Sarap

Maging

A Report in Film 102 by

MARK ANTHONY B.
GUBAGARAS
Report Outline
• Situating Philippine cinema in 1984
• …Then came “Bagets”: The
phenomenon commences
• “Bagets” 2: One more time
• What they say…and what we don’t
know…
• The “Bagets” spirit lives on…and on…
and on?
• Summary and conclusions
Banner Year

Situating Philippine cinema in

1984
General Situation
• Out of the 150 film
companies/producers in the
country…
• Only about 30 remained active
• 3 of them provided the biggest
output
• Regal Films (Monteverde family)
• Viva Films (Del Rosario family)
• Seiko Films (Robby Tan)
General Situation
• Best films, best
directors, trends started
• Dominant genres:
• Drama (Tragedy)
• Comedy
…Then Came Bagets
The phenomenon commences
“bagets”

• n. teenager/s, young
adult/s (bata,
tinedyer)
• Opposite: forgets
(n. very old; old
people)
• Cultural and
linguistic trend (an
offshoot from the
late 1970’s)
• Etymology
• PLAY + MIX of Filipino
word ‘bago’ (new) +
Origins of the Film
• Concept and Situation
• No film was shot before that focused on the
Filipino youth and its culture
• The 1980’s were a decade of vibrancy
• A film that will serve as springboard for the
careers of some new teenage ‘stars’ and
will reinforce the name recall of matinee
idols
• Theme: “A witty, light-hearted coming-of-
age movie about the joys and pains of
growing up”
• Playdate: Feb. 2, 1984
 Preparations for the
Project
Shooting
• Shot in different places
Cast selection
• New stars were the protagonists in the movie
• Supporting cast: veteran actors and actresses
Post-production
• Used the facilities of the LVN Color Laboratory
The People Behind
“Bagets”
• Director: Maryo J. de los Reyes
• Story and Screenplay: Jake
Tordesillas
• Executive Producer: Vic del
Rosario, Jr.
• Supervising Producer: Tony Gloria
• Musical Director: Ricky del Rosario
• Musical Scoring: Spanky Rigor
• Production Designer: Don
Escudero
• Line Producer: Douglas Quijano
The Story

• Setting: 1984, high

school senior days
• Details
• A group of five
teenagers from
different familial
backgrounds and
with different
personalities come
together “to uncover
life’s mysteries and
conquer the world.”
The Story

• More details…
• Focuses on some of the typical
(mis)adventures common to
teenagers
• Come graduation day, the group
realizes that they will have to mature
to prepare for what’s next after high
school.
 The
Characters
– Archetype: the boy-
next-door
– Comes from a well-off
family
– His mother, Virgie, is
a writer who is too
much concentrated on
her work
– Is in love with Ivy,
Virgie’s college friend
and sorority ‘sis,’ who
is married (archetype:
‘hot mama’)

Adie
Aga
Muhlach
as Adie

• Real name: Ariel Aquino Muhlach

• Born: August 12, 1969 (Manila)
• The spirit of show business lives in
him
– cousin: Niño Muhlach
– aunt: Amalia Fuentes
• Married to Bb. Pilipinas-Universe
Charlene Gonzalez with whom he
 Filmography
• When Love Begins... (2008)
• A Love Story (2007)
• Dubai (2005)
• All My Life (2004)
• Kung Ako na Lang Sana (2003)
• Kailangan Kita (2002)
• Pangako... Ikaw Lang (2001)
• Narinig Mo na Ba ang L8est? (2001)
• Dahil May Isang Ikaw (1999)
• Hinahanap-hanap Kita (1999)
• Dahil Ba sa Kanya? (1998)
• Ikaw Pa Rin ang Iibigin (1998)
• Bayarang Puso (1997)
• Oki Doki Doc: The Movie (1996)
 The
Characters

• Archetype: the bad boy

• Always gets into trouble, delinquent HS
student for four years, adventurous
• His mother always pampers him, much to the
ire of his father (sunod ang layaw)
• Is in love with Rose, from a well-off family of
Tonton musicians
William Martinez
as Tonton

• Brother of Albert
Martinez
• Was already 21 years old
when she courted and
later married Yayo Aguila
• Bagets is his brainchild
(with actress Alona
Alegre)
• Originally under Regal
Films when he co-starred
in Bagets
• Was involved in a case of
 Filmography
• Twilight Dancers (2006)
• Umaaraw, Umuulan (2006)
• Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka (2003)
• Most Wanted (2000)
• Sindak (1999)
• Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo (1998)
• Kailan Matitigil ang Putukan (1997)
• Mortal Kombat (Alamat ng Damortis) (1997)
• Mara Clara: The Movie (1996)
• Sana Maulit Muli (1995)
• Sana'y Laging Magkapiling (1994)
• Gwapings Dos (1993)
• Maria Went to Town (1988)
• Jack & Poy (1987)
• Bunsong Kerubin (1987)
• When I Fall in Love (1986)
• Payaso (1986)
• Bomba Arienda: Based on the Life Story of Roger Arienda (1985)
• Inday Bote (1985)
The Characters
• Archetype: the geek
• Thin, wears glasses,
clumsy, studies hard
• Lives in a rented
apartment (his mother
is a hardworking
businesswoman while
his father is a
policeman frequenting
sauna baths)
• Is in love with
Melissa, from a
moderately-rich family

Gilbert
 Herbert
Bautista
as Gilbert
• Full name: Herbert
Constantine Maclang
Bautista
• Born: 1968
• Eldest son of actor-
director Herminio
“Butch” Bautista and
Rosario Maclang-
Bautista† (SLN)
• Sibling of former movie
actor Hero and theater
actress Harlene
(married to actor
Romnick Sarmenta)
 Political and
Administrative Career
• Said to be gunning the mayoralty in Quezon City

• Vice Mayor, Quezon City (1995-1998; 2001-present)

– National President, National Movement of Young Legislators
(NMYL)
– President, Vice Mayors League of the Philippines, National
Capital Region

• City Councilor, Quezon City (1992-1995)

– Chairman: Committee on Cultural and Tourism Affairs

• President, Kabataang Barangay National Federation

– President, Kabataang Barangay City Federation, Quezon City
– Ex Officio City Councilor, Quezon City (1986-1989)

• Lieutenant Colonel, Light Armored Battalion

– Philippine Army Reserve Command
Educational Background

• Master in National Security

Administration
National Defense College of the Philippines

• Master of Public Administration

National College of Public Administration and
Governance, University of the Philippines, 2001

• AB Philosophy and Letters

San Beda College, 1992
 Filmography
• Umaaraw, Umuulan (2006)
• Ping Lacson: Supercop (2000)
• Bobby Barbers, Parak (1997)
• Multo in the City (1994)
• Alabang Girls (1992)
• Daddy Goon (1992)
• Pitong Gamol (1991)
• Tootsie-Wootsie: Ang Bandang Walang Atrasan (1990)
• Hulihin si Nardong Toothpick (1990)
• Dear Diary (1989)
• M & M: The Incredible Twins (1989)
• Jack and Jill sa Amerika (1988)
• Pik Pak Boom (1988)
• Jacky Tyan (1988)
• Jack and Jill (1987)
• Puto (1987)
• Takbo, Bilis, Takbo (1987)
• Captain Barbel (1986)
• Ninja Kids (1986)
• Working Boys (1986)
 Toffe
The Characters
e
• Archetype: martial
arts buff
– Her mother,
preoccupied with her
work as an actress,
had into many
relationships.
– He, however, tries to
understand his
mother.
– Outlet of dismay:
martial arts
– His Tita Nena (the
maid) saves the day
for his mother
– Sought
companionship in an
older woman,
Christine (a flight
 JC
Bonnin
as Toffee

• Full name: Juan Carlos Bonnin

• Born: February 2, 1968 (Okinawa, Japan)
• Son of actor Bernard Bonnin and Elvira Gonzalez
• Brother of Charlene Gonzalez (ergo, brother-in-law of Aga
Muhlach) and Richard Bonnin
• Now a bishop of a Christian church in London, UK
 Filmography
• Kamagong (1986)
• Ninja Kids (1986)
• Bagets 2 (1984)
• 14 Going Steady (1984)
• Bagets (1984)
• Daddy Knows Best (1983)
• Zimatar (1982)
• Cross My Heart (1982)
• Manedyer... si Kumander (1982, as Juan Carlos
Bonnin)
• Oro, Plata, Mata (1982, as Juan Bonnin)
 The
Characters

• Archetype: rich
guy
• Only son of whose
parents who want
him to take over
the family
business in the
future
• Talented
• Is in love with
Janice, who Arnel
comes from a
middle-class
family (his mother
disapproves of
their relationship)
• His mother,
Ditas, is strict,
Raymond Lauchengco as Arnel

• Studied in UP during college days

• Married to Mia Rocha on March
25, 2004 with whom he has a
daughter, Natalie Grace (10
 Filmography
• Cross My Heart with Sharon Cuneta and
Rowell Santiago
• Saan Darating Ang Umaga with Maricel
Soriano, Nida Blanca, and Nestor De Villa
• Hotshots with Gary Valenciano, Aga
Muhlach, and Herbert Bautista
• Bukas Luluhod Ang Mga Tala with
Sharon Cuneta
• Remember Me, Mama with Janice de
Belen
• Joey Boy Munti with Aga Muhlach
 Discography
Albums
• Full Circle, Viva Records, 2007
• Raymond Lauchengco, Vicor Music Corporation, 2005
• New Every Morning, Dyna Records, 1995
• Walang Kupas, with Regine Velasquez, Piltel, 1990
• Rated R, Wea Records, 1988
• Dreamboy, Vicor Music Corporation, 1984
• Raymond, Vicor Music Corporation, 1983

Movie Theme Songs

• Langit at Lupa, Langit at Lupa, 1987
• Kapag Puso’y Sinugatan, Kapag Puso’y Sinugatan, 1986
• Then Maybe, Bagets II, 1985
• Shadow of Time, Hotshots, 1985
• So It’s You, Bagets, 1983
• Farewell, Bagets, 1983
• Saan Darating Ang Umaga, Saan Darating Ang Umaga, 1983
• Born: 1968 (Manila)
• Has a 10-year old son with actor Ronnie Quizon
• More popularly known as a character actress on TV
• Last seen on Kamandag, aired over GMA 7 on weeknights

Eula Valdez as Janice

 Filmography
• Rekados (2006)
• Umaaraw, Umuulan (2006)
• Ina, Anak, Pamilya (2006)
• Noon at Ngayon... Pagsasamang Kayganda (2003)
• Di Kita Ma-reach (2001)
• Gimik: The Reunion (1999)
• Mula sa Puso: The Movie (1999)
• Ang Babae sa Bintana (1998)
• Magandang Hatinggabi (1998)
• Pagdating ng Panahon (1998)
• Ang Pulubi at ang Prinsesa (1997)
• Hanggang Kailan Kita Mamahalin (1997)
• Batang PX (1997)
• Ikaw Pala ang Mahal Ko (1997)
• Madrasta (1996)
• Sana Maulit Muli (1995)
• Tumbasan mo ng Buhay (1993)
• Dahil Mahal Kita (1993)
• Ready, Get Set, Go! (1992)
• Kapag Langit ang Humatol (1990)
• Hindi Pahuhuli ng Buhay (1989)
• Bala... Dapat kay Cris Cuenca, Public Enemy No. 1 (1989)
• Rosenda (1989)
• Buy One, Take One (1988)
 Jobelle Salvador
as Melissa

• Daughter of actor-director Leroy

Salvador
• Has two children (a 6-year old
daughter and an 18-year old
son)
• Was also the lead vocalist of a
band during her younger years
• Now based in Japan (president
of JLS International, a
company involved primarily in
events and promotions)
 Filmography
• Sgt. Hidalgo: Bala ng Katarungan (1998)
• Ako ang Batas: General Karingal (1990)
• Huminga Ka Na Hangga't Gusto Mo (1990)
• Carnap King: The Randy Padilla Story
• Buy One, Take One (1988)
• Alabok sa Ulap (1987)
• Working Girls 2 (1987)
• Magdusa Ka (1986)
• Doctor, Doctor, We Are Sick (1985)
• Pati Ba Pintig ng Puso? (1985)
• Hotshots (1984)
Yayo
Aguila
as Rose

• Full name: Ma.

Rosario Aguila
• Born:
September 13,
1967 (Quezon
City)
• Married to
William
Martinez with
whom she has
three children
Photo courtesy of: www.pinoybigbrother.com • Was a Pinoy
 Filmography
• Umaaraw, Umuulan, independent
film (2006)
• Bcuz of U, Star Cinema (2004)
• Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, Star
Cinema (1998)
• Bagets 2, Viva Films (1984)
• Bagets, Viva Films (1984)
 Filmography
• Ang Manghuhula (2008)
• Faces of Love (2007)
• Umaaraw, Umuulan (2006)
• Puso 3 (2006)
• Room Boy (2005)
• Sitak (2005)
• Room Service (2004/I)
• Liberated 2 (2004)
as Christine • Naglalayag (2004)
• Sa Totoo Lang! (2004)
• Niece of director
• Balat-sibuyas (2003)
Eddie Romero
• Dalaginding (2002)
• Awards received:
• Mapagbigay (2000)
– Best Supporting
Actress, FAMAS (1982) • Ms. Kristina Moran: Babaeng
– Best Supporting Palaban (1999)
Actress, Gawad Urian • Ligaya ang Itawag Mo sa Akin (1997)
The Characters
• The principals
• Archetype: Hard to converse
with
• The ‘chertits’ (teachers)
• Spanish: ‘hot Ma’am’
• Sex education: boring
• Math: ‘terror Ma’am for a
terror subject’
• Physics: old maid
• History (Class adviser): gay
 The Characters

• The mothers (‘ermats’)

• Circle of friends
• The ‘mother image’ we
know
• The fathers (‘erpats’)
• Likewise, the ‘usual ones’
Supportin
g
Cast
• Bembol Roco Buko vendor
• Celia Rodriguez Virgie (Adie’s
mom)
• Luz Valdez Gilbert’s mom
• Rosemarie Gil Ditas (Arnel’s
mom)
• Liza Lorena Toffee’s mom
• Rodolfo ‘Boy’ Garcia Tonton’s dad
• Robert Campos Arnel’s dad
• Baby Delgado Ivy
• Nena Rubio Tita Nena
 Bagets 2

The phenomenon…
once again
The Story Continues…
• Playdate: Nov. 15, 1984
• Set in the immediate summer after the
events in Bagets
• Deals with the guys’ summer
misadventures as a prelude to
preparations for college life
• Focus: Involvement in an arts workshop
and interpersonal relationships with new
characters
The New Characters
• Wally
• Forced by his mother to be a
priest
• Mikee
• Son of a TV director seeking
his big break in showbiz
• Ponce
• auto mechanic-cum-dancer
• Ruth
• Toffee’s ‘balikbayan’ cousin
Whatever happened
to…?
• Melissa (Jobelle)
• “Went to Davao to join her father”
• Reason: Salvador took a different
course, but not necessarily veered
away from showbiz
• Adie (Aga)
• “Flew off to the United States”
• Reason: Muhlach’s career was already
taking off at that time
The New Cast

• Most of the original actors in

Bagets, including the supporting
cast, returned (except for Muhlach,
Salvador, and Aguila).
• The movie welcomed the new
actors.
Jon Jon
Hernandez
as Wally

• Son of character
artists Ross Rival
(died last year) and
Alicia Alonzo
• Half-sibling of Maja Filmography
Salvador
• Patapon (1993)
• A regular in the variety
show, That’s • Pita, Terror ng Caloocan
Entertainment (GMA (1993)
7) • Jacky Tyan (1988)
Ramon
Christopher
as Mikee

• Full name: Ramon

Christopher
Gutierrez
• Born: 1985 (Manila)
• Son of Eddie
Gutierrez and Pilita
Corrales
• Married formerly to
Lotlot de Leon
(separated last year) Latest Films
with whom he has a • Umaaraw, Umuulan (2006)
child, 18-year-old • Terrorist Hunter (2005)
Janine • Venus: Diosa ng Kagandahan (2001)
• Also a regular in • Ikapitong Gloria (2001)
That’s • Makamandag na Bala (2000)
 Albums
• F Word (2008)
• Pambihira Ka, Pinoy (single,
2004)
• The Best of Francis M (2002)
Francis
• Meron Akong Ano! (1993)
• a.k.a. Francis M, ‘Master Rapper’
Magalona
• Born: October 4, 1964 (Manila) as Ponce
• Son of movie legends Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran
• Married to Pia Arroyo (they have eight children, including teen
actress Maxene Magalona)
• “first Filipino rapper to successfully enter mainstream music”
• Was a judge for Philippine Idol (ABC 5)
• A regular host in Eat Bulaga (GMA 7)
 • Real name: Cheska
Weinbrenner
• Married a Chinoy (now
into fish business) in
Hong Kong at the age
of 16 in 1986
• Graduated with a
degree in Psychology
from Assumption
College
• Has three children
whom she all barred to
enter showbiz
• Entered showbiz
through Bagets 2 at
age 14
• Returned to showbiz in
2006
• Last seen in La
Vendetta (GMA 7),
2007

Latest Films
• Angels (2007) Cheska
• Eternity (2006) Iñigo
What they say…what you
don’tComments
know…and Trivia about
Bagets
 “Napakasarap sariwain…
sinasalamin ng Bagets ang lahat
ng ating pinagdaanan, bago
mamulat ang ating kaisipan sa
mga nangyayari sa kapaligiran.
“Walang patid na kasiyahan ang
idinulot sa atin ng pelikula. Bakit
kaya sa tuwing babalikan natin
ang nakaraan, hindi maiiwasang
banggitin ang Bagets?”

- Jojo de Vera, film enthusiast

 “Ang Bagets (1984) ang
itinuturing na isa sa
pinakamagandang Filipino
youth-oriented movies of all
time. Tumabo nang husto sa
takilya ang nasabing pelikula,
pati na ang sequel nitong
Bagets 2 na ipinalabas din the
same year.”

- Dennis Mendoza, showbiz

writer
 “[It] defined a
generation’s era.”

- Francis Magalona, cast

- Raymond Lauchengco,
cast
(screen grab from the e-mail sent to this
reporter)
 “It’s a bubblegum movie. It was liberating for the
young people, but provided a lot of lessons
eventually.

“To compare and contrast it with the other movies

having the ‘same’ format would be unfair.”

- Herbert Bautista, cast

(in an interview made by this reporter)
 About the theme
songs…
• I’m Growing Up
• sung by Gary Valenciano
• composed by Odette Quesada, who
sang the 1980’s hit songs Till I Met You
and Friend of Mine
• Just Got Lucky
• sung by The JoBoxers
• Part of the album Like Gangbusters
released in 1983
• Placed no. 36 in US music charts
• So It’s You
• sung by Raymond Lauchengco
• later revived by Christian Bautista for
the movie Dreamboy (Star Cinema,
2005)
• Farewell
• sung by Raymond Lauchengco
• eventually became a favorite theme
song for graduation days
 Did you know…?
• The P.A.’s before in
Bagets are now ‘big
shots’:
• Gilbert Perez (†SLN),
director, Star Cinema
• Cory Vidanes, senior
vice president for TV
production, ABS-CBN 2
• Wilma Galvante, senior
vice president for
entertainment TV, GMA 7
 Did you know…?

• Maryo J. de los Reyes wanted to be

remembered best for directing Bagets
and Bagets 2.
Photo courtesy of: Francis Magalona

On and On and…On?
The “Bagets” spirit endures…
In 2006, during their reunion,
the ‘Bagets’ cast resolved
•toThe supposed
do a sequel story
to the movie
series. Direk Maryo
• Gilbert J. was
(Herbert) will
openbecome
to the idea
an and agreed.
unmarried Bagets
father.
The supposed plot (talk about 3: The
• Mikee
‘spilling (Monching) will
the beans’):
have a car shop and (Failed)
will(Herbert
• Gilbert have him) will
andbehis
an Reunion
unmarried father.
daughter caught in a
• Mikee (Monching) will own a
love triangle.
car shop and will be involved
in a love triangle that will
includes his own daughter.
 Bagets
• However…
3: The
However, Lauchengco
• Lauchengco said the said
plan (Failed)
that would be a “no-go.”
the movie was a ‘no- Reunion
go.’ • “Not everybody is
cooperating.”
• He thinks Muhlach doesn’t
“I think Aga (Muhlach)
want doesn’t want
to do it anymore.
to do it anymore…. It’s just that not
• “Noong nagsisimula naman
everybody is cooperating.”
talaga kami, [Aga] wanted
to go solo.”
In 2006, during their reunion,
the ‘Bagets’ cast formed a
foundation to support less-
fortunate
• In theirbut deserving
reunion in 2006,
the Bagets
students in thecast organized a
performing
arts.foundation that aimed to
mold young people studying
in the performing arts under
At present, the foundation
their scholarship has
program.
a •strong tie-up10with
The first PUP (has
beneficiaries
30 scholars
came from at PUP. (E ).sa UP,
present Reaching
magkakaroon kaya?)
(Sa UP, magkaroon kaya?) out: The
Bagets
Foundatio
Bagets on TV (?!?)
• ABS-CBN bought last year the
rights of Bagets from Viva
Films to serialize the film for
television.
• Reportedly placed on the
“Primetime Bida” slot
• Target showing: late 2008 or
early 2009
• Confirmed cast
• Kim Chiu
• Gerald Anderson
• John Prats
 Conclusions
What Bagets is

Photo courtesy of: Francis Magalona

 • Bagets has set the trend for Philippine
filmmaking in the youth-oriented
‘drama’ genre.
• A discussion of Philippine cinema in the
1980’s would not be complete without
Photo courtesyit.
of: Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP)
Reference
s
• Amoyo, A. (2006, July 21). Bagets Foundation for performing arts studes.
PinoyExchange.com. Retrieved August 1, 2008 from
http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262111&-
page=5.
• Bagets. (2008, June 22). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved
August 1, 2008 from http://en.-wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagets.
• De Los Reyes, M.J. (1984, February). Bagets. Quezon City: Viva Films.
• De Los Reyes, M.J. (1984, November). Bagets 2. Quezon City: Viva Films.
• De Vera, J. (2006, April 6). Paano ba maging BAGETS? Sari-saring sineng
Pinoy. Retrieved August 1, 2008 from http://sari-
saringsinengpinoy.blogspot.com/-2006/04/paano-ba-maging-bagets.html.
• Erece, D. (2007, September 16). Maryo J. de los Reyes turns down offer to
direct remake of his film. PinoyExchange.com. Retrieved August 1, 2008
from http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/-showthread.-
php?t=262111&page=5.
• Magalona, F. (2005, Dec. 28). Bagets dinner reunion. Multiply. Retrieved
August 1, 2008 from
http://francismagalona.multiply.com/journal/item/63/Bagets_Dinner_-
Reunion-_Dec.-_28,_2005.
• Mendoza (2007, March 1). “Bagets” stars organize a foundation.
PinoyExchange.com. Retrieved August 1, 2008 from
http://www.pinoyexchange-.com/forums/showthread.-php?t=262-
111&page=5.
• Philippine Entertainment Portal (2007, December 11). No go for Bagets
reunion flick–Raymond Lauchengco. GMANews.tv. Retrieved August 1,
2008 from http://www.gmanews.tv/story/72415/-No-go-for-Bagets-reunion-
flick---Raymond-Lauchengco.
• San Miguel, R., & Zorc, R. (1993). Pinoy slang dictionary. (1st ed.). Manila:
De La Salle University Press.
• Tiongson, N.G. (Ed.). (2001). The Urian anthology: 1980-1989. Manila:
Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino; Antonio P. Tuviera.
• Tolentino, R.B. (2000). Richard Gomez at ang mito ng pagkalalake, Sharon
Cuneta at ang perpetwal na birhen at iba pang sanaysay ukol sa bida sa
pelikula bilang kultural na texto. Pasig City: Anvil Publishing.
• Vice Mayor (2007, April). The official website of the Quezon City
government. Retrieved August 5, 2008 from
http://quezoncity.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_-content&task-
=view&id=88&Itemid=1.