Magic Temple is a 1996 Filipino family fantasy adventure film directed by the acclaimed director Peque Gallaga and his directing partner Lore Reyes from a story and screenplay they written, with Erik Matti as co-writer of the story. The film stars Jason Salcedo, Junell Hernando, and Marc Solis as the trio of young boys sent by their master to face the evil forces who try to destroy the world. It also stars Jackie Lou Blanco as Ravenal, the film's antagonist, Jun Urbano as Sifu, the trio's master, and Anna Larrucea as Yasmin.
| Magic Temple | |
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 Remastered version theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by |
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| Screenplay by |
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| Story by |
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| Produced by |
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| Cinematography | Joe Tutanes |
| Edited by | Danny Gloria |
| Music by | Archie Castillo |
Production company | |
Release date |
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Running time | 106 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
Produced and released by Star Cinema, the film was theatrically released on December 25, 1996, as one of the official entries for the 22nd Metro Manila Film Festival, where it became a box office success and notable for winning all of the 14 nominations including the Best Film and Best Director awards.[1][2] In 2016, the film was digitally restored and remastered by ABS-CBN Film Restoration, in partnership with Central Digital Lab.[3]
Synopsis
The magical world of "Samadhi" is threatened by the evil forces of Ravenal. Sifu sends out three teenage boys to journey on the Magic Temple. Jubal, Sambag, and Omar, each with their own unique power, battle the threat to the world of "Samadhi" and face many extraordinary things along the way. The boys are sure to face a huge battle ahead of them. Still, with the help of magical creatures they met along their journey, evil is eliminated and they learn the true value of camaraderie and believing in themselves to face any problem.
Cast
- Jason Salcedo as Jubal
- Junell Hernando as Sambag
- Marc Solis as Omar
- Anna Larrucea as Yasmin
- Jun Urbano as Sifu
- Jackie Lou Blanco as Ravenal
- Gina Pareño as Telang Bayawak
- Aljon Jimenez as Rexor
- Cholo Escaño as Sisig
- Koko Trinidad as Grand Master
- Sydney Sacdalan as Shaolin Child
- Chubi del Rosario as Gamay
- Mae-Ann Adonis as Rexor's mother
- Alvin Froy Alemania as young Sambag
- Tess Dumpit as Jubal's mother
- Kristopher Peralta as young Rexor
- Carlo Aquino as young Jubal
Trivia
The names of the three main characters have references to the country's national symbolisms. Jubal is an Igorot, a tribe from Luzon; Sambag is from the Visayas, and his name is Visayan for Tamarind; and Omar is a name found among the Muslim tribes of Mindanao. The names, therefore, account for the Philippines' major islands.
Reception
Accolades
| Year | Award-Giving Body | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Metro Manila Film Festival[2] | Best Picture | Magic Temple | Won |
| Best Director | Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes | Won | ||
| Best Screenplay | Peque Gallaga, Lore Reyes and Erik Matti | Won | ||
| Best Original Story | Peque Gallaga, Lore Reyes and Erik Matti | Won | ||
| Best Production Design | Rodell Cruz | Won | ||
| Best Cinematography | Joe Tutanes | Won | ||
| Best Editing | Danilo Gloria | Won | ||
| Best Musical Score | Archie Castillo | Won | ||
| Best Original Theme Song | Archie Castillo | Won | ||
| Best Visual Effects | Benny Batoctoy | Won | ||
| Best Make-up Artist | Siony Tolentino | Won | ||
| Best Sound Recording | Michael Idioma and Ronald de Asis | Won | ||
| Best Float | Magic Temple | Won | ||
| 1997 | FAMAS Awards | Best Sound | Michael Idioma and Ronald de Asis | Won |
| Best Child Actress | Anna Larrucea | Nominated | ||
| Best Supporting Actress | Gina Pareño | Nominated | ||
| Gawad Urian Awards | Best Cinematography | Joe Tutanes | Nominated | |
| Best Production Design | Rodell Cruz | Nominated |
Special awards
| Year | Award-Giving Body | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Awards[2] | Best Picture | Magic Temple | Won |
Remake
A remake of the film was announced in December 2018 to be produced by ABS-CBN and Cre8 Productions. Mikhail Red will direct the project.[1][4][5]
