Katas ng Saudi (transl. Essence of Saudi) is a 2007 Philippine comedy drama film directed by Jose Javier Reyes under Maverick Films. The film revolves around an Overseas Filipino Worker who returns to the Philippines from Saudi Arabia after working for ten years to reunite with his family.[1][2][3]
| Katas ng Saudi | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Jose Javier Reyes |
Production company | |
Release date |
|
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
Cast
edit- Jinggoy Estrada as Oca
- Lorna Tolentino as Marcy, Oca's wife
- Arron Villaflor as Ryan, Oca's son, who is suspected to be gay due to being engrossed with his studies and not dating.
- Shaina Magdayao as Cathy, Oca's daughter
- Julian Estrada as Biboy, Oca's son
- Eugene Domingo as Tessie
- Vangie Labalan as Mameng, Oca's mother
- Bayani Agbayani as Pol, Oca's best friend
- Liza Lorena as Noemi
- Dick Israel
- Mandy Ochoa
- Ernie Zarate
- Rayver Cruz as Kyle, a suitor of Magdayao's character
Production
editKatas ng Saudi was produced under Maverick Films which is associated with the Estrada political family. The film risked not being completed due to controversies of former President Joseph Estrada was facing which rendered the politician hesitant to provide funding for the film. Lead actor Jinggoy Estrada managed to convince his father to give greenlight to the film relying on the film's theme of tackling issues of Overseas Filipino Workers. The film was also used as an opportunity to introduce Jinggoy's son Julian in the film industry.[4]
Release
editKatas ng Saudi was released in the Philippines on December 25, 2007, as one of the official entries of the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival.
References
edit- ^ Datu, Alex (December 26, 2007). ""Katas ng Saudi" tackles lives of returning OFWs". PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
- ^ Lo, Ricky (November 3, 2007). "Why not only OFWs can relate to Katas ng Saudi". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
- ^ "Katas ng Saudi". Philippine Film Archive. Film Development Council of the Philippines.
- ^ de Calma, Archie (October 18, 2007). "Jinggoy Estrada co-stars with son Julian for the first time in "Katas ng Saudi"". PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved January 7, 2024.