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Bembol Roco

Bembol Roco

Actor · Born November 20, 1953 (72) · Manila, Philippines

Rafael Aranda Roco, Jr. (born November 20, 1953), popularly known as Bembol Roco, is a Filipino actor whose work ranges from films to television. He is famous for his critically acclaimed role as Julio Madiaga in Maynila: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag ("Manila in the Claws of Light"). Though he acts in his country's films, he also had an important role in the 1982 Australian-U.S. film The Year of Living Dangerously. He also portrayed villain roles in Philippine action movies due to his signature bald head as well as various supporting roles. Bem starred in Sine Novela: Tinik sa Dibdib. He has twin sons named Felix and Dominic. Roco appeared in a minor role in 2010's Dagim, a Cinema One Original film directed by Joaquin Pedro Valdes, about the strange goings-on in a remote mountain province. He is well known to be most collaborative works with the late Lino Brocka, where he is a part of a group of actors called "Brocka babies",[5][6] and directors such as Ishmael Bernal, Chito S. Roño, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, and Joel Lamangan in the late twentieth century.

Read more

Biography from TMDB.

Born
November 20, 1953 (72)
From
Manila, Philippines
Works as
Actor
Titles
19 on MovieCove · 141 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 156 days to Oct 27Down 3% in 30 days

What are Bembol Roco's films like?

Across their 15 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Survival.

Genres

Drama8 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 74th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies
Comedy3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 49th percentile
: browse their Comedy movies
Action2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 62nd percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Action movies
Crime2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 49th percentile
: browse their Crime movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Bonds
37%
Survival
20%
Self
18%
Power
9%
Morality
8%
Society
5%
Ideas
4%
Romantic love8 titles, browse their movies with this themeSelf-worth3 titles, browse their movies with this themeFriendship2 titles, browse their movies with this themeGrief4 titles, browse their movies with this themeWar2 titles, browse their movies with this themeFaith2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 15 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Serious: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their serious movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

A split, not a type: Light 4 · Serious 1 · Dark 10

Grounded: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their grounded movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 13 · Stylized 2 · Heightened 0

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 2 · Charged 7 · Intense 6

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

A split, not a type: Steady 9 · Shifting 6 · Whiplash 0

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 10 · Some laughs 5 · Funny 0

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

A split, not a type: Slow burn 8 · Even-paced 7 · Relentless 0

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 5 · Engaged 8 · Full focus 2

Heavy: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their heavy movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

Easy watch 3 · Affecting 2 · Heavy 10

Open-ended: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their open-ended movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

A split, not a type: Resolved 8 · Open-ended 4 · Ambiguous 3

Roles they play

5 analyzed roles

Usually the Hero: 2 of 5 analyzed roles.

Hero
2 of 5
Threshold guardian
1 of 5
Ally
1 of 5
Shadow
1 of 5

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Melancholic
13
Tense
8
Dread
5
Romantic
5
Hopeful
5
Other
6

How their films linger

Haunting6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteDevastating3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 2 with a twist

  • Happy2
  • Bittersweet8
  • Tragic3
  • Ambiguous2

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Bembol Roco's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 7 of their 19 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service.

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Bembol Roco's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

141 credits, 19 with a MovieCove page; 5 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • The Hollowed (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2026)

    Actor

  • Nasaan si Hesus? (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    as Congressman Carramba

  • The Time That Remains(2025)

    as Angua Jr.

    Midcredits score: 26th percentile of all films

  • Kontrabida(2025)

    Actor

  • FANEY (The Fan) (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    as Edgar

  • Incognito (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    Show 128 episodes · as Ninong

  • May Puso Ba Ang Isang Manika? (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    as Manong Bert

  • Bilanggo ng Kinahinatnan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    Actor

  • X&Y (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    Actor

  • After All (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    as Abner

  • Pieta (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    as Francis

  • Nagalit Ang Patay sa Haba ng Lamay: Da Resbak (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    Actor

  • Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    Show 12 episodes · as Ulo

  • Big Bet(2022)

    Show 8 episodes · as Daniel

    Midcredits score: 47th percentile of all shows

  • Huwag Kang Lalabas (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2021)

    as Mandurugo (segment "Bahay")

  • Nerisa(2021)

    as Badong

    Midcredits score: 15th percentile of all films

  • Happenstance (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

    Show 9 episodes · Actor

  • Adan(2019)

    as Lucas / Ellen's father

    Midcredits score: 29th percentile of all films

  • Manila Is Full of Men Named Boy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Rodrigo

  • Sakaling maging tayo(2019)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 68th percentile of all films

  • Dark Is the Night (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Actor

  • The One That Got Away (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Show 88 episodes · as Pancho Makalintal

  • Smaller and Smaller Circles(2017)

    as NBI Director Francisco Lastimosa

    Midcredits score: 68th percentile of all films

  • AWOL (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as Amang

  • Baconaua (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as Mang Danny

  • What Home Feels Like (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    Actor

  • Pauwi Na (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    as Mang Pepe

  • Ringgo: The Dog Shooter (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    Actor

  • Toto (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    Actor

  • Little Nanay (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    Show 93 episodes · as Lolo Berting Batongbuhay

  • Felix Manalo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Quintin Rivera

  • Ka-Relasyon: Talent (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Warren

  • Blindfold (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    Actor

  • Gangster Lolo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    Actor

  • Three (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    Actor

  • K'na, The Dreamweaver (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    as North Chieftain

  • Tinik (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    Actor

  • Porno (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    Actor

  • Ang Pirata (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    Actor

  • May Isang Pangarap (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    Show 83 episodes · as Turing

  • Thy Womb (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    as Bangas-An

  • Melodrama Negra (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    Actor

  • One True Love (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    Show 85 episodes · as Henry Sandoval

  • Ikaw Ay Pag-Ibig (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    Show 50 episodes · as Police Inspector (Lieutenant) Robert Jimenez

  • Aswang(2011)

    as Moises

    Midcredits score: 19th percentile of all films

  • Sa Ngalan ng Ina (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    Show 25 episodes · as Mayor Armando "Amang" Deogracias

  • Amigo(2010)

    as Policarpio

    Midcredits score: 52nd percentile of all films

  • Fable of the Fish (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    as Miguel

  • Forever and a Day(2011)

    as Gerry

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • Sisid (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    Show 79 episodes · as Segismundo Zaragoza

  • Dagim (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    as Tolome

  • Beauty Queen (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    Show 80 episodes · as Anya / Angelo Castillo

  • Pitas (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    as Kabo

  • Miss You Like Crazy(2010)

    as Efren Samonte

    Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all films

  • Tinik Sa Dibdib (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    Show 85 episodes · as Tiburcio "Tibo" Yadao

  • Oh, My Girl! A Laugh Story... (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    as Director

  • UPCAT (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Mang Avelino

  • Carnivore (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    Actor

  • Iisa Pa Lamang (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    Show 85 episodes · as Martin Dela Rhea

  • Manila in the Fangs of Darkness (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Kontra Madiaga

  • Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Show 78 episodes · as Tomas Arroyo

  • Batanes (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    as Boy

  • Pi7ong Tagpo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    as Fred Rodriguez (segment "Toga")

  • Ang M.O.N.A.Y ni Mr. Shooli (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Actor

  • Faces of Love (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Actor

  • Asian Treasures (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Show 118 episodes · as Marcus Vergara

  • Donsol(2006)

    as Fidel

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • First Day High(2006)

    as Investigator Matriponio

    Midcredits score: 45th percentile of all films

  • Sa Piling Mo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    Show 128 episodes · as Al Fernandez

  • Komiks (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    Show 76 episodes · Actor

  • Circumcision (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    Actor

  • The Great Raid(2005)

    as Henchman #2

    Midcredits score: 64th percentile of all films

  • The Son of Brocka (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    Actor

  • Boso (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    Actor

  • U Belt (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    Actor

  • Homecoming (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Actor

  • Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    Show 200 episodes · as Oscar

  • Markova: Comfort Gay(2000)

    as Puging

    Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all films

  • Palaban (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Actor

  • Bulaklak ng Maynila (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    as Roque

  • Esperanza: The Movie(1999)

    as Luis

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Labs Ko Si Babe (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    Show 338 episodes · as Silvestre "Rocky" Escallon

  • 'Di Puwedeng Hindi Puwede (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    as Mendez

  • Mainit Na Bala (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    as Sgt. Garcia Acevero (as Rafael 'Bembol' Roco Jr.)

  • Matang agila (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    Actor

  • Ipaglaban Mo: The Movie II (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Sgt. Macatulos (episode 1)

  • Vulcan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Pulon, Pedring's Stepfather

  • Kamada (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Carlito

  • Iskalawag: Ang Batas Ay Batas (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    Actor

  • Wala Nang Iibigin Pang Iba (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Rufo

  • Tubusin Mo Ng Bala Ang Puso Ko (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Actor

  • Matimbang Pa sa Dugo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    as Sabater

  • Asero (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    as Spade

  • Ikaw Pa... Eh Love Kita (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    as Benjie

  • Iligpit si Bobby Ortega: Markang Bungo 2 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Actor

  • Lucas Abelardo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    as Chief

  • Talahib at Rosas (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    Actor

  • Nagkataon...Nagkatagpo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    as Guzman

  • Wating (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    as Bert

  • Leonardo Delos Reyes: Alyas Waway (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    as Kabo Bello

  • Noli Me Tangere (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Show 13 episodes · as Lucas

  • Sana'y Ikaw na Nga (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    as Mike

  • Kidlat ng Maynila: Joe Pring 2 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    Actor

  • Maalaala Mo Kaya (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    Show 1 episode · as Luis Catacutan

  • Anak ni Baby Ama (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    as Junior Bahala

  • Kapitan Paile: Hindi Kita Iiwanang Buhay! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Actor

  • Jabidah Massacre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Actor

  • Dirty Affair (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    as Falcon

  • Biokids (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    as Clown

  • Urbanito Dizon (The Most Notorious Gangster in Luzon) (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Actor

  • Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Rod

  • Fight for Us (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Major Kontra

  • Three Mothers, One Child (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Serafin 'Bok'

  • Gabi Na, Kumander (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Actor

  • Sobra Na, Tama Na, Asiong Aksaya (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Actor

  • 'Merika (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Mon Zablan

  • Mga Batang Yagit (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Actor

  • Bagets (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as The 'Sabets'

  • Over My Dead Body (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    as Gary

  • Once, There Was a Mother (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    as Allan

  • The Year of Living Dangerously(1982)

    as Kumar

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films

  • Five and the Skin (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Bembol

  • Pabling (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Actor

  • Raiders for Victory (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Actor

  • Gabi ng Lagim Ngayon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Abel

  • Ang Leon, ang Tigre, at ang Alamid (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Actor

  • Pinay, American Style (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Nonoy

  • Boy Kodyak (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Actor

  • Hayop sa Hayop (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Andro

  • Will I Always Be a Woman? (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Eric

  • Kampus? (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Norman

  • When the Crow Turns White, When the Heron Turns Black (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Dido (as Bembol Roco Jr.)

  • Boy Pana (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Actor

  • Isa-dalawa-tatlo: Ang tatay kong kalbo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Actor

  • Banta ng Kahapon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Sgt. Rigor

  • Sa Piling ng mga Sugapa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    Actor

  • Tisoy! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    as Julio Madiaga (uncredited)

  • Three Years Without God(1976)

    as Crispin

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films

  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Actor

  • The Tenants (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    as David

  • Manila in the Claws of Light(1975)

    as Julio Madiaga

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

Career shape

Star power in the 82nd percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 141 titles from 1975 to 2026; peak year 1975.

Biggest box office

The Year of Living Dangerously (1982)

$10M worldwide

Highest rated

Manila in the Claws of Light (1975)

Midcredits 97th

Most popular right now

The Year of Living Dangerously (1982)

Film career

19752026

Peak 1975 · fewer prominent film roles lately. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting141 of 141: 141 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score63rd

By decade

1970s16 · acting1980s15 · acting1990s31 · acting2000s25 · acting2010s37 · acting2020s17 · acting

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored.

How do Bembol Roco's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 64th percentile, the median of the 17 of 18 with a score; across their 14 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 64th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

64thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 14

Approval · how many liked their films

56thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 14

Reach · how many have seen their films

42ndpercentile
Typical film, the median of 14

Midcredits score across 18 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up5
  • 50th to 74th6
  • 25th to 49th5
  • Below 25th2

Shape of the crowd

5 of their 18 titles are Divisive.

  • Universally Loved1
  • Divisive5
  • Cult Classic4
  • Crowd Pleaser5
  • Mixed3

Most divisive · actor

Esperanza: The Movie (1999)

99th percentile spread · 47% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Manila in the Claws of Light (1975)

Midcredits 97th · 85% liked

Reviewers score the acting 71/100 in their films, across 8 reviewed titles; fans 81, detractors 44. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does Bembol Roco work with?

People who share at least 2 of Bembol Roco's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Marya Ignacio shares the most, 3.

Directors

Actors

Editors

Producers