Segurista deserved to win plum nominations and awards, specifically from GAWAD URIAN (the only reputable critics circle in the Philippines), which awarded it 9 awards, including the coveted 1996 Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Ruby Moreno) and Best Supporting Actor (Albert Martinez).
Initially rated as X-rated by the overly-conservative MTRCB, this film was redeemed by a B rating (considered excellent) deservingly bestowed by the FRB (Film Ratings Board). It eventually was picked by critics as the best film to represent the Philippines in the Oscars that year.
Some of the best films in Philippine Cinema usually revolved around depicting certain facets of the culture - in fact, those that go down in history as exemplary Filipino films almost always encapsulated particular issues a typical day-to-day filipino confronts, i.e. Insiang (rape), Manila by Night (decadence in city life), Manila sa Kuko Ng Mga Liwanag (survival), etc. Segurista does not rank very far from these exceptional classics.
At the time when it came out, Segurista's theme was relevant to the Filipinos because of the rising number of girls who were working as GROs (bar entertainer). The film almost accurately mirrored the life of these women. It depicted the story of a GRO's struggle against poverty, her redemption from sin, and eventually her tragic death. The film made viewers comprehend the hardships of someone who is playing the game of life. The story was filled with compassion, and the humanity aspect of it, I think, made it a critic's favorite. The portrayals of the actors were praise-worthy as well. Aldana played the voluptuous insurance agent by day, prostitute by night working girl. She manifested one of the most surprising performances of 1996. If not for Aldana's audacious rendition of the lead role, the film would have not garnered the praises it had reaped. Estrada portrayed the philandering husband impeccably. Martinez and Moreno were also on the top of their game (they won several supporting awards for their roles on this film). This was also the only great movie directed by T. Aguiluz. All of his films that followed this masterpiece were mediocre. This film is recommended to those who savor realism in Philippine Cinema. 10/10
