"Batang Estero" (1996)

Batang Estero (Tagalog: Slum Kid) is a 1996 action-drama film that narrates the story of a young man who grew in poverty and got enamored with the criminal life.

Directed and written by Deo Fajardo Jr., the film is one of the few that features the real-life son-and-father tandem of Michael and Dante Rivero.

PLOT 

Domeng grew up with a burning desire to become wealthy and influential. As the son of a school bus driver, he has always felt deprived in life.

Domeng idolized the crime syndicate boss Suarez, who in his eyes was "greater than the rich" because he was both feared and respected in their community. He saw in Suarez the freedom and money he had long dreamed of. But for his father, Suarez was a bad influence. Despite the warnings, Domeng continued to look up to him.

Meanwhile, Joy, a woman who sold her body for a living, had feelings for Domeng. But since they were both poor, Domeng rejected her.

One day, Domeng witnessed Suarez kill one of his own men. When invited by the police to testify, Domeng denied Suarez's crime and even gave a description that matched the investigating officer.

Suarez tried to reward him, but Domeng refused. Instead, Suarez offered him a job as a waiter in his gambling den. There, Domeng encountered Lope, a patron who bore an irrational grudge against him.

With money now coming in, Domeng treated his friends at a beerhouse. But when a dancer gave Domeng attention, Marco Polo's group grew jealous, leading to a brawl outside. 

Amid the chaos, Domeng met Zsa-Zsa, Marco Polo's sister, and the two seemed to develop mutual affection.

The tension with Lope continued. In one encounter, Lope fired a gun at Domeng, but the situation turned and Lope ended up dead. Domeng was imprisoned. Only Joy and his friends visited him. Joy confessed her love, but Domeng pushed her away, telling her to find someone else.

Domeng was later freed when Suarez paid his bail. Suarez welcomed him as a "certified member" of the syndicate. His father worried, warning again that Suarez would only bring ruin. Domeng ignored him, calling their life "miserable."

Suarez assigned Domeng as a delivery man for "chemicals." In one transaction, a client offered him more money to defect to their group. 

One night, Domeng arrived at a house where a woman emerged from the swimming pool—Suarez's lover. Barely dressed, she made Domeng uneasy. He explained Suarez had sent him, but Suarez was absent. The woman told him to return the next day, only to seduce him until he gave in.

Eventually, Domeng discovered that the "chemicals" were illegal drugs. He confronted the client, who said there was no turning back. Suarez already knew everything, including Domeng's affair with his lover. Domeng was now in danger.

Suarez ordered his men to kill his lover. Meanwhile, Domeng had eloped with Zsa-Zsa. At a hotel, Zsa-Zsa asked Domeng to get some food. While he was away, one of Suarez's men unitentionally shot Zsa-Zsa, who was lying under a blanket.

Domeng and his friends regrouped at their hideout to plan revenge. They agreed to keep Antonio, the youngest, out of trouble. Domeng urged him to continue his studies. But outside the hideout, Suarez’s men planted a bomb in Domeng's car. When the alarm went off, Antonio volunteered to move it. He died in the explosion.

Meanwhile, police planted a gun in Domeng’s father’s house, leading to his unlawful arrest. In jail, father and son reunited. Domeng and his friends were also imprisoned on fabricated charges. His father lamented their real crime was simply being poor.

Inside, they met an inmate named Mekeni, who said the police were "magicians." Domeng insisted Suarez was behind all the trouble.

Soon, Domeng and his group became targets of a prison gang. Suarez ordered the head of this prison gang to start a riot to kill Domeng. But in the chaos, it was Domeng's father who was stabbed.

As he lay dying, Domeng's father revealed that a deceased friend named Noel San Miguel is Domeng's real father. 

Later, Angelito San Miguel, Domeng's brother, visited him and promised help. The lawyer Angelito sent successfully secured Domeng and his friends' acquittal. In retaliation, Suarez had the lawyer killed.

Eventually, Suarez’s men kidnapped Domeng and Joy. In an abandoned building, Domeng managed to seize a gun, allowing them to escape. A chase, fistfights, and gunfire followed. One by one, Suarez's men were killed until only Domeng and Suarez remained.

Domeng and Suarez struggled fiercely until Suarez was left dangling from the balcony ledge with one hand. Suddenly, Suarez's henchman attacked Domeng from behind. Before crashing to the ground, the henchman managed to shove Domeng, giving Suarez the upper hand.

Seizing the moment, Domeng yanked Suarez from the ledge, but Suarez clung desperately to Domeng's leg. Domeng kicked him off, sending Suarez plummeting.

Yet Suarez survived. Rising again, he seized Joy as a hostage. Joy fought back and broke free, giving Domeng the opening he needed to finally shoot Suarez.

Domeng was imprisoned once more. Inside, he was greeted by his friend Mekeni. That night, Domeng killed the prison gang head to avenge his father.

MAIN CAST

Michael Rivero ... Domeng

Dante Rivero ... Domeng's father

John Regala    ...    Suarez

Beth Tamayo ... Joy

Maricel Morales ... Zsa-zsa

Lovely Rivero ... Suarez's lover

Julio Diaz ... Client

Jorge Estregan Jr, ... Prison Gang Head

Dick Israel ... Mekeni

Gino Antonio ... Lope

Marco Polo ... Zsa-zsa's brother

Alona Alegre ... Attorney

Raymart Santiago ... Angelito San Miguel

Boy Roque ... Suarez's henchman

SELECTED CREW

Direction and Story ... Deo J. Fajardo Jr.

Editing ... Orlando 'Totoy' Vinarao

Musical Direction ... Jesse Lasaten

Executive Producer ...    Atty. Eduardo B. Flaminiano

Full Movie: FLT Films International / OctoArts Films / YouTube

The Absent-Minded Dolfo in "Ta-ra-ra-dyin ... Pot-pot!" (1972)

Ta-ra-ra-dyin ... Pot-pot! is a 1972 romance-comedy film that follows the hilarious adventures of an orphan named Dolfo. Directed by Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao, the film is topbilled by Dolphy. The music was created by Jose Mari Chan. At that time, Chan has already established himself as a creator of jingles for use in TV and radio advertising.

This is one of the major films in which Dolphy worked with Jose Mari Chan. The others are Karioka Etchos de Amerika (1971) and Pinokyo en Little Snow White (1972).

The title Ta-ra-ra-dyin ... Pot-pot! comprises onomatopoeic words referring to items used by the character Dolfo in his job as a vendor:

Ta-ra-ra-dyin for the drum-like sounds that can be made from the two large cans attached at the sides of his bicycle. These cans contain Dolfo's merchandise.

Potpot is for the the horn with a rubber bulb. This bulb is squeezed to get the attention of potential customers.

Screen Capture: Lea Productions / Dolphy Filmography

PLOT

The film opens with two men near a bridge. Mario stops Dolfo from attempting to end his life. From that moment, they become friends. With nowhere else to go, Dolfo accepts Mario's offer to stay at his house.

Dolfo finds work as a newspaper boy, but one day his bicycle collides with Tomas, a moneylender. While on the street, Dolfo is captivated by a young woman named Cynthia—who turns out to be Tomas's daughter. Distracted by her beauty, Dolfo crashes and eventually loses his job.

At home, Dolfo remains absent-minded. He forgets the rice cooking on the stove, and the house nearly catches fire—saved only by Mario's timely arrival. Mario scolds Dolfo but reassures him about the broken bicycle. Soon after, Dolfo secures new work as a pan de sal peddler.

In their conversation, Dolfo mentions the beautiful woman he encountered. Being shy, he asks Mario for advice on how to court her. But as events unfold, it is revealed that Cynthia is Mario's classmate—and the real romance is between Mario and Cynthia.

The introduction also allowed to patch up things between Dolfo and Tomas.

Meanwhile, at Tomas and Cynthia's house, a woman is often seen lingering nearby. She is later revealed to be Luisa, Tomas's former lover and Cynthia's mother.

One day, Roger, a persistent suitor, deceives Cynthia into a kidnapping. He tells her that Tomas has been in an accident and that she must rush to the hospital. Luisa happens to be nearby and enters Roger's car, perhaps hoping to finally speak with her daughter.

Dolfo's co-workers witness the abduction. Though heartbroken in love, Dolfo informs Mario of what happened. Together, they head to Roger's resthouse to rescue Cynthia. In the midst of the action, mother and daughter are finally reunited.

Cynthia is successfully rescued, and Dolfo steps aside, entrusting her to Mario. As Dolfo walks away, he is struck by a car. A woman emerges from the vehicle and offers to take him to the hospital—hinting at the possibility of a new love awaiting Dolfo.

MAIN CAST

Dolphy ... Dolfo

Hilda Koronel ... Cynthia

Caridad Sanchez ... Luisa

Raul Aragon ... Mario

Da Big 3 Sullivans ... Dolfo's co-workers

Juano Juarez ... Roger

Boots Anson Roa    ...    Woman from Car (uncredited)

Movies That Mark 30th Year in January 2026

 At least 13 Filipino movies were released in theaters in January 1996. At present, some of these movies can be viewed on YouTube, while others are occasionally aired on free television.

Mabangis na Lungsod

Dyesebel

Batang Z

Sariwa

Sa Kamay ng Batas

Anak, Pagsubok Lamang ng Diyos

Oki Doki Doc: The Movie

Impakto

Adan Lazaro

Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa

Hindi Lahat ng Ahas ay Nasa Gubat

May Nagmamahal sa Iyo

Ober da Bakod 2: Da Treasure Adbentyur

Ganti ng Puso

Details of each mentioned title to follow.

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