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Title: Ben Balasador: Akin Ang Huling Alas (Ben Balasador: The Last Ace Is Mine)
Genre: Action | Crime | Romance
Run Time: 1h 33min
Released: 21 August 1996
Country of Origin: Philippines
Language: Filipino
Director: Pepe Marcos
Writer: Henry Nadong
Production Company: Octoarts Films & Cinemax Studios, INC.
Synopsis:
In the realm of OctoArts & Cinemax Studios, Inc., a renowned purveyor of cinematic wonders, a story arises that revolves around a man of the highest order known to the world as “Ben.” This outstanding human being, masterfully played by the talented Ian Veneracion, has unique skills that have led him to the pinnacle of success.
In the field of mixing, an art form that requires skill and finesse, Ben has proven himself to be an unparalleled virtuoso. His unparalleled ability to manipulate a deck of cards with such precision and grace not only captured the hearts of many, but also paved the way for a lucrative career in finance.
As fate would have it, Ben found himself employed as a banker at an exclusive, private casino, where his exceptional brewing skills became the cornerstone of his success. The mere mention of his name “Balasador” echoes through the halls of this prestigious establishment, whispered in hushed tones by the unfortunate souls who have suffered defeat at his hands and by the casino owner himself.
In fact, it is a testament to Ben's unrivaled mastery of the art of mixing that he has earned such a nickname. His impressed and astonished opponents recognized him as a force to be reckoned with, a true master of the cards. The casino owner recognized the immense value Ben brings to the company and awarded him this honorary title, a symbol of respect and admiration for his exceptional talents.
In this magnificent tapestry of life where the threads of fate intertwine with the pursuit of excellence, Ben stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, skill and an unwavering commitment to his craft. His story, a testament to the heights one can reach when one embraces one's true calling, serves as an inspiration to all who dare to dream and strive for greatness.
A twist of fate led to an unexpected turn in our protagonist's life. It all started when his dear friend, the charming and captivating “Theresa”, played with utmost skill and sensitivity by the talented Beth Tamayo, approached him with a heartfelt appeal. With tears in her eyes, she begged him to give up his prestigious position as a respected banker. Unfortunately, despite the seriousness and intensity of his request, a conspiracy against him beyond his control arose, forcing him to return to his old job.
However, the trigger for this momentous decision did not come from outside, but from his own family. Enter his brother, the remarkable and captivating “Oscar,” played brilliantly by the incomparable Gio Santos. Oscar, driven by insatiable ambition, had a burning desire to take on the role of banker from none other than the famous “Nelson”, masterfully played by the legendary Mark Gil. Nelson, a prominent figure in a major union, desperately needed a successor to take over his prestigious position.
It should be noted that Nelson had recently suffered a significant defeat in a high stakes bet against his formidable rival, the cunning and brilliant "Bernard", played with genius by the incomparable Charlie Davao. This loss had left Nelson in a vulnerable state and in search of a trustworthy and capable person who could fill the void left by his defeat. So our protagonist found himself in the complex web of fate, torn between the heartfelt request of his beloved friend and the burning desire of his own brother to seize this extraordinary opportunity.
As the story unfolds, we must reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the delicate balance between personal aspirations and the larger forces that shape our lives. Will our protagonist succumb to the lure of power and prestige or will he follow the call of his dear friend and choose a path less traveled? Only time will reveal the answer to this captivating story of love, ambition and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
As one follows these recent and exciting developments, it becomes clear that our protagonist, the enigmatic “Ben,” finds himself caught in a labyrinth of complex circumstances. Within this complex network, the delicate balance between his family obligations and the relentless temptations of the gaming world is precarious. As we eagerly await the next chapters of this exciting saga, our collective imagination is gripped with anticipation as these events unfold and reveal the intriguing twists that await us in this fascinating tale of intrigue and games.
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TOP BILLED CAST & CREW: |
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ACTOR |
ROLE |
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Ian Veneracion |
Ben Balasador |
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Beth Tamayo |
Theresa |
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Mark Gil |
Nelson |
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King Gutierrez |
Marco |
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Patrick Guzman |
Geron |
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Shirley Fuentes |
Vanessa |
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Charlie Davao |
Bernard |
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Bing Davao |
Arturo |
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Teresa Loyzaga |
Ben's Sister |
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Pocholo Montes |
Mr. Dela Serna |
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Tom Olivar |
Maj. Rodriguez |
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Jim Rosales |
Jake |
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Rhey Roldan |
Nelson's Goon |
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Levi Ignacio |
Nelson's Goon |
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Gio Santos |
Card Dealer |
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Rudy Lapid |
Iking |
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Gil Nartea |
Informer |
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Albert Eugenio |
Informer |
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Johnny Ramirez |
Barangay Captain |
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Polly Cadsawan |
Nelson's Goon |
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Rey Solo |
Nelson's Goon |
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Manny Samson |
Nelson's Goon |
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Kim Laurel |
Nelson's Goon |
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Jack Barri |
Nelson's Goon |
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Carlos David |
Nelson's Goon |
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Edward Belaro |
Nelson's Goon (as Ed Belaro) |
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Ace Baylon |
Nelson's Goon |
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Jess Gatchalian |
Nelson's Goon |
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Jun Dauz |
Nelson's Goon |
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Bernie Garcia |
Nelson's Goon |
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Sonny Tuazon |
Nelson's Goon |
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Manuel Montemayor |
Nelson's Goon |
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Frank Lapid |
Nelson's Goon |
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Vic Belaro |
Bernard's Goon |
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Tony Martinez |
Bernard's Goon |
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Jerry Corpuz |
Bernard's Goon |
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Jojo Gamay |
Bernard's Goon |
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Benny Ching |
Bernard's Goon |
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Roger Belaro |
Bernard's Goon |
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Danny Amora |
Bernard's Goon |
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Rey Ebdane |
Bernard's Goon (as Rey Ebdane) |
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Dantley Reyes |
Bernard's Goon |
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Rey Cerdena |
Bernard's Goon |
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Rico Roman |
Bernard's Goon |
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Nemie Samson |
Bernard's Goon |
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Rani Mumar |
Bernard's Goon (as Rani Munar) |
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Zaldy Santos |
Bernard's Goon |
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Alex Cunanan |
Madrigal's Goon |
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Nash Espinosa |
Madrigal's Goon |
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FILM PRODUCER DEPARTMENT: |
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Kess Burias |
: associate producer |
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Art R. Ilacad |
: supervising producer |
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Orly Ilacad |
: executive producer |
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Cinematography By: |
Danny Bustos |
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Film Editing By: |
Pepe Marcos |
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Production Design By: |
Rene Clarido |
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PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT: |
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Elpidio Mariscotes |
: post-production manager |
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Judy Teodoro |
: production manager |
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SECOND UNIT DIRECTOR OR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: |
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Glen Parian |
: assistant director |
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SOUND DEPARTMENT: |
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Rodel Capule |
: sound effects editor |
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Danny Lorilla |
: sound editor |
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STUNTS DEPARTMENT: |
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Ronald Asinas |
: stunts |
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EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: |
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Joe Salle |
: assistant editor |
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MUSIC DEPARTMENT: |
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Nonong Buencamino |
: musical director |
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ADDITIONAL CREW: |
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Aster Amoyo |
: publicity and promotions |
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Oskee Salazar |
: publicity and promotions |
Full Movie:
