Madrasta (film)

Madrasta (lit. 'Stepmother') is a 1996 Philippine family drama film written and directed by Olivia M. Lamasan, with Ricky Lee serving as the co-writer. Starring Sharon Cuneta and Christopher de Leon, the film revolves around a woman who struggles with her life as the stepmother of her husband's children from his first wife. The film clinched Cuneta a Grandslam Best Actress honor, recognized her as Best Actress from all major award-giving bodies in the Philippines, while its strong showing at the box-office conferred to Cuneta, another Box-Office Queen award.

Produced and distributed by Star Cinema, it was theatrically released on August 14, 1996, and it is Cuneta's first film outside her home studio, Viva Films. During its initial release, the film was a box office success where it became the highest-grossing film produced by the film studio at the time. In May 1998, it received an Asian television screening through an international movie channel, Cinemax. The film has been digitally remastered and restored by ABS-CBN Film Archives and Central Digital Lab.

Plot
The loving and nurturing Mariel (Sharon Cuneta) marries Edward (Christopher de Leon) after his first wife abandons him and took responsibility as a mother to his three children (Claudine Barretto, Patrick Garcia and Camille Prats). Mariel strives to win the acceptance and affection of her new stepchildren. Even as she tries to define her role in the family she is still just a stepmother no matter what. She must learn how to cope and be a part of their lives. Directed by Lamasan, this provocative film explores issues of love, trust, and what it means to be a family.

Cast

 * Sharon Cuneta as Mariel Chavez
 * Christopher de Leon as Edward Chavez
 * Zsa Zsa Padilla as Sandra
 * Nida Blanca as Fides
 * Tita Muñoz as Ninay Chavez
 * Eula Valdez as Irene
 * Claudine Barretto as Rachel Chavez
 * Patrick Garcia as Ryan Chavez
 * Camille Prats as Liza Chavez
 * Rico Yan as Dodie
 * Teresa Loyzaga as Luchie
 * Cris Villanueva as Dan
 * Koko Trinidad as Lolo
 * Vangie Labalan as Manang
 * Cheng Avellana as Lenlen
 * Mai Guevarra as a classmate of Liza