Filipino Movies with Titles that Include the Word "Huli" (End or Last): 1995 to 1996

Knowledge that today is the end of February led me to browse the collection and look for Filipino movies with titles that include the word huli.  In this context, huli that means "end or last" is pronounced with stress in the second syllable. It should be noted that huli pronounced without stress means "to catch" or "to arrest." From 1995 to 1996, there were four action movies with titles that include the word huli.


Robin Padilla and Andrew E. played the role of partner cops in P're Hanggang sa Huli! (Dude, Until to the End!), a Viva Films presentation that was released on March 22, 1995. This action-comedy was directed by Ricardo "Bebong" Osorio. Other members of the cast include Mat Ranillo III, Daniel Fernando, Donita Rose, Angelu De Leon and Charlene Gonzalez.

The release of actor-turned-politician Lito Lapid's Hanggang Sa Huling Bala (Down to the Last Bullet) marks his win as provincial governor of Pampanga. It was released on May 31, 1995 just a few weeks later after the May 12 elections. Lapid's political career started in three years earlier, when he won as provincial vice governor. In the 1995 elections, Lapid defeated the incumbent Bren Z. Guiao.

This Megavision Films presentation was written and directed by Jose N. Carreon. It also features Plinky Recto, Dennis Roldan, Dante Rivero, Jess Lapid Jr., Sharmaine Suarez and Dick Israel. Hanggang Sa Huling Bala has the following tagline: "Alone and Down to His Last Bullet, Can This Man Survive the Final Battle?"


Ace Vergel, Monsour del Rosario, and Aiko Melendez were dubbed as the "The Ultimate Action Triangle"during the promotions for Huling Sagupaan (Last Battle). Vergel's career as an action star started in the late 1970s, while Del Rosario was a taekwondo champion prior to venturing into movies. Melendez is still known for her dramatic portrayals in movies and television.  Huling Sagupaan, a Regal Films presentation, opened in theaters on August 8, 1996. Philip Ko and Teddy Gomez co-directed this action movie.

Ben Balasador ... Akin ang Huling Alas! (Ben Balasador ... The Last Ace Is Mine!) had Ian Veneracion in the title role. In Filipino gambling parlance, balasador refers to someone who shuffles the cards. This co-production by OctoArts Films and Cinemax Studios opened in theaters on August 21, 1996. Under the direction of Pepe Marcos, other members of the cast include Patrick Guzman, Mark Gil, Shirley Fuentes, King Gutierrez, Charlie Davao, Bing Davao, Teresa Loyzaga and Beth Tamayo.