Cover image via Paula Panganiban & SAYS Philippines
There's plenty of movies that you absolutely must watch in your lifetime — But don't ever underestimate Filipino classics that will make you a better and mas mabait YOU!
Image via Paula Panganiban, SAYS Philippines
Just kidding! 😛
1. Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag will teach you the virtue of PATIENCE
Image via blogspot.com
Manila in the Claws of Light (Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag) is a 1975 Filipino drama film directed by Lino Brocka based on the novel In the Claws of Brightness by Edgardo M. Reyes. It is considered by many as one of the greatest films of Filipino cinema.
2. Ang Tatay Kong Nanay shows us that judging someone is BAD, because we don't know what they went through
Image via Paula Panganiban, SAYS Philippines
This fussy gay dad/mom who's halfway between a Tito or Tita . Older gay guys have this incomparable love for their families. They tell the best and funniest stories, and always funkily dressed. Lino Brocka's 1978 film Ang Tatay Kong Nanay, starring Dolphy (Coring) in his 50s and Nino Muhlach who was six or seven years old at that time. This film will leave you crying and laughing… A rare breed of movie that combines both extreme emotions — that makes it relatable.
3. Himala teaches us the power of faith and HONESTY
Image via Wikipedia
Himala ("Miracle") is a 1982 classic Filipino drama film directed by Ishmael Bernal. The film's script was written by acclaimed writer Ricky Lee based on the story of a teenage girl on Cabra Island in the province of Occidental Mindoro between 1966 and 1967.
Elsa (Nora Aunor), was mistaken as a saint who can heal the sick. She chose to confess that there were no miracles, no sightings of the Virgin, and that it is man who invents gods, miracles, and curses.
In the middle of her passionate speech, a gun is fired at Elsa, mortally wounding her. A violent stampede ensues, with the old, the children, and the infirm being injured or killed in the mass hysteria.
4. Ganito Kami Noon Paano Kayo Ngayon proves us that somehow we should still believe in leap of faith
Image via Jessica Zafra
Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? (Tagalog, "This is how we were, How are you doing now?") is a 1976 Filipino romantic musical drama film set in the era of Spanish colonization in the Philippines.
This movie was set at the turn of the 20th century during the Filipino revolution against the Spaniards and, later, the American colonizers. The story revolves with a naive peasant and his leap of faith to become a member of a community he longs to be a part of.
5. Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang teaches us to be careful with our decisions, because the outcome might become out of hand
Image via Wikipedia
Weighed But Found Wanting (Filipino: Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang; also known as Human Imperfections) is a 1974 Filipino drama film directed by Lino Brocka. The films stars Christopher De Leon (in his debut role), Hilda Koronel, Lolita Rodriguez and Eddie Garcia.
The story begins with a flashback to the past of a woman called Kuala (Lolita Rodriguez). A herbolario (traditional/folk medicine practitioner) performs an abortion on Kuala, as Cesar (Eddie Garcia) watches her. The abortion was a success, but when Kuala sees the aborted fetus, she becomes disturbed. In the next scene, she walks in the middle of a grassy plain, and as the heat becomes more and more unbearable, she becomes insane.
6. Payaso will make us realize the power of goodness against bad intentions
Image via blogspot.com
Payaso is a clown portrayed by German Moreno who was sent by God to touch the lives of people, particularly the little children on earth and to help them discern what is good and evil. Along his journey, he met his nemesis, Red Devil, played by Gene Palomo, who tries to dissuade Payaso from doing his mission.
7. San Basilio makes us realize that offering a helping hand to those who need you, is the best feeling in the world
Image via blogspot.com
San Basilio's most memorable scene is when two villains are running away from the hero Julio Valiente, and he decides to execute them with his last bullet by shooting through his knife — the knife splits the bullet in two, allowing him to kill two people with one bullet. The actor — Lito Lapid — is currently a Senator.
8. Insiang shows us that family should always be first
Image via The Film Stage
Insiang is a 1976 Filipino drama film directed by Lino Brocka, which tells the story of a young poverty-ridden woman who seeks revenge for those who have ruined her life.
9. Bona tells us that karma is digital
Image via blogspot.com
Bona is a 1980 Filipino drama film that was submitted for entry at the Metro Manila Film Festival. The character of Bona was played by acclaimed actress Nora Aunor, and the film was directed by Lino Brocka.
This story revolved around a scorned teenager, and gets revenge on the aging gigolo who took advantage of her while pursuing other women.
10. Maruja shows us that true love knows no time and space; it patiently waits
Image via wikipilipinas
Maruja is a Filipino comic book character created by Mars Ravelo. It is about an immortal love story about two people whose love for each other transcended a century. Written by Mars Ravelo and illustrated by Rico Rival, it was a story that dealt with reincarnation, beginning with the ill-fated love story of Maruja and Gabriel during the Spanish era and ending with their reunion one hundred years later.
10. Temptation Island proves that your competitors can become your best friends!
Image via wikimedia
Temptation Island is a 1980 Filipino film directed by Joey Gosiengfiao starring four beauty contest winners: Azenith Briones (Miss Photogenic, Mutya ng Pilipinas 1975), Jennifer Cortez (Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 1978), Bambi Arambulo (Miss Maja Pilipinas 1977) and Dina Bonnevie (1st Runner-up, Miss Magnolia 1979).
The film focuses on four young ladies from different social backgrounds and each for their own various reasons, enlists in the fictional "Miss Manila Sunshine Beauty Pageant."
11. Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising teaches us that we cannot dictate the heart, but we should be wise
Image via amazonaws.com
Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising is a romantic movie about young love. In the direction of Direk Mike De Leon. This story is about a young man who went to Manila to pursue his education Joey (Christopher De Leon) who's very passionate with music and being a lyricist — however his parents want a different path for him.
Joey meets Anna and falls in love with her. However, Anna si married and with a kid — and this where the dilemma starts.
12. Manila By Night shows us that not all that glistens, is cladded with gold
Image via wikimedia
Manila By Night, also known as City After Dark is a 1980 Filipino Gawad Urian Award winning drama film directed by critically acclaimed director Ishmael Bernal and starred Gina Alajar and Charito Solis.
Released at the height of the Marcos regime, the film uncovers the other face of Manila by depicting the ugly aspects of life in the city —
unemployment, prostitution, drug addiction and lack of decent housing.
13. The Virgin People teaches us that innocence is important, but knowing your rights should come with it
Image via Abs-cbn.com
The Virgin People is a movie directed by Celso Ad Castillo. Its story revolved around three sisters living in a paradise where men are metaphorically and literally serpents of temptation. Their father takes his three daughters deep into the woods, far from the nearest town. He dies, leaving the girls educated enough to read from the Bible, ignorant enough to allow men to take advantage of them.
Do you know more awesome classic movies? <3
Image via Paula Panganiban, SAYS Philippines
Like what you just read? Get more stories like this and updates from our witty and awesome writers by following SAYS Philippines on Facebook and [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/SAYSPhilippines)
Image via SAYS Philippines
