Your Guide To Independence Day Streaming
Local shows and movies you can—and should—watch, from “Heneral Luna” to “Ang Larawan”
It’s been over a century since Emilio Aguinaldo first declared the Philippines independent from Spanish colonialization. Since then, the Philippines endured more years of occupation—first under the Americans and then briefly under the Japanese during World War II—until the former finally granted us independence and sovereignty following the end of the war.
For Independence Day tomorrow, check out these titles available to stream online, including newly-released Trese and ponder on what it means to be Filipino and to truly, actually be free.
Independence Day Viewing
Independence Day Viewing
Heneral Luna (2015) and Goyo, Ang Batang Heneral (2018)
Heneral Luna tells the story of Antonio Luna’s leadership of the Philippine Revolutionary Army during the Philippine-American War and it stars theatre and character actor John Arcilla, and the second installment in the Bayani series, Goyo, stars Paulo Avelino as Gregorio del Pilar, the young general who defended Tirad Pass during the Philippine-American War. Heneral Luna and Goyo are available to stream on Netflix.
Heneral Luna (2015) and Goyo, Ang Batang Heneral (2018)
Heneral Luna tells the story of Antonio Luna’s leadership of the Philippine Revolutionary Army during the Philippine-American War and it stars theatre and character actor John Arcilla, and the second installment in the Bayani series, Goyo, stars Paulo Avelino as Gregorio del Pilar, the young general who defended Tirad Pass during the Philippine-American War. Heneral Luna and Goyo are available to stream on Netflix.
José Rizal (1998) and Bayaning Third World (1999)
On iflix, you can have a back-to-back marathon of movies about our national hero, José Rizal, whose birth anniversary, June 19, also falls close to Independence Day. José Rizal, directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, is a go-to Rizal biopic, covering his years as a young boy to his time as a prisoner of the Spanish government. Bayaning Third World, directed by Mike de Leon, is a mockumentary that examines Rizal’s heroism. José Rizal and Bayaning Third World are available to stream on iflix.
José Rizal (1998) and Bayaning Third World (1999)
On iflix, you can have a back-to-back marathon of movies about our national hero, José Rizal, whose birth anniversary, June 19, also falls close to Independence Day. José Rizal, directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, is a go-to Rizal biopic, covering his years as a young boy to his time as a prisoner of the Spanish government. Bayaning Third World, directed by Mike de Leon, is a mockumentary that examines Rizal’s heroism. José Rizal and Bayaning Third World are available to stream on iflix.
Ang Larawan (2017)
An adaptation of a musical based on Nick Joaquin’s A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino, Ang Larawan tells the story of Candida and Paula Marasigan, two spinster sisters who stand up against a changing world. Ang Larawan features music and lyrics by national artists—Ryan Cayabyab and Bienvenido Lumbera, and stars veterans of the Filipino stage: Joanna Ampil, Rachel Alejandro, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, and Nonie Buencamino. Ang Larawan is available to stream on iWant.
Oro Plata Mata (1982)
Oro Plata Mata, directed by the late Peque Gallaga, is about two aristocratic families, the Ojedas and the Lorenzos, in the province of Negros during World War II. The film takes cues from its title, segmenting the 194-minute oeuvre into three parts: Oro (gold), showing the families’ lives of luxury in the city before the Fall of Corregidor; Plata (silver), which sees the families seeking refuge in the province; and Mata (bad luck), where they retreat into the mountains. Oro Plata Mata is available to stream on iWant.
Dekada ’70 (2002)
Dekada ’70, adapted from the novel of the same name by Lualhati Bautista, tells the story of the Bartolome family in the 1970s—a time of increasing political unrest in the Philippines due to Martial Law. It stars Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon as Amanda and Julian, a married couple of moderate means who watch their sons become radicalized by the goings-on in the country. Dekada ’70 is available to stream on iWant.
Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising (1977)
Another Mike de Leon film, Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising stars Christopher de Leon and Hilda Koronel as Joey, a college student, and Anna, a married woman visiting Baguio. They fall in love inspite of their circumstances, but reality soon starts catching up to them. Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising is available to stream on iWant.
Ekstra (2013)
In her first foray into indie films, Vilma Santos plays the farthest thing from her: a bit player in teleseryes. As Loida Malabanan, she works long hours and gets paid very little, but she cherishes the moments in which she gets to meet her favorite movie stars. Ekstra shows the grim realities of filmmaking and television-making in the country, from the unfavorable treatment of extras to the hierarchy of power that operates within the system. Ekstra is available to stream on iWant.
Himala (1982)
Before it became a hit musical, Ishmael Bernal’s Himala was—and still is—one of the most critically-acclaimed Filipino movies of all time. In Himala, Nora Aunor plays Elsa, a girl who is hailed, to much hysteria, as a holy figure after reporting to have experienced an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Himala is available to stream on iWant.
Caregiver (2008)
In Caregiver, Sharon Cuneta plays Sarah, an overseas Filipino worker who leaves her son behind in the Philippines to work in London with her husband. Caregiver shows the realities of being a a Filipino domestic worker abroad, acted masterfully and lovingly by Cuneta. Caregiver is available to stream on Netflix.
Biktima (1990)
In Lino Brocka’s Biktima, Sharon Cuneta plays Rebecca Dizon, a lawyer and women’s advocate who is trying to convince a kidnap and rape victim, Laura (Gina Alajar) to file charges against her rapist, Jing Auraus, the son of an influential congressman. Through her daughter, Jing befriends Rebecca but he only has ill intentions in mind.
Four Sisters and a Wedding (2013)
Four Sisters and a Wedding, starring Bea Alonzo, Toni Gonzaga, Angel Locsin, Shaina Magdayao, is about the Salazar daughters and their brother who announces that he is marrying his fiancée, whom none of the sisters see fit to be his wife, so they hatch a plan to stop the wedding. Four Sisters and a Wedding is available to stream on Netflix.
Maging Sino Ka Man (2006–8)
Maging Sino Ka Man, starring John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Anne Curtis, and Sam Milby, is a teleserye that ran from 2006 to 2008, and tells the story of Eli, Jackie, Celine, and JB. It tackles class and power issues, specifically the abuses of the upper class towards the lower class and the violence of men against women, while still telling stories about love and family. Maging Sino Ka Man is available to stream on iWant.
Wildflower (2017–18)
Wildflower tells the story of Lily Cruz, an heiress whose parents were assassinated by a hitman of the Ardiente family. She seeks revenge for her father’s death and her mother’s assault and resulting insanity. Wildflower is extravagant commentary on the evils of political dynasties and those in power. Wildflower is available to stream on iWant.
Trese (2021)
Netflix's Trese is based on the award-winning comic book series by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo. It follows Alexandra Trese, the keeper of balance between humanity and the supernatural underworld.
General Admission
A satire and dark comedy, General Admission stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith and JC de Vera and follows Katja, and a member of a sexy dance group, and her boyfriend, who find themselves in the middle of a media circus that results in a public, brutal murder.
Lead photos from IMdB
Gallery photos from Netflix, iflix, and iWant
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