Watch Pare Ko

Pare Ko is a 1995 Filipino coming-of-age film directed by Jose Javier Reyes. The film follows the story of a group of high school friends living in Manila as they navigate the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and family. The film stars Mark Anthony Fernandez as Gabriel "Gabo" Bacarro, Jomari Yllana as Michael Angelo "Mike" Limjap, and Claudine Barretto as Anna Cabugatan. Gabo and Mike are best friends who are inseparable, even though they come from different backgrounds. Mike is from a wealthy family, while Gabo's family barely makes ends meet. Anna is the girl who captures Gabo's heart, but she also becomes a source of conflict between the two best friends.

The film deals with the universal themes of teenage angst, first love, peer pressure, and the struggles of growing up. It explores the dynamics of friendship, especially in the face of difficult situations. Gabo and Mike's friendship is tested when they both fall in love with Anna. The boys soon find themselves in a love triangle, which threatens to destroy their friendship.

Aside from the love triangle, the film also tackles other issues that are common to teenagers. These include drug use, bullying, and academic pressure. The boys' friendship is challenged when they are exposed to drug use and are pressured to try it out. Gabo and Mike have different reactions to the situation, and this leads to another conflict between them.

Aside from the main characters, the film features other colorful characters that add to the story's richness. There's Anna's older sister, who serves as a role model for the other characters. There's also the wise old taxi driver who becomes an unlikely confidant for Gabo. The film's soundtrack also features some of the most beloved Pinoy rock songs from the time, including the titular "Pare Ko" by the Eraserheads.

What makes Pare Ko a classic Filipino coming-of-age movie is its realistic portrayal of teenage life in the 90s. The film takes place in Manila, and it captures the city's grittiness and vibrancy. The characters speak in a mix of Tagalog and English, reflecting the Filipino youth's hybrid language during that time. The film's themes and issues are also timeless, making it relatable to teenagers even today.

Overall, Pare Ko is a nostalgic look back into the 90s Filipino youth's lives. It's a film that celebrates the joys and pains of adolescence and the enduring power of friendship. With its authentic storytelling, memorable characters, and great soundtrack, it's no wonder that Pare Ko has become a classic film that continues to resonate with audiences to this day.