Seiko Films was a Philippine film production company owned and run by Robbie Tan. It is known for its bold films 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.
| Company type | Film production company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion pictures |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Defunct | 2007 |
| Headquarters | , |
Key people | Robbie Tan |
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 fast became one of the major productions 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, 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 Seiko Films' library.[7][8]
Filmography edit
1980s edit
| Year | Film | Release | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Panlaban: Dos por Dos | September 11 | |
| 1982 | Bagong Boy Condenado | April 28 | |
| Isla Sto. Niño | October 8 | ||
| 1983 | Kirot | March 4 | |
| Iiyak Ka Rin | July 8 | ||
| Public Enemy No. 1 and the Innocents | September 9 | ||
| Hanguin Mo Ako sa Putik | December 9 | ||
| 1984 | Goodah!!! | March 8 | |
| Give Me Five! | June 8 | ||
| 1985 | Magchumikap Ka! | January 4 | |
| Isang Platitong Mani | February 21 | ||
| Beware: Bed Sins | September 19 | ||
| God... Save Me! | December 25 | ||
| 1986 | Blusang Itim | February 14 | |
| Lumuhod Ka sa Lupa! | August 21 | ||
| 1987 | The Sisters | May 21 | |
| Black Magic | November 26 | ||
| Huwag Mong Buhayin ang Bangkay | December 25 | ||
| 1988 | Puso sa Puso | May 25 | |
| Hiwaga sa Balete Drive | June 2 | ||
| Natutulog Pa ang Diyos | September 22 | ||
| One Two Bato, Three Four Bapor | December 14 | ||
| Magkano ang Iyong Dangal? | December 25 | ||
| 1989 | Walang Panginoon | January 12 | |
| Ipaglalaban Ko! | July 27 | ||
| Babayaran Mo ng Dugo | September 7 | ||
| Ang Bukas ay Akin (Langit Ay Uusig) | December 25 |
1990s edit
| Year | Film | Release | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | "Ako ang Batas" -Gen. Tomas Karingal | March 1 | |
| Kasalanan ang Buhayin Ka | March 8 | ||
| Ama... Bakit Mo Ako Pinabayaan? | December 25 | ||
| 1991 | Akin Ka... Magdusa Man Ako! | June 20 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 2005 | Bikini Open | May 18 | |
| 2006 | I Wanna Be Happy | July | |
| 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)
- Blusang Itim (GMA Network, 2011)
- Kokak (GMA Network, 2011)
- Mundo Man ay Magunaw (ABS-CBN, 2012)
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. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ 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.