The Debut (2000)
"One night can change a lifetime."

Title: The Debut
Original Title: The Debut
Release Date: 2000-05-18
Status: Released
Rating: 6/10 (from 6 votes)
Language: EN
Genres: Drama
Production Companies: Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), National Asian American Telecommunications Association
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.
Cast

Dante Basco
Ben Mercado

Jayson Schaal
Doug

Brian Card
Dave

Mindy Spence
Jennifer

Nicole Hawkyard
Susie

Brandon Martinez
Rick

Ernie Zarate
Tito Lenny

Gina Alajar
Gina Mercado

Bernadette Balagtas
Rose Mercado

Derek Basco
Edwin Mercado