The Debut

Overview

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.

Director: Gene Cajayon

Cast

Dante Basco

Ben Mercado

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Jayson Schaal

Doug

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Brian Card

Dave

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Mindy Spence

Jennifer

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Nicole Hawkyard

Susie

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Brandon Martinez

Rick

Ernie Zarate

Tito Lenny

Gina Alajar

Gina Mercado

Bernadette Balagtas

Rose Mercado

Derek Basco

Edwin Mercado