Ronnabelle Lora

Time to reflect with these Filipino films for this Holy Week

Article (news)

Peter Andrew Acierto

Push Team

<p>It’s the perfect time to do some self-reflection and soul-searching during the Holy Week. As Lent season comes to a close, several activities are happening in the Catholic Church which makes it just fitting to slow things down and watch these Filipino films alongside your family.  </p><p>Some of these films are available on several streaming platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and Prime, among others. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Himala (1982)</strong></div><div><iframe width="928" height="522" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3MASgwPvzcQ" title="Official Trailer | &#x27;Himala&#x27; (Digitally Restored) | Nora Aunor" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>This 1982 film directed by the late National Artist Ishmael Bernal birthed one of the most famous Filipino movie lines–– &quot;Walang himala! Ang himala ay nasa puso ng tao! Nasa puso nating lahat.&quot; Not only is it an iconic film that is still referenced by many directors up to today, it also serves as an inspiration to many devout Catholics in the country. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag (1975)</strong></div><div><iframe width="928" height="522" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DpCCHbWEDz4" title="MAYNILA, SA MGA KUKO NG LIWANAG (MANILA IN THE CLAWS OF LIGHT) [1975] Restored Version - Trailer" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Despite not being a religious film, try watching <em>Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag </em>as it shows the reality of life in the country. Dubbed as the greatest Filipino film of all time, this 1975 classic narrates how things could change in an instant–– how the main character gets introduced to the real world. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Lolo and the Kid (2024)</strong></div><div><iframe width="928" height="522" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tILXTdgE47E" title="Lolo and the Kid | Official Trailer | Netflix" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>This 2024 film revolves around the lives of Lolo Mario (played by Joel Torre) and Kid (portrayed by Euwenn Mikael). When things are already comfortable in their daily life, a life-changing opportunity comes in and could make their inseparable bond come to an end. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Mano Po 1: My Family (2002)</strong></div><div><iframe width="928" height="522" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yAUJuYFehNw" title="Mano Po 1: My Family (2002) | Full Movie HD" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Despite focusing on the lives of a Chinese-Filipino family, this film is for every Filipino family because of the similarities of the values and lessons. Starring Maricel Soriano, <em>Mano Po 1: My Family</em> highlights the importance and sacrifices of each member of the family in order to attain success.  </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Ang Tanging Ina (2003)</strong></div><div><iframe width="928" height="522" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oDk2PVcfU-k" title="‘Ang Tanging Ina’ FULL MOVIE | Ai Ai delas Alas, Eugene Domingo" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Last on this list is a Star Cinema film that changed how most viewed single mothers and their love for their children. Imagine having 12 children and no one to help you take care of them so you have to act both as the mother and the father. <em>Ang Tanging Ina</em> leaves viewers with the lesson of learning to love your parents because of the sacrifices they’ve made just for their kids to be successful.</p><p>All of these movies are available on several streaming platforms for your convenience while others are available at Star Cinema’s official YouTube channel. What are your favorite films to watch during the Holy Week?</p>