As family-oriented people, Filipinos have a soft spot for things that talk about parents, grandparents, or siblings. This explains why our film industry is filled with family-themed movies. From drama to comedy, our film-makers have nailed family elements that remind us of our own families. Which films below do you find your selves relating to?

For Kids of OFW parents

Anak (2000)
Directed by: Rory Quintos

This iconic film tells the story of a mother who went abroad to make a better living. When she came back to the Philippines, her kids didn’t welcome her as expected. They were distant, one even seems to hate her—a result of the years she’d been apart with her children. 

For Family Members With Unsettled Arguments

Tanging Yaman (2001)
Directed by: Laurice Guillen

Tanging Yaman focuses on estranged siblings who revisit their home to deal with a property dispute. Old resentments arise, affecting even the next generation of their family. The matriarch, amidst her health condition, then decided to use her power to bring the family together.

For the Closest of Sisters

Magkapatid (2002)
Directed by: Joel Lamangan

Two sisters, Cita (Sharon Cuneta) and Lisa (Jusy Ann Santos), have a bond beyond blood. But their relationship suffered when a tragedy happened. To overcome their disagreement, they must revisit the importance of family and repair their broken kinship.

For Single Parents

Tanging Ina (2003)
Directed by: Wenn V. Deramas

Tanging Ina is about Ina Montecillo, a mom who struggles to raise 12 kids all by herself. This heartwarming and funny story will make you laugh until you cry or cry until you laugh, whichever comes first.

For Overprotective Siblings

Four Sisters and A Wedding (2013)
Directed by: Cathy Garcia-Molina

If you can’t relate to the lines, “Ma, I’m sorry, ma,” then you should really watch Four Sisters and A Wedding. It centers on four sisters who try to stop the wedding of their youngest brother. Along the way, old arguments arise and each of them discovers their family deeper.

For Estranged Family Members

Manang Biring (2015)
Directed by: Carl Joseph Papa

Manag Biring is an old lady who has stage four breast cancer. She already accepted her fate when she received a letter from her daughter she hasn’t seen in years. The daughter tells her she is returning for the holidays. Manag Biring then races against time to make an unforgettable celebration with her daughter and grandson that would probably be their last.

For Children And Parents Who Haven’t Bonded in While

Seven Sundays (2017)
Directed by: Cathy Garcia-Molina

Manuel Bonifacio (Ronaldo Valdez) reveals to his busy children he has cancer and only got seven weeks to live. The Bonifacio siblings then reunite to make the last weeks of their father meaningful, spending the days as a family.

We suggest you grab a box of tissue before watching these films. And we hope you’ll feel better after letting your feelings out. Give your mom, dad, and siblings a hug, too, will you?