Dyesebel is a 1996 Philippine fantasy film directed by Emmanuel Borlaza. Based on a Philippine graphic novel of the same title by Mars Ravelo, the film stars Charlene Gonzales as the titular mermaid.
Contents
Plot
Tino, a fisherman live a simple life with his wife Lucia. Until Lucia got pregnant, and gave birth to a mermaid, whom they named Dyesebel. One day, Dyesebel ran away from home and went to another fishing village. There people took her claiming that mermaids caused bad luck to them. Tino and Lucia came to save Dyesebel. Lucia asked Dyesebel to go far while Tino was beaten to death by some fishermen who took Dyesebel, who was adopted by another mermaid named Banak.
Cast
Charlene Gonzales as Dyesebel
Matthew Mendoza as Fredo
Gloria Diaz as Banak
Jaclyn Jose as Lucia
Julio Diaz as Tino
Albert Martinez as Gildo
Kristine Garcia as Betty
Gary Estrada as Juno
Charina Scott as Young Dyesebel
Maritoni Fernandez as Dyangga
Dindi Gallardo as Bangenge
Marita Zobel as Issa
Romeo Rivera as Nilo
Don Pepot as Mang Kiko
Vivian Lorraine as Minda
Ama Quiambao as Instructress
Production
The film was announced in 1994 with Ana Roces initially cast as the titular mermaid. However, due to her weight problems at that time, the role was later on given to Charlene Gonzales. This prompted Roces to leave Viva Films the following year.
The character portrayed by Gonzales first appeared in the 1994 film Ang Pagbabalik ni Pedro Penduko.
Release
The film was slated to be released in late January 1996. However, it was pushed back to January 4, the original release date of Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa, which was having release issues in Metro Manila theaters.