12 classic Filipino movies saved by ABS-CBN Film Restoration you can stream for free

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MANILA, Philippines — With more than 200 films restored, remastered, and reimagined, the ABS-CBN Film Restoration project comes to an end after a 14-year run. 

The project’s chairman Leo Katigbak announced that the project officially ended in March, with the rest of April scheduled as the turnover and sampling period of the remaining works that the team completed. 

Katigbak mentioned that Sagip Pelikula project’s closure is an impact of the network’s massive retrenchment following the shutdown ordered by former president Rodrigo Duterte back in 2020. It caused a major cut in the project’s resources, prompting a struggle in its operations. 

“For the last few months, we barreled through as much as we [could] with what meager resources were available to us and until our very last day, we gave it our all.” he said.

In its run, the ABS-CBN Film Restoration not only advocated for the preservation of classic Filipino films, but they also organized showings and festivals that reintroduced these films to a younger generation of audiences. 

“Preserving the past to inspire the future is a never-ending quest and we hope we were able to encourage many, including a new generation, to take up the challenge,” Katigbak shared in his post.

He also noted how seemingly poetic that both their first restoration (Himala by Ishmael Bernal) and their final (Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak by Mario O’Hara) starred National Artist for Film Nora Aunor, who passed away in April. 

Despite the conclusion of the project, its legacy lives on through the restored films that they made available online for a whole new generation to appreciate. Here is a handpicked list of Filipino classics that you can watch for free on ABS-CBN Star Cinema’s YouTube channel:

Nunal Sa Tubig (1976) 

One of the late Ishmael Bernal’s iconic films, Nunal Sa Tubig takes place in the “dying” seaside village of Sta. Fe, where the fish mysteriously die as investors seek to make profit from the bangus pens there. On the other side, there’s a brewing love triangle between boat owner Benjamin, his regular passenger Chedeng, and her best friend Maria. 

Nunal Sa Tubig stars Elizabeth Oropesa, Daria Ramirez, and George Estregan. 

Ganito Kami Noon…Paano Kayo Ngayon? (1976)

Set across the Spanish and American occupations, Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? sees naive peasant boy Kulas (Christopher de Leon) question his identity as a Filipino after travelling with a theater group and meeting people from different races and social classes. 

Ganito Kami Noon…Paano Kayo Ngayon? is directed by Eddie Romero, with Roy Iglesias as his writing partner. 

Captain Barbell (1973)

In this 1973 film by Jose “’Pepe” Wenceslao, Tenteng (Dolphy) is saved from taking his own life after experiencing heartbreak and rejection when he suddenly gets the chance to become Captain Barbell. 

Mga Bilanggong Birhen (1977)

In pursuit of agrarian justice, a Filipino revolutionary group clashes with American colonizers. Amidst the chaos, Señor Juan (Leroy Salvador) locks up his two daughters, Celina (Alma Moreno) and Milagros (Trixia Gomez). Mga Bilanggong Birhen is directed by Mario O’Hara. 

Kakabakaba Ka Ba? (1980)

Directed by Mike de Leon, the musical comedy film Kakabakaba Ka Ba? tells the story of four friends — Johnny (Christopher de Leon), Melanie (Charo Santos), Nonong (Jay De Leon), and Nancy (Sandy Andolong) — who find themselves on the run from two foreign syndicates after a cassette tape containing drugs ends up in their hands. 

Oro, Plata, Mata (1982)

Set during World War II Peque Gallaga’s Oro, Plata, Mata tells the story of two affluent families who flee to the safety of the countryside but eventually become trapped in the jungle, forcing them to endure the brutalities caused by the war. 

Moral (1982)

Moral sees the experiences and lives of a drug user, a singer, a liberated woman, and a mother — who are students from UP Diliman — become interconnected in their individual attempts to face their own problems. The film stars Lorna Tolentino, Gina Alajar, Sandy Andolong, and Ana Marin. 

My Juan en Only (1982)

Directed by Frank Gray Jr. and written by Bibeth Orteza, My Juan en Only follows a provincial bachelor named Juan and a dressmaker named Akang. The pair’s blossoming relationship is challenged by those around them. 

This romance comedy film marks the first time the country’s King of Comedy, Dolphy, and the renowned Maalaala Mo Kaya host Charo Santos-Concio were paired on screen.

Misteryo sa Tuwa (1984)

After a plane crash nearby, three impoverished men – Ponsoy (Tony Santos), Mesiong (Johnny Delgado), and Jamin (Ronnie Lazaro) –  make fortunes overnight after finding a suitcase full of money. The mayor, however, comes up with a plan to keep the money himself.

Misteryo sa Tuwa is an Abbo Dela Cruz masterpiece, which won Best Cinematography and Best Production Design in the 1985 Gawad Urian Awards. 

Soltero (1984)

Soltero — a term that refers to a bachelor — follows 29-year-old Crispin, an assistant bank manager who lives alone and attempts to find love. Directed by Pio de Castro III and written by Bienvenido Noriega Jr, Soltero stars Jay Ilagan, Rio Locsin, and Chanda Romero. 

Ikaw Pa Lang Ang Minahal (1992)

In Ikaw Pa Lang Ang Minahal, Adela’s romance with David is put to the test when her rich doctor father offers him money to stay away from her. This FAMAS Award-winning film stars Maricel Soriano and Richard Gomez, and is directed by Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, with screenplay by Raquel Villavicencio. 

Home Along da Riles (1993)

A film by Johnny Manahan, Home Along da Riles sees Dolphy portray Kevin Cosme, a man who has become the target of a mob’s big boss after his son unknowingly receives an incriminating piece of evidence from a government agent. – Rappler.com

Kevin Lampayan is a Rappler intern studying Bachelor of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.