The Debut (2000)

Synopsis: Filipino-American high school student Ben (Dante Mercado) works in a comic book shop to earn money to pay his way into Cal Arts. His father, a postman, is determined that his son--who has won a pre-med scholarship to UCLA--will become a... Filipino-American high school student Ben (Dante Mercado) works in a comic book shop to earn money to pay his way into Cal Arts. His father, a postman, is determined that his son--who has won a pre-med scholarship to UCLA--will become a doctor. The eighteenth birthday party of Ben's sister, Rose, sets off a comedic and touching series of events and family struggles that will in turn determine young Ben's future. This fresh independent production from Gene Cajayon presents a lighthearted and warm coming-of-age tale filtered through the eyes of an American subculture rarely seen on film. [More]

Starring: Dante Basco, Eddie Garcia, Tirso Cruz III, Gina Alajar

Starring: Dante Basco, Eddie Garcia, Tirso Cruz III, Gina Alajar, Dion Basco

Director: Gene Cajayon

Director: Gene Cajayon
Screenwriter: Gene Cajayon, John Manal Castro

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