Magic Temple is a 1996 Philippine family fantasy adventure film directed by 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.
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. In 2016, the film was digitally restored and remastered by ABS-CBN Film Restoration, in partnership with Central Digital Lab.
Synopsis The magical world of "Samadhi" is threatened by Ravenal, an evil sorceress. Sifu, a mystical teacher, sends out three teenage boys, Jubal, Sambag and Omar in a perilous journey to save the kingdom. Each of them must hone their own unique skills and magical powers to battle their enemies. They also face many extraordinary things along the way. Still, with the help of magical creatures they meet on their journey, evil has been eradicated 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 refer 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 Best Picture Magic Temple Best Director Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes Best Screenplay Peque Gallaga, Lore Reyes and Erik Matti Best Original Story Peque Gallaga, Lore Reyes and Erik Matti Best Production Design Rodell Cruz Best Cinematography Joe Tutanes Best Editing Danilo Gloria Best Musical ScoreArchie Castillo Best Original Theme Song Archie Castillo Best Visual Effects Benny Batoctoy Best Make-up Artist Siony Tolentino Best Sound Recording Michael Idioma and Ronald de Asis Best Float Magic Temple 1997 FAMAS Awards Best SoundMichael Idioma and Ronald de Asis Best Child ActressAnna Larrucea Best Supporting ActressGina Pareño Gawad Urian Awards Best CinematographyJoe Tutanes Best Production DesignRodell Cruz
Special awards Year Award-giving body Category Recipient Result 1996 Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Awards Best Picture Magic Temple
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.
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