Some Pinoy Action Movies from the Mid-1990s

Once upon a time in the history of Philippine movies, the Pinoy action genre was king. Most movies belonging to this genre follow this formula: a protagonist who lives a simple existence versus the villain who would make Satan look like a saint. Of course, there is a need for the virginal lass and the hot vixen. And who will ever forget the Johnny-come-lately police force.

Despite the repetition of this formula, many aspiring actors found fame and fortune by playing lead roles in Pinoy action movies. (One of them was even elected President!) Without any further ado, here are some action movies that were released in the mid-1990s.

Monsour del Rosario and Baldo Marro played the lead roles in Chinatown 2: The Vigilantes, a Four-N-Films that saw general theatrical release on January 12, 1994. It was the sequel to 1988's Chinatown: Sa Kuko ng Dragon, which has Ramon "Bong Revilla Jr. in the lead role. Dawn Zulueta portrays the love interest of Del Rosario's character. The movie's co-directors are Manuel Marcos and Roger Baruelo.

Prior to venturing into show business, Del Rosario was the country's representative to international taekwondo competitions. On the other hand, Baldo Marro was a stunt man before clinching lead parts in action movies. His popularity increased after winning the Best Actor Award in the 1988 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Patrolman.

Fernando Poe, Jr. directed himself (as Ronwaldo Reyes) in Viva Films' Hindi Pa Tapos ang Laban, (The Fight is Not Yet Over) which opened in theaters on January 25, 1994. Other cast members include Paquito Diaz, Johnny Delgado, Dick Israel, Berting Labra, Ruel Vernal, and Max Alvarado. Michelle Aldana, 1993 Ms. Asia-Pacific, was introduced in this movie.

Everyone knows that Poe unsuccessfully ran for President of the Philippines in the 2004 presidential election against the incumbent Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Poe died later that year after suffering a stroke. He was posthumously declared a National Artist of the Philippinesfor Film on May 23, 2006 by President Macapagal-Arroyo. The award was confirmed by President Benigno Aquino III on July 20, 2012. 

Alfredo Lim: Batas ng Maynila (Alfredo Lim: Law of Manila) has Eddie Garcia in the title role. It details the rise of Alfredo Lim from policeman to mayor of the City of Manila. Originally shown on January 18, 1995, the release date may have been chosen in anticipation of the elections in May later that year.

The movie's lengthy tagline reads, "The untold story of Manila's legendary crimebuster. To this man whose life has been devoted to the cause of instant justice: what is Right is Right and what is Wrong is Wrong."

It was the third Alfredo Lim biopic. Rudy Fernandez was the first actor to essay the role in the 1977 movie Alfredo Lim, while Ramon Revilla also played Lim in Target: Police General - Maj. Gen. Alfredo S. Lim Story, which was released in 1990.

A fourth one, The Turning Cradle: The Untold Story of Alfredo Lim, starring Cesar Montano was released in late February 2013. It can be noted that Lim is running for re-election as mayor in May. Interestingly, Lim's opponent is Joseph Estrada, an action star who became the 13th President of the Philippines.

Demolisyon: Dayuhan sa Sariling Bayan (Demolition: Strangers in Their Own Country) depicts the struggles of the urban poor whose shanties constantly face the threat of getting demolished. Released on January 11, 1995, this Sunlight Films' presentation was directed by Roland Ledesma. It has Anthony Alonzo, Ronald Gan, and Jaclyn Jose in the lead roles.

Regal Films' Sa Kamay ng Batas (In the Hands of Law) exemplifies Edu Manzano's versatility. It opened in theaters on January 9, 1996. Aside from being a known for his exceptional hosting skills, Manzano has also played dramatic roles in film and television. Under the direction of Pepe Marcos, other cast members include John Estrada, Alma Concepcion, Eric Fructuoso, Dennis Roldan, and Willie Revillame.

Principal photography for FLT Films International's Anak … Pagsubok Lamang Ng Diyos (My Son ... It's Only a Trial from God) was done at the New Bilibid Prison while lead actor Robin Padilla was serving a 21-year sentence for illegal possession of firearms. It was originally released on January 11, 1996. Robin's real-life mother, Eva Cariño Padilla, also portrays the role of his character's mother.

Under the direction of Deo J. Fajardo Jr.,the movie also features Sharmaine Arnaiz, Tirso Cruz III, Michael Rivero, Ramon Christopher, Jude Estrada, and Ricky Davao. It introduces Iza Ignacio who later starred in FLT's sex-oriented productions. Meanwhile, Padilla's career soared to new heights since President Fidel V. Ramos granted him a parole in 1998.   

Roi Vinzon mainly plays the villain in movies, but EDL Productions' Adan Lazaro was one of the few instances in which he is the hero. Adan Lazaro opened in theaters on January 18, 1996. Pepe Marcos directed this movie, which also have Sunshine Cruz, Jenette Fernando, Tony Ferrer, and Eddie Rodriguez in its cast.

Being the provincial governor of Pampanga during that time, there is no need to guess where Hindi Lahat ng Ahas ay Nasa Gubat, which stars (now Senator) Lito Lapid, was done. Lapid's Classic Films produced this movie, while Augusto Salvador performed directorial duties.

Originally released on January 25, 1996, Hindi Lahat ng Ahas ay Nasa Gubat (Not All Snakes are in the Jungle) also features Anjanette Abayari, John Regala, Ramon Christopher, Paquito Diaz, Perla Bautista, Sylvia Sanchez, and Jess Lapid Jr.