Nostalgic Pinoy Party Food: Hot Dog and Marshmallows on Stick

During parties back in the day, especially in the Eighties, one colorful centerpiece never failed to appear—and it remains vivid in my memory: hot dogs and marshmallows skewered on barbecue sticks.

I will not mention the year but I had such a centerpiece on my fifth birthday party (so far the only birthday party I ever had).

The hot dog could be skewered whole, or for uniformity, sliced into pieces the same size as the marshmallows. Each stick would then be inserted into a pineapple, watermelon, or cabbage—depending on what suitable fruit or vegetable was available. 

There were no definite standards about what to use as a base. As long as the base could support the skewers, it was good enough. Sometimes, even the trunk of a banana tree was used.

For the child I was back then, this edible centerpiece was truly stimulating to the senses. The aroma and savory taste of cooked hot dog paired with the sweetness of colorful marshmallows created a delightful contrast. 

When the marshmallows came in pastel colors, they matched the predominant aesthetic of the Eighties. And if the base was wrapped in foil, the whole presentation sparkled even more.

This centerpiece also carried social symbolism. Each stick of hot dog and marshmallows seemed to represent the hosts and guests of the gathering. The way each stick was anchored into a single base depicted a shared focus: collective joy.

Although this centerpiece continued to appear at parties during the Nineties and early 2000s, its presence seemed to fade as the 2020s arrived.

Perhaps people have become more health-conscious and practical, especially due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. After all, we know that hotdogs and marshmallows are processed foods. There are also added safety concerns because of the protruding sticks.

If given the chance, I would still love to see this centerpiece to the new generation.

What I want to experience once more is its nostalgic value. In light of the concerns I have mentioned, I will remind myself and others to "eat with caution."

And if they ever ask what this centerpiece means, I will wholeheartedly share the little reflection I have just offered.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Musings on "Batibot" and Smoked Milkfish

The TV program Batibot and its accompanying soundtrack remains a part of our childhood memories. One of the catchiest songs from that soundtrack is "Tinapang Bangus" (Tagalog: Smoked Milkfish).

Main cast of Batibot

Photo Credit: Wazzup Pilipinas 

It was about three decades ago when I first heard Kiko Matsing and Pong Pagong singing the repeating lines that attest to the deliciousness of smoked milkfish:

Tinapang bangus, tinapang bangus

Masarap ang tinapang bangus ...

Recently, while at the supermarket, I suddenly remembered this song. As I looked into the freezer in the seafood section, I noticed the neatly stacked packages of smoked and deboned milkfish.

(The milkfish is much bonier than other food fish. I prefer it deboned to enjoy the mild, slightly creamy flavor. For most people, the belly is the choice part of the milkfish.)

With the tune of "Tinapang Bangus" playing in my head, I reflected on the contrasting forces of heat and cold: heat that creates its distinct flavor, and cold that extends its shelf life.

My mind then veered towards various aspects of this ray-finned fished found throughout the Indo-Pacific.

In the Philippines, milkfish is popularly known as the national fish. However, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts has declared that this is not the case as it has no basis in Philippine law.

The fish plays a major role in the economy of Dagupan that this city in Pangasinan province hosts the annual Bangus Festival.

Meanwhile, the reverse-racist Filipino term mestisang / mestisong bangus is used to refer to someone who is half-European or half-American.

In 1963, a film titled Mestisang Bangus was produced by a company called Golden Harvest Promotion.

I am imagining that the funds used to create the Mina Aragon were derived from a bountiful bangus harvest.

As I realized that I was staying too long near the freezer, I did not overthink further. I bought the smoked milkfish—and I will enjoy it fried (not mestizo/mestiza anymore) while recalling the moments I spent watching Batibot as a child.

Fried Tinapang Bangus

Photo Credit: Devour.Asia

Brain Dump on Two Joses: Jose Rizal and "Mang Jose."

Today, Filipinos commemorate the anniversary of the heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal. But my brain dump is also about another Jose, the subject of a song by the band Parokya ni Edgar.

Dr. Jose Rizal, circa 1890s

I enjoy listening to the song Mang Jose (Tagalog: Mister Jose) -- funny yet full of social commentary. Let me share a few lyrics to this song:

"Mang Jose, Mang Jose Ang superhero na pwedeng arkilahin Mang Jose, parang si Daimos din Ngunit pagkatapos ay bigla kang sisingilin Mang Jose! (Jose)"

"Mang Jose, Mang Jose
The superhero you can rent
Mang Jose, just like Daimos too
But afterwards he’ll suddenly charge you
Mang Jose! (Jose)"

Released in 2005, the Parokya ni Edgar album Halina sa Parokya (Tagalog: Come to the Parokya) features the song "Mang Jose"

Why was Jose chosen as the name of our superhero? Perhaps to remind everyone of the contributions of Dr. Jose Rizal -- our national hero -- to our identity as Filipinos.

Nowadays, a person does not need to be executed in Bagumbayan (presently called Luneta) to be proclaimed a hero.

There are lots of heroes, and in this context, they are the working class, especially those forced to work even during holidays.

Returning to the song, Daimos may be a metaphor for the mode of industrial-technological production. (NOTE: Daimos refers to a 1970s anime television series about a super mecha fighter)

In this zeitgeist, life moves very fast. We cannot deny that we are part of this environment.

How then can a person be proclaimed a hero? It depends on the beliefs we grew up with; there are many answers.

For me, when someone does things for the good of others, that is heroism. When someone does things others refuse to do, that is still heroism.

The song says Mang Jose suddenly charges a fee. The reasons vary, depending on the situation.

There are those who do favors for others with one hand, while the other hand is outstretched—waiting for payment or some form of return.

Thereos nothing wrong with this as long as the charge is fair, not exorbitant.

But then, let’s stop calling it heroism. Remove the mask.

Let us return to the topic of the working class. Many of them are like Mang Jose, belonging to the bottom of the "triangle."

Those at the top of the "triangle" seem to disdain such work and pass it to the Mang Joses at the bottom.

After those at the bottom perform the difficult and disdained" tasks, little or no credit goes to them.

What is worse, while Mang Jose struggles, the slave driver even has the nerve to get angry when unexpected situations arise.

These slave drivers take delight in imposing unreasonable pressure, knowing only how to give orders, without considering Mang Jose's humble condition.

Mang Jose earns very little, yet heavy tasks are given to people like him. The wages are not commensurate with the weight of the work.

They have the right to charge, and it is reasonable to fight for this. They need to earn for their own needs and those of their families. We cannot blame them for defending this right.

It would be better if they were given the chance to hone their potential by meeting their basic needs and gaining further education.

The urgency of achieving these goals grows stronger because of the rapid advance of technology. The problem is, given the state of the economy, they must first address the hunger in their stomachs.

Before it is too late, may they be given what they deserve. If the working class disappears, where will civilization go?

Official Music Video

The 21st Metro Manila Film Festival: A Throwback

The 21st Metro Manila Film Festival was held from December 25, 1995, to January 3, 1996. The six entries were the following:

Dahas

Father en Son

Huwag Mong Isuko ang Laban

Isko: Adventures in Animasia

Magic Kombat

Muling Umawit ang Puso

Muling Umawit ang Puso, the entry of Viva Films, took the most number of awards. As we recall the thirtieth edition of this event, let us revisit other details of the said entries:

Dahas (Tagalog: Rage)

Production Company: MAQ Productions

MAIN CAST

Maricel Soriano ... Luisa

Richard Gomez ... Jake

Tonton Gutierrez ... Eric

Efren Reyes Jr. ... Bing

Sheila Ysrael ... Maggie

Maila Gumila ... Minnie

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Chito S. Roño

Story and Screenplay ... Roy Iglesias

Cinematography ... Charlie S. Peralta

Production Design ... Jeffrey Jeturian

Editing ... Jaime B. Davila

Musical Direction    ... Jessie Lasaten

Executive Producers ... Marie Sherida Monteverde and Douglas Quijano

NOTE

*** Winner of four MMFF Awards: 2nd Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing.

Father en Son

Production Company: RVQ Productions

MAIN CAST

Dolphy ... Johnny

Vandolph ... Bimbo

Zsa Zsa Padilla ... Leni

Babalu ... Clinton

Carmi Martin ... Vicky

Panchito ... Don Ponso

Bernardo Bernardo ... Direk Capatas

Judy Ann Santos ... Tina

Jeffrey Quizon ... Maru

Boy 2 Quizon ... Boyet

Manny 'Boy' Quizon ... Maning

Freddie Quizon ... Freddie

Sherilyn Reyes ... Patsy

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Rodolfo Vera Quizon

Story ... Roy Vera Cruz

Screenplay ... Loida Virina and Roy Vera Cruz

Cinematography ... Arnold Alvaro

Production Design ... Claudio Sanchez Mariscal

Editing ... Efren Jarlego

Musical Direction    ... Mon Del Rosario

Executive Producers ... Rodolfo Vera Quizon

NOTE

*** Thirtieth anniversary presentation of Dolphy's RVQ Productions.

Huwag Mong Isuko ang Laban (Tagalog: Do Not Give Up the Fight)

Production Company: Rockets Productions

MAIN CAST

Ronnie Ricketts ... David

Vina Morales ... Cecilia

Ricardo Cepeda ... Col. Redondo

Miguel Rodriguez ... Ablaza

Charina Scott ... Cheska

SELECTED CREW

Direction and Story ... Ronnie Ricketts

Screenplay ... Joel Saracho

Cinematography ... Joe Tutanes

Production Design ... Cesar Jose

Editing ... Francisco J. Vinarao

Musical Direction    ... Rey Magtoto

Executive Producer ... Mariz Ricketts

NOTE

*** Winner of two MMFF Awards: 3nd Best Picture and Best Child Performer

Isko: Adventures in Animasia

Production Company: OctoArts Films

MAIN CAST

Ogie Alcasid ... Isko

Michelle Van Eimeren ... Annaly

Michael V. ... Tibo

Candy Pangilinan ... Carol

Archi Adamos ... The Logger

Jon Achaval ... Don Fausto

Palito ... Mang Amado

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Mike Relon Makiling and Geirry A. Garcia

Story ... Geirry A. Garcia

Screenplay ... Tony Apon, Pol Gutierrez, Gene Laurenciano, and Mike Relon Makiling

Cinematography ... Ben Lobo

Production Design ... Rico Ancheta

Editing ... Nonoy Santillan

Musical Direction    ... Jessie Lasaten

Executive Producer ... Orly Ilacad

NOTE

*** Winner of the Best Float award.

Magic Kombat

Production Company: Mahogany Pictures

MAIN CAST

Smokey Manaloto ... Mario

Eric Fructuoso ... Luigi

Dandin Ranillo ... Janitor

Beth Tamayo ... Diana

Joanne Pascual ... Rio

Sharmaine Suarez ... Blanka

SELECTED CREW

Direction and Story ... Junn P. Cabreira

Screenplay ... Al Marcelo

Cinematography ... Rudy Diño

Production Design ... Manny Espolong

Editing ... Rene Tala

Musical Direction    ... Edwin Ortega

Executive Producer ... Victor Villegas

NOTE

*** The lead characters, Mario and Luigi, were named after the Nintendo characters.

Muling Umawit and Puso (Tagalog: The Heart Sang Again)

Production Company: Viva Films

MAIN CAST

Nora Aunor ... Loida Verrano

Donna Cruz ... Noemi

Ian De Leon ... Vincent

Ricky Davao ... Congressman Tony Gallardo

Albert Martinez ... Miguel

Rita Avila ... Glenda Andrada

Michael De Mesa ... Diosdado Rivera

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Joel Lamangan

Story and Screenplay ... Ricky Lee

Cinematography ... Ricardo Jacinto

Production Design ... Manny Morfe

Editing ... Jess Navarro

Musical Direction    ... Tito C. Cayamanda and Dennis Quila

Executive Producer ... Vic Del Rosario Jr.

NOTE

*** Winner of 11 MMFF Awards: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Theme Song, Best Musical Score, Best Story, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award

Movies That Mark 30th Year in December 2025

At least four Filipino movies were released in theaters in December 1995, right before the 21st Metro Manila Film Festival. At present, some of these movies can be viewed on YouTube, while others are occasionally aired on free television. An upcoming post is about the six entries to the 21st Metro Manila Film Festival.

Di Mapigil ang Init

Enteng and the Shaolin Kid

Pulis Patola 2

Sabado Nights

Details of each mentioned title follow.

Di Mapigil ang Init (Tagalog: Can't Stop the Heat)

Original Release Date: December 07, 1995

Production Company: Seiko Films

MAIN CAST

Jestoni Alarcon ...    [information to be provided upon availability]

Rosanna Roces ... Jenny

Miguel Rodriguez ... Eric

Eddie Gutierrez ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Rosemarie Gil ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Jovit Moya ... Mando

SELECTED CREW

Direction and Editing ... Toto Natividad

Story and Screenplay ... Humilde 'Meek' Roxas

Cinematography ... Ramon Marcelino

Production Design    ...    Charlie Arceo, Edel Templonuevo, and Conrado Santos

Musical Direction    ...    Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producer ... Robbie Tan

NOTE:

*** The name of Rosanna Roces' character is Jenny. Her real name is Jennifer Adriano.

Enteng and the Shaolin Kid

Original Release Date: December 07, 1995

Production Companies: M-Zet Films and Movie Arts Productions

MAIN CAST

Vic Sotto ... Enteng

Jacky Shik ... Li Shou

Alou Gonzales ... Linda

Charito Solis ... Tia Rosa

Mark Gil ... Atty. Gerry Sanchez

Ruel Vernal ... Brando

Larry 'Pipoy' Silva ... Gorio

Yoyong Martirez ... Martin

Ritchie D'Horsie ... Ariel

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Danilo P. Cabreira

Story ... Bibeth Orteza

Screenplay ... Danilo P. Cabreira and Abel Molina

Cinematography ... Rey Lapid

Production Design ... Abel Molina

Editing    ...    Rogelio 'Eio' Salvador and Jose 'Joe' Solo

Musical Direction    ...    Homer Flores

Executive Producers ... Marvic C. Sotto and Baby Pascual

NOTE:

*** A child Shaolin Kungfu master from China journeys through the Philippines with his father. After the child's father is tragically killed in action, a taxi driver steps in to look after the young protagonist. From here, comical and lighthearted adventures ensue.

Pulis Patola 2

Original Release Date: December 14, 1995

Production Company: Seiko Films

MAIN CAST

Anjo Yllana ... Matipid/Kuya Lotpu

Bembol Roco ... Magastos

Giselle Sanchez ... Kyla

John Prats ... Pipoy

Rica Peralejo ... Winnie

Dencio Padilla ... Tang

Isko Moreno ... Robert

Mikee Villanueva ... Selya

CJ Ramos ... Botbot

Efren Reyes Jr. ... Capt. Bantog

SELECTED CREW

Direction, Story, and Screenplay ... Felix E. Dalay

Cinematography ... Ramon Marcelino

Production Design ... Rei Nicolas

Editing    ...    Tony Sy

Musical Direction    ...    Edwin Ortega

Executive Producer ... Robbie Tan

NOTE:

*** This movie is the sequel to the 1993 film.

Sabado Nights (Tagalog: Saturday Nights)

Original Release Date: December 14, 1995

Production Company: Viva Films

MAIN CAST

Ina Raymundo ... Rina

Michelle Parton ... Shiela

Pia Pilapil ... Mindy

Lander Vera-Perez ... Renzo

Anthony Cortes ... Edgar

Matthew Mendoza ... Marty

Paolo Abrera ... Mok Mok

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ...    Romy V. Suzara

Story    ... Cris Millado

Story    ... Frank Rivera

Cinematography ... Carding Remias

Production Design ... Rei Nicolas

Editing    ...    Joyce Bernal

Musical Direction    ...    Jessie Lasaten

Executive Producer ... Vic Del Rosario Jr.

NOTE:

*** Lead star Ina Raymundo is best known for her appearance in the 1995 San Miguel Beer television advertisement Sabado Nights (English: Saturday Nights).

Movies That Mark 30th Year in November 2025

At least 14 Filipino movies were released in theaters in November 1995. At present, some of these movies can be viewed on YouTube, while others are occasionally aired on free television.

Delinkwente

Regalo: Birthday Gift

Love Notes the Movie

The Marita Gonzaga Rape-Slay: In God We Trust!

Manalo, Matalo Mahal Kita

Bossing

Tagos sa Laman

Pamilya Valderama: Kahit Sariling Dugo

Mangarap Ka

Tong-Its

Sigaw ng Puso

Salamat sa Lotto, Linggo-Linggo Doble Pasko

Ang Syota Kong Balikbayan

Ang Titser Kong Pogi

Details of each mentioned title follow.

Delinkwente (Tagalog: Delinquent)

Original Release Date: November 02, 1995

Production Company: Mahogany Pictures

MAIN CAST

Kier Legaspi ... Richard

Emilio Garcia ... Tony

Gandong Cervantes ... Bong

Francis Enriquez ... Alex

Raymond Bagatsing ... Rodel

Stella Ruiz ... Shiela

Joanne Pascual ... Malou

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Francis 'Jun' Posadas

Story and Screenplay    ... Sonny Saret Abelardo and Jerry O. Tirazona

Cinematography ... Val Dauz

Production Design ... Alex Ochoa and Mark Anthony Cocjin

Editing ... Ferren Salumbides

Musical Direction ... Rey Magtoto

Executive Producer ... Victor Villegas

NOTES:

*** Kier Legaspi's first of three movies for November 1995, apart from Bossing and Mangarap Ka (Tagalog: You Dream).

*** Lito Legaspi, his father, is part of the supporting cast.

Regalo: Birthday Gift

Original Release Date: November 02, 1995

Production Company: El Niño Films

MAIN CAST

Daniel Fernando ... Ricardo

Sheila Ysrael ... Amanda

Dan Fernandez ... Gardo

Sarah Gomez ... Sabel

Alicia Alonzo ...    Nana Idad

SELECTED CREW

Direction, Story, and Screenplay ... Cesar S.B. Abella

Production Design ... Lawin Ranay

Editing ... Tony Sy

Musical Direction ... Rey Ramos

NOTES:

*** The storyline follows newlyweds Ricardo (Daniel Fernando) and Amanda (Sheila Ysrael). After Ricardo was paralyzed, Amanda was soon seduced by the household servant Gardo (Dan Fernandez). Dan Fernandez married Sheila Ysrael in 2001.

*** Regalo is the Tagalog word for gift.

Love Notes the Movie

Original Release Date: November 02, 1995

Production Company: Viva Films

MAIN CAST

Vina Morales ... Tricia

Gary Estrada ... Mike

Donna Cruz ... Dilitas

Keempee De Leon ... Norman

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Maryo J. de los Reyes

Story and Screenplay    ... based on letters sent to program host Joe D'Mango

Cinematography ... Jun Pereira

Production Design ... Manny Morfe and Judy Lou de Pio

Editing ... Jess Navarro

Musical Direction ... Jaime Fabregas

Executive Producer ... Vic Del Rosario Jr.

NOTE:

*** The movie is a two-episode film based on Joe D'Mango's TV program that was airing on ABC-5 at that time. The said episodes are "Someone's Always Saying Goodbye" and "Langit na Naman" (Tagalog: Heaven Once More).

The Marita Gonzaga Rape-Slay: In God We Trust!

Original Release Date: November 09, 1995

Production Companies: Regal Films and Golden Lions Films

MAIN CAST

Sunshine Cruz ... Marita Gonzaga

Jinggoy Estrada ... Boy, the witness

Maggie de la Riva ... Justina Gonzaga, Marita's mother

Tommy Abuel ... Atty. Gonzaga, Marita's father

Royette Padilla ... Roy

Brando Legaspi ... Rando

Manjo Del Mundo ... Monte

SELECTED CREW

Direction, Story and Screenplay ... Carlo J. Caparas

Cinematography ... Boy Dominguez

Production Design ... Gabby Francisco

Editing ... Abelardo 'Dho' Hulleza

Musical Direction ... Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producers ... Lily Monteverde, Carlo J. Caparas, and Donna Villa

NOTES:

*** The movie is based on the story of Farita Punzalan.

*** TAGLINE: "Family lives go on hold after a daughter's murder ... a tragedy that left permanent pain ... only God can console!"

*** The them from Schindler's List is played by the violinists in the funeral scene. 

Manalo, Matalo, Mahal Kita (Tagalog: Win, Lose, I Love You)

Original Release Date: November 08, 1995

Production Company: Neo Films

MAIN CAST

Cesar Montano ... Jack

Mikee Cojuangco ... Pat

Mark Gil ... Felix

Danny 'Brownie' Punzalan ... Boy

Gloria Sevilla ... Inay

SELECTED CREW

Direction    ... Edgardo 'Boy' Vinarao

Story and Screenplay ... Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario

Cinematography ... Juanito Pereira

Production Design ... Randy Gamier

Editing ... Edgardo 'Boy' Vinarao and Joyce Bernal

Musical Direction ... Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producer ... Vic Del Rosario Jr.

NOTES:

*** The first of two movies for the month of November 1995 that deals with the national lottery operated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The other one is Salamat sa Lotto, Linggo-Linggo Doble Pasko (Tagalog: Thanks to Lotto, Every Week Double Christmas).

*** The storyline follows strangers (Cesar Montano and Mikee Cojuangco) who got into trouble and romance because of a winning lottery ticket. The combine names of their characters sound like 'jackpot.'

*** TAGLINE: "Ang sugal, parang pag-ibig. May tumatama ... at may tinatamaan." (Tagalog: Gambling is like love. Someone hits [the prize] ... and someone gets hit.)

*** During that time, each lotto ticket costs 10 pesos. The winning combination in the movie is 33-2-3-36-9-21.

*** The theme song Sana Ay Mahalin Mo Rin Ako (Tagalog: Hoping You Will Love Me Too) is performed by the April Boys.

Bossing

Original Release Date: November 09, 1995

Production Company: Solar Films

MAIN CAST

Ronald Gan ... Carlo 'Bossing' Diamante

Jorge Estregan ... Asiong

Kier Legaspi ... Dexter

Lito Legaspi ... Cong. Duval

Rez Cortez ... Waldo De Guzman

Rhey Roldan ... Darmo

Boy Fernandez ... Alex

Bobby Benitez ... Bob

Danny Riel ... Doming

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Rey Sagum

Screenplay ... Fred Joson

Cinematography ... Rudy Quijano

Production Design ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Editing ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Musical Direction ... Marita Manuel

Executive Producers ... Estela O. Ledesma

NOTE:

*** Jose Manalo (credited as Ariel Manalo) plays Jose, a sidekick to the title character. In several movies, he also played a sidekick to comedian Vic Sotto, who is known as Bossing.

Tagos sa Laman (Tagalog: Deep Through the Flesh)

Original Release Date: November 15, 1995

Production Company: Regal Films

MAIN CAST

Carmina Villaroel ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Tonton Gutierrez ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Eric Quizon ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Raymond Bagatsing ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Sunshine Cruz ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Alma Concepcion ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Dante Rivero ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Elizabeth Oropesa ... [information to be provided upon availability]

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Mel Chionglo

Story and Screenplay ... Ricardo 'Ricky' Lee

Cinematography ... George Tutanes

Production Design ... Edgar Martin Littaua

Editing ... George Jarlego

Musical Direction ... Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producers ... Lily Monteverde

NOTE:

*** The final film collaboration between Carmina Villaroel and Mel Chionglo, after 1988's Babaeng Hampaslupa (Tagalog: Dirt Poor Woman) and 1990's Dyesebel.

Pamilya Valderama: Kahit Sariling Dugo (Tagalog: Even One's Own Blood)

Original Release Date: November 16, 1995

Production Company: Seiko Films

MAIN CAST

Phillip Salvador ... Bobby Valderama

Nanette Medved ... Marivic

Isko Moreno ... Elmer

Shirley Fuentes ... Joy

Kimberly Diaz ... Lani

Paquito Diaz ... Don Amadeo

Amado Cortez ... Aristo

Eula Valdez ... Monica

Cris Villanueva ... David

John Regala ... Sonny Valderama

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Augusto Salvador

Story and Screenplay ... Humilde 'Meek' Roxas

Cinematography ... Baltazar Dauz and Roger Estrada

Production Design ... Rolly Bernardo

Editing ... Renato De Leon

Musical Direction ... Mon Del Rosario

Executive Producer ... Robbie Tan

NOTE:

*** The storyline follows the clash between an National Bureau of Investigation agent (Phillip Salvador) who is pitted against his brother (John Regala) whose jealousy caused him to seek comfort and 'love' from a drug lord (Paquito Diaz).

Mangarap Ka (Tagalog: You Dream)

Original Release Date: November 22, 1995

Production Company: Star Cinema

MAIN CAST

Mark Anthony Fernandez ... Nonoy

Claudine Barretto ... Jenny

Kier Legaspi ... Jayvee

Gio Alvarez ... Glen

Roselle Nava ... Trishia

Nikka Valencia ... Marie

Dante Rivero ... Roberto

Boots Anson-Roa ... Belen

Gina Pareño ... Lucita

Anita Linda ... Celia

Charlie Davao ... Manolo

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Rory B. Quintos

Story ... Olivia M. Lamasan

Screenplay ... Ricardo Lee and Jerry Lopez Sineneng

Cinematography ... Joe Batac Jr. and Ricardo Jacinto

Production Design ... Nuel C. Naval

Editing ... Jesus Navarro

Musical Direction ... Eric Antonio and Carlo Bulahan

Executive Producers ... Charo Santos-Concio and Lily Y. Monteverde 

NOTES:

*** The storyline follows childhood friends (Mark Anthony Fernandez and Claudine Barretto) who move to the city to pursue an education at the University of the Philippines, the country's premiere educational institution. Changes in circumstances and their personalities will challenge their young love.

***The similarly titled theme song was performed by rock band AfterImage.

Tong-Its

Original Release Date: November 23, 1995

Production Company: Neo Films

MAIN CAST

Janno Gibbs ... Butch Prado

Francis Magalona ... Jett Perez

Graciaaaa ... Angel Aragon

Anthony Alonzo ... Chief Olivar

Roy Alvarez ... Col. Gadion

Ramon Christopher ... Dator

Anthony Castelo ... Congressman Perez

Shielu Bharwani ... Mamang

Romy Diaz ...    Papa Obet

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... J. Erastheo 'Baby' Navoa

Story and Screenplay ... Henry Lopez and J. Erastheo Navoa

Cinematography ... Ricardo 'Carding' Herrera

Production Design ... Nuel C. Naval

Editing ... Rene Tala

Musical Direction ... Jessie Lasaten

Executive Producer ... Vic Del Rosario Jr.

NOTES:

*** This comedy film follows two police officers (Janno Gibbs and Francis Magalona) who investigate a minor traffic accident only to find out that one of the drivers is a witness to the murder of a cop.

*** Tong-its is also the name of a popular three-player rummy card game in the Philippines. Played using the standard deck of 52 cards, the game's rules are similar to the American card game Tonk and also has similarities with the Chinese tile game Mahjong.

Sigaw ng Puso (Tagalog: Call of the Heart)

Original Release Date: November 23, 1995

Production Companies: Premier International Corp. and Megavision Film

MAIN CAST

Hiroyuki Sanada ... Hideyuki Harada

Lorna Tolentino ... Nikki

Sharmaine Arnaiz ... Kathy

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Kazuki Omori

Story ... Yasuyuki Ota

Screenplay ... Kazuki Omori and Hisao Masuda

Cinematography ... Makoto Watanabe

Production Design ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Editing ... Michiko Ikeda

Musical Direction ... Makoto Watanabe

Executive Producer ... Hisao Masuda

NOTE:

*** Released in Japan as Emergency Call.

Salamat sa Lotto, Linggo-Linggo Doble Pasko (Tagalog: Thanks to Lotto, Every Week Double Christmas)

Original Release Date: November 30, 1995

Production Company: Golden Lions Films

MAIN CAST

Eddie Garcia ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Tessie Tomas ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Dawn Zulueta ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Tonton Gutierrez ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Gina Alajar ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Maggie de la Riva ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Jinggoy Estrada ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Manuel Morato ... himself

Joel Torre ... The PCSO Chairman

Boots Anson- Roa ... [information to be provided upon availability]

SELECTED CREW

Direction, Story and Screenplay ... Carlo J. Caparas

Cinematography ... Ernesto 'Boy' Dominguez

Production Design ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Editing ... Abelardo 'Dho' Hulleza

Musical Direction ... [information to be provided upon availability]

Executive Producer ... Donna Villa

NOTES:

*** Second movie for the month of November 1995 that deals with the national lottery operated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The previous one was Manalo, Matalo, Mahal Kita (Tagalog: Win, Lose, I Love You).

*** TAGLINE: "God creates miracles. Sometimes, big, big, big jackpots."

*** The pre-Christmas presentation of Golden Lions Films in 1995.

Ang Syota Kong Balikbayan (Tagalog: My Balikbayan Girlfriend)

Original Release Date: November 30, 1995

Production Company: FPJ Productions

MAIN CAST

Fernando Poe Jr. ... Nanding

Anjanette Abayari ... Catalina 'Cathy' Bayombong

Maritoni Fernandez ... Digna

Paquito Diaz ... Frankie

Max Alvarado ... Maxie

Dencio Padilla ... Steve

Romy Diaz ... Johnny

Boy Alano ... Tino/Tina

Jaime Fabregas ... Don Facundo

Rudy Meyer ... Dolfo

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Pablo Santiago

Story ... Pablo S. Gomez

Screenplay ... Pablo S. Gomez, Manny Buising, and Jaime Fabregas

Cinematography ... Ernesto 'Boy' Dominguez

Production Design ... Arnord De Jesus

Editing ... Augusto Salvador and Rene Tala

Musical Direction ... Jaime Fabregas

Executive Producer ... Fernando Poe Jr.

NOTES:

*** This action-comedy-romance movie is about Nanding, a jeepney driver that sparks a romance with a spoiled balikbayan heiress. The jeepney driver will save the heiress from an evil relative who is after her wealth.

*** The character names of Paquito Diaz, Max Alvarado, and Dencio Padilla are based on their real names: Francisco Bustillos Diaz Sr., Gavino Maximo Teodosio, and Esteban Buenvinida Baldivia.

*** The guest performers are Chiquito, Randy Santiago, Janno Gibbs, German Moreno, Odetee Khan, and Doreen Bernal.

*** Balikbayan is the Tagalog term for an overseas Filipino who returned to the Philippines.

Ang Titser Kong Pogi (Tagalog: My Handsome Teacher)

Original Release Date: November 30, 1995

Production Companies: Mahogany Pictures and RRJ Films

MAIN CAST

Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr. ... Joey Perez

Sunshine Cruz ... Cynthia

Dick Israel ... Morgan

Tom Taus ... Jimbo

King Gutierrez ... Martin

Zandro Zamora ... Police Chief

Ruby Rodriguez ... Sharon, Cynthia's Friend

Jorge Estregan ... Emilio

SELECTED CREW

Direction ... Danilo P. Cabreira

Story and Screenplay ... Jojo Lapus

Cinematography ... Pablo Bautista and Rey Lapid

Production Design ... Abel Molina

Editing ... Jose 'Pepe' Marcos

Musical Direction ... Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producers ... Jose Mari Bautista and Victor Villegas

NOTES:

*** This action-comedy-drama is about a police officer (Bong Revilla) who goes undercover in Subic as a Kindergarten teacher to secretly probe a case in which he was framed up. A co-teacher (Sunshine Cruz) becomes his love interest. This teacher and one of his students are both related to one of the antagonists.

*** The plot is similar to Kindergarten Cop.

*** Jorge Estregan plays the role of Emilio. His full real name is Emilio Ramon Pelayo Ejercito III. Seventeen years later, he would play the titular role of Emilio Aguinaldo in the historical biopic El Presidente.