The Debut (2000)
Drama
Filipino-American high school student Ben (Dante Basco) works in a comic book shop to earn money to pay his way into Cal Arts. His father, a postman, is determined that his son--who has won a pre-med scholarship to UCLA--will become a doctor. The eighteenth birthday party of Ben's sister, Rose, sets off a comedic and touching series of events and family struggles that will in turn determine young Ben's future. This fresh independent production from Gene Cajayon presents a lighthearted and warm coming-of-age tale filtered through the eyes of an American subculture rarely seen on film.
Cast
Ben Mercado
Doug
Annabelle Manalo
Roland Mercado
Augusto
Rommel
Lolo Carlos
Dave
Jennifer
Susie
Rick
Tito Lenny
Gina Mercado
Rose Mercado
Edwin Mercado
Crew
Director
Writer
Writer
Editor
Production Design
Production Sound Mixer
Director of Photography
Original Music Composer