Calling all Filipino movie enthusiasts! The Philippines is rich in cinematic masterpieces spanning across history and diverse genres. Everyone has heard of popular, mainstream classics like She’s Dating The Gangster, 4 Sisters, a Wedding, One More Chance, and more. But there are also hidden gems, the lesser-known and indie Filipino films that deserve the spotlight, too. Banking on “hugot” culture, related to having deep and emotional experiences, here are some Filipino films that evoke solid and sentimental emotions.
1st ko si 3rd (My 1st is 3rd)
Seen from the perspective of recently retired Cory, 1st ko si 3rd navigates her life and emotions during retirement. Cory, played by renowned actress Nova Villa, pines for her past as she deals with her mundane retirement with her husband. In her dreams, she sees her younger self with her first love, Thirdy, and fondly recalls her fond memories. However, when her old flame, Thirdy, suddenly shows up in the present time, Cory has to reassess if she wants him back in her life. Painfully realistic, nostalgic, and sentimental, this Filipino movie re-explores the old days and everything that leads to the present day.
Unforgettable
Star-studded singer and actress Sarah Geronimo stars as Jasmine, a young woman with special needs, in Unforgettable. Returning to Baguio, Jasmine embarks on a journey to bring her new dog, Happy, back to her sick grandmother. Believing that Happy is similar to her grandmother’s old dog, she brings him home, hoping her grandmother will be healed. Along the way, Jasmine and Happy encounter many challenges, such as kind strangers and friends. Centered on love and devotion to family, a core Filipino trait, this is a tearjerker movie worth watching.
Isa Pa With Feelings (Once More With Feelings)
Calling all neighbors to lovers slow-burn enthusiasts because Isa Pa With Feelings is perfect to watch! Starring beloved actress and television personality Maine Mendoza and actor and musician Carlo Aquino, their on-screen chemistry is electric. Maine Mendoza plays Mara, an aspiring architect who instantly connected with her deaf tutor and neighbor, Gali. Despite not being deaf in real life, Carlo Aquino plays his character Gali well and with care. Throughout the movie, they grow closer as they bond despite their differences. Mara and Gali also learn to dance together to make it even more romantic, making their bond even deeper. Swoon-worthy, sentimental, and vulnerable, this movie is also a tremendous and emotional watch, and the payoff is worth it.
Hintayan Ng Langit (Waiting for Heaven)
What if true love was waiting in the afterlife? Hintayan Ng Langit stars “Queen of Philippine Melodrama” Gina Pareño as Lisang, a woman in her 60s who overstays her welcome in purgatory. Staying in limbo for two years, Lisang constantly causes trouble with other souls for her entertainment. However, everything changes when her newly-deceased ex-boyfriend Manolo arrives in purgatory. Veteran actor and filmmaker Eddie Garcia plays Manolo, who is reluctant about his unexpected reunion with Lisang. To make matters more complicated, Lisang and Manolo have to share an apartment room. This heart-wrenching story about two ex-lovers explores second chances, regrets, and everything that led up to their separation and deaths.
Ulan (Rain)
For all hopeless romantics and lovers of all things mythological, Ulan hits all the right spots. Well-loved and iconic actress and singer Nadine Lustre plays Maya, a young woman who grew up believing rain brings bad luck. Throughout the movie, she falls in love and experiences heartbreak over and over. Believing that every time it rains, her heart gets broken. However, rain can be both lucky and unlucky. Despite her pessimism about love, she still believes true love exists and that the man of her dreams is real. That’s when Peter comes in, played by Carlo Aquino, who she meets on a rainy day. The question is, is he finally the one to break her curse of heartbreak? Tying together Maya’s romantic woes with Filipino mythological elements and beliefs, Ulan is a fantastical and emotional movie that is a must-watch.
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Featured Image Credit: NETFLIX PHILIPPINES