In celebration of the 3rd Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM) this September, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Iloilo, Davao, Negros, and Nabunturan is screening Filipino comedy films for free from September 6 to 28.
In line with PFIM 2023’s theme “Tuloy pa rin ang Tawanan,” the FDCP curated 17 iconic films under the Sine Halakhak banner that shaped Filipino popular culture and made a significant legacy on Philippine cinema. Furthermore, these films elevated Philippine comedy beyond its entertainment value by combining aspects of social and political commentary into their stories.
The following titles are open to the public in Cinematheque Centres nationwide:
● Ang Babae sa Septic Tank by Marlon Rivera
● Ang Mga Kidnapper ni Ronnie Lazaro by Sigfreid Barros Sanchez
● Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap by Marius Talampas
● Ang Tanging Ina by Wenn Deramas
● Banyo Queen by Al Tantay
● Booba by Joyce Bernal
● D’ Lucky Ones! by Wenn Deramas
● Daddy O, Baby O! by Eric Quizon
● Die Beautiful by Jun Robles Lana
● Here Comes the Bride by Chris Martinez
● Isprikitik: Walastik Kung Pumitik by Efren Jarlego
● Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme by Joyce Bernal
● Ma’am, May We Go Out? by Mike Relon Makiling
● Mr. Suave by Joyce Bernal
● Petrang Kabayo by Wenn Deramas
● Praybeyt Benjamin by Wenn Deramas
● Yaya & Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie by Michael Tuviera
Filipino Blockbusters
Blockbuster films “Ang Tanging Ina,” “Here Comes the Bride,” “Yaya and Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie,” “Petrang Kabayo,” and “Praybeyt Benjamin” are included in this year’s Sine Halakhak line-up. The latter was the first Filipino film to reach PHP 300 million in box office sales, making it one of the highest-grossing Filipino films of all time.
Critically acclaimed films “Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme” and “Die Beautiful” are also included in the Sine Halakhak showcase. The latter premiered at the 2016 Tokyo International Film Festival, where it received the Audience Choice Award and Best Actor for Paolo Ballesteros.
Independent Comedy Films
Independent films included in Sine Halakhak are “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” and “Ang mga Kidnapper ni Ronnie Lazaro,” both of which delve into metafiction by depicting the production of local independent films that could potentially be recognized by critics and international award-giving bodies. Furthermore, “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” was the Philippines’ official entry for the 2011 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film.
“Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap” is another comedy film that revolves around a group of friends who plot their first big heist in the hopes of becoming the town’s most notorious thieves.
Filipino Classics
“Daddy O, Baby O!”, “Ma’am, May We Go Out?”, and “Isprikitik: Walastik Kung Pumitik” are Filipino classic films that depict the struggles and misadventures of working-class people in the country while incorporating Filipino humor in their stories.
The first two films are top-billed by Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon and Tito, Vic, and Joey, who are well-known comedians with a huge fan base and a prolific body of work in the local industry.
2000s Comedy Films
Lastly, comedy films from the early 2000s such as “Booba,” “Mr. Suave,” “D’ Lucky Ones!” and “Banyo Queen” complete this year’s Sine Halakhak line-up. These films sustain the tradition of Filipino humor by portraying memorable characters who cope with misfortunes in a comical, light-hearted manner.
Sine Halakhak showcases films that are top-billed by some of the most prominent and well-respected comedians in the local film industry, including Eugene Domingo, Ai-Ai Delas Alas, Vice Ganda, Michael V., TVJ (Tito, Vic, and Joey), and the late Comedy King Dolphy. These icons of Philippine Comedy will be honored at PFIM’s Closing Ceremony on September 29 in recognition of their achievements in the entertainment industry.
Sine Halakhak screenings are open to the public for free. Moreover, the FDCP will host Film Talks and film showings in select venues throughout September in celebration of Philippine comedy and its contribution to shaping the cultural identity of Filipinos.
For news and updates, stay tuned to FDCP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
