National Family Day, set for Sept. 22, is a reminder to pause, reconnect, and celebrate the ties that hold households together.
In the Philippines, where weekends often mean gathering around the table or turning on the TV for a shared laugh or cry, movies have long been a favorite way to bring families closer. Over the years, local cinema has produced memorable films that capture the joys and struggles of being part of a Filipino family—from sibling rivalries and generational gaps to enduring love between parents and children. These stories, often a mix of humor and heartache, mirror the everyday dynamics of many households.
To mark the occasion, here are five homegrown movies worth revisiting, along with an upcoming release that’s already drawing buzz.
Seven Sundays (2017)
Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, this 2017 family comedy-drama follows four siblings who return home when their father is believed to be terminally ill. Over seven Sundays, they navigate old grudges and regrets while rediscovering what truly binds them.
Four Sisters and a Wedding (2013)
When their youngest brother announces his sudden engagement, four sisters come home and, in the process, confront long-buried resentments. Full of sharp humor and emotional punches, the film remains one of the most quoted depictions of sibling love and rivalry.
Firefly (2023)
Set in 1999, Firefly tells the story of young Tonton, played Euwenn Mikaell, who sets out on a magical journey inspired by the bedtime tales of his late mother. Blending childhood wonder with heartfelt drama, the film explores how stories shape memory and give strength long after loved ones are gone.
Filipinas (2003)
Joel Lamangan’s Filipinas brings together a powerhouse cast to portray siblings who return home for the holidays, only to find themselves clashing over old wounds, unspoken resentments, and personal choices that pulled them apart. The film captures the push and pull between tradition and individuality, showing how reconciliation is never simple but always possible when family ties are at stake.
Tanging Yaman (2000)
Considered a classic of Philippine cinema, Laurice Guillen’s Tanging Yaman tells the story of Lola Loleng, played by the late Gloria Romero, whose declining health forces her three grown children to confront long-standing conflicts over inheritance, pride, and choices made in the past.
Coming Soon: Meet, Greet & Bye (2025)
The upcoming drama reunites Maricel Soriano and Piolo Pascual on screen, joined by Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, and Juan Karlos Labajo. It follows a mother and her children as they face memories and long-overdue conversations, offering a heartfelt look at the ties that remain even when families drift apart.
