Mel Chionglo

Carmelo Chionglo (July 16, 1946 – September 21, 2019) was a Filipino film director and production designer. He has directed more than 40 films since 1981. From 1966 to 1976, he worked and studied acting and directing at the New York Academy of Theatrical Arts. Returning to Manila, he worked as production designer. He was one of the founding members of the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines Inc. He also served as board member on the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

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Bente (2009)

A back to back treatment of a malaise which has shocked Philippine society for the past so many years: the mysterious disappearances and killings of Filipino journalists and activists. The film focuses on a hard-hitting radio commentator and his conflict with a ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Richard Gomez  •  Jinggoy Estrada  •  Snooky Serna  •  Iza Calzado

A back to back treatment of a malaise which has shocked Philippine society for the past so many years: the mysterious disappearances and killings of Filipino journalists and activists. The film focuses on a hard-hitting radio commentator and his conflict with a ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Richard Gomez  •  Jinggoy Estrada  •  Snooky Serna  •  Iza Calzado

The Son of Brocka (2005)

It is about a group of investigative journalists from a sub-par TV station who accidentally scores a scoop that a 21-year-old boy is looking around for his identity… he claims to be the son of the late director Lino Brocka, a known gay filmmaker.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez
CAST:  Gina Alajar  •  Phillip Salvador  •  Bembol Roco  •  Jaclyn Jose

It is about a group of investigative journalists from a sub-par TV station who accidentally scores a scoop that a 21-year-old boy is looking around for his identity… he claims to be the son of the late director Lino Brocka, a known gay filmmaker.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez
CAST:  Gina Alajar  •  Phillip Salvador  •  Bembol Roco  •  Jaclyn Jose

Lahar: Paraisong Abo (1997)

In the aftermath of the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, a volcano dormant for more than 400 years, the residents of the whole town of San Simon in Pampanga was engulfed by dust and thick mudflow called lahar. The whole surviving residents of the devastated community ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Tonton Gutierrez  •  Dawn Zulueta  •  Jaclyn Jose  •  Tom Taus

In the aftermath of the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, a volcano dormant for more than 400 years, the residents of the whole town of San Simon in Pampanga was engulfed by dust and thick mudflow called lahar. The whole surviving residents of the devastated community ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Tonton Gutierrez  •  Dawn Zulueta  •  Jaclyn Jose  •  Tom Taus

Paano Kung Wala Ka Na? (1987)

A wife finally realizes that there is life after her separation from her husband and devotes her time and attention instead to their daughter who gives birth to a child out of wedlock.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Susan Roces  •  Eddie Gutierrez  •  Charo Santos-Concio  •  Snooky Serna

A wife finally realizes that there is life after her separation from her husband and devotes her time and attention instead to their daughter who gives birth to a child out of wedlock.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Susan Roces  •  Eddie Gutierrez  •  Charo Santos-Concio  •  Snooky Serna

Lauriana (2013)

Orphan Carding befriends Army Captain Samuel Corazon, who’s stationed in his town to root out the remaining Huk guerrillas. At the dance hall, Corazon woos dancer Lauriana, and they soon move in together. The two become sort of surrogate parents for the orphan ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Bangs Garcia  •  Adrian Cabido  •  Chanel Latorre  •  Victor Basa

Orphan Carding befriends Army Captain Samuel Corazon, who’s stationed in his town to root out the remaining Huk guerrillas. At the dance hall, Corazon woos dancer Lauriana, and they soon move in together. The two become sort of surrogate parents for the orphan ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Bangs Garcia  •  Adrian Cabido  •  Chanel Latorre  •  Victor Basa

Lagarista (2000)

Gregory bikes his way through the streets of Manila and transports film reels from one theater to another giving “extra service” to its patrons. He lives with his grandfather whose dementia worries Gregory, but whose stories of local movies being friends with ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Piolo Pascual  •  Janna Victoria  •  Pen Medina  •  Cherry Pie Picache

Gregory bikes his way through the streets of Manila and transports film reels from one theater to another giving “extra service” to its patrons. He lives with his grandfather whose dementia worries Gregory, but whose stories of local movies being friends with ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Piolo Pascual  •  Janna Victoria  •  Pen Medina  •  Cherry Pie Picache

Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita (1986)

A young woman, Cristy, must reconcile the choices she makes for her future with the demands of her overbearing mother, Rosa, in this intricate Filipino drama. When Cristy's father, Julio, abandons the family for his rich mistress, Jenny, Rosa refuses to let Cristy ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Susan Roces  •  Hilda Koronel  •  Snooky Serna  •  Janice de Belen

A young woman, Cristy, must reconcile the choices she makes for her future with the demands of her overbearing mother, Rosa, in this intricate Filipino drama. When Cristy's father, Julio, abandons the family for his rich mistress, Jenny, Rosa refuses to let Cristy ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Susan Roces  •  Hilda Koronel  •  Snooky Serna  •  Janice de Belen

Pakasalan Mo Ako (1991)

A woman asks his man to marry her for she is with child but the man is noncommittal. To save her reputation, she agrees to marry another man, who turns out to be a psychopath.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Janice de Belen  •  Gabby Concepcion  •  Aga Muhlach  •  John Estrada

A woman asks his man to marry her for she is with child but the man is noncommittal. To save her reputation, she agrees to marry another man, who turns out to be a psychopath.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Janice de Belen  •  Gabby Concepcion  •  Aga Muhlach  •  John Estrada

Midnight Dancers (1994)

Brothers Joel, Dennis and Sonny work together as dancers at a low-rent gay bar in downtown Manila, in the Philippines. Despite his mother's pleas, Sonny decides to quit college to work full-time at the bar, while Dennis has moved beyond dancing into prostitution ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Alex del Rosario  •  Soxy Topacio  •  Gandong Cervantes  •  John Mendoza

Brothers Joel, Dennis and Sonny work together as dancers at a low-rent gay bar in downtown Manila, in the Philippines. Despite his mother's pleas, Sonny decides to quit college to work full-time at the bar, while Dennis has moved beyond dancing into prostitution ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Alex del Rosario  •  Soxy Topacio  •  Gandong Cervantes  •  John Mendoza

Burlesk King (1999)

Harry leaves Olongapo, the former site of American bases, with his best friend James. They end up in Manila where they soon find work as macho dancers in a gay bar run by Mama Odette. Harry has a troubled past -- his American father used to pimp him and his mother, ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Rodel Velayo  •  Leonardo Litton  •  Elizabeth Oropesa  •  Raymond Bagatsing

Harry leaves Olongapo, the former site of American bases, with his best friend James. They end up in Manila where they soon find work as macho dancers in a gay bar run by Mama Odette. Harry has a troubled past -- his American father used to pimp him and his mother, ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Rodel Velayo  •  Leonardo Litton  •  Elizabeth Oropesa  •  Raymond Bagatsing

Twilight Dancers (2006)

Current most popular performer at a gay club in the Philippines (though it’s patronized by an awful lot of ogling straight women), Dwight (Tyron Perez) has a crush on a collegiate girl and an eye on better prospects working abroad. But he unwisely gets involved ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Tyron Perez  •  Cherry Pie Picache  •  Allen Dizon  •  Lauren Novero

Current most popular performer at a gay club in the Philippines (though it’s patronized by an awful lot of ogling straight women), Dwight (Tyron Perez) has a crush on a collegiate girl and an eye on better prospects working abroad. But he unwisely gets involved ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Tyron Perez  •  Cherry Pie Picache  •  Allen Dizon  •  Lauren Novero

Deliver Us (2016)

Father Greg, a diocesan priest, is reassigned to a parish up in the mountains. He embarks on a mission to help solve the crime, a mission which leads him to the discovery of his own personal salvation.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Allen Dizon  •  Diana Zubiri  •  Eddie Garcia  •  Aiko Melendez

Father Greg, a diocesan priest, is reassigned to a parish up in the mountains. He embarks on a mission to help solve the crime, a mission which leads him to the discovery of his own personal salvation.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Allen Dizon  •  Diana Zubiri  •  Eddie Garcia  •  Aiko Melendez

Xerex (2003)

After 15 years of unprecedented tabloid sex notoriety, the Xerex Xaviera fantasy achieves big screen fulfillment via three exciting escapades into sensual. "Kama" tells of a teenaged girl's intimate dalliances with a campus heartthrob who turns out to be a heel. ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Aubrey Miles  •  Jon Hall  •  Allen Dizon  •  Jake Roxas

After 15 years of unprecedented tabloid sex notoriety, the Xerex Xaviera fantasy achieves big screen fulfillment via three exciting escapades into sensual. "Kama" tells of a teenaged girl's intimate dalliances with a campus heartthrob who turns out to be a heel. ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Aubrey Miles  •  Jon Hall  •  Allen Dizon  •  Jake Roxas

Two Timer (2002)

Viveca is happily married to Cholo, a renowned and respected psychiatrist. Unknown to many, Viveca, has long been leading a double life. She has an appetite for men, for quick, and sometimes very dangerous sexual adventures, be it real or fantasy. There is no ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Ara Mina  •  Albert Martinez  •  Wendell Ramos  •  Krista Ranillo

Viveca is happily married to Cholo, a renowned and respected psychiatrist. Unknown to many, Viveca, has long been leading a double life. She has an appetite for men, for quick, and sometimes very dangerous sexual adventures, be it real or fantasy. There is no ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Ara Mina  •  Albert Martinez  •  Wendell Ramos  •  Krista Ranillo

Playgirl (1981)

Mel Chionglo's directorial debut revolves around a mother and daughter who play the rules of the game in the world by selling their bodies for the desires of flesh.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Gina Alajar  •  Charito Solis  •  Phillip Salvador  •  Al Tantay

Mel Chionglo's directorial debut revolves around a mother and daughter who play the rules of the game in the world by selling their bodies for the desires of flesh.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Gina Alajar  •  Charito Solis  •  Phillip Salvador  •  Al Tantay

Company of Women (1985)

The story is about a privileged young man named Al who kills a teenage girl, Belinda. He seeks a hiding place, and the sanctuary is given by Julius, a friend who is a pimp in a whorehouse. While in the whorehouse, Al takes his enjoyment of one prostitute, Cita. One ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Mark Gil  •  Irma Alegre  •  Liz Alindogan  •  Zelda Soler

The story is about a privileged young man named Al who kills a teenage girl, Belinda. He seeks a hiding place, and the sanctuary is given by Julius, a friend who is a pimp in a whorehouse. While in the whorehouse, Al takes his enjoyment of one prostitute, Cita. One ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Mark Gil  •  Irma Alegre  •  Liz Alindogan  •  Zelda Soler

Babaing Hampaslupa (1988)

A story of redemption and love starring the Philippines' very own Diamond Star, Maricel Soriano.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Maricel Soriano  •  Richard Gomez  •  Edu Manzano  •  Rowell Santiago

A story of redemption and love starring the Philippines' very own Diamond Star, Maricel Soriano.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Maricel Soriano  •  Richard Gomez  •  Edu Manzano  •  Rowell Santiago

It Started from the Heart (1990)

A young college student is in a heated affair with his college professor. He attempts revenge after being stricken with grief and resentment by his professor's mother, and takes revenge on his professor's now settled family only to obtain her for himself  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Hilda Koronel  •  Richard Gomez  •  Jay Ilagan  •  Cherie Gil

A young college student is in a heated affair with his college professor. He attempts revenge after being stricken with grief and resentment by his professor's mother, and takes revenge on his professor's now settled family only to obtain her for himself  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Hilda Koronel  •  Richard Gomez  •  Jay Ilagan  •  Cherie Gil

Isabel Aquino: I Want to Live (1990)

Based on the life story of Isabel Aquino.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Janice de Belen  •  Aga Muhlach  •  Richard Gomez  •  Maricel Laxa

Based on the life story of Isabel Aquino.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Janice de Belen  •  Aga Muhlach  •  Richard Gomez  •  Maricel Laxa

Lucia (1992)

A strong-willed matriarch and her family leave their fishing village for Manila after an oil spill.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Gina Alajar  •  Elvira Baldomero  •  Suzette Ranillo  •  Lolita Rodriguez

A strong-willed matriarch and her family leave their fishing village for Manila after an oil spill.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Mel Chionglo
CAST:  Gina Alajar  •  Elvira Baldomero  •  Suzette Ranillo  •  Lolita Rodriguez
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