Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story (2011)

Tondo. The Ancient Gangland. Year 1950. Gang wars were in. Violence was the name of the game. Gangsters carried Thompsons and grease guns in a bayong... See full synopsis »

Writers:

Roy Iglesias (story), Rey Ventura (story)

Stars:

Jorge Estregan, Roi Vinzon, Danny Labra

36 wins & 24 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jorge Estregan	...	Asiong Salonga (as Joerge 'E.R.' Estregan)
Roi Vinzon	...	Viray
Danny Labra	...	Viray's Man
Eddie Tuazon	...	Viray's Man
Yul Servo	...	Bimbo
Amay Bisaya	...	Eyes Gago
Ping Medina	...	Piring
Ketchup Eusebio	...	Kiko
Gerald Ejercito	...	Badong
Dennis Padilla	...	Tambol
Baron Geisler	...	Erning Toothpick
Phillip Salvador	...	Domeng Salonga
Carla Abellana	...	Fidela Salonga
John Regala	...	Totoy Golem
Ronnie Lazaro	...	Zapanta

Storyline

Tondo. The Ancient Gangland. Year 1950. Gang wars were in. Violence was the name of the game. Gangsters carried Thompsons and grease guns in a bayong... See full synopsis »

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Plot Keywords:

liberal party | newspaper headline | handcuffs | candle | police officer | 

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Philippines

Language:

Filipino Tagalog

Release Date:

25 December 2011 (Philippines)

Box Office

Budget:

PHP 70,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Viva Films, Scenema Concept International, CMB

Technical Specs

Runtime:

145 min 120 min (producer's cut)

Color:

Black and White

Did You Know?

Trivia

Before the film was shown, Tikoy Aguiluz requested the producers, through his lawyers, that his directorial credits in the film and promotional tools be removed because the final version of the film can no longer be described as his after the producers made a reedit, re-shoot and music mixing without his involvement. He also demanded that he be allowed to make a director's cut of the film.

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Connections

Version of Asiong Salonga: Hari ng Tondo (1990)

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Soundtracks

"The Detroyer Cometh"
by C. Jonas

User Reviews

Looking At The Picture

Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story wants to recapture the old style of filmmaking. At first glance, I thought it looks pretentious because of the black and white color. But it turns out to be a beautiful aspect to the film. The only thing that stumbles here is the storytelling. It paces to quick and the editing is kinda choppy. Although it has some solid performances and the action is pretty entertaining. Manila Kingpin is still watchable. The cinematography just made it better.

Manila Kingpin is suppose to be a relic. Wants to bring back the old filmmaking. Some parts gives its tone but mostly it doesn't. The storytelling has its missteps. It paces too quick and skips some events. The directing is kind of impressive though. Scenes are nicely shot and every sequence was well played. The acting, Jorge Estregan was fairly good in this film. It's not quite a nuance though but he really nails it when he's holding the guns. Phillip Salvador does his thing but what's fascinating is he looks great in black and white. The rest of the cast also did good and gave some personality to their roles.

The drama can be great for some reason although it tells the story in a sort of messy way but the action never fails to be enjoyable. It's well directed. Though, the editing may jumble some of its sequence and the action doesn't run that long. The kalesa gunfight scene is going to be remembered to the Philippine Cinema. The best thing here is the cinematography. It doesn't only made the picture black and white but it also gives great effect to the aspect. For example: Phillip Salvador's face. These elements made this more than an action drama.

Manila Kingpin is sort of messed up in some parts but it's mostly a satisfying picture to see in MMFF this year. We don't get to see Filipino films like this anymore. Since the Filipino cinema is now plodded with romance, boring horror films, drama cookie-cutter, and comedies played by drag. Manila Kingpin is strongly recommended. It's good to see a Filipino film like this. They say there will be a Director's Cut DVD of this film. I will be looking forward to that soon.