 Director Lino Brocka (qv) was initially offered to do the movie.  Brocka wanted Hilda Koronel (qv) in the lead role. But Viva Films  could not wait for Hilda, who was then trimming down as she gained  so much weight at that time. Viva wanted to start the movie which  was part of its anniversary offering in 1985. The project went to  Leroy Salvador (qv) with Nora Aunor (qv) on the lead.