Once Upon a Time in Manila

Last updated

Once Upon A Time in Manila
Directed byTony Y. Reyes
Written by
Produced by
  • Marvic Sotto
  • Jose Yu
Starring
CinematographyJoe Tutanes
Edited byEduardo "Boy" Jarlego
Music byMon del Rosario
Production
companies
Distributed byHarvest International Films
Release date
  • January 11, 1994 (1994-01-11)
Running time
115 minutes
Country Philippines
Languages
Budget₱70 million

Once Upon a Time in Manila is a 1994 Philippine action comedy film co-written and directed by Tony Y. Reyes. The film stars Vic Sotto, who co-wrote the story, and Cynthia Luster. [1] [2]

Contents

Plot

Vic Sotto plays a barangay tanod who always seems to have a knack for saving the local folks from dangerous situations, just in the nick of time. Cynthia Luster is Lt. Cynthia Wang, is a Royal Hong Kong Police on the look-out for Nikita, the infamous gang leader. Amparo Lagman (Gloria Sevilla), working as a domestic helper, becomes the unwitting target of the Nikita's gang when she comes into possession of some important documents and papers. Nikita follows her to the Philippines, along with Lt. Cynthia Wang who is in pursuit of Nikita.

A game of cat-and-mouse ensues as everyone gets swept up in a tale of international espionage with a dash of love and romance thrown into the crazy mix.

Cast

Related Research Articles

<i>The Sarah Balabagan Story</i> 1997 Filipino film

The Sarah Balabagan Story is a 1997 Philippine biopic directed by Joel Lamangan. The film stars Vina Morales as Sarah Balabagan, an OFW who was sentenced to death in the United Arab Emirates for killing her employer who was attempting to rape her.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yukari Oshima</span> Japanese actress

Yukari Ōshima is a Japanese former actress and martial artist. She gained prominence in Hong Kong and became popular in the Philippines as Cynthia Luster. Due to Filipinos' interest in Jackie Chan, she became Chan's pseudo female equivalent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GMA Pictures</span> Philippine film and television production company

GMA Pictures, formerly Cinemax Studios and GMA Films, is a film and television production company in the Philippines, established by GMA Network in 1995. Its films include Jose Rizal, Muro Ami, and Deathrow.

<i>Kung Mawawala Ka</i> Philippine television series

Kung Mawawala Ka is a Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Joel Lamangan, Soxie Topacio and Argel Joseph, it stars Sunshine Dizon and Cogie Domingo. It premiered on April 8, 2002 on the network's Telebabad line up. The series concluded on June 6, 2003 with a total of 298 episodes. It was replaced by Narito ang Puso Ko in its timeslot.

<i>Ang Darling Kong Aswang</i> 2009 Filipino film

Ang Darling Kong Aswang, also known as Ang Darling Kong Asawa, is a 2009 Filipino comedy horror film.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Boncayao Brigade</span> 1984–2000 urban assassination unit of the Philippine New Peoples Army

The Alex Boncayao Brigade was the urban assassination unit of the New People's Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Organized in 1984, the unit broke away from the New People's Army as a consequence of a split in ideology during the 1990s. In 1997, the Alex Boncayao Brigade allied itself with the Revolutionary Proletarian Army, the armed wing of the Revolutionary Workers' Party.

Smith & Wesson is a 1988 Filipino action comedy film co-written and directed by Tony Y. Reyes. It stars Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon as the titular duo, alongside Beverly Vergel, Panchito, Paquito Diaz, Mon Alvir, Angela Luz, Jimmy Fabregas, Rene Requiestas, and Vangie Labalan. Sotto and de Leon are also the film's co-writers and producers. The film parodies both Miami Vice and Bloodsport, with the title in reference to the American firearm manufacturer of the same name.

Alega Gang: Public Enemy No.1 of Cebu is a 1988 action crime film co-edited and directed by Pepe Marcos and written by Jose N. Carreon. It stars Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr. in the lead role, alongside Robin Padilla, Princess Punzalan, Beverly Vergel, Perla Bautista, Paquito Diaz, Zandro Zamora, Bomber Moran, and Baldo Marro. Set in Cebu, it tells an account of the life of Ulysses "Boboy" Alega (Revilla), and his descent into crime. Originally released on June 23, 1988, it was re-released on April 2, 1994, with Padilla receiving equal billing with Revilla.

Chinatown: Sa Kuko ng Dragon is a 1988 Filipino action film directed by Pepe Marcos and written by Humilde 'Meek' Roxas. It stars Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr., Tony Ferrer, Eddie Garcia, Aurora Sevilla, Mia Pratts, Rez Cortez, Christopher Paloma, Rommel Valdez, Baldo Marro, and Ruben Rustia. Produced and distributed by Four-N Films, the film was released on December 8, 1988.

Agila ng Maynila is a 1988 Filipino action film directed by Pablo Santiago, written by Pablo S. Gomez, and produced by Fernando Poe Jr., who stars as Mauro Reyes, the titular "eagle" of Manila. The film also stars Vic Vargas, Paquito Diaz, Charlie Davao, Raoul Aragon, Vic Diaz, Dencio Padilla, Lito Anzures, Mario Escudero, and Lucita Soriano. Produced by FPJ Productions, Agila ng Maynila was released on December 25, 1988 as part of the 14th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Agila ng Maynila was the highest-grossing film among the six entries of the festival, and R.R. Herrera won the MMFF Award for Best Child Performer.

<i>Kaaway ng Batas</i> Philippine action film

Kaaway ng Batas is a 1990 Philippine action film edited and directed by Pepe Marcos. The film stars Rudy Fernandez. This is the first film produced by Rudy and Lorna Tolentino under their film company Reflection Films.

<i>Lethal Panther 2</i> Philippine action film

Magkasangga sa Batas is a 1993 Philippine-Hong Kong action film directed by Phillip Ko and Erwin Lanado. The film stars Cynthia Luster, Stella Mari and Edu Manzano. Although it is a sequel to the 1990 movie Lethal Panther, their plots are not related to each other.

Jones Bridge Massacre is a 1989 Filipino crime action film based on the titular incident on June 8, 1989. Directed by Ben "M7" Yalung, the film stars Lito Lapid, Jackie Aquino, Eddie Garcia, Paquito Diaz, Berting Labra, Ruel Vernal, Robert Talabis, Rez Cortez, King Gutierrez and Edwin Reyes. Produced by Cine Suerte, the film was released on October 25, 1989.

Boboy Salonga: Batang Tondo is a 1992 Filipino action film directed by Junn P. Cabreira. The film stars Jeric Raval in the title role, alongside Monica Herrera, Vic Vargas, Mark Gil, Rina Reyes, Francis Magalona, Jennifer Mendoza, Ronel Victor, Ali Sotto and Dick Israel. Produced by OctoArts Films, the film was released in May 1992.

Premiere Entertainment Productions was a Philippine film production company. It was among the country's major film companies, along with Sampaguita Pictures, LVN Pictures and Lea Productions. It now operates as an investment holding company.

Mancao is a 1993 Philippine biographical action film directed by Felix E. Dalay. The film stars Phillip Salvador in the title role. The film is based on the life of former policeman Cezar Mancao and his encounter with Red Scorpion Gang leader Joey de Leon.

<i>Cara Y Cruz: Walang Sinasanto</i> Philippine action comedy film

Cara Y Cruz: Walang Sinasanto is a 1996 Philippine action comedy film directed by Jun Aristorenas. The film stars Raymart Santiago and Dennis Padilla.

Isang Kahig, Tatlong Tuka is a 1995 Philippine comedy film directed by Jun Aristorenas. The film stars Vic Sotto and Charito Solis.

Pamilya Valderama is a 1995 Philippine action film directed by Augusto Salvador. The film stars Phillip Salvador and John Regala.

Wake Up Little Susie is a 1988 Filipino comedy film directed by Luciano B. Carlos and starring the comedy trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon alongside child actress Ice Seguerra as the titular character. The film also stars Lotlot de Leon, Ramon Christopher, Kristina Paner, Cris Villanueva, Manilyn Reynes and Janno Gibbs. Produced by Regal Films, it was released on April 27, 1988.

References

  1. "Grand Opening Today". Manila Standard . Philippine Manila Standard Publishing. January 11, 1994. p. 21. Retrieved July 7, 2022 via Google News.
  2. Tiongson, Nicanor (2010). The Urian Anthology: 1990-1999. University of the Philippines Press. ISBN   9789715426473 . Retrieved July 7, 2022 via Google Books.