It would have been easier if Bomba Star is to be simply considered as one of the so many sexy flicks that flood the local film industry in the 70s and 80s. But that would dismiss a whole lot the elements that defined the film.

An aspiring star dreams big and her fairy godmother that turned out to be a rich closeted bisexual photographer sent her sexy pics to producers who are looking for a new actress to lead in yet another racy flick aptly titled Bomba Star. But there are some problems. The aspiring star's mother who was once an actress herself is strongly against the idea of her daughter facing the difficulties accompanying the pressure of celebrity. An aging silverscreen diva (who turns out to be the mother's then showbiz rival) would do anything to get the Bomba Star leading role because the material would give her career the boost she needs.

Sounds exciting? Wrong. Stripping the story down to the basics, it's merely the Cinderella story rural girl-to-(amost)porn star version. But the late Gosiengfiao, who was known for his unconventional wit and mastery of camp, knows how to turn such so-so plot to the extreme. Aside from the tacky dance number and the wild uh campy songs, Bomba Star comes with an outrageous rampage that ends the flick. He kills all the minor characters in a stampede on premiere night, including the cameo role of the late Inday Badiday.

To call Bomba Star weird would be an understatement. However, it is but one of the hidden gems of the pito-pito genre, the so-called proto-digital indie movement.

8/10