PHILIPPINES


Ako . . . ang Huhusga

PHI 17  Echols 1989 Commercial 100 min.
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Viva Home Entertainment, Inc.
Dir/prod:
Ronwaldo Reyes Tagalog
Fernando Poe, Jr., Eddie Garcia, Monica Herrera, Maila Gumila & Paquito Diaz

Alone in his crusade against graft and corruption, Guerrero is "out to get" his nemesis, Judge Valerama. Intense dramatic hightlights and explosive action. Representative of the Filipino action genre, with capable acting, witty screenplay, religious discourse, family values, socially concerned vigilantes and genuinely slimy villains.

 

Alex Boncayao Brigade

PHI 16 Echols 1988 Commercial 105 min.
VHS/NTSC Good audio, poor video Olympia Pictures Viva Video, Inc.
Dir/prod:
Joey del Rosario Tagalog
Ronnie Ricketts & Mia Prats

The story of an NPA urban brigade in Manilla, and torn loyalties between family and the revolution.

 

Alfredo Lim: Batas Ng Maynila

PHI 70  Echols 1995 Commercial 120 min
VHS/NTSC
Excellent
Golden Kay Int'l Film , released thru Harvest Int'l Films Eastern Home Video
Dir/prod:
Ramje Tagalog
Eddie Garcia, Dang Cecilio, Timmy Cruz, Dan Fernandez, Rod Navarro, Dick Israel & Grriel Romulo

A biographical account of Manilla's finest Mayor, Alfredo Lim, portrayed by the highly respected Eddie Garcia. The story begins with Lim's early days as a law enforcement officer and concludes with his experiences as Mayor. A highly respected politician, Mayor Lim is portrayed as courageous in his never-ending attempts to cleanse the city of crime and other significant problems.

 

Balweg, the Rebel Priest

PHI 1   Echols 1987 Commercial 122 min.
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Good audio; poor video Viva Films Viva Video, Inc.
Dir/prod: Butch Perez Tagalog
Philip Salvador, Rio Locsin, Johnny Delgado, Tetchle Agbayani & Pinky Amador

The story of Father Conrado Balweg, a Catholic priest who began his revolutionary career in 1979. He defended the ancestral land rights of the Tinggians, of Abra Province in the Cordillera Mountains of Northern Luzon, against government-backed mining operations. Abondoned by the Church and hunted by the government, he goes underground and joins the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army.

 

Batch 81

PHI 12  Echols 1984 Commercial 123 min.
VHS/NTSC MVP Pictures Trigon Video, Inc.
Dir/prod:
Mike de Leon Tagalog
Mark Gil, Sandy Andolong, Dang Cecilo & Ricky Dandico, Jr.

Dramatizes the brutality of fraternity initiations, the supremacy of fraternity loyalties over ties to families, friends and girlfriends, as well as their immunity from the law.

 

Bayan ko Kapit Sa Patalim PHI 19 Echols 1984 Commercial 105 min. VHS/NTSC Excellent audio & video. Malaya Films & Stephan Films Beta Tape Center via John Sidel Dir/prod: Lino Brocka Tagalog Philip Salvador & Gina Alajar Story of a young couple caught in the middle of a labor dispute. Illness and poverty drive them to the limits of their endurance. Director Lino Brocka intended the film to "urge the Filipinos to wake up on (sic) the realities of the times" (Video Cassette Label).

 

Biktima

PHI 32  Echols 1990 Commercial 110 min.
VHS/NTSC Viva Home Entertainment, Inc., via Ben Anderson
Dir/prod:
Lino Brocka  Tagalog
Sharon Cuneta, Christopher De Leon & Gina Alajar

The story of an unsuccessful attempt to convict a congressman's son of rape. Takes an unexpected twist, as the accused pursues a friendship with the victim.

 

Bloody, Blundering, Business

PHI 15  SEAP Outreach Kahin Center & Echols 1975 Commentary 30 min.
VHS/NTSC
English

A satire on American foreign policy that traces U.S. intervention in the Philippines following the Spanish-American War. Silent movie format with newsreel footage and animation.

 

Boy Kristiano

PHI 14  Echols 1989 Commercial 95 min.
VHS/NTSC El Nino Films Viva Home Entertainment, Inc.
Dir/prod:
Caesar Abella Tagalog
John Regala, Dick Israel, Bobby Zshornack & Melissa Mendez

Story of revolutionary and Muslim-Christian conflict in Mindinao. Three half-brothers of different ideologies are embroiled in struggles over their ancestral land. Bulaklak Ng City Jail PHI 38 Echols c1985 Commercial 110 min. VHS/NTSC Cherubin Films Ben Anderson Dir/prod: Mario O'Hara Tagalog / English & Spanish sub-titles Nora Aunor, Celia Rodreque & Gina Alajar Story of Angela who is accused of murder and sent to the city jail.

 

Bontoc Eulogy         

 

 A personal and poignant docudrama examining the Filipino experience at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.   Focuses on the filmmaker’s grandfather, an Igorot warrior, one of the 1,100 tribal natives displayed as anthropological ‘specimens’ in the notorious Philippine Village exhibit.   A unique fusion of rare archival images, verite, and carefully orchestrated visual sequences shot in the present, this is an original and innovative investigation of history, memory, and the spectacle of the ‘other’ in turn-of-the-century America.     60-min;  b/w;  1995.

 

Collision Course

PHI 53 SEAP Outreach Kahin Center & Echols 1976 Documentary 39 min
VHS/NTSC BBC, with Time Life Television
Vanya Kewley English

Part of the BBC's Everyman Series, this documentary looks at the situation in The Philippines toward the end of the Marcos era, and the leadership role, and resulting persecution, of the Catholic Church in the fight for human rights.

 

Dollar a Day, Ten Cents a Dance

PHI 40  Echols & SEAP Outreach Kahin Center 1984 Documentary 29 min.
VHS/NTSC Impact Productions
George Ow, Jr., Geoffrey Dunn & Mark Schwartz English
Filipino immigrants

Chronicles the unique and fascinating history of Filipino immigration to the United States during the 1920s and 1930s. The story is told by the immigrants themselves, and their interviews combine with a rich array of historical photos, film footage, and period music to bring this forgotten chapter of American history to life.

 

Eskapo

PHI 72  Echols 1995 Commercial 117 min
VHS/NTSC Star Cinema Productions Regal Home Entertainment
Dir/prod:
Chito S. Rono Tagalog
Christopher de Leon, Dina Bonnevie & Richard Gomez

Geny Lopez, Jr. and Serge osmena II are a study in contrast. Geny is a serious businessman, while Serge, though highly skilled, is easygoing with a penchant for adventure and women. Both are scions of prominent Filipino clans, that wield tremendous influence in the country's economy and politics. In 1972, President Marcos declared martial law and imprisoned opponents. Failing to get the heads of their respective clans, who were abroad at the time, Marcos turned his ire on Geny and Serge. He accused them of plotting his assassination and incarcerated them. Failing to negotiate their release, despite various efforts by their families, the Lopezes virtually surrender their economic empire to the Marcoses. Serge and Geny then launch a hunger strike which attracts puplic attention. Marcos, embarrassed by such an act, publicly promises their release. However, as soon as the strike was called off, he reneged on his promise. Geny and Serge decide they have only one option: escape.

 

Evelio

PHI 11  Echols Commercial 145 min
NTSC/VHS & Beta/NTSC Audio good; video poor
People's Television Dir/prod:
Lupita Kashiwahara
Joel Torre & Gina Alajar

Biographical drama, in feature film format, concerning Evelio Javier's attempt to eliminate corruption and political coertion by running for the governorship of Antique Province.

 

Gentle Winds or Typhoon?

PHI 10 SEAP Outreach Kahin Center & Echols 1986 Documentary 35 min.
VHS/NTSC Dan Brandt English Narrator: Bill Goulding

Concerns the problems of workers on sugar plantations on the island of Negros in the mid-1980s. Interviews with church activists, farm union organizers and workers center on the issues of poverty, human rights abuses, killing and intimidation by the Military in support of the plantation owners. Activists believe the frustration of gradual reform will lead to the social equivalent of a typhoon. Shows why the Manila events of 1986 will hardly alter the lot of the people of Negros.

 

Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak

PHI 35  Echols 1990 Commercial 116 min
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Good, blurry during dark scenes
Viva Films VIA Ben Anderson Dir/prod: Lino Brocka Tagalog
Dina Bonnevie, Charo Santos, Eddie Garcia, Christopher De Leon & Bembol Roco

Rachel, a former movie actress who was raped, becomes the mistress of Mayor Guatlo. She tries to break away from his clutches, while attempting to elude his ambitious wife's attempts to kill her. Levi, her ex-boyfriend/professional killer, is set free to kill the mayor's rival. All this becomes the setting for a tension-filled finale.

 

Haplos

PHI 69  Echols 1982 Commercial 120 min
VHS/NTSC Audio good; video medium Mirik Films International Eastern Home Video
Dir/prod: Antonio Jose Perez Tagalog
Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon & Rio Locsin

A mystifying story of love & deception.

 

Himala

PHI 21 Echols 1982 Commercial 124 min.
VHS/NTSC Experimental Cinema of the Philippines via Ben Anderson
Dir:
Ishmael Bernal; Prod: Bibsy M. Carballo Tagalog
Nora Aunox & Spanky Manikan

Fantasy about a woman, believed to have miraculous powers, who transformed a sleepy barrio into a commercial center.

 

Hiwalay

PHI 24  Echols Commercial 138 min
VHS/NTSC Cinex Films, Inc. Video Movie Corp.
Dir/prod:
Romy Suzara Tagalog
Eddie Rodriguez, Dindo Fernando & Vilma Santos

The story of an unhappy wife who finds temporary fulfillment with a lover. The illness and subsequent recovery of her daughter cause her to seek reconciliation with her husband.

 

I (Kalayaan/Freedom)

PHI 58  Echols 1992 Documentary 40 min
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Good
Institute for Social Policy & Public Affairs, Ateneo de Manila University U. of Wisc. Libe via
Echols Coll. Jon Maria Flores
Tagalog
Martin Duran, Rhoderick Santos, Juan Arabela, Gerry di Cea & Loran Varias

Account of the 1896 Philippine Revolution, the emergence of Philippine nationalism, from the perspective of the masses. It parallels the early Katipunan's initiation rites with the 300-year struggle for independence. Based on essays & poems of Andres Bonifiacio, the Katipunan's first leader.

 

Itim (Black)

PHI 39  Echols 1976 Commercial 105 min.
VHS/NTSC Audio good; video hazy during night scenes; poor tint.
Cinema Artists Philippines Univ. of Wisc., via Ben Anderson
Dir/prod: Mike De Leon Tagalog
Hilda Koromel, Bembob Roco, Lou Salvador Jr. & Tommy Abuel

A city boy visits his old home town and witnesses an apparition & spirit possession.

 

Jaguar

PHI 9 Echols Commercial 112 min.
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Golden City Production New Technica Home Video Corp. Dir/prod: Lino Brocka  Tagalog
Philip Salvador & Amy

Austria Story of a playboy, a security guard, their friends and rivals, in their pursuit of a go-go dancer with aspirations of movie stardom. Portrays the sleaziness of nightlife in Manilla.

 

Ka Hector

PHI 71  Echols 1995 Commercial 106 min
VHS/NTSC Seiko Films Viva Home Entertainment
Dir/prod:
Toto Natividad Tagalog
Philip Salvdore & Dina Bonnevie

The story of Leopoldo Mabilangan, known as Ka Hector, head of the NPA Banahaw Command. Attempts to answer the questions: Was he a hero or a heel? Was he a traitor to the movement or a man of peace? Was he a champion of the masses or an opportunist?

 

Kakabakaba Ka Ba?

PHI 41  Echols 1980 Commercial 104 min.
VHS/NTSC D'Wonder Films
Dir/prod: Mike de Leon Tagalog
Christopher de Leon, Charo Santos, Sandy Andolong & Jay Ilagan

A Japanese tourist in Manilla successfully smuggles a mysterious tape into the country through an unsuspecting friend, and then tries to get it back.

 

Karnal

PHI 37  Echols c1983 Commercial 123 min.
VHS/NTSC Cinema Suerte
Dir/prod:
Marilaw Diaz Tagalog / English subtitles
Philip Salvador, Cecille Castillo & Vic Silayan

A story of family conflict. Differences in values arise when a son returns to his home province with his city wife.

 

Kumander Dante

PHI 8  Echols 1989 Commercial 129 min.
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC
Good, in general; poor in several segments; ending missing on original.
Cinema Suerte Viva Home Video, Inc.
Dir/prod:
Ben Yalung Tagalog
Philip Salvador, Paquito Diaz & Laarni Enriquez

Life story of Bernabe Buscayno.

 

Life, Death & Revolution

PHI 7  SEAP Outreach Kahin Center c1987 Documentary 55 min.
VHS/NTSC Dountown Community TV Center
Dountown Community TV Center, 87 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10013
English

Captures the reality of a nation in turmoil. Illustrates the inequalities between the rich and poor, in terms of nutrition, disease, health care and justice. Rare footage of rebel army and Government troop clashes in the countryside at the the time of Marcos' ouster.

 

Macho Dancer

PHI 6 Echols 1989 Commercial 136 min .
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Award Films, Inc. Award Films, Inc. & Viva Video Inc.
Dir/prod:
Lino Brocka Tagalog
Alan Paule, Daniel Fernando, Jacklyn Jose & Princess Punzalan

Pol grows up painfully, as he witnesses the sad lives of male and female prostitutes in Manilla. The real villains are the police who support prostitution.

 

Magtanim ay di Biro (Planting is Not Fun)

PHI 57  Echols 1990 Documentary 45 min
VHS/NTSC & Beta/PAL Good
Ateneo U. Ctr for Community Services; Congress for People's Agrarian Reform (CPAR) U. of Wisc. Libe via Echols Coll. Cherie Navea & Sally Chupingco Tagalog
Cess Dumpit, narrator

Documentary on the continuing battle for a genuinely redistributive agrarian reform law. Peasant opposition to Republic Act 6657 (Comprehensive Land Reform Act) .

 

Matud Nila (I Don't Give a Damn)

PHI 52  Echols 1991 Commercial 100 min
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Bisaya Films D'Viewers' Choice Corp.
Dir/prod: Leroy Salvador Tagalog
Gloria Sevilla, Pilar Pilapil, Mat Ranillo III & Joel Torre

A poor woman allows herself to be charged with the murder of a man who attempted to rape a rich girl. The rich girl is actually the poor woman's daughter, whom she had given up for adoption (the daughter does not know her true parentage). Climaxes in a dramatic courtroom scene.

 

Maynila: sa Kuko ng Liwanag

PHI 27  Echols 1987 Commercial 123 min.
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Cinema Artists Trigon Video Inc.
Dir/prod:
Lino Brocka Tagalog
Hilda Koronel, Bembol Roco & Lou Salvador, Jr.

Feature film about the struggles of the urban poor in Manilla. Depicts the gritty, harsh, reality of internal migrants in Manilla. An adaptation of Edgar Reyes' novel.

 

Mga Pangulong Pinoy (Philippines Presidents)

PHI 56  Echols 1993 Documentary 73 min
VHS/NTSC & Beta/PAL
Medium: tracking problems in the first half; audio problems in the second half.
Ateneo Center for Social Policy and Public Affairs & JESCOM, Philippines RPN-9 via U. of Wisc. Libe via Echols Coll.
Tagalog  Joji Isla, narrator

A light documentary on the images and public personas of the twelve Philippine presidents. Commentaries on the political culture--elections, etc.

 

Mistah: Mga Mandirigma

PHI 60  Echols 1994 Commercial 120 min
VHS/NTSC
Excellent Viva Home Entertainment, Inc., via Ben Anderson
Dir/prod: Ricardo
"Bebong" Osorio Tagalog
Robin Padilla, Rustom Padilla, Roi Vinzon, Daniel Fernando & Rommel Padilla

A conflict between the Muslims and Christians regarding beliefs and long-standing territorial boundaries. Robin Padilla and his group has been assigned to the war zone of Mindanao. The purpose of their assignment is not clear; they simply obey orders. First assigned to supervise them was Sgt. Duterte, who was a nervous wreck. He was later replaced by Rustom, a brave, smart and intelligent Philippine Military Academy graduate, who later inspired Robin to further his studies at the PMA. Due to unexpected attacks from the enemy and retaliation by the military, there is an everlasting waste of innocent lives. Robin knows it will only stop if there is unity among Muslims and Christians.

 

Moro

PHI 4 Echols 1991 Commercial 124 min
NTSC /VHS & Beta/NTSC
Audio good; video medium FLT Films International Viva Home Entertainment
Dir/prod: Jose Mari Avellana Tagalog
Ricky Davao, Jackie Lou Blanco, Dante Rivero, Maila Gumila, Tommy Abuel & Maritoni Fernandez

The true story of P/Lt.Col. Mandangan P. Domato (WPD), known as Moro Manda. His fight for the freedom of his Muslim brothers and sisters, under the battle cry, "Freedom for the Moros! Blood for the Moros! " Moro Manda stops at nothing to achieve justice for the oppressed.

 

Negros: A Race Against Time

PHI 51 Echols Undated Documentary 80 min
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC
English

Pro-government evaluation of economic and social progress in Negros during the post-Marcos era. Discusses attempts to overcome poverty and malnutrition. Attributes economic ills to centuries of sugar plantation landlords' feudal policies and more recent inequities by Benedicto, Marcos' sugar czar. Attibutes progress to the private sector.

 

Negros: The Social Volcano

PHI 23  SEAP Outreach Kahin Center & Echols 1987 Documentary 30 min.
VHS/NTSC Master at SEAP Outreach Kahin Center; Kahin Center "master" on PHI 5. English

A look at Negros in 1986-7, after Aquino took office, shows that little has changed for the sugar workers. The video focuses on the widespsread malnutrition, unemployment and poverty, caused by the collapse of the sugar industry. The need for land reform and crop diversification is discussed, along with the need to protect human rights.

 

Noli Me Tangere, Episode 1

PHI 42  Echols 1992 Commercial 120 min
VHS/NTSC Cultural Center of The Puilippines
Dir. by Eddie Romero; Prod. by Nicanor Tiangson Tagalog
Joel Torre, Daniel Fernando, Subas Herrero & Tetchie Agbayani

Series produced for Filipino television, based on the novel by Jose Rizal. Dramatizes the oppression of the Filipino people by the government and church during the Spanish colonial era.

 

Noli Me Tangere, Episode 2

PHI 43  Echols 1992 Commercial 120 min
VHS/NTSC Cultural Center of The Puilippines
Dir. by
Eddie Romero; Prod. by Nicanor Tiangson Tagalog
Joel Torre, Daniel Fernando, Subas Herrero & Tetchie Agbayani

Five-part series produced for Filipino television, based on thenovel by Jose Rizal. Dramatizes the oppression of the Filipino people by the government and church during the Spanish colonial era.

 

Noli Me Tangere, Episode 3

PHI 44  Echols 1992 Commercial 120 min
VHS/NTSC Cultural Center of The Puilippines
Dir. by
Eddie Romero; Prod. by Nicanor Tiangson Tagalog
Joel Torre, Daniel Fernando, Subas Herrero & Tetchie Agbayani

Five-part series produced for Filipino television, based on the novel by Jose Rizal. Dramatizes the oppression of the Filipino people by the government and church during the Spanish colonial era.

 

Noli Me Tangere, Episode 4

PHI 45  Echols 1992 Commercial 120 min
VHS/NTSC Cultural Center of The Puilippines
Dir. by Eddie Romero; Prod. by Nicanor Tiangson Tagalog
Joel Torre, Daniel Fernando, Subas Herrero & Tetchie Agbayani

Five-part series produced for Filipino television, based on the novel by Jose Rizal. Dramatizes the oppression of the Filipino people by the government and church during the Spanish colonial era.

 

Noli Me Tangere, Episode 5

PHI 46  Echols 1992 Commercial 10 min
VHS/NTSC Cultural Center of The Puilippines
Dir. by Eddie Romero; Prod. by Nicanor Tiangson Tagalog
Joel Torre, Daniel Fernando, Subas Herrero & Tetchie Agbayani

Five-part series produced for Filipino television, based on the novel by Jose Rizal. Dramatizes the oppression of the Filipino people by the government and church during the Spanish colonial era.

 

NPA Cordillera FR Balweg

PHI 3  Echols Documentary 60 min
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Tagalog, with some English

A documentary covering the role of Father Balweg and the Communist Party in the revolutionary movement in the Cordilera Mountains.

 

Oras-Oras, Araw-Araw

PHI 33 Echols 1989 Commercial 116 min
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Viva Films Viva Home Entertainment, Inc., via Ben Anderson
Dir/prod:
Emmanuel H. Borlaza Tagalog
Sharon Cuneta, Eric Quizon & Rowell Santiago

Melodrama, taken from a serial comic strip, concerning a successful woman broadcast journalist. After learning the identity of her real mother, she fears public humiliation.

 

Pangako ng Kabapon

PHI 65 Echols 1994 Commercial 137 min
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Excellent Viva Films Viva Video via Carolyn Hau
Dir/prod:
Joel Lamangan Tagalog; some English
Alice Dixson, Donna Cruz, Agot Isidro, Gary Estrada, Albert Martinez & Ian de Leon

Alice plays the legitimate daughter of Dantes Rivero (the governor). She is strong-willed, power-hungry and has political ambitions. She will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Agot is Alice's half-sister. She comes from a poor family, driven out of the province when the townspeople learn that her mother is having an affair with the governor. She returns to the town as a lawyer, hoping to become the first lady mayor of her home town. Donna is another half-sister of Alice and Agot. She is a born fighter, ready to fight for what she believes is right, even if Alice gets in the way.

 

People Power: Philippine Experience

PHI 5 SEAP Outreach Kahin Center & Echols 1987 Documentary 69 min.
VHS/NTSC North-South Films Production Communication Foundation for Asia
Prod: John Cunningham; Dir: Steven Carscallen
English
Moderator: Fr. Cornelio Lagerwey

A documentary covering the excesses of the Marcos Regime, the massive popular demonstrations, and religious fervor, that led to the ouster of Marcos and the rise to power of Corazon Aquino.

Philippine Coral Reefs PHI 36 Echols 1988 Documentary 57 min VHS/NTSC WNET & All-Environment Productions Lenora Carey English Part of the series, Nature. This episode examines the beauty of The Philippines' coral reefs. Scuba divers can enjoy a great variety of marine life around the reefs of these tropical islands. However, fishing operations which employ nets which gather all marine life threaten to destroy the fragile coral.

 

Philippines: The Price of Power

PHI 31  SEAP Outreach Kahin Center & Echols 1986 Documentary 28 min.
VHS/NTSC Cornell Media Center English

Examines the struggle of the Igorots to stop a major dam project which threatens their lands and culture. Shows how poverty, corruption and lack of political freedom led to increasing alienation and the fall of Marcos as well as the emergence of the New People's Army

 

Pita: Terror ng Kalookan

PHI 59 Echols 1993 Commercial 93 min
VHS/NTSC Excellent Viva Home Entertainment, Inc., via Ben Anderson
Dir/prod:
Jose "Kaka" Balagtas Tagalog
Raymart Santiago, Daniel Fernando, Joko Diaz, Ramon Christopher, Jon Hernandez, Rachel Alejandro, Hazel Huelves & Anjanette Abayari

Pita witnessed the murder of his favorite brother and vowed to take revenge. He did, and was jailed for his vendetta. He was hired to be the triggerman for a syndicate which had police protection. Because of the urgent need of money (his father was very sick), he finally accepted the offer. His father was saved but, upon learning of Kita's source of income, disowned him. Andrea, Pita's girlfriend, remained loyal to him.

Puto PHI 50 Echols 1988 Commercial 97 min VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Medium: some tracking problems on original. Viva Films Viva Home Entertainment, Inc. Dir/prod: Leroy Salvador Tagalog Herbert Bautista & Marita Zobel Comedy about an underdog whose dreams come true. He rescues three dwarves, who reward him with magical powers on condition that he won't use them for evil.

 

Ramut: Roots of Revolution in the Cordillera

PHI 2  Echols 1988 Documentary 44 min
NTSC/VHS & Beta/NTSC Center of Alternative Media
English w/ Tagalog & other language interviews

An examination of discontent and revolutionary momements in the Cordillera.

 

Relasyon

PHI 68  Echols 1995 Commercial 118 min
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Regal Home Video
Tagalog
Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon & Jimi Melendez

Concerns an affair between a young woman and a married man.

Ronquillo--Tubong Cavite Laking Tondo PHI 28 Echols 1993 Commercial 100 min VHS/NTSC Regal Films & Star Cinema Regal Capital, Inc. Dir/prod: Joey del Rosario Tagalog Sheryl Cruz, Ramon 'Bong' Revilla, Jr., & Abby Viduya A story of revenge, set in Tondo--a breeding ground of hustlers, con-artists and ex-convicts.

 

Rustling of Leaves: Inside the Philippine Revolution

PHI 26 Echols & SEAP Outreach Kahin Center 1988 Documentary 112 min.
VHS/NTSC Excellent Kalaisikas Productions Kalaisikas Productions Nettie Wild
English  Kumander Dante, Father Navaro & Jun Pala (Radio DJ)

Chronicles the three points of a political triangle: the Legal Left, the Illegal (armed) Revolution, and the enemy which theatens them both--the armed Reactionary Right. Poses the question: should the people's movement continue the guerrilla war, or do they dare enter legal politics and the reveal the hidden faces of a revolution?  Shot over an eight month period, this documentary chronicles three points of a political triangle: the legal left, illegal (armed) Revolution, and the enemy which threatens both: the armed Reactionary Right.       Rebel priest Father Navaro and the communist New People’s Army are fighting a revolution in the mountains.   Kumander Dante, founder of the rebel army, is released from prison.   He decides to give Mrs. Aquino’s new democracy a chance and runs for senator.   Radio deejay Jun Pala is the voice of the Anti-Communist Crusade.   He fashions himself after Nazi propagandist Josef Goebbels and broadcasts threats to use vigilante death squads on underground guerrillas and left-wing activists alike.   In the mountains thevigilantes are infiltrating Father Navaro’s region.   At the same time the election brings Dante to Davao City, once an NPA stronghold, now firmly in the hands of death squads and Jun Pala.      Father Navaro must also confront the vigilantes in a grim battle for hearts and minds when he leads a ‘People’s Court’ trial of a teenage guerrilla fighter accused of defecting to the government and informing on the revolutionaries.   Dante returns to Manila and is defeated at the polls.   Four weeks later, he is ambushed; with five bullets in his back, he survives.   Poses the key question facing the revolutionaries and Filipino Left: should the people’s movement continue the guerrilla war, or do they dare enter legal politics and reveal the hidden faces of a revolution-?     112-min;  1988.

 

Sakay

PHI 13 Echols 1993 Commercial 113 min.
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Alpha Omega Productions Beta Tape Center via John Sidel Dir/prod:
Raymond Red Tagalog (Some English)
Julio Diaz, Tetchie Agbayani & Pen P. Medina

The story of Macario Sakay, a barber, as well as a komedya and moro-moro actor from Tondo. Illustrates the guerrilla war which was fought by Filipinos against the United States, in pursuit of independence. Sakay continued to struggle for independence while most of the leaders of the revolutionary movement, led by Aquinaldo, had surrendered or collaborated with the Americans.

 

Si Malakas at Si Maganda

PHI 25 Echols Commercial
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Video poor; audio good
Regal Films, Inc. Video Movie Corp. Dir/prod: J.
Erastheo Navoa Tagalog
Vic Sotto & Alice Dixson

Comedy about a young man with telekinetic powers and a reporter whom he loves. Typical of the comedy-fantasy genre which has been experiencing a resurgence in recent years.

 

Sister Stella L

PHI 20  Echols 1984 Commercial 96 min.
VHS/NTSC Damaged sections (recorded over) have been cut.
Unedited version is available at The Kahin Center. Trigon Video Inc.
Dir/prod:
Mike de Leon Tagalog
Vilma Santos, Jay Ilagan & Laurice Guillen

Story of a sister-activist accused of subversive activities for her involvement in strike activities. Her ex-boyfriend journalist's pro-labor articles are suppressed, strikers are brutally beaten, tortured and "salvaged," but Sister Stella L urges them on with a closing speech full of leftist slogans.

 

Tagos ng Dugo

PHI 67 Echols 1986 Commercial 136 min
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Viva Home Entertainment
Dir/prod:
Maryo J. Delos Reyes Tagalog Vilma Santos

The story revolves around Pina, a woman haunted by her past traumatic experiences. She always feels afraid at the sight of blood. Whenever she is physically or emotionally injured, she experiences the so-called "post-traumatic syndrome," which persuades her to kill every man who has hurt her. She disguises herself as a prostitute with different personalities, and becomes a mysterious murderer.

 

Tangga and Chos

PHI 29  Echols Commercial 120 min
VHS/NTSC Bonanza Films Video Movie Corp.
Dir/prod: Tony Reyes Tagalog
Joey de Leon, Jon Santos & Eddie Garcia

Comedy about two gay hairdressers who accidentally get involved in a murder.

 

Target: Maganto

PHI 30 Echols 1989 Commercial 108 min
Beta/NTSC GVM Productions Viva Home Video, Inc.
Dir/prod:
Leonardo Garcia Tagalog
Ronnie Ricketts, Monica Herrera & Paquito Diaz.

The career of a policeman who has vowed to remove all corrupt elements from society.

 

Tayong Dalawa

PHI 66  Echols 1992 Commercial 104 min
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Excellent Viva Home Entertainment
Dir/prod:
Laurice Guillen Tagalog
Sharon Cuneta, Gabby Concepcion, Eric Quison, Nida Blanco, Barbara Perez, Anita Linda & Mary Gail Marner

The story of a career woman, Carol, full of amition, who treats "relationships" as her lowest priority. However, when she meets Tonchi, a simple and easy-going man, "love" finds a place in her life. Complications arise when Carol discovers that Tonchi has a daughter.

 

Vanishing Earth / Earth Music

PHI 22  SEAP Outreach Kahin Center Documentary 30 min.
VHS/NTSC English

A documentary on the environmental concerns of the T'Boli, who live in the hills of Central Mindanao. They see their land threatened by "earth-consuming progress."

 

Virgin Forest

PHI 34  Echols 198-? Commercial 120 min.
VHS/NTSC & Beta/NTSC Regal Films, Inc. Video Move Corp.
Dir/prod:
Pepe Gallaga Tagalog (Some English)
Sarsi Emmanuelle, Miguel Rodriguez & Abel Jurado

Historical drama invoving conflicting loyalties during the Filipino-American War. Interesting period piece; rare historical costume drama, usually shunned by the industry. Good acting, well-written screen play.