The Grepor Butch Belgica Story
The Grepor Butch Belgica Story (also known as The Butch Belgica Story) is a 1995 Filipino biographical action film co-edited directed by Toto Natividad. The film stars Joko Diaz as Butch Belgica, the country’s most notorious delinquent during the Marcos administration. It was one of the entries in the 1995 Manila Film Festival.[1][2][3][4][5]
| The Grepor Butch Belgica Story | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Toto Natividad |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Based on | From Darkness to Light by Butch Belgica |
| Produced by | William C. Leary |
| Starring | Joko Diaz |
| Cinematography | Carding Herrera |
| Edited by |
|
| Music by | Jaime Fabregas |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Viva Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 110 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
The film is streaming online on YouTube.
Cast
- Joko Diaz as Grepor "Butch" Belgica
- Ronaldo Valdez as Butch's Father
- Boots Anson-Roa as Butch's Mother
- Albert Martinez as Ruben Umali
- Gary Estrada as Butch's Friend
- Kier Legaspi as Butch's Friend
- Richard Bonnin as Butch's Friend
- Rommel Montano as Butch's Friend
- Ferdinand Galang as Butch's Friend
- Gino Ilustre as Butch's Friend
- Raul Flores as Butch's Friend
- Ara Mina as Girlfriend No. 1
- Cristina Gonzales as Girlfriend No. 2
- Isabel Granada as Girlfriend No. 3
- Vina Morales as Girlfriend No. 4
- Rufa Mae Quinto as Shirley
- Shintaro Valdez as Jun Belgica
- Rez Cortez as Val
- Daniel Fernando as Rodel
- Gene Padilla as Butch's Enemy
- Carlos David as Butch's Enemy
- Roel de Villa as Butch's Enemy
- Mon Esguerra as Butch's Enemy
- Allan Garcia as Butch's Enemy
- Bembol Roco as Enemy in Jail
- Kate Yasay as Butch's Sister
- Angelica del Carmen as Butch's Sister
- Emma Moran as Butch's Sister
- Lucky Kristine Garcia as Butch's Sister
- Johannes Belgica as Young Butch
- Ama Quiambao as Judge
- Roldan Aquino as Leader
- Gamaliel Viray as Mayor
- Danny Labra as Cagiatan Man
- Jimmy Reyes as Cagiatan Man
- Polly Cadsawan as OS Agent
- Elmer Jamias as OS Agent
- Jun De Guzman as OS Agent
- Johnny Vicar as Cousin in Law
- Cesar Iglesia as Asst. Director, Muntinlupa
- Pocholo Montes as Attorney
- Telly Babasa as Bembol's Man
- Ronald Montes as Bembol's Man
- Leo Lazaro as BMI
- Bong Gatus as BMI
- Alex Toledo as BMI
- Michael Nicor as BMI
- Romy Romulo as Butch's Friend in Jail
- Nemy Gutierrez as Butch's Friend in Jail
- Cris Daluz as National Artist
- Olive Madridejos as Dra. Alcantara
- Nanding Fernandez as Speaker
Production
Grepor "Butch" Belgica brought in the idea for his biopic in 1985 with Rudy Fernandez tapped to portray him. Vic del Rosario Jr. of Viva Films stated at that time that he was interested in Belgica's story. It was only in 1991 when the project was revived, with Paquito Diaz reminding Belgica and a successful negotiation with del Rosario Jr. about it. With Fernandez being too old to portray him, Belgica chose Paquito's son Joko to portray him. This marked Joko's first major role after a string of supporting and co-lead roles in action films. Belgica co-wrote the screenplay with Ferdinand Galang.[2]
References
- Yeatter, Bryan (2007). Cinema of the Philippines: A History and Filmography (1897-2005). McFarland & Company. p. 287. ISBN 9780786430475. Retrieved May 6, 2020 – via Google Books.
- Red, Isah (June 11, 1995). "It's About Time, Joko Diaz". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. p. 22. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
- Red, Isah (June 20, 1995). "Down and out at the box office". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. p. 22. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
… opening this Wednesday [June 21] as an entry to the Manila Film Festival…
- "Mga pelikulang hango sa tunay na buhay na bumenta sa masa". Abante. February 2, 2019. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
- "Seeing through the Belgica Ruling". The Manila Times. February 6, 2016. Retrieved May 6, 2020.