for at least three times. It was slated to be part of the 1996 Metro Manila Film Festival, but did not make it to the cutoff. It was initially scheduled to be premiered on February 17, 1997 with the opening day to be held two days later but was delayed reportedly due to protests from the government of the United Arab Emirates. The film's premiere was then rescheduled to March 6, 1997, but was postponed again due to protests from Muslim Screenwriters' Club who reportedly says that the film may potentially damage the public's views on the Muslim culture and traditions. Director Lamangan responded to the criticism that he was secure on the way on how he portrayed the story of Sarah Balabagan, the Middle East, and Islam and laments that Muslim critics of the film is barring a film they have never seen before. Balabagan herself together with Lamangan attended the March premiere which was cancelled in the last minute because the film didn't have a permit. In mid-March, then-President Fidel V. Ramos postponed the showing of the film, saying it may damage the country's relationship with the UAE and it may jeopardize the efforts of the government to save another Overseas Filipino Worker, John Aquino who was sentenced to death in 1989. A retrial was called for Aquino in December 1996. The film was finally released on October 15, 1997. Prior to that, Viva Films agreed with the government of the UAE to delete 22 scenes from the biopic in order for it to be released to theaters. Reception Vina Morales received three Best Actress nominations for her role as Sarah Balabagan. References External links 1997 films Films set in the 1990s Philippine biographical films Philippine films based on actual events Films based on biographies Films set in the United Arab Emirates Films directed by Joel Lamangan