Cover Rico Yan, Claudine Barretto, and Diether Ocampo (Photo: Illustration by Jove Moya)
Rico Yan, Claudine Barretto, and Diether Ocampo (Photo: Illustration by Jove Moya)
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Stories of love, friendship, heartbreak, and adventure—in this article, Tatler lists series and movies starred by artists we once loved: Here’s Rico Yan and Claudine Barretto’s ‘Got 2 Believe’, Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal’s ‘Labs Kita... Okey Ka Lang?’, and more!
If you’re anywhere on the internet today, you must have seen fan footage and throwbacks of late matinée idol Rico Yan. His sweet, charming, and polite demeanour continues to draw the attention of his fans even after his untimely passing in 2002.
His on-screen presence during the late ’90s and 2000s was fondly remembered through his scenes with actress Claudine Barretto in movies like Got 2 Believe, Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita, Mula Sa Puso, and more.
In this article, Tatler revisits these films, including other movies and series that Gen Zs and millennials will also love.
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1. ‘Got 2 Believe’
Above Rico Yan and Claudine Barretto in ‘Got 2 Believe’
Olivia Lamasan’s 2002 romantic comedy Got 2 Believe tells the story of Tony (Claudine Barretto), a woman in her mid-20s who is desperate to find love, and Lawrence, a photographer who will help her find the man of her dreams (Rico Yan). As the story moves, they discover their feelings for each other.
2. ‘Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita’
Above Rico Yan and Claudine Barretto in ‘Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita’
Wenn V Deramas’s 1998 movie Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita follows the surprising romantic connection between Miguel (Rico Yan), a straight-laced college student, and Mela, a campus bad girl (Claudine Barretto). Miguel continues to fight against the conservative beliefs he grew up with, while Mela traverses a world filled with prejudice against women. Will they ever find a middle ground?
More from Tatler: Mothers at Central: How the film ‘Anak’ and series ‘Expats’ illustrate the lives of overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong
3. ‘Gimik’
Above Rico Yan in ‘Gimik’
In Laurenti M Dyogi’s Gimik: The Reunion, seven friends reunite a year after their college graduation to take a trip down memory lane. On their journey, they discover and relive a past full of challenges, lessons, and victories.
If you want to immerse yourself further in the interconnected lives of the Gimik barkada, you may also want to check out the complete episode of the original series on YouTube.
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4. ‘T.G.I.S.’
Above The 1995 series ‘T.G.I.S.’
The 1995 series T.G.I.S. explores the sense and sensibilities of a barkada living in an imaginary village in the heart of Quezon City. As they grow up, they encounter situations where their views about premarital sex, teenage pregnancy, love, and more are tested.
5. ‘Okatokat’
Above ‘Okatokat’ is a horror fantasy
Okatokat (stylised !Oka Tokat) is a horror fantasy broadcast that Gen Zs and millennials will love to revisit. It revolves around a media crew led by Rona del Fierro (Agot Isidro), who investigates paranormal cases around the Philippines. The group will discover more about mythological creatures such as tikbalang, diwata, duwende, kapres, and more.
See also: Trese: A Quick Guide On The Monsters Of Philippine Folklore—Who Is Friendly And Who Is Not?
6. ‘Home Along Da Riles’
Above ‘Home Along The Riles’ features the story of the Kosme family and their neighbours
Home Along Da Riles is a sitcom directed by Johnny Manahan, Victor de Guzman, and Apollo Arellano. It features the story of the Kosme family and their neighbours who live by the railroad tracks.
7. ‘Tabing Ilog’
Above ‘Tabing Ilong’ is a 1999 teen drama
Tabing Ilong, produced by Judith Bauer and directed by Malu L Sevilla, is a 1999 teen drama that tackles the angst and problems of the youth. It stars artists like Paolo Contis, John Lloyd Cruz, Kaye Abad, Desiree del Valle, Patrick Garcia, Baron Geisler, Paula Peralejo, and Jodi Sta Maria.
8. ‘Flames: The Movie’
Above ‘Flames: The Movie’ follows the story of two high school students
Khryss Adalia and Jerry Lopez Sineneng’s hit teen-oriented drama F.L.A.M.E.S. is a primetime TV series turned into a movie in 1997. The film follows the story of two high school students who have to deal with their growing feelings for each other.
Read more: Music, Film, And Book Recommendations From Tatler Friends: Elena Coyiuto, Paul Soriano, Bobby Cuenca
9. ‘Labs Kita... Okey Ka Lang?’
Above Jerry Lopez Sineneng’s 1998 movie ‘Labs Kita... Okey Ka Lang?’
Jerry Lopez Sineneng’s 1998 movie Labs Kita... Okey Ka Lang? is a timeless classic written by Ricky Lee and adapted and developed by Enrico C Santos and Tammy Bejerano. The film, which was shot in Baguio City, follows Ned (Marvin Agustin) and Bujoy (Jolina Magdangal), two best friends who unravel their true romantic feelings for each other.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
