The film marked the first time for the fast-rising stars Joyce Jimenez and Mark Anthony Fernandez worked together on a movie project.
The late ‘90s and the early 2000s are widely known for seeing the re-emergence of sexy films, as classic action films began to wane out in popularity. Viva Films, Seiko Films, OctoArts, and several smaller production houses hop on the bandwagon of producing the new ‘bomba’ films. These are the years when movies with one-word titles like Talong (1999), Itlog (2018), and Kangkong (2001), made waves in local cinema. Double-meaning titles like Patikim Ng Pinya (1996), Kapag Ang Palay Naging Bigas, May Bumayo (2002), and Tag-Ulan Ngayon Ang Bukid Ay Basa (2005), also caught the attention of not just male viewers , but also regular ones who were simply amused by the funny titles.
During this era, several sexy stars rose to fame, including Diana Zubiri, Ana Capri, Criselda Volks, Aleck Bovick, Maui Taylor, and of course, Joyce Jimenez. Jimenez starred her first film in 1997 via Neo Films’ Trabaho Lang Dear, Walang Personalan. She had a couple more sexy films before she and Mark Anthony Fernandez teamed up. Fernandez, then, was rising as an action movie star, after being cast in various leading man roles in romcom and drama films.
Biyaheng Langit follows Bea (Joyce Jimenez), a bored young Filipino-American who’s been itching to return to the United States. She needed to raise five thousand dollars to be able to afford the flight home. To do that, she joined her grandmother (played by the late Nida Blanca) in playing at the casino. They gambled all night to ease their boredom and worries, while also earning a fortune. Bea met the handsome billiard player, Danny (Mark Anthony Fernandez) at the casino. They immediately had a connection and they started to engage in an intimate romantic affair. Bea found out that Danny is a lucky gambler; she promptly enlisted his help to raise the amount she needs by playing at a casino, while she also promised to give him his ample share.
However, as it is to many who try their luck at gambling, what is planned to be a one-time big-time play, ultimately led to addiction. It then became clear to Bea and Danny they just plunged into an inescapable world, where danger and chaos are perpetually lurking.
Biyaheng Langit showcased an all-star cast that also includes John Arcilla, Susan Africa, Menggie Cobarrubias, and Vangie Labalan. The film opened in Philippine cinemas on October 25, 2000.
Browse through the photo gallery below to see still and set photos from the film. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and recollection about the movie in the comment section below:
