The film earned around ₱10 million on the first day of its release.[2] By the end of its run, the film earned more than ₱100 million to become the first Philippine-produced film to have exceeded the ₱100M-mark in box office gross.[3][4][1][5] It is also FPJ's first and only film under Star Cinema.[6]
Synopsis
"Badong (FPJ) has been raising up his only child, Joey, ever since his wife died at an early age. Consequently, Joey grows up like her father, a boyish person who acts like a man. Together with Lola Benedicta (Anita Linda), Badong and Joey had been living happily, with the former protecting his child while the latter is helping his father with his auto repair shop. One day, Badong's childhood friend, Beth (Aileen Damiles), visits their location and they became close. However, Joey feels that Beth is trying to replace her late mother and that Beth is destroying her relationship with her father.[7]
The production team started filming during the first week of April 1999. During this time, Poe Jr. revealed that his first project with Santos under Star Cinema was first planned in 1997.[8]
However, the team encountered problems with the production fees. Because of substantial cost-cutting over the years, talent fees of the stars/cast had to be reduced.[2]
The film was Muñoz' first film project in the entertainment industry. He was, at the time, the current "Close-Up Boy" and was part of the eighth batch of ABS-CBN's Star Circle. On the other hand, his co-star, Santos, was thrilled to be her partner since they were former schoolmates in real life at Mt. Carmel High School in Quezon City.[8][9][10]
Music
The theme song of the film is entitled "Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko" (transl. Sing and I'll Dance), which was written by Joey De Leon and Vic Sotto of VST & Co., and performed by the stars Fernando Poe Jr. and Judy Ann Santos. It also features Rey Valera's song "Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo" (transl. If We'll Ever Be Apart), performed by Valera himself albeit with modified lyrics by Vehnee Saturno to better reflect the movie's theme of father and daughter relationship. Also used in the film was April Boy Regino's "Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin" (transl. I Can't Take It) performed by Leandro Muñoz.[11]
Reception
Box-office
Isusumbong Kita Sa Tatay Ko marked the first Philippine-produced film to have reached and exceeded ₱100 million in box office gross.[12][1]
The film received predominantly favorable reviews besides its commercial success. For instance, Sol Jose Vanzi of the Philippine Headline News Online noted, "It's a match produced in celluloid heaven, because he [Poe Jr.] is [the] king of Philippine movies while she [Santos] is considered today's drama princess."[8]
A few weeks after its release, the production team was already planning for a possible sequel.[2] The following year, plans for the sequel was brought up by Poe a couple of times. He mentioned that a script was being worked on but he was not satisfied with the results, adding that the draft at the time felt forced.[14] The sequel would have carried the title "Magpaalam Ka Muna sa Tatay Ko" and would have featured a different storyline.[15]
Santos then revealed that the sequel would have reunited her with her "Gimik" leading man, Rico Yan.[16] According to Santos, Poe himself wanted Yan to become part of the sequel.[16]
The plans never came to fruition as Yan died in 2002,[17] followed by Poe himself in 2004.[18]
