Killer Instinct (1987)

1987 - Killer Instinct (Eastern Film Management Corporation/Premiere Productions)

[Roger Corman retitled the film “Behind Enemy Lines” for its US release by Concorde-New Horizons]

Director Cirio H. Santiago Script "Joe"/Jose Mari Avellana Producer Antony I. Ginnane Music Jun Latonio Director of Photography Ricardo Remias Editors Pacífico Sánchez, Marc Tarnate Production Designer Joe Mari Avellana Art Director Ronnie Cruz Makeup Teresa Mercader Production Manager Honorato R. Pérez Jr Assistant Director José Torres Sound Effects Jun Cabrales, Rudy Cabrales Boom Operator Dalmacio Dumigpi Sound Supervisor Rolly Ruta Special Effects Juan Marbella Jr Stunt Co-Ordinator Ronald Asinas Stunts Fred Esplana, Day Guerrero Assistant Editors Jun Cabreza, Boy De Guzman Assistant Camera Ricardo Dumigpi Transportation Captain Geronimo Holandez Camera Operator Benjamin L. Lobo Gaffer Proceso Lázaro Continuity Bobit Macapagal Location Manager Aurelio Navarro Still Photographer Nilo Odiaman Local Casting Enrique Reyes Script Supervisor Trinidad Sagarbarria Casting Supervisor Cathy Santiago Wardrobe Mistress Elvie Santos Casting Assistant Henry Strzalkowski

Cast Robert Patrick (Johnny Ransom), Robert Dryer (Dmitri), William Steis (Jacobs), Morgan Douglas (Keller), Lydie Denier (Capt. Dupre), Barbara “Hooper”/Patrick (Terry), Rey Malonzo (Sam), Joe Mari Avellana (Tran Van Minh), Henry Strzalkowski (Costello), Anthony East (Townshead), David Light (Nash), Mel Davidson (Mathews), “Willy”/Willie Williams (Brent), Jeff Griffith (Ashton) Townshead's Aides Don Wilson, Tord Karlsson, Pierre Valderon, Jim Mackenzie, Vic Miranda, Steve Rogers, Leif Erlandsson

Savage Justice (1988)

1988 - Savage Justice (Eastern Film Management Corporation/FGH/International Film Management Ltd)

Director Joey Romero Screenplay David Howard, Parker Bratel Producers Lope V. Juban, Rod S.M. Confesor Executive Producer Antony I. Ginnane Music Marita Manuel Cinematography Nonong Rasca Editor Toto Natividad Art Director Rodell Cruz Stunt Co-Ordinator Gil Arceo Fight Instructor Lauro Flores Stuntmen Elmo Ebio, Aldie Polla, Fred Abog, Jun Trejan, Romulo Roman, Rico Orbita, Pong Ocampo, Caloy Balasbas, Jerry Morales, Neil Calvar, Rolando Micart (Nicart?), Leo Layague, Jangco Sabares, Bong Nicart, Willie Labadan, Mando Mangcarin, Rhey Espino, Tony Cantillo, Deo Ceunis, Rodolfo Cabanting, Jonathan Villaruel, Pol Pepitoi Controller Ana Marie Dans Production Manager Joe Constantino Location Manager Lito Mabalot 2nd Unit Director/1st Assistant Director Ulysses Formanez 2nd Assistant Director Freddie Papa Production Office Co-Ordinator Jane Comendador Script Supervisor Pat Tolentino Casting Assistant Tess Crisostomo Liason Officer Bong Garcia Production Assistant/Meal Checker Danny de Leon Production Assistant (Documentation) Eduardo Obina Legman Roger Alvarez Production Nurse Linda Angeles Accountant Bernie Bagon Utility/Crafts Joseph Alonsabe Wigwam Mar Miranda Caterer Nene Buencamino Head Set Dresser Francis Lagman Set Dressers Edgar Valencia, Cesar Lubrico, Willy Gajardo, Arnel Alfonso, Willy Navela, Semi Mendoza, Danny San Juan, Tarcelo Oledan, Boyet Bacaltos, Joel Adejas Property Master Sammy Aranzamendez Purchaser King Moya Props Men Rudy Melgarejo, Lito Bonus, Ronnie Jakosalem Picture Vehicle-In-Charge Rafael Tamayo Picture Vehicles Crew Romy Baluyot, Bobby Silva, Albert Gonzales Wardrobe Manager Ramon Alonzo Assistant Wardrobe Master Fidel Javier Cutter/Tailor Bert Yamballa Makeup Artist Tony Artieda Hairdresser Editha Sanchez Printers Boy Felipe, Boy Samson Chief Armorer Boy Dominguez Assistant Armorer Ramon Doc Tizon Armorers Joemer Munoz, Mandy Canlas Chief Special Effects Man Danny C. Dominguez Assistant Special Effects Men Rolando Salem, Manuel Macapagal Special Effects Mechanic Rodolfo Candiaza Special Effects Rigger Ricardo Guevara Special Effects Helper Virgilio Tirad Stillsman Ricky Francisco Assistant Cameraman Danny Viray Clapper/Camera Grip Mah Cairlann Head Grip Johnny Cegogo 2nd Grip Ed Manipol 3rd Grip/Carpenter Johnny Adigue 4th Grip Rico Jacinto Head Gaffer Edward Erupang 2nd Gaffer Tony Berin 3rd Gaffer Jovie Balut 4th Gaffer Nonoy Sauro Best Boy Boy Cabresa Field Sound Man Fredo Sabile Boom Operator Dante Fernandez Generator Operator Melchor Abaya Assistant Generator Operator Domeng Saguion Post-Production Supervisor Aaron Proust Assistant Editor (Australia) M. Carmen Galan Sound Editors Josephine Cooke, Antony Gris, J. Leadingham Foley Artist David Field Sound Assistant Editors Louis Steinway, Susie Savage, Nick Breslin Philippines Laboratory Liason Rick Hawthorne Australian Laboratory Liasons Denise Wolfson, Richard Piorkowski Facilities Ann Ellingworth Negative Cutting Miriam Cortes Colour Grading Arthur Cambridge Opticals Alan Morley, John Cumming Sound Mixers Warwick Serious, John Heron

Cast Julia Montgomery (Sarah), Steven Memel (Rick), Ruel Vernal (Sanchez), Chanda Romero (Angelica), Esther Chavez (Sun Lee), Millicent Bautista (An Lee), Ken Metcalfe (Allan Howard), Liz Shepherd (Margaret Howard), Willy Williams (Corlio), Rey Big Boy (Corlon), Hero Bautista (Aldo), Mykell Chan (Anjin), Anthony East (Doc), Gally Sayson (Assistant Chief Monk), Ronaldo Ledesma (Executioner), Carl Morris (Salim), Frank Campbell (Johan), David Giberson (Marine Sergeant), Jean Del Rosario (Natalia) Town People Eddie Gaerlan, George Geynes, Ray Wolfgram, “Geodefrey”/Godfrey Hazelton, Bryan Walterhall Female Rebels Elizabeth Terry, Mary Joy Warren, Tzarina Montejar, Meskerem Gelahun, Barbara Gilbert, Eden Bautista, Wendy Kent, Cecille Domingo, Csila Whiley, Cora Barcelona, Dolly Buenaventura, Buddha Kelly Male Rebels Jun Juban, Al Sarif, “Cris”/Kris Aguilar, Eric Agaton, Charlie Melendrez, Aljoseph Galang, James Brewer, Anthony Tan Pulmones, Brando Navarro, Romulo Roman, Pong Ocampo, Guel Romero, Mars Galang, Nick Whiley, Gabriel Terry, Jun Trejan, Fred Abog, Rico Orbita Embassy Personnel Henry Baynes, Tony Cooper, Malou Baxter, Joseph Donovan, Charlie Melendrez, Earl Godefrey, Gerard Donlon, Carmenia Morales, Jeff Grifin, Sam Lombardo, Brett Sargant, Bert Manner, Cyr Macrohon, Michael Silva, Ben Uri, Luisa Catanea, Joan Grifin, Veronica Garbutt, Sanjay Oges, Esther Imperial US Marines Mark Penkala, Henry Strzalkowski, Craig Walter Judd, Miguel Soques Jr, Esther William, John Michael Dewayne Sanyer, Axel Manner Dock Kids Chester Montecarlo, Darly Torres, Charlotte Ryan, Dennis Monserrat, Clarence Moya, Lisa Larson, Jennifer Perez, Dalton Rally, Geneth Lumagbas Buddhist Monks Marcial Sorita, Bert Ricahuerta, Mar Lagdameo, Nelson Forte Buddhist Novices Benny Ching, Alexander Montenegro, Larry Correa Anjin’s Novices Dondon Siaval, Darwin Sorita

White Force (1988)

1988 – White Force (Eastern Film Management Corporation)

[sometimes listed as Whiteforce]

Director Eddie Romero Writer Henry Tefay Executive Producer Anthony I. Ginnane Producers Lope V. Juban, Marilyn Ong Music Ryan Cayabyab Cinematography Joe Batac Stunt Co-Ordinator Renato Morado Stunt Drivers Eddie Nicart, Greg “Romero”/Rocero Script Supervisor JoAnn Cabalda Banaga

Cast Sam J. Jones (Johnny Quinn), Kimberley Pistone (Nicki), Timothy Hughes (Korda), Raoul Aragonn (Briggs), Jaime Fabregas (Wizard), Vic Diaz (Martinez), Ruben Rustia (Kendall), Ken “Metcalf”/Metcalfe (Tom Irving), Mike Monty (Stynes), Tsing Tong Tsai (Bak Soo), “Tony Ogumsanya”/Anthony Ogunsanya (Crazy), Eric Romero (Clyde), John Falch (Harris), Mauricio Go (Wu Mun Suh), Raymond (Charles Martinez), Algini (Bernard Martinez), Luisa Catanea (Mrs. Martinez), Pong Pong (Hu Seng), Eric Khan (Enzo Parelli), Frank “Juhasz”/Juhas (Bruno Parelli), Jun Juban (Board Member), Tracy “Tuazon”/Tuason (Secretary of Mr. Martinez), Jessie Cuneta (Chang No. 6), [uncredited] Nick Whiley (Aircraft passenger)

A Case Of Honor (1988)

1988 – A Case Of Honor (Eastern Film Management Corporation)

Director Eddie Romero Writers John Trayne, William Hellinger Executive Producers Rod S.M. Confesor, Antony I. Ginnane Producers D. Howard Grigsby, Lope V. Juban Music William Motzing Cinematography José Batac Jr Editor Toto Natividad Production Design Ramon Nicdao

Cast Timothy Bottoms (Sgt. Joseph 'Hard' Case), John Phillip Law (Capt. Roger L. Barnes), Candy Raymond (Charlene 'Charlie' Delibes), Nick Nicholson (Pops), Steve Rogers (Bondano), Brent Venables (Grissom), Jeff Griffith (Luke), Lucien Van (Lt. Col. Khe Trang), Nigel Hogge (Col. Paul Gevanova), Ben Leeman (Lt. Col. Vladimir Vladevski), Robert Marius (Capt. Constantin Lopahin), Jenny Varga (Badia), Annabelle Roa (Claudia), Marilyn Bautista (Cam Su), Aleli Abadilla (Chu Ling), Jose Eric S. Francisco (Tarzan)

Driving Force (1989)

1989 - Driving Force (Eastern Film Management Corporation)

Director “A.J.”/Andrew Prowse Writer Patrick Edgeworth Producers Rod S.M. Confesor, D. Howard Grigsby Associate Producer Mike Fuller Executive Producers Antony I. Ginnane, Marilyn Ong Music Paul Schutze Cinematography Kevan Lind, Richard Michalak, Jun Pereira Editor Tony Paterson Production Design Toto Castillo Art Direction Armando Raysag Make-up Tony Artieda Hair Editha Sanchez Production Manager Ana Maria Dans Assistant Production Manager Tracy Tuason First Assistant Directors Soc Jose, Phil Rich Second Assistant Director Ricky Brioso Financing David Ball

Cast Sam J. Jones (Steve), Catherine Bach (Harry), Don Swayze (Nelson), Stephanie Mason (Becky), Ancel Cook (Pete), Gerald Gordon (John), Renata Scott (Leslie), Robert Marius (Surf), Billy Blanks (Pool), Zenaida Amador (No Risk Radio Operator), Ric Anderson (Station Wagon Driver), Joey Aresco (Charles), Jun Bantigue (Black Knight Mechanic), Alex Barles (Fork Lift Driver), Liza Baumann (Fruit Stall Holder), Eden Bautista (Diner Server), Marilyn Bautista (Leather Clad Girl), James Brewer (Black Knight Boss), Kathleen Buck (Maid for John & Leslie), Curtis Carter (Petrol Pump Attendant), Chris Castillejo (Low Loader Driver), Kenneth Christine (Miler), Sonny Cruz (Dazed Driver), Ernie David (Policeman), Luis Del Castillo III (No Risk Driver), Robert Denny (Diner Customer), Rey Doloso (Black Knight Mechanic), Kristine Ellis (Leather Clad Girl), Ingrid Erlandson (Pretty Vendor), Bert Francisco (Petrol Pump Attendant), Jimmy Gaerlan (People in need of meal), Luv Gaerlan (People in need of meal), Robert Ginnivan (Black Knight Mechanic), Earl Godefrey (Butler), Mohsen Hassani (No Risk Labourer), Nigel Hogge (Sergeant), Paul Holm (Levin), Chally Ike (No Risk Welder), Leila Anneli Johnson (Leather Clad Girl), David Kater (Young Man in Accident), Peter Kniaseff (People in need of meal), Alfred Lemonds (Black Knight Mechanic), Rudy Licos (Petrol Pump Attendant), Gonzalo B. Macabalitao (Petrol Pump Cashier), Edgar Mariand (Miler), Thomas Obazee (Car Driver), Banjay Oges (No Risk Welder), Anthony Ogunsanya (Doctor with Nelson), Froilan Domanog Ong (Diner Cook), Jess Palma (Diner Customer), Monette G. Palo (Nurse), Jan Reed (People in need of meal), Allan Robles (Chauffeur), Ogie Salinas (Black Knight Mechanic), Siegfried Sepulveda (Jason), Wendy Stone (Young Woman in Accident), Jojo Tagonon (Diner Customer), Harold U (Porter Aide), Ben Uri (Porter), Val Victa (Doctor), Frank Wannack (Car Driver), Nick “Russell”/Whiley (Constable), Aurora Yumul (Clothes Stall Holder), Ernie Zarate (Accountant)

The Siege Of Firebase Gloria (1989)

1989 - The Siege Of Firebase Gloria (Eastern Film Management Corporation)

Director Brian Trenchard-Smith Writers William Nagle, Tony Johnston Additional Dialogue Brian Trenchard-Smith, R. Lee Ermey Producers Rod S.M. Confesor, Howard Grigsby Executive Producers Antony I. Ginnane, Marilyn G. Ong Associate Producers Ana Maria Dans, Mike Fuller Music Paul “Shutze”/Schutze Cinematography Kevan Lind Editor Andrew Prowse Production Design Toto Castillo Art Direction Armando Raysag Prosthetics Makeup Artist Cecille Baun Hair Stylists Francis Ferrer, Rodrigo Perez, Melvin Delos Santos, Edgardo Viniegas Production Manager Jessie Cuneta Second Assistant Director Jo Ann Cabalda-Banaga Third Assistant Director Tony Collamat First Assistant Directors Ricardo De Guzman, Timmy Herrera Second Unit Director Andrew Prowse Set Dressers Edel Angeles, Ernesto Bayona, Dante Bonifacio, Gamie Bulatao, Boy Cartalla, Danilo Celedonio, Eddie Falogme, Mario Gravo, Carlos Medniola, Rex Masigla Scenic Painters Boy Araojo, Ernesto Arteza, Noel Importante, Rod Villanueva Propsmen Rikki Daquil, Doods Gonzalez, John Hernandez, Lito Munoz, Alex Ochoa Assistant Set Dresser Edgardo Mariano Assistant Property Master Nestor Mendiola Property Master Al Mercer Construction Supervisor Rudy Oledan Head Set Dresser Willi Pleras Sound: Main Unit Don Connolly Sound: Second Unit Pedro Nicholas, Victor Bea Sound Editors Karin Whittington, Phil Dickson Sound Assistants Sally Fitzpatrick, Rick Lisle, Basia Ozerski, Nicki Roller Foley Assistants Ashley Grenville, John Patterson Sound Re-Recording Mixer Phil Judd Foley Recordist Angus Robertson Foley Editor Penn Robinson Boom Operator: Main Unit Joe Spinelli Sound Editor Pete Townend Boom Operator: Second Unit Gener Viray Special Effects Supervisor Danny Dominguez Special Effects Assistants Jackie Celestino, Lorenzo Demillo, Reynaldo Espinosa, Gilbert Goltiano, Reynaldo Menge, Roland Mercado, Philip Regala, Rolando Salem, Raymundo Torrente Opticals Roger Cowland, Ken Phelan Stunt Co-Ordinator Eddie Nicart Production Assistant Rolando Akim Wardrobe Ramon Alonzo Best Boy Boboy Balicas Cinematography: Second Unit Joe Batac Assistant Production Controller Gigi Belen Accountant Giselle Bobiles Field Cashier Merlyn Bravo Administrative Assistant Resie Carlos Head Electrician Johnny Cecogo Script Supervisor Shamaine Centenera Assistant Editor [Australia] Dany Cooper Military Liason Sgt. Mauro Cortez Script Supervisor Tess Crisostomo Assistant Grip Angelo De Guzman Transportation Captain Danny De Leon Liason: Negative Cutting Services Marilyn Delaney Chief Armorer Cesar Dominguez Third Wardrobe Assistant Rolando Duigan Wigwam Efren Anuat, Jun Fernandez, Juanito Madalang Armorers Armando Canlas, Diosdado Figueroa, Aurelio Munoz, Renato Nucup Assistant Editors: Australia Paula Lourie, Jane Moran Assistant Editors: Philippines Rey Lapid, Boy Gloria, Ferdie Salvador Location Manager Cenon Gonzalez Laboratory Liason: PIA Rick Hawthorne Wardrobe Assistant Fidel Javier Production Liason Lope V. Juban Legman Max Laurente, Danny Nazareth Head Craft Service Rey Ranigo Craft Service Assistants Ivan Edano, Isidro Manalo, Alfredo Margallo, Rolly Mesina Camera Loader Freddie Medes Second Wardrobe Assistant Boyet Medina Opticals Alan Morley Field Cashier Boyet Munoz Lifter/Clapper Artemio Ongleo Camera Operator Bobby Ongleo Head Grip Rufo Orita Laboratory Liason: Colorfilm Richard Piorkowski Colour Grader John Pulford Still Photographer Roger Robles Script Supervisor Pinky Romero Production Nurse Leny Sacop Focus Puller: Panaflex Camera Caloy Salcedo Assistant Electrician Délio Santos Production Assistant Joseph Santos Best Boy Jesus Sauro Second Assistant Editor Shawn Seet Laundryman Apolinario Serrano Casting: USA Eliza Simons, Rosemary Welden Casting: Philippines Nick Nicholson Assistant Camera Jaime Delos Tricos Production Controller Tracy Tuason Financial Controller Eylonia Villaroman Tailor Bert Yamballa Purchaser Charlie Yuzon Production Secretary Cecille Zapata

Cast Wings Hauser (Cpl. Joseph L. 'Nard' DiNardo), R. Lee Ermey (Sgt. Maj. Bill Hafner /Narrator), Robert Arevalo (NVA Col. Cao Van), Mark Neely (Pvt. Murphy), Gary Hershberger (Capt. A.J. 'Bugs' Moran), Clyde R. Jones (Pvt. 'Shortwave' Coates), Margi Gerard (Capt. Kathy Flanagan, MD), Richard Kuhlman (Ghost), John Calvin (Capt. Williams), Albert Popwell (1st Sgt. Jones), Michael Cruz (Vietnamese Child), Erich Hauser (Spider), Guel Romero (Hauk), Donald Wilson (Patrol Member), Nick Nicholson (Combat Photographer), Ray Cerdena (NVA Lt. Duc Van), Val Victa (Thien), Dan Austin (Dead Eye, Door Gunner), David Anderson (Co-Pilot), Warren Dickson (Crew Chief), Benny Collins (Door Gunner), Greg Walsh (Pilot), Henry “Strakowski”/Strzalkowski (Pilot) Soldiers Mike Soquez, Raffy Soques, Don Holtz, Chris Albert, Philip Gordon, Mark Miller, Warren Tiller, Chris Castillejo, Mark Calvo, Randy Knudson, Sonny Bee, Femi Oladipupo, Mike Wonders, Ben Uri, Dennis Chuks, Albert Bronski, “Sanjay”/Banjay Oges, Gerard Danlon, Thomas Brazze, Mike Wilson, Chika Chikason, Greg Jones, Mike Silva, Simon Finch Nurses Leila Johnson, "Christine"/Kristine Erlandson, Wendy Stone

"Filming a Movie in a War Zone…" by Brian Trenchard-Smith

[originally posted on Brian's page on the Film Industry Bloggers website,June 30, 2008]

Film makers are passionate obsessive folk, often oblivious to the perils of shooting in foreign parts. We are driven by the belief that each project is the Holy Grail. Let nothing stand in your way, is the mantra. In 1988 I was being taken to survey a location two hour’s drive out of Manila for my Vietnam war movie THE SIEGE OF FIREBASE GLORIA, accompanied by First AD Carding Guzman, and Production Designer Toto Castillo.

We passed a guard tower at a cross roads, its elevated platform cocooned in netting, conjuring the image of a robot bee-keeper.

“What’s the net for?” I asked.

“Grenades, sir.” was the deadpan reply from our driver.

Yes, of course. In 1988, the Philippines was still in the grip of two insurgencies, an Islamic one in the South, and the communist New People’s Army (NPA) on the main island of Luzon where we were. So an hour‘s drive out of Manila we were already crossing the perceived border beyond which lay NPA contested territory, and we had an hour’s driving to go.

“Don’t worry about the NPA, sir, they are the Good People.”

I mistook this for character evaluation. In fact it was an item in all Philippino movie budgets at the time. Ostensibly, it referred to security staff for locations outside Manila. Indeed, who better to protect you from the NPA than the NPA themselves? I was told that they were better than the Philippino military. They did not get drunk, or bring their cousins demanding they get paid as well.

We arrived on a hill with a good view of surrounding countryside, an ideal choice for the firebase. We discussed the lay-out of the defensive perimeter and bunkers while awaiting the arrival of the NPA representatives. A pick-up truck approached and parked. Two armed men with bandanas round their faces got out. Apart from a moment of frisson at the sight of a real loaded gun ( I was unaware at that point that two of my three Philippino companions were also armed.) I did not feel I had anything to fear. I trusted the judgment of my Philippino crew. And indeed, cordial conversation in Tagalog took place, a deal was made, and the NPA were on their way again. We would pay $5000 for each month of our stay in their territory. They would protect us, ensure that local bandits did not strip our firebase set each night, etc. They even volunteered to be in our battle scenes, and bring their own rifles. They had Armorlites, we needed AK 47’s which were in abundance in Manila. The well trained Viet Cong women you see in some battle scenes are NPA.

Their only stipulation was this - when we brought in the Philippino Army helicopter gunships for the strafing and bombing scenes, we would give the NPA notice so they could make themselves scarce. The Army were grateful for this too. They did not want an unnecessary fight either. This was indicative of a level of popular support for the NPA, purported champions of the poor in the Philippines, where social inequality had reached obscene levels.

Although we were a little late in paying one month, the NPA honored their deal throughout. During a tough night shoot I wandered away from the lights of the set, so I could gaze at the brilliant stars in the sky, and recover some inspiration. One of the NPA security people at our perimeter told me not to go any further.

“But you’re the Good People,” I said.

“There are good Good People, and there are bad Good People, particularly at night,” he replied in good English, “best stay back.”

OK. Got It.

But I do not think that I really Got It till the night we were relaxing having dinner in the only American style bar in the tiny town of Pagsanhan ( where a lot of APOCALYPSE NOW was shot). At the only street lit section, this bar was right next door to the police station. 20 yards walk from door to door. The Police Chief entered the bar. He wore a side arm, a sub machinegun hung from a strap around his neck, ammunition pouches and grenades dangled from his belt. All this firepower to go 20 yards!! Grenades! Was everywhere outside of the walls of the police station a free fire zone?

“What are you doing in the Philippines?” they demanded.

“ I’m making a movie!” tried Clyde, with the biggest shit-eating grin he could muster. “

“What do you do?”

Clyde felt confident in his reply. “ I’m an actor.”

One cop snorted and turned to the other officer. “ An actor? Shoot him!”

For a few heart pounding seconds Clyde really thought they meant it. Two liquored up cops, thousands of miles from the US, in a town with three street lamps…who would ever know what really happened to him? At that moment life in Detroit was looking pretty good to Clyde. Then they roared with laughter, and let him go. Clyde Jones, being the ballsy guy he is, did not catch the next plane home, but continued giving a great performance and dodging pyrotechnics till we were done. Incidentally, our chief pyro guy Danny “ Boom Boom” Dominguez, as he was known locally, told me that we ultimately let off more explosions than HAMBURGER HILL!

When the army helicopters were scheduled for the strafing and bombing sequences, we duly informed the NPA, who duly melted back into the jungle. But the helicopters were 5 hours late. The Captain in charge apologized. They had been on a mission against the NPA 100 miles north.

“We will now change to blank ammunition.” he said.

“Excellent idea!” I quipped. The army guys laughed. But my quip masked a sharp twinge of guilt and sorrow. We were doing simulated war, while further north people were dying in real war, people who were compatriots perhaps of the local NPA who had treated us well. When they might easily have held us to ransom.

This strengthened my resolve to maintain the underlying theme of the movie, that wars are fought by brave dutiful people on BOTH SIDES. I had to fight the distributor on this issue who felt this point of view was “unpatriotic”. But enough evenhandedness remains in the picture, which has become a favorite of a lot of Vietnam vets. Check out their postings on IMDB. It’s a mystery to me why MGM does not bring it out on DVD. The entire US Marine Corps, to whom R. Lee Ermey is a god, would buy copies. One fan even started an on-line petition to MGM . As yet, no response.

Back in Manila one night I staged the 1968 Tet offensive attack on the US Saigon Embassy, at a run down Foreign Businessmen’s Club, a passable match to the actual building in fact. After Take 1 of the initial assault, with Viet Cong shooting up the sentry box and driving in hurling grenades, we suddenly found ourselves surrounded by police and army units. It turned out that President Cori Aquino and General Ramos were meeting in an hotel a couple of blocks away. Their immediate thought, upon hearing the explosions and gunfire, was that another revolution had broken out. We were shut down for 2 hours while I persuaded the authorities that I had no plans to overthrow the government of the Philippines.

A deep basso profundo TV announcer’s voice should now intone: “There are 8 Million Stories in the Naked Jungle. This has been one of them.” More on THE SIEGE OF FIREBASE GLORIA another time.

Demonstone (1989)

1989 – Demonstone (Eastern Film Management Corporation)

[filmed as Heartstone; released on UK VHS as Deathstone]

Director Andrew Prowse Writers Frederick Bailey, David Philips, John Trayne Producers Antony I. Ginnane, Andrew Prowse Line Producers Clark Henderson, Isabel Sumayao Executive Producer Brian Trenchard-Smith Music Gary Stockdale Cinematography Kevan Lind Editor Michael Thibault Casting Ricky Araneta, Eric Hahn, Rosemary Welden Art Direction Sammy Aranzamendez Makeup Artist Violy Puzon Production Manager Marietta Sta. Juana First Assistant Director Allan Noble Second Assistant Director Gus Alvarez Second Unit Directors Clark Henderson, Michael Thibault Property Master Ronnie Jakosalem Sound Re-Recording Mixer John Brasher, Andy Napell, Lars Nelson Production Sound Mixer Juanito Clemente Music Mixer Jeffrey Kenneth Sound Effects Editor Colin Mahoney ADR/Foley Editors Jeff Mar, Cynthia Merrill Foley Walkers Cynthia Merrill, Sarah Ryan Boom Operator Gavino Pascual Dialogue Editors Bearin Santos, Kenny Weaver Supervising Sound Editor Reinhard Schreiner Music Recordist Dave Ware Special Effects Foreman Ed Sto. Domingo Stunt Co-Ordinator Patrick Statham Stunts Mike Abo, Clarence Antonio, Florante Apostol, Ernie Black, Rene Camba, Edgar Dacara, Heli Danario, Victor Falcasantos, Amado Friginal, Willy Furton, Bong Mitra, Dado Mitra, Ruben Monsanto, Al Nanca, Elpidio Navillon, Jimmy Olazo, Ramon Patawaran, Ely Prado, Jun Reyes, Luis Reyes, Bogs Rosete, Willy Silvar, Toti Tobias, Rudi Villar Gaffer Jhonny Cecogo Best Boy/Electrical Robert Dalawis Focus Puller Daniel Delina Second Unit Gaffer Jun Mirador Chief Lighting Technician Pepito Mirador Best Boy/Grip Ian Orita Key Grip Rufo Orita Second Unit Cinematography Jun Pereira Still Photographer Roger Robles Focus Puller Danny Viray Wardrobe Master Ramon Alonzo Transportation Captain Danny De Leon Production Executive Jack W. Haddox Stand-Ins Eric Hahn, Ned Hourani, Janet Price Prosthetic Artist Starr Jones Script Supervisor Michael Sta. Juana Title Designer Bret Mixon Production Co-Ordinator Marites Mupas Negative Cutter David Parmenter Additional Footage Director Patrick J. Statham Apprentice Editors Richard Villa, Norman R. Walker [uncredited] Post-Production Assistant Victor A. Haddox

Cast R. Lee Ermey (Col. Joe Haines), Jan-Michael Vincent (Andy Buck), Nancy Everhard (Sharon Gale), Peter Brown (Admiral), Pat Skipper (Tony McKee), Joonee Gamboa (Senator Belfardo/Chief Pirate), “Joe”/Jose Mari Avellana (Han Chin), Rolando Tinio (Prof. Olmeda), Marilyn Bautista (Julie), Fred Bailey (Navy Doctor) Crispin Medina, Cris Vertido (Sung Tzu), Noel Colet (Esteban Belfardo), Rina Reyes (Madeleine), Rey Malte-Cruz (Roberto), Lui Katana (Wu), Monsour Del Rosario (Pablo), Symon Soler (R.J. Belfardo), Ryan Abastillas (Street Kid), Jonic Magno (Teenage Shop Worker), Charles Nnebe (MP #1), David Anderson (Gunnery Sergeant), Eric Hahn (Pilot)