The Jose N. Carreon-directed film follows the story of two crime syndicate families and their battle for dominance that lasted for generations.
Remember the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in 1998? That year’s annual festival is particularly memorable to most people—at least to the ‘batang ‘90s’—as most entries that year, received critical acclaim, despite GMA Films’ Jose Rizal’s taking home 17 out of the 18 awards.
It is also particularly memorable because it was in that year when Alice Dixson won the Best Actress trophy for her performance in the film, Sambahin Ang Ngalan Mo (1998).
Sambahin Ang Ngalan Mo must not be confused with its namesake 1981 film that starred by the King of Philippine Cinema–Fernando Poe Jr., and was helmed by the award-winning director Pablo Santiago.
The 1981 film, on the other hand, was directed by writer-director Jose N. Carreon, who helmed various action drama films, including Sandakot Na Bala in 1988, Kamay ni Cain in 1992, and Matimbang Pa Sa Dugo in 1995.
With Sambahin Ang Ngalan Mo, several top-billing action movie stars are gathered together in one film. Jomari Yllana, back then, was notably the youngest of the three male leads of the film. He was also a fast-rising sexy star. De Leon, on the other hand, was already an established movie star and a matinee idol, with prestigious acting awards under his belt. The late Eddie Garcia, who then was already in the business for four decades, was the most senior of three.
However, the real star of the film is undoubtedly its female lead, Alice Dixson, who bagged the sole trophy won by the film. Playing as Blanca. Dixson bested out other contenders in her category, including Rosanna Roces (Babae sa Bintana), Jolina Magdangal (Puso ng Pasko), and Kris Aquino (Hiwaga ng Panday).
Also part of Sambahin Ang Ngalan Mo’s cast are Efren Reyes Jr., Mon Confiado, Pinky Amador, Alicia Alonzo, LJ Moreno, Charlie Davao, Ernie Zarate, and Isabel Miely. The screenplay was also written by Carreon, alongside Glenn Marcelo and Lily Monteverde. Like most MMFF films, Sambahin Ang Ngalan Mo was released by Regal Films in December 25, 1998.
Do you remember this film? Don’t forget to share your thoughts and recollections about the movie in the comment section. Browse through the photo gallery below, to see set and still photos from the film:
