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.

Magic Temple
Remastered version theatrical release poster
Directed by
Screenplay by
  • Peque Gallaga
  • Lore Reyes
Story by
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyJoe Tutanes
Edited byDanny Gloria
Music byArchie Castillo
Production
company
Release date
  • December 25, 1996 (1996-12-25)
Running time
106 minutes
CountryPhilippines
LanguageFilipino

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.[1][2] In 2016, the film was digitally restored and remastered by ABS-CBN Film Restoration, in partnership with Central Digital Lab.[3]

Synopsis

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The magical world of "Samadhi" is threatened by the evil forces of Ravenal. Sifu sends out three teenage boys to journey on the Magic Temple. Jubal, Sambag, and Omar, each with their own unique power, battle the threat to the world of "Samadhi" and face many extraordinary things along the way. The boys are sure to face a huge battle ahead of them. Still, with the help of magical creatures they met along their journey, evil is eliminated and they learn the true value of camaraderie and believing in themselves to face any problem.

Cast

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Trivia

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The names of the three main characters have references 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

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Accolades

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Year Award-Giving Body Category Recipient Result
1996 Metro Manila Film Festival[2] Best Picture Magic Temple Won
Best Director Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes Won
Best Screenplay Peque Gallaga, Lore Reyes and Erik Matti Won
Best Original Story Peque Gallaga, Lore Reyes and Erik Matti Won
Best Production Design Rodell Cruz Won
Best Cinematography Joe Tutanes Won
Best Editing Danilo Gloria Won
Best Musical Score Archie Castillo Won
Best Original Theme Song Archie Castillo Won
Best Visual Effects Benny Batoctoy Won
Best Make-up Artist Siony Tolentino Won
Best Sound Recording Michael Idioma and Ronald de Asis Won
Best Float Magic Temple Won
1997 FAMAS Awards Best Sound Michael Idioma and Ronald de Asis Won
Best Child Actress Anna Larrucea Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Gina Pareño Nominated
Gawad Urian Awards Best Cinematography Joe Tutanes Nominated
Best Production Design Rodell Cruz Nominated

Special awards

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Year Award-Giving Body Category Recipient Result
1996 Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Awards[2] Best Picture Magic Temple Won

Remake

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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.[1][4][5]

References

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  1. ^ a b Cupin, Bea (December 7, 2018). "Star Cinema working on new 'Magic Temple' movie". Rappler. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  2. ^ a b c Red, Isah (December 29, 1996). ""Magic Temple" runs off with top MMFF awards". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. p. 32B. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  3. ^ Geronimo, Gian (November 22, 2016). "'90s kids, you'll be able to watch Magic Temple again real soon". Spot.ph. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  4. ^ Bunoan, Vladimir (December 7, 2018). "New 'Magic Temple' movie in the works". ABS-CBN News.
  5. ^ Escosia, Matthew (December 7, 2018). "A 'Magic Temple' remake is coming from Mikhail Red!". Film Geek Guide. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
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