Seiko Films
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Defunct | 2007 |
| Fate | Closed due to intense competition |
| Headquarters | , |
Key people | Robbie Tan |
Seiko Films was a Philippine film production company owned and run by Robbie Tan. It is known for its erotic films (colloquially known as "bold movies") of the late 1990s. Seiko Films was known for its tagline "If it's from Seiko, it must be good" used from 1989 to 1994.[1][2] The company is not affiliated with the Japanese company sharing the same name.
History
[edit]Seiko Films was founded in 1981 by Robbie Tan. Its initial offering was Panlaban: Dos por Dos, starring Rex Lapid and Bomber Moran and written and directed by Mike Relon Makiling.[3] Since then, after the People Power Revolution, Seiko Films immediately became one of the major film production studios in the late 80s, alongside Monteverde's Regal Films and Vic Del Rosario's Viva Films. The film production is home to its homegrown stars, mostly Regal babies like Romnick Sarmenta, Sheryl Cruz, Rey "PJ" Abellana and Gretchen Barretto as well as talents inside Seiko like Jestoni Alarcon, Ian Veneracion, John Regala, Cesar Montano and Rita Avila. Among its most memorable productions during its early years are The Life Story of Julie Vega and Blusang Itim, as well as horror flicks Huwag Mong Buhayin ang Bangkay, and Hiwaga sa Balete Drive.[4][5]
Robbie Tan explained that his decision-making process when it comes to greenlighting film projects is primarily based on what is popular among audiences.[6]
In 1989, Seiko increased its production in action films, by the time the genre was on the rise. Among its notable action movies produced were Ang Lihim ng Golden Buddha and Alyas Baby Face, as well as biographical films Ako ang Batas: General Karingal, Canary Brothers and Lt. Col. Alejandro Yanquling, and DZRH-based dramas Kunin Mo ang Ulo ni Ismael, Kasalanan ang Buhayin Ka and Lumaban Ka, Itay. A majority of the films produced throughout the 1990s are focused on this genre.
Sex trip (ST) was among Seiko's primary focus. It was in 1995 when it increased its production in ST films, with Rosanna Roces, Priscilla Almeda, Natasha Ledesma, Leandro Baldemor and Gardo Versoza in its stable of talents. Seiko made Rosanna Roces a popular sex symbol. This would be Seiko's focus starting in 2000.[citation needed]
In 2003, Seiko released the Liberated series, directed by Mac Alejandre, and starred Diana Zubiri, Francine Prieto, and Christian Vazquez which became among the most important films in the history of Seiko. Seiko produced movies later like Bridal Shower (2003), the mockumentary Bikini Open (2005), the family comedy I Wanna Be Happy (2006) and the psycho-erotic thriller Silip (2007). Seiko Films also co-produced the award-winning Foster Child (2007) by director Brilliante Mendoza.
In 2007, Seiko was reportedly suspended by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) due to the prominence of the production of erotic films. It was later revealed that it closed down due to intense competition with major film outlets. Since then, Tan shifted his focus on his wallet business.[3]
ABS-CBN currently owns the rights to most of Seiko Films' library,[7][8] save for a few exceptions owned by co-producer Solar Entertainment.
Filmography
[edit]1980s
[edit]| Year | Film | Release | Director | Note(s) | Ref(s). |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Panlaban: Dos por Dos | September 11 | Mike Relon Makiling | ||
| 1982 | Bagong Boy Condenado | April 28 | Efren C. Piñon | ||
| Isla Sto. Niño | October 8 | Mauro Gia Samonte | |||
| 1983 | Kirot | March 4 | Arsenio 'Boots' Bautista | ||
| Iiyak Ka Rin | July 8 | Mauro Gia Samonte | |||
| Public Enemy No. 1 and the Innocents | September 9 | Arsenio 'Boots' Bautista | |||
| Hanguin Mo Ako sa Putik | December 9 | Manuel 'Fyke' Cinco | |||
| 1984 | Sa Ngalan ng Anak | January 4 | Mauro Gia Samonte | [9] | |
| Sex Education | February 3 | Mike Relon Makiling | [9] | ||
| Goodah!!! | March 8 | Mike Relon Makiling | |||
| Angkan ng Sietereales | May 25 | Pepe Marcos | [9] | ||
| Give Me Five! | June 8 | Mike Relon Makiling | [9] | ||
| Malisya | July 4 | Manuel 'Fyke' Cinco | |||
| Mga Ibong Pipit | August 28 | Mauro Gia Samonte | |||
| Kriminal | September 14 | Efren C. Piñon | |||
| Kapag Baboy ang Inutang | November 29 | Mauro Gia Samonte | |||
| 1985 | Magchumikap Ka! | January 4 | Luciano B. Carlos | ||
| I Won, I Won (Ang Swerte Nga Naman) | January 25 | Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao | |||
| Isang Platitong Mani | February 21 | Jun Urbano | |||
| Bomba Queen | April 25 | Efren C. Piñon | |||
| Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita? | June 20 | Pio de Castro III | |||
| Beware: Bed Sins | September 19 | Mario O'Hara | |||
| Paano ang Aking Gabi? | November 7 | Efren C. Piñon | |||
| God... Save Me! | December 25 | Carlo J. Caparas | |||
| 1986 | Blusang Itim | February 14 | Emmanuel H. Borlaza | ||
| Family Tree | May 22 | Mike Relon Makiling | |||
| Halik sa Pisngi ng Langit | June 26 | Efren C. Piñon | |||
| Huwag Mo Kaming Isumpa! | July 3 | Leroy Salvador | |||
| Lumuhod Ka sa Lupa! | August 21 | Manuel 'Fyke' Cinco | |||
| Ang Mahiwagang Singsing | October 9 | Mike Relon Makiling | |||
| 1987 | The Sisters | May 21 | Emmanuel H. Borlaza | ||
| Black Magic | November 26 | Mike Relon Makiling | |||
| Huwag Mong Buhayin ang Bangkay | December 25 | Mauro Gia Samonte | |||
| 1988 | Puso sa Puso | May 25 | Emmanuel H. Borlaza | ||
| Hiwaga sa Balete Drive | June 2 | Peque Gallaga, Lorenzo A. Reyes | |||
| Isusumbong Kita sa Diyos | June 16 | Emmanuel H. Borlaza | |||
| Apoy sa Lupa | August 18 | Emmanuel H. Borlaza | |||
| Mirror Mirror on the Wall | September 8 | Emmanuel H. Borlaza | |||
| Natutulog Pa ang Diyos | September 22 | Lino Brocka | |||
| One Two Bato, Three Four Bapor | December 14 | Ben Feleo | |||
| Magkano ang Iyong Dangal? | December 25 | Laurice Guillen | |||
| 1989 | Walang Panginoon | January 12 | Mauro Gia Samonte | ||
| Ipaglalaban Ko! | July 27 | Manuel "Fyke" Cinco | |||
| Babayaran Mo ng Dugo | September 7 | Francis "Jun" Posadas | |||
| Ang Bukas Ay Akin | December 25 | Laurice Guillen |
1990s
[edit]| Year | Film | Release | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | "Ako ang Batas" -Gen. Tomas Karingal | March 1 | |
| Kasalanan ang Buhayin Ka | March 8 | ||
| Beautiful Girl | June 28 | ||
| Naughty Boys | October 9 | ||
| Ama... Bakit Mo Ako Pinabayaan? | December 25 | ||
| 1991 | Akin Ka... Magdusa Man Ako! | June 20 | |
| Tukso Layuan Mo Ako! | September 11 | ||
| 1992 | Lumayo Ka Man sa Akin | January 25 | |
| Eh, Kasi Bata | May 29 | ||
| Jerry Marasigan, WPD | July 8 | ||
| Takbo... Talon... Tili!!! | December 25 | ||
| 1993 | Lumaban Ka ...Itay! | February 24 | |
| Pulis Patola | October 14 | ||
| 1994 | Bawal Na Gamot | March 27 | |
| Eat All You Can | |||
| Muntik Na Kitang Minahal | |||
| 1995 | Pamilya Valderama | November | |
| Di Mapigil ang Init | December 6 | ||
| 1996 | Itataya Ko ang Buhay Ko | May 27 | |
| 1997 | Kiliti | February 12 | |
| 1998 | Berdugo | September 18 | |
| 1999 | Burlesk King | March 10 | |
| Resbak, Babalikan Kita | November 29 |
2000s
[edit]| Year | Film | Release | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Mapagbigay | February 23 | |
| 2001 | Tikim | November 28 | |
| 2002 | Itlog | April 3 | |
| Bakat | September 4 | ||
| Kasiping | November 27 | ||
| 2003 | Liberated | November 5 | |
| 2004 | Bridal Shower | January 1 | |
| Liberated 2 | July 14 | ||
| 2005 | Bikini Open | May 18 | |
| 2006 | I Wanna Be Happy | July 12 | |
| 2007 | Foster Child | May 25 | |
| Silip | June 6 |
Remakes of Seiko films
[edit]This is a list of some films produced by Seiko that were remade into television series:
- Sineserye Presents: Natutulog Ba ang Diyos? (ABS-CBN, 2007)
- Magkano ang Iyong Dangal? (ABS-CBN, 2010)
- Blusang Itim (GMA Network, 2011)
- Kokak (GMA Network, 2011)
- Mundo Man ay Magunaw (ABS-CBN, 2012)
- Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa (TV5, 2024)
References
[edit]- ^ Yeatter, Bryan (2007). Cinema of the Philippines: A History and Filmography (1897-2005). McFarland & Company. p. 194. ISBN 9780786430475. Retrieved May 7, 2020 – via Google Books.
- ^ The Fookien Times Philippines Yearbook. Fookien Times. 1990. p. 320. ISBN 9789710503506. Retrieved May 7, 2020 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b Gabinete, Jojo (November 23, 2020). "Robbie Tan, inilahad ang pagsisimula at pagsasara ng Seiko Films". Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Filipino). Retrieved May 2, 2021.
- ^ Constantino, Ronald (June 18, 2018). "Seiko Jewels". Tempo. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
- ^ "Seiko Films Jewels: Where are they now?". GMA Network. June 29, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
- ^ Libo-on, Eddie (November 6, 1989). "Avellana challenges Robbie". Manila Standard. Kagitingan Publications, Inc. p. 18. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ "ABS-CBN renews partnership with Regal and Viva". ABS-CBN Entertainment. ABS-CBN Corporation. April 21, 2016. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
- ^ Almo, Nerisa (January 18, 2010). "Chito Rono returns to directing for TV via Magkano Ang Iyong Dangal?". PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal Inc. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Filmography of Filipino Releases: January to June 1984". SineManila. Vol. 1, no. 1. July 1984. pp. 33–38.
- Philippine film studios
- Philippine companies established in 1981
- Philippine companies disestablished in 2007
- Film production companies of the Philippines
- Mass media companies established in 1981
- Mass media companies disestablished in 2007
- Pornographic film studios
- Film distributors of the Philippines
- Defunct privately held companies of the Philippines