The Debut (2000)

The story revolves around Ben Mercado, a talented high school senior who has rejected his Filipino heritage. The long-simmering feud between Ben and his immigrant father Roland threatens to... See full summary »

Director:

Gene Cajayon

Writers:

Gene Cajayon, John Manal Castro

Stars:

Dante Basco, Eddie Garcia, Jayson Schaal

4 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dante Basco	...	Ben Mercado (as Danté Basco)
Jayson Schaal	...	Doug
Brian Card	...	Dave
Mindy Spence	...	Jennifer
Nicole Hawkyard	...	Susie
Brandon Martinez	...	Rick
Ernie Zarate	...	Tito Lenny
Gina Alajar	...	Gina Mercado
Emelita Moll	...	Tita Connie
Gina Honda	...	Tita Florie
Tirso Cruz III	...	Roland Mercado
Bernadette Balagtas	...	Rose Mercado
Rawlins Apilado	...	Jun
Derek Basco	...	Edwin Mercado
Joy Bisco	...	Annabelle Manalo

Storyline

The story revolves around Ben Mercado, a talented high school senior who has rejected his Filipino heritage. The long-simmering feud between Ben and his immigrant father Roland threatens to boil over and ruin the 18th birthday party of Ben's sister Rose. But to Ben's surprise, his sister's celebration challenges his sense of misplaced identity, and the way he regards his father and grandfather. In one night, Ben faces the true nature of his relationships with his family, his friends, and himself.

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Plot Keywords:

based on short film | party | birthday party | high school | thug | 

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Taglines:

One night can change a lifetime.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Details

Official Sites:

Gene Cajayon

Country:

USA

Language:

English Tagalog Filipino

Release Date:

13 August 2003 (Philippines)

Also Known As:

The Mercado Family Debut

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$12,784, 15 March 2002, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$1,743,570, 10 November 2002

Company Credits

Production Co:

5 Card Productions,Celestial Pictures,Center for Asian American Media (CAAM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film was never picked up by a major distribution company. Instead, the producers organized a grass roots effort to self-distribute the film. Three years passed between initial principal photography to opening, and another three to have the film travel and screened across the United States. A total of six years before the film made it to DVD and home video.

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Connections

Featured in The Slanted Screen (2006)

User Reviews

First Filipino American film in America?

The Mercardo Family Debut (aka the Debut) has been a spectacle within the Filipino American community from 1997 - 2000. The movie works really well. However some of the comedy might only be understood by Filipinos. The intraracial friendship between Dante Bosco's character and his two "white" friends is probably the strogest element of the movie. Also the intergenerational differences between, grandfather, father and son is a universal theme that everyone can understand. One given the chance, see this film. I hear distribution might be a bit difficult, however the producers vie to get this film released across America. Be on the lookout!