Alaga (1980)

A Filipino melodrama of obsessive love, jealousy, and the desperate grip of possession — starring Charito Solis and Edu Manzano.

Alaga - Movie Information

  • Release Year: 1980
  • Directed by: Christian Espiritu
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama
  • Runtime: 1h 40m
  • Original Language: Tagalog
  • Spoken Languages: Tagalog
  • Release Date (Theatrical): October 24, 1980 (Philippines)
  • Production Companies: Bancom Audiovision
  • Production Countries: Philippines

Alaga - Plot

A liaison between an older woman and her young lover is threatened when he fancies a young, rising actress.

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Alaga - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Christian Espiritu

Main Cast

  • Charito Solis
  • Edu Manzano
  • Amy Austria
  • Raul Aragon
  • Baby Delgado
  • Bobby Sandico
  • Elvira Manahan
  • Jay Ilagan
  • Michael Sandico
  • Romeo Rivera

Writers

  • Jigs Recto
  • Christian Espiritu
  • Danilo Songco

Producers

  • Christian Espiritu

Alaga - FAQs

What is Alaga about?

Alaga follows an older woman whose passionate relationship with her younger lover begins to unravel when he becomes infatuated with a beautiful, up-and-coming actress. The film explores jealousy, possessive love, and the emotional cost of holding on to someone who is slipping away.

Who directed Alaga?

Alaga was directed by Christian Espiritu, who also co-wrote the screenplay and served as producer. The film was released in the Philippines in October 1980 under Bancom Audiovision.

Who are the main actors in Alaga?

The film stars Charito Solis and Edu Manzano in the lead roles, with Amy Austria, Raul Aragon, Baby Delgado, Jay Ilagan, and Elvira Manahan rounding out the cast. Charito Solis was one of the most celebrated dramatic actresses in Philippine cinema at the time.

When was Alaga released?

Alaga premiered in the Philippines on October 24, 1980. It was produced by Bancom Audiovision, a prominent Filipino production company active during the golden era of Philippine cinema in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

What language is Alaga filmed in?

Alaga is filmed entirely in Tagalog, the primary language of Philippine cinema during that era. The film is a product of the Philippines and reflects the rich dramatic storytelling tradition of Filipino filmmaking from the 1980s.

What does the tagline of Alaga mean?

The film's tagline — “Your heart, your body, your soul is mine... Only mine” — captures the obsessive, all-consuming nature of the older woman's love for her younger partner. It sets the tone for a story driven by possession, desire, and the fear of losing someone to a rival.

What are some movies similar to Alaga?

If you enjoyed Alaga, you might also like The Mother (2003), Chéri (2009), Mammal (2016), and The Truth About Emanuel (2013) — all of which explore complex, emotionally charged relationships with significant age gaps, jealousy, and themes of desire and loss.

Is Alaga considered a classic of Philippine cinema?

Alaga belongs to the celebrated era of Philippine cinema in the late 1970s and early 1980s, often called the Second Golden Age of Filipino film. Starring the acclaimed Charito Solis, the film is a notable example of the emotionally intense melodramas that defined that period of local filmmaking.

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