August, is known to be the “Buwan ng Wika”, a commemoration for the Filipino language, heritage, traditions, and culture. And to better celebrate Buwan ng Wika safely in the midst of pandemic, we list down 10 Filipino movies that you can watch on Netflix. Here are our picks:

Heneral Luna

“A work of fiction based on facts,” Heneral Luna---one of the most expensive and highest-grossing Filipino movies of all time, directed by Jerrold Tarog, unfolds the story of the bold and brilliant Philippine hero General Antonio Luna (John Arcilla) who faces resistance from his own countrymen as he fights for the country’s freedom during the Philippine-American War in 1899-1902.

Pamilya Ordinaryo

Barely making a living as pickpockets, teenage couple Jane and Aries living along the sidewalk in Manila struggle to raise their child, until fate decides to make their life more complex when their baby is kidnapped. Pamilya Ordinaryo, a film by Eduardo Roy Jr., depicts everyday scene of the busy streets of Manila filled with homeless children, unveils the struggle of the powerless and poor, and how they are taken advantage of.

On Vodka Beers, and Regrets

Director Irene Villaflor’s On Vodka, Beers and Regrets is a story about an alcoholic mid-20s woman who keeps self-sabotaging, and a guy whom she meets makes a valiant effort to help her. On Vodka, Beers and Regrets tackles about the importance of taking care and being fully committed to fix oneself. The film tells us that regardless of how anyone wants to help you get fixed, if you are not ready or don't want to get in the process, then it would be impossible to happen.

UnTrue

A bruised and beaten wife named Mara (Cristine Reyes) seeks the help of Georgian police against her husband Joachim (Xian Lim). Meet-cute at first, psychology thriller UnTrue, directed by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo, uncovers truths, and lies, along with the dark past, making the movie defy your expectations for the outcome of the story.

Metro Manila

Metro Manila, a film by Sean Ellis, tells a story about Oscar Ramirez (John Arcilla) who flees from a life of struggle due to poverty and moves in with his family to Manila to seek a brighter future for his family, where Oscar finds work with an armoured car company. Later on, Oscar gradually witnesses the reality of the perils of his work and the obscure motives of his new partner. The movie portrays how far a father can do for his family.

Goyo

The war is far from over when General Antonio Luna was killed in Heneral Luna movie. Goyo, a film also by Jerrold Tarog is about General Gregorio “Goyo” del Pilar (Paulo Avelino), who is tagged as the “President’s Favorite,” is tasked to lead the Philippine revolutionary force against the American conquerors. Although the film revolved around the themes related to authority, strength, and war, Goyo felt more human as he shows vulnerability and struggle within himself.

Through Night and Day

Through Night and Day is a romantic, drama and comedy film directed by Veronica Velasco starring Paolo Contis and Alessandra de Rossi. The film revolves around an engaged couple whose relationship is tested while on a prenup trip to Iceland. The film teaches us that being in love is not enough to help a relationship survive and last, and neither is being happy.

Birdshot

Mikhail Red’s Birdshot’s conflict starts when Diego (Manuel Aquino), a caretaker in a rural area, shows his 14-year-old daughter Maya (Mary Joy Apostol) how to shoot a gun to learn self-defense. She ends up unintentionally killing an endangered Philippine eagle, bringing unforeseen and frightening consequences into their quiet life.

Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap

Marius Talampas’ Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap is an underrated Filipino comedy heist film about a bunch of friends who aspires to become prominent as town’s best thieves, but turns out that plotting their first big heist seems more difficult than doing the actual. Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap is not like any other mainstream Filipino comedy film that relies on mediocre gags and punchlines with funny sound effects to entertain.

Lola Igna

Lola Igna, another film by Eduardo Roy Jr., is about a foul-mouthed and stubborn old woman (Angie Ferro) who is just waiting for her end-time but her neighbours are hung up on her winning the title "the oldest living grandmother in the world." Her long lost great-great-grandson, Tim (Yves Flores), is an aspiring Vlogger who wants to latch on to her now-famous grandma but ends up giving her a new reason to live.

There are actually a lot of great Pinoy films you can watch on Netflix. Enjoy and happy watching!