Review of Salitan (2024 VIVAMAX Film):

Veering away from the Sharon Cuneta-Gabby Concepcion tandem, Viva became home to quality dramatic films. The “glossy” production of films such as Sinasamba Kita, Palimos ng Pag-ibig, Saan Darating Ang Umaga?, Kung Mahawi Man Ang Ulap and Paano Ba Ang Mangarap? won critical and commercial acclaims. Viva Films also made a documentary film on the Puerto Rican boyband Menudo on their visit to the Philippines in 1985.

Viva launched then-supporting actor Phillip Salvador as an action star in the movie Boy Negro. It was also instrumental in introducing to the public Robin Padilla (Bad Boy and Anak ni Baby Ama) and Raymart Santiago (Noel Juico: Batang Kriminal) as new action stars. Veteran action stars Eddie Garcia, Rudy Fernandez, Bong Revilla Jr. and Fernando Poe, Jr. also made movies for Viva.

Viva became later known as home to quality youth-oriented films, starting with the 1984 breakthrough flick, Bagets. The movie was top billed by William Martinez and launched the careers of then unknowns J.C. Bonnin, Herbert Bautista, Raymond Lauchengco and Aga Muhlach.