User reviews

The Good: This is the first step in hopefully many of Filipino-American movies. It showed the culture in a positive light, with the highs and lows of being a Filipino teen growing up in the states and trying to mesh the two cultures together. We get to see the son who is choosing to break tradition of doing exactly what is expected of a son and instead trying to find his own independent path.

The pacing of this movie was also very solid if not a little predictable. The jokes where also a lot of fun, but mostly if you are Filipino, otherwise they may need a little bit of explanation.

The Bad: I did see things as being a bit glossed over in this movie. I don't think I know of any Filipino family where going against the grain gets accepted as easily as this movie did. Every character except Ben Mercado is a very one-dimensional character. There is the (generic) cute pinay, who's friendly and timid, the (generic) hood-rat pinoy and his two lackeys, and the (generic) FOB, who's accent is way over done, I thought he was from Manila, but he sounded like more like an un-educated peasant. I also thought the ball game between Ben and his sister was getting a little too friendly for a sibling game. This movie is also limiting itself to a very hardcore Filipino crowd, rather than maybe trying to aim it towards a broader audience trying to make others understand the `whys' of the Filipino culture. This movie also adapted a little heavily from your standard American Teenie-Bopper flicks, primarily `Somekind of Wonderful' where you have Eric Stoltz deciding to go to art school against his father's wishes.

The Ugly: I understand that this is a small step in showing the culture, but I think a lot of things got denied in this movie, how many younger Filipino parties have we all gone too and ONLY three thugs showed up, they also made it seem like every teen got along with one another and ignored the cliques that are so common during any party. Why did the Auntie with the white husband also have to have the screwed up kid? Why was Ben, the only one with white friends also the only one who chose to go a different path then what his parents wanted? He's also the only one, it seems like, who didn't get the nice ride from the family, instead we see him getting rides from his friends (and if you say he wasn't the only one, take another look at the parking lot scene and give me a ratio count of cars to teens). Why, when the racer bragged about his Integra, did he just get the speech about how everyone is trying to keep down the pinoy, rather than, something more along the lines of just saying he's spoiled and should maybe try and earn his own?

And the Close: Even though my review may not seem like it, I did enjoy the movie, I just have high demands on any movie showing any culture, I believe movies like this should address issues rather than breeze past them just because they are complicated situations. I don't believe a movie should get high praises just because it shows `Pinoy Pride' any movie including this movie, needs depth too. 6/10

question? comments? complaints? [email protected]

I went to see the Filipino-American "The Debut" because I make a point of seeing any ethnic coming-of-age movie, as I'm curious to see how they compare to the Jewish experience in movies, including last year's Asian Indian-American films "ABCD," and "American Chai," the Greek-American "Astoria," and one of my all time faves from a few years ago the Korean-Canadian "Double Happiness."

Like all movies in this genre (usually for semi-autobiographical reasons), the conflicted lead wants to be an artist rather than what his parents plan for him.

A particularly original angle is that the main character is younger than usual, a high school student way immersed in MTV culture, from comic books, heavy metal and hip hop language, and, of course, embarrassed by his family's cooking and other traditions. The titular event is his sister's coming-out party, which becomes an evening of ethnic discovery for him.

Unlike the older generation of immigrant vs young artist movies like "The Jazz Singer," the ethnic culture here is not all retrograde but is lovingly shown in class and generational diversity and warmth, while showing the conflicts the parents face as well. The political debate among the teens as to whether the lead is a "coconut" is a bit forced but interesting.

The variety of dance scenes leave the realism a bit as they are as choreographed as in the cheerleader satire "Bring It On" but they are fun. The naturalness of the actors in supporting roles makes up for some of the amateurishness in their performances, and the leads are charming.

I asked director Gene Cajayon, who was at my showing, how could it be that such a gathering would attract kids from across class lines. He explained that such Filipino family events bring together a large slice of the community as friends of the family, as here the dad works in the post office and the uncle is a doctor.

The closing credits are open-hearted-- amusingly and passionately thanking the myriad people with the explanations of what they did to help.

The story of second generation Americans trying to find their niche while battling racism, tradition and parental and peer pressure has been told 1000 times. The story has been told by and about Japanese, Chinese, Puerto Rican, El Salvadoran, Irish, Russian, Italian, Jewish, Catholic, et al immigrants. But this is the first time that I have seen the story presented from a Filipino perspective. The Debut is a rather remarkable film in that it captures the essence of the whole dilemma. And it does so with first time writers, directors and actors.

All of the typical Filipino cliches from hard-assed Lolos(grandfathers); to parental scarifice; to the Tagalog/English accent that can be turned on and off; to the FOB (Fresh off the Boat) cousin; to the innate desire to belong; to the street gangs; to interracial and same-race relationships; to the acceptance of the White American into the Filipino home by the parents, but the reluctance and embarrassment of the child; to the giant salad servers on the wall. It's all here and it all works.

The two female leads, Rose Mercado (Bernadette Balagtas) and Annabelle (Joy Bisco), sparkle. They are both stunningly beautiful and competent actresses who manage to capture your hearts with their dazzling smiles. Ben Mercado (Dante Basco) has a real future in films and not just ethnic ones.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Debut and anyone who has had any exposure to the Filipino/American culture will find something to laugh at, to recognize and to cherish.

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!

The film "The Debut" was a very touching movie for me. It made me change my idea on Fil-Am stereotypes. I know some kids raised in the United States but born in the Philippines with Filipino roots and they were already colonized by the Western culture once they stepped on the foreign land. They act very different, and worst they talk very much different from us. I like the way Tirso Cruz and Gina Alajar struggled to raise their kids in America but still in a Filipino manner. In the film, Ben seemed to be stubborn, always running away from his culture, shouting on his parents and his sister. But in the end he embraced every aspect of a true Filipino family. I also appreciate how proud are they to show our traditions-practiced in the 18th birthday of Rose in a form of lechon (roasted pig) with an apple on its mouth, eating their food using disposable plastic cups, plates, spoon and fork. They had a dance number which is a folk dance, and a song number sung in tagalong. I was expecting a hip-hop dance number or a rap song number but they maintained what the family used to do when they're in the Philippines. Filipinos are also fond of family portraits, and in the film it was shown in three generations. A picture of Eddie Garcia (Lolo Carlos), Tirso Cruz (Roland Mercado) and Dante Basco (Ben Mercado). It also gave me an idea on how Filipinos live their life in the United Status. There are some who are trying hard to speak English, trying to be slang, while there are families who tried to keep their household very Filipino by keeping Filipino souvenirs displayed on their racks and hang on their walls, and still they can speak and understand Tagalog fluently.

I am a filpino myself and I was really excited to watch a movie on the big screen about filipinos. Dante Basco(Ben Mercado) delivers a great performance along with his 3 brothers, Darren, Derrick, and Deion. This movie was very life-touching. About how your life can change in one night. And I was happy to get some ideas for my debut party. So if you wanna see something different and unique for a change, go see it now!

I get it, it's the first movie starring primarily young American- Filipinos and that was a big deal to a lot of people because they and Asian groups in general have a very limited place (if any) in the entertainment business.

But that doesn't mean the movie is automatically good because it brings up a culture seldom seen in American movies.

A lot of times the movie becomes way to focused on showcasing the culture that it forgets about telling a good story.

Long scenes of people singing, folk dancing etc might be nice to see for some but just doesn't move the movie forward. And it doesn't help that Dante Basco's 2 white friends in the movie act like they just witnessed the birth of Christ after seeing the performances.

The 2 white friends serves no real purpose in the movie except for I guess portraying what the white public watching the movie is SUPPOSED to feel, but at least as with the case with me this was not the case.

When it does focus on the story though and the Basco brothers it's fairly good but yeah too often it slips into something that more resembles a promotion video for Philipino culture and various artists.

There's also a dance-battle which I usually enjoy but it's so overly choreographed it's ridiculous to think that they are suppose to make it up on spot.

Anyways, like I said if it wasn't for all that it would be a fairly good movie, now it's just okay with occasional moments of greatness but also occasional moments of annoyance.

After all the Pilipino hype surrounding "the Debut", during it's "debut" a couple of years ago, being filipino american I decided it was my duty to drive over to Blockbuster and rent it. Frankly, I don't see what all the hype was about. The story was weak and cliche (remember "Some kind of Wonderful"?). Gene Cajayon attempted to portray every type of filipino found in the US today (Coconuts, gangsta's, FOBS, and car crazy-big muffler-basketball playing-hip hop dancing fanatics). Some of the portrayals were OK because most of the actors and extras were basically acting like themselves...no acting experience needed. "Rufio" gave an uninspiring performance. I have the feeling the he didn't want to make this film in the first place...and it showed (I guess Lou Diamond Phillips was too expensive). He and his brothers were obviously the only ones with real acting training and experience and it showed among the others.

I wasn't sure if this was a comedy or a serious film. It was a complete overdose of everything Pinoy. Sure, seeing all the pinoy characteristics was amusing, but isn't it something most fil-ams see on a regular basis? And portraying caucasians as dumb and idiotic filipino-wannabes was abhorrent.

Overall, I am embarassed for this movie, and since I am a filipino-american (btw I classify myself as a "coconut") I know I am in the minority amongst my other fil-ams. If this movie didn't have Jon-Jon, Jingy boy, and Lolo, it would have gone straight to video. Look for it at your local Wal-Mart DVD discount bin soon.

'The Debut' is an independent film which does a great job in portraying dilemmas faces by young people in general and Filipino-Americans in particular. Some of the issues in the movie include finding one's identity (Ruben Mercado [Dante Basco] is a young Filipino-American who is torn between 'being brown' and being labeled 'a white boy'), rifts between generations (Ruben has problems relating to his father Roland [Tirso Cruz III] who in turn has an uneasy relationship with his father Carlos [Eddie Garcia]), meeting parent's expectations, and dilemmas most young people face such as finding a group to belong to, finding independence, and dealing with relationships.

First, let's get one thing straight. As mentioned before, 'The Debut' is an independent film, so audiences should not expect elements we come to expect when we see modern big-budget films. There are no fancy special effects,

over-the-top plots, or big name stars, though some Filipinos may recognize Eddie Garcia and Tirso Cruz III as established stars in the Philippines. What audiences will get is an movie that deals with the ordinary. The film was shot in the Long Beach - Montebello area with the main scene, the debutante ball, filmed at a local Catholic high school, Sacred Heart. The actors and actresses give personality to their characters because they are portraying ordinary people. Besides the aforementioned characters, audiences are introduced to Rosemary [Bernadette Balagtas], Ruben's big sister who is genuinely concerned for her younger brother and acts as a mediator between Ruben and their father, and Rosemary's best friend Annabelle [Joy Bisco], who is coming off a rocky relationship with her possessive ex-boyfriend.

However, what makes 'The Debut' such a great movie is that it takes these ordinary elements and does extraordinary things with them. While the some of the topics may seem cliche, the film overcomes this by focusing the audiences attention on the characters. The actors and actresses portray people with problems most people in the audience can relate to, and therefore we cheer them on as their personal victories become ours. When the film begins to get to serious at times, comedy is interjected through the antics of Ruben's cousins and other characters. Even ordinary events are given some symbolic meaning. In one scene, Ruben makes his way through a mosh pit as he attempts to escape an unfortunate incident at a party. This can be taken further to symbolize his realization of who he is and his escape from some of his inner demons.

While some of the scenes do seem forced and there is profanity seems to be in every other scene, this is a minor complaint. After all, this movie portrays everyday life. Overall, 'The Debut' does an extraordinary job of portraying the "ordinary" everyday problems facing Filipino-Americans and Americans as a whole. With an amazing job done by the entire cast to make believable characters we can relate to as well as a terrific job done by the directors and producers to create a movie that educates as well as entertains, it is easy to see why this film earned honors at several independent film festivals. Definitely a must-see, whether you are Filipino or not.

For someone who went to auditions where the casting directors never heard of Filipinos, Dante Basco surely was excited to represent his fellow Filipino-Americans in this film. The Debut was a cause for excitement in Fil-Am circles, especially among the youth who had entertainment for Filipinos and entertainment for Americans but never entertainment for their generation as Filipino Americans.

At times the movie is simplistic with its moral messages about growing up caught in between cultures, but often the director/writer subtly weaves in tales of internalized oppression, shadism, Filipino classism, and interracial relationships.

Despite occasional cheeziness, this movie may be one of the most important to watch for a Filipino American or any multi-cultural westener.

Besides its cultural value, the extra features reveal the very essence of independent film. The tenacity of the the crew and volunteers attests to the hard-working spirit of independent filmmakers and Filipinos.

Fabulous!!! The casting was excellent on this film, having the oh-so-cute Basco brothers playing different roles from the sensitive and soft protagonist to the rough-and-ready gangster. Dante Basco's acting was just yummy-in-my-yummy-please-may-I-have-another exquisite. The character of the politically conscious character was captured well by the dark-and-lovely elder Basco brother. Dion Basco was a cute, little thing playing the clueless punk who was floored by Cupid's love tap towards the conclusion of the movie -- a bit of falling action, literally and figuratively. And then there was the other brother who played the antagonist with such an over-the-top masculinity that I was sure that there was something seething in his internal closet, just waiting to break out and scream "Purrrrr Purrrrr Purrrrrrrrrrr!!!!" My only problem is that the love interest and sister were played by females. How, pray tell, can that be so? Wasn't the movie suppose to be about a debut, or in other words, a "coming out"? In fact, no one came out in the film.

I must say I did enjoy this movie. Not so much that it had Filipinos such as myself in it , but more because it was about Filipino youth growing up here in the USA dealing with their own ideas vs their parents. Why the medical field all the time?

Yes, it did generalize the different types of Filipinos that I come across but the story was deep enough to for even my parents to enjoy. Being born and raised in a normal west suburb of Chicago I did sense the conflict that Ben, the lead, had in this movie. However, I never found it to be a stuggle in life due to my heritage. Also, this movie will give my relatives in the Philippines a view of my world that they never really see.

No, this movie is not Oscar calibur but I give it a thumbs up for effort and conviction...

A young Filipino American man is the families touted trophy child as they believe him to be going to college for pre-med. His sister & some of his friends know that he wants to be a student of art. The sister is making her formal debut/birthday party where all the family and friends gather to celebrate. The conflicts with in the younger generation, with in the older generation raised in Filipino culture, and the conflicts of expectations of both generations erupt at the Debut.

Wry humor through out keeps a light mood even though there are some darker and more intense moments. Although this is the director's first work and there are some problems, the over all effect is good. The framework of Ben's life is developed enough for the audience to understand his motivations. The parents are well acted, and their development is mostly left to the pretense of the audiences own experiences in a successful manner. The appreciation of their parents culture is subtly developed by some characters while others are too self involved to see the world around them.

Many famous Filipino actors are featured in this work, and it marks the first time that all four Basco brothers have appeared together. The very diverse music put to use in this film was primarily from Filipino musicians, and it is well suited to the story. This film is playing in very few locations which are listed at the official site. It may or may not make it to video.

Great Debut film for Cajayon. Recommended esp. for teenagers and parents of Fil-Ams. Mix of WB & Filipino melodrama in style.

Derek Mercado was wonderful as the Filipino "Malcolm X" - type character of THE DEBUT film. He's very talented and I hope we get to see him in future roles that allows him to shine as an actor. His radical speeches balanced out the fluffy romance scenes. I loved the well written, passionated rants of the character telling of the past oppressions put upon the Filipino people, that many Fil-Ams and other Americans seemed to have forgotten.

THE DEBUT film showed Fil-Ams & Fils. as flawed, three-dimensional and redeeming characters instead of your typical stereotypical Filipinos. Many Fil/FilAm audience members seemed to be uncomfortable about this. I understand why: nobody likes to see people of their culture being portrayed as less than glamorous, like many of my relatives. However, as characters in a drama, i found them compelling. The two most interesting characters being the FOB (someone help me with his name & the actor's) and Edwin Mercado (played by Derek Basco).

Other highlights of THE DEBUT are the amazing performances by Filipino traditional dancers and musicians. These are first class performers in the community with high quality costume design. What rare and unexpected treat!

It's wonderful to Fil & Fil-Ams represented on film and inspiring to see the just as engaging behind-the-scenes special feature on the DVD. It really shows how some Filipinos really do not support the arts because of the stigma artists have in the Phils. (just like in the Philippines). It was disappointing that none of the hundred or so fine physicians of the Fil. community did not respond to his letters requesting financial support for the film. On the other hand the DVD special feature highlights the wonderful support from angels from the Filipino community such as blue collar workers to the Sony pictures exec. F. Friedman, as well as the audiences who attended screenings all over America during the film's tour.

I encourage Fil-Am doctors & nurses (like my relatives) to share the love and support the film arts! I will buy this for my mother for Christmas, and show my children when they are teens. Also, the accomplished Fil & Fil-Am artists should get the recognition they deserve just as the fine doctors of the same community do, ESPECIALLY since the Phil Am film wave is a young one. These filmmakers need to be nurtured and supported to thrive, grow and improve the quality of their pictures.

Hope to see more from Cajayon & Castro. Support Fil-Am & Fil film artists! Good luck to the filmmakers. We hope to see more from you in the future.

• R. Brillantes

Pray that you dont. I was duped into seeing this movie because the TRAILER looked somewhat decent. Don't judge a book by it's cover, i guess. I was told by filipino friends of mine that characters resemble those that they know. so maybe this movie has an OUNCE of realism, as for movie substance, its vacant as it could possibly get. A terrible plot, bad writing, little character development (and generic, when they try to resemble some form of realism), all the things you would expect from the mind of your average high school student with a background in Drama 101. What happened in this movie? Flaws, from the opening credits till the end. Comic reliefs are abundant; stereotypes are agonizing to watch. Another independent film trying to look like a blockbuster. Note to the creators: keep it artistic, in the look, in the style, everything. Otherwise, its generic. Generic on welfare. I'd see 10 "Memento"s before i saw this again.

This movie was presented at the San Diego Asian Film Festival on Friday, August 11th & Saturday, August 12th. It stars Dante Basco & Joy Bisco.

I loved this movie. It was hilarious at times, as well as sentimental about Filipino roots and about a young Filipino-American discovering his own heritage through experiences. The movie showcases a dazzling and wonderfully done of a traditional filipino dance, along with the delicious and great tasting native foods of the Philippine culture. For a summary: A young man named, Reuben (Ben), is caught between his father's wishes for him to become a doctor, and his own wishes to become an artist. He always hanged out with "white" people, that is until he discovers his own people. The main part of the movie takes place at the 18th birthday party of Ben's sister, Rose. Much work & effort was put into this film & I highly appreciate it. Thank you, and please if this film comes to your town, go out to see it. Thank you once again.

I'm happy for the Philippino community to get this great opportunity and they really worked well together to make and distribute the film. However, as a movie, it was pretty much the same old tired "Happy Days" stuff. I didn't think it gave any great insight into this ethnic group like some of the Asian and Mexican attempts have done. In fact, it kind of trivialized them. I can't believe that all they can do it copy the blacks; there's got to be more than that.

As a Filipino-American, I am definitely proud to finally see an American film that celebrates the Filipino-American experience. As a film lover, I definitely congratulate Cajayon on a great job for his directorial "debut." The film hit a personal level, but overall I enjoyed the cinematography and the beautiful performances.

Themes of family, friends, and identity are not just for the Filipino audience. The soundtrack is superb as well. For an independent film, audiences and feedback have been phenomenal as Cajayon and his "Debut" team make grassroot promotions and city-to-city theater runs. This is a message to Hollywood that there are audiences and support for Filipino-American film!!!

Thank goodness for indie films! Are you are sick and tired of stupid formulaic, cookie-cutter hollywood movies? Then this is a film you want to watch. If you're Fil-Am or have friends who are, you'll going to enjoy this immensely. It captures so many little facets of the Fil-Am culture clash/identity crisis that so many of us go through. I've read & heard about the great amount of difficulty it took to make this film (my daughter attended a Union City, CA screening where the director was present) and I'm not at all surprised that Hollywood displayed no interest in producing or distributing a film about `minorities'-not enough white faces in the film to attract a mainstream audience, right?

Thank you, Gene Cajayon, for making this film, and I wish you the best in your career as a director. Robert Rodriguez and Spike Lee started out doing small films, so I really hope this catches the eye of the industry. Maybe a screening at the Sundance? Perhaps the best thing this film will do is kindle interest in young Fil-Ams about their heritage, culture and history.

Do did you know that:

• before the Vietnam War, there was the Philippine `insurrection' that claimed 100,000 Filipino lives

• the .45 was developed specifically to kill the Filipino `insurgent'

• the slang term `boonies' or `boondocks' used to describe a place located way out in the countryside originates from the Tagalog word `bundok', meaning `mountain'

Filipinos are bit more interwoven in the American social fabric than we realize, and with this film, we're a little bit less invisible.

I saw Gene Cajayon's "The Debut" last night with a friend of mine.

We both loved the picture.

We sat watching and laughing at the very things we ourselves are involved in...yes, we are both filipinos and we both identified with many of the themes in the movie.

My only gripe is with the heavy emphasis on the so-called "hip-hop" culture that many of the filipino teens were involved with. Now, I understand that many filipino teens do enjoy that type of culture...I just wished it would be more balanced by showing that not all teens are into that sort of thing. I certainly do not qualify for that.

If you must know, I grew up with a Nintendo...then a Commodore 64...and then to a 486-40MHz and later to a P2-MMX (266MHz) and then finally to a P4 (1.7GHz). In other words, I am a nerd and damn proud of it, man. I am currently a Mechanical Engineer working at a telecommunications magnetics company here in sunny San Diego.

As for the sequel, yes, please by all means, MAKE ONE!!! I would very much like to see how Dante Mercado and his family turn out.

And as for the prequel, I would also like to see the story of how Dante's father left the Philippines to pursue a better life for his children and also the division is created between his father and grandfather. The storyline: Dante's father leaves a budding career as a musician/singer for America, but in so doing, he alienates his own father who had very high hopes for him in the Philippines as a big music star. (Cue music/run titles)

In conclusion, I (along with the majority of people on this board) hope that "The Debut" is the harbinger of good things to come as it relates to more films depicting filipino culture and relations. Furthermore, I would like to see more movies showing the inter-relationships between filipinos and other races/cultures. Now that would be interesting to watch, I betcha!!!

How could we say that Filipino go beyond our expectations when making a movie's best hit?

The Debut by the Mercado family, another exemplary performance for the characters portrayal because of its unique story and plot itself. The Director was able to put a twist on the story and not the usual movie type that we used to watch. A good shot was implemented and as the characters acted on their respective roles, shots either a long and 2-side shots were actually put in the beautiful side and very professional as to getting their shots.

I was so impressed as I have watched this movie because there are a lot of Filipino's who really made by their intellect and artistic acting. They were very good on delivering their roles and as they go about introducing Filipino traditions that still exist and making to a very exceptional performance!

I salute to the Director and the characters that made it again!