| Sa Aking Mga Kamay | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical poster | |
| Directed by | Rory B. Quintos |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Story by | Olivia M. Lamasan |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Romeo "Romy" Vitug |
| Edited by | Jesus "Jess" Navarro |
| Music by | Nonong Buencamino |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Star Cinema |
Release date |
|
Running time | 115 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Languages | Filipino English |
Sa Aking Mga Kamay (English: In My Own Hands) is a 1996 Philippine psychological thriller drama film directed by Rory B. Quintos. The film stars Christopher de Leon, Aga Muhlach and Chin Chin Gutierrez.[1] The screenplay written by Ricky Lee, Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario, and Benjou Elgincolin was adapted from an original story by Olivia M. Lamasan.
Produced and originally released by Star Cinema on March 7, 1996, it was digitally restored and remastered by ABS-CBN Film Restoration and Central Digital Lab in 2017. A streaming series that serves as a follow-up to the film, Cattleya Killer, was released on June 1, 2023.
Plot
Gene Rivera (Aga Muhlach), a handsome young man who works as a director for television commercials is also notorious as a serial killer known as "The Cattleya Killer". His modus is he will lure every married women, and will make love with him, then he murders them. The dead bodies of the victims are left with a cattleya flower.
Joven dela Rosa (Christopher de Leon), an agent from the National Bureau of Investigation, investigates the murders along with his partner Dino. His time investigating the cases made his wife Camille feel neglected. Especially that their only son Benjie is a nyctophobia. Gene is often visited by his uncle Rolando Galvez, who took care of him after his father died. Upon investigating the killer, he found out that the killer would bring his victim to Tagaytay. Gene brought his new victim, Erlinda Sioson to their family's private resort. Rolando found out about Gene's trip so he decided to go. After having sexual advances with Erlinda, Gene tried to kill her, but she fought back. Gene hit Erlinda with a baseball bat. Rolando found out what happened and was about to call the police. But Gene begged because of his past life as a child. They carefully clean the house and was about to bring Erlinda's body somewhere. As Joven and Dino arrived, Gene hid himself. Joven and Rolando exchanged shots until Joven shot Rolando killing him instantly. Even though Rolando was murdered, he's not the killer as his blood type is not the same as the blood type of the killer. But, Erlinda survived, however, she might become disabled for life after what happened to her. Joven tried to talk to her, but her husband doesn't want to cooperate. Upon learning about his guardian's death, Gene would exact his revenge against Joven.
At school while waiting for Benjie, Gene befriended Camille. The two had developed mutual feelings with each other. Gene said that he has a deceased son named Jonathan. Gene would also do the same thing to Joven, this time under a different persona. When Gene invited Camille to his house, he narrates about his past. As a child, he was often been locked up by his mother everytime he makes mistakes, including when he accidentally broke a vase with a cattleya flower. Until, one night, he witnessed his father murders his mother, because of infidelity, afterwards, Gene's father killed himself. Gene confessed his love for Camille and the two made an intimate affair. But, Camille insisted that what they've done is wrong, but Gene violently overpowered Camille and raped her. She told to Joven that someone dragged her. Camille then received a videotape. It found out that Gene recorded the video of his sexual advances to Camille. Gene called and said that he has her wedding ring. He threatened her to say to Joven about her infidelity.
Joven and Gene talked each other about Camille. When asked if what he will do if his wife is having an affair, but he asked the same question to Gene. He replied that he will kill her. Joven would found out about Camille having an affair with another man. Gene would then threaten Camille and said to go to his house. Joven received a gun from Gene. But, he saw an icon of a cattleya, the same as the mirror that has the same icon. He and Dino decided to go to the hospital where Erlinda is. When Camille went to Gene's house for her wedding ring, she saw pictures of different women including Camille, as well as different wedding rings. Indicating that he's the "Cattleya Killer". He was about to kill Camille, but she managed to escape. Joven and Dino went to the hospital, despite the rage of Erlinda's husband. He showed to Erlinda Joven's group picture where Gene's is included. She was deeply traumatized upon seeing Gene's face. Joven realized that Gene is the serial killer. As Camille tried to escape with Benjie, Gene caught them. They went to Gene's house and saw some of the wedding rings of his victims. He was also shocked that Camille's wedding ring was also there. He the hurriedly went to his house, and saw the sex video of Gene and Camille, and said to go to the location where Gene took his wife and son. Dino asked Joven to call for back-up. But he refused because this will be his fight. Gene brought Camille and Benjie to Gene's ancestral house. He said to Benjie that they will play hide and seek, and Benjie is the it. Despite being nyctophobic, he ran. Gene said that he's killing is his revenge on unfaithful married women, and to Joven who killed Rolando. Camille and Benjie tried to escape but they would be caught by Gene. Joven and Dino came, but Dino was gunned by Gene. Both Gene and Joven fought each other. As he held Benjie, Gene told Joven to kill Camille, or he will kill his son. As Joven points a gun to Camille, he's actually pointing at a mirror near her and shot it. He then shot and killed Gene.
Joven said to Benjie that he should no longer fear of everything. Benjie underwent psychological counseling and Camille said that he needs vacation time for him to forget. Joven said that he will file for a leave to spend more time with his family. He then put Camille's wedding to her finger and hugged each other.
Cast
Main cast
- Christopher de Leon as Joven dela Rosa: An agent of the NBI who was assigned to track the trail of the serial killer named Gene Rivera. He is married to Camille and they have a son, Benjie.
- Aga Muhlach as Gene Rivera: A psychopathic serial killer, known under the alias of the "Cattleya Killer". His motive is to make a relationship with young women by seducing them and then, kill them afterward. Because of his notoriety as a serial killer, Joven was assigned to kill him.
- Stefano Mori as young Gene
- Chin Chin Gutierrez as Camille dela Rosa: Joven's wife and mother to their son, Benjie. She is the latest victim of Gene, who preyed on beautiful and married women.
- Kier Legaspi as Dino: Joven's partner in the NBI.
- Amy Austria as Anne: One of Joven's workmates in the NBI office. She described Gene Rivera as a "psychopath".
- Robert Arevalo as Rolando Galvez: Gene's uncle who caught him in the aftermath of a killing.
- Karl Angelo Legaspi as Benjie dela Rosa: Joven and Camille's son.
- Teresa Loyzaga as Sally Vitan: Camille's best friend.
Other cast
- Tess Michelena as Carmen
- Mae-ann Adonis as Dang
- Rosemarie Gil as Camille's Mom
- Ramil Rodriguez as Camille's Dad
- Romeo Rivera as Boss of NBI
- Orestes Ojeda as Gene's Dad
- Tata Melendez as Gene's Mom
- Rachel Lobangco as Erlinda Sioson (Victim #2)
- Cris Michelena as Victim #2's husband
- Tracy B. Montelibano as Newscaster
- Manny Mendoza as Field Reporter
- Zaffy Alonzo, Shannen Torres, and Patricia Ann Bermudez as Victims
- Jon Santillan-Wong, Marcel Sagum, Albert Guia, Francis Danuelas, Arman Drigo, Stan Sambrano, Alzie Mascenon, Eric Laygo, and Wilson Santiago as NBI Agents
- Archie Adamos, Jhop Bahian, Manolo Quequing, Edgar Buenavides, Robert Camisik, Lito Paraiso, and Abel Lagmay as Goons
- Eddie Albert Ramos and Princess Ann Schuck as Hostaged Children
- Arnold Montes and Bobet Aniversario as Waiters
- Jaime Hizon and Raffy Garcia as Joven's Brothers-in-Law
- Imelda Trinidad and Jeanette Tan as Joven's Sisters-in-Law
- Vic Gabion and Noel Lazaro as Security Guards
- The Powerdance Group as Commercial Dancers
- Noel Sandoval, Jojo Lopez, Benny Bautista as Policeman, Nido De Jesus, and Jun Dada as Policemen
- Raul Agravante as Reportermille's son
Production
The film was given acknowledgment by the National Bureau of Investigation and Makati Medical Center.
Casting and shooting
Aga Muhlach, playing the role of Gene Rivera, stated that his role was a challenge for him because it was different playing a serial killer, rather than his usual role as a leading man in romantic drama films. While the film was shooting, he admitted that he was not prepared to face Christopher de Leon, who played the role of Joven dela Rosa, an agent from the NBI who was assigned to find Gene and kill him.[1]
Christopher de Leon also admitted that even though he said that it was a very interesting role, the references to the NBI made him feel anxious and worried, but the experience in the criminal investigation field during the shoot allowed him to shape his character better.[2]
Reception
Critical reception
Jay Cruz of Sinegang PH gave the film 4 out of 5 stars and praises Ricky Lee's writing, Rory Quintos' direction, and the respective acting performances of Aga Muhlach and Christopher de Leon.[3] DJ Ramones of Reverse Delay gave a positive review, praising the film's written story by Olivia Lamasan and screenplay by Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario, Ricky Lee, and Benjou Elgincolin; Romeo Vitug's photography that has similarity to the 1991 film Hihintayin Kita sa Langit; and the characters portrayed in the film.[4]
Accolades
| Year | Award-Giving Body | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | FAMAS Awards | Best Actress | Chin Chin Gutierrez | Nominated |
Television sequel
In 2022, ABS-CBN announced a follow-up to the film, a television series for international audiences titled Cattleya Killer. The series premiered on June 1, 2023 on Prime Video, directed by Dan Villegas, written by Dodo Dayao, and produced by its executive producer Ruel S. Bayani. Arjo Atayde plays the role of Anton dela Rosa and Christopher de Leon, reprises the role of Joven dela Rosa.[5] It would also star Jake Cuenca, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ricky Davao, Nonie Buencamino, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Ketchup Eusebio, Jojit Lorenzo, Rafa Siguion-Reyna and Jane Oineza in the project.[6]
References
- 1 2 Red, Isah V. (March 10, 1996). "Are you ready for mad dog Aga?". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. p. 28. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
- ↑ Red, Isah V. (March 17, 1996). "At 39, Christopher de Leon comes to terms with his craft, life, and Christopher de Leon". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. p. 32. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
- ↑ Cruz, Jay (March 23, 2021). ""Sa Aking Mga Kamay" REVIEW: A Killer Heartthrob Meets A Broken Family". Sinegang. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
- ↑ Montero, DJ (April 13, 2017). ""Sa Aking Mga Kamay" (1996): The dual faces of crime and passion". Reverse Delay. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
- ↑ "All-Star cast of ABS-CBN's int'l project "Cattleya Killer" revealed". Manila Bulletin. February 3, 2022. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
- ↑ Anarcon, James Patrick (February 3, 2022). "Arjo Atayde's co-stars in Cattleya Killer revealed; GMA-7 actor is joining cast". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved April 25, 2022.