Magic Temple

Magic Temple is a 1996 Philippine family fantasy adventure film directed by director Peque Gallaga and his directing partner Lore Reyes from a story and screenplay they written, with Erik Matti as co-writer of the story. The film stars Jason Salcedo, Junell Hernando, and Marc Solis as the trio of young boys sent by their master to face the evil forces who try to destroy the world. It also stars Jackie Lou Blanco as Ravenal, the film's antagonist, Jun Urbano as Sifu, the trio's master, and Anna Larrucea as Yasmin.

Magic Temple
Remastered version theatrical release poster
Directed by	Peque Gallaga Lore Reyes
Screenplay by	Peque Gallaga Lore Reyes
Story by	Peque Gallaga Lore Reyes Erik Matti
Produced by	Charo Santos-Concio Malou N. Santos Trina Dayrit
Starring	Jason Salcedo Junell Hernando Marc Solis Anna Larrucea Jun Urbano
Cinematography	Joe Tutanes
Edited by	Danny Gloria
Music by	Archie Castillo
Production company	Star Cinema
Release date	December 25, 1996 (1996-12-25)
Running time	106 minutes
Country	Philippines
Language	Filipino

Produced and released by Star Cinema, the film was theatrically released on December 25, 1996, as one of the official entries for the 22nd Metro Manila Film Festival, where it became a box office success and notable for winning all of the 14 nominations including the Best Film and Best Director awards.^[1][2] In 2016, the film was digitally restored and remastered by ABS-CBN Film Restoration, in partnership with Central Digital Lab.^[3]

Synopsis

The magical world of "Samadhi" is threatened by the evil forces of Ravenal. Sifu, a mystical teacher, sends out three teenage boys to journey to the Magic Temple. Jubal, Sambag, and Omar, each with their own unique power, battle the threat to the world of "Samadhi" and face many extraordinary things along the way. The boys are sure to face a huge battle ahead of them. Still, with the help of magical creatures they met along their journey, evil is eliminated, and they learn the true value of camaraderie and believing in themselves to face any problem.

Cast

• Jason Salcedo as Jubal
• Junell Hernando as Sambag
• Marc Solis as Omar
• Anna Larrucea as Yasmin
• Jun Urbano as Sifu
• Jackie Lou Blanco as Ravenal
• Gina Pareño as Telang Bayawak
• Aljon Jimenez as Rexor
• Cholo Escaño as Sisig
• Koko Trinidad as Grand Master
• Sydney Sacdalan as Shaolin Child
• Chubi del Rosario as Gamay
• Mae-Ann Adonis as Rexor's mother
• Alvin Froy Alemania as young Sambag
• Tess Dumpit as Jubal's mother
• Kristopher Peralta as young Rexor
• Carlo Aquino as young Jubal

Trivia

The names of the three main characters refer to the country's national symbolisms. Jubal is an Igorot, a tribe from Luzon; Sambag is from the Visayas, and his name is Visayan for Tamarind; and Omar is a name found among the Muslim tribes of Mindanao. The names, therefore, account for the Philippines' major islands.

Reception

Accolades

Year	Award-giving body	Category	Recipient	Result
1996	Metro Manila Film Festival[2]	Best Picture	Magic Temple	Won
		Best Director	Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes	Won
		Best Screenplay	Peque Gallaga, Lore Reyes and Erik Matti	Won
		Best Original Story	Peque Gallaga, Lore Reyes and Erik Matti	Won
		Best Production Design	Rodell Cruz	Won
		Best Cinematography	Joe Tutanes	Won
		Best Editing	Danilo Gloria	Won
		Best Musical Score	Archie Castillo	Won
		Best Original Theme Song	Archie Castillo	Won
		Best Visual Effects	Benny Batoctoy	Won
		Best Make-up Artist	Siony Tolentino	Won
		Best Sound Recording	Michael Idioma and Ronald de Asis	Won
		Best Float	Magic Temple	Won
1997	FAMAS Awards	Best Sound	Michael Idioma and Ronald de Asis	Won
		Best Child Actress	Anna Larrucea	Nominated
		Best Supporting Actress	Gina Pareño	Nominated
	Gawad Urian Awards	Best Cinematography	Joe Tutanes	Nominated
		Best Production Design	Rodell Cruz	Nominated

Special awards

Year	Award-giving body	Category	Recipient	Result
1996	Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Awards[2]	Best Picture	Magic Temple	Won

Remake

A remake of the film was announced in December 2018, to be produced by ABS-CBN and Cre8 Productions. Mikhail Red will direct the project.^[1][4][5]