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Seiko Films

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Seiko Films
Company typePrivate
IndustryFilm production
Founded1981 (1981)
Defunct2007 (2007)
FateClosed 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

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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, 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

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1980s

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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
Magkano ang Iyong Dangal? December 25
1989 Walang Panginoon January 12
Ipaglalaban Ko! July 27
Babayaran Mo ng Dugo September 7
One Two Bato, Three Four Bapor December 14
Ang Bukas ay Akin (Langit Ay Uusig) December 25

1990s

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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
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

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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 12
2007 Foster Child May 25
Silip June 6

Remakes of Seiko films

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This is a list of some films produced by Seiko that were remade into television series:

References

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ The Fookien Times Philippines Yearbook. Fookien Times. 1990. p. 320. ISBN 9789710503506. Retrieved May 7, 2020 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ Constantino, Ronald (June 18, 2018). "Seiko Jewels". Tempo. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  5. ^ "Seiko Films Jewels: Where are they now?". GMA Network. June 29, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  6. ^ Libo-on, Eddie (November 6, 1989). "Avellana challenges Robbie". Manila Standard. Kagitingan Publications, Inc. p. 18. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
  7. ^ "ABS-CBN renews partnership with Regal and Viva". ABS-CBN Entertainment. ABS-CBN Corporation. April 21, 2016. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  8. ^ 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.