABAE SA BINTANA" (1998)

A man is drawn to his mysterious next-door neighbor and ventures to unravel her mystery, only to be dragged into the woman's dangerous world.


"Babae sa Bintana" (1998)
Regal Films
1998 Metro Manila Film Festival Entry
Release Date December 25, 1998
Story and Screenplay Roy Iglesias
Cinematography Charlie Peralta, Ely Cruz
Film Editor Jaime Davila
Production Design Benjie de Guzman
Musical Director Jessie Lasaten
Executive Producer Lily Monteverde
Direction Chito S, Rono
Cast Richard Gomez, Rosanna Roces/ Also starring John Estrada, Johnny Manahan, Efren Reyes, Jr., Raymond Keannu


VHS Cover