At the announcement of official entries to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) on Monday, the most applause was neither given to Superstar Nora Aunor or box office comedy actors Ai-Ai delas Alas and Vice Ganda who generously graced the jam-packed news conference.

Surprisingly, the show of appreciation was directed at Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino who has evidently gained the confidence of the Philippine Movie Industry.

In introducing the Metro Manila czar, longtime MMFF executive committee member and showbiz advocate Boots Anson-Roa lavished praises on the man who has significantly helped boost revenues of the annual movie extravaganza.

“Hindi lang malikahian ang MMDA chairman natin dahil sa mga innovations na ginawa niya para sa ating Metro Manila Film Festival,” she began. “He is also very hands on in this yearly festival. Tinutu-tukan niya kaming lahat! At mayroon siyang kakaibang feel or radar sa panganga-ilangan ng industriya, which is why we are very blessed to have him as our chairman.”

In response, it was also evident that Tolentino has a good grasp of the goings on in the local movie scene. “After Skyfall, Twilight, there is another Filipino film, then the Hobbit, and soon, we will be opening the 2012 MMFF,” he enumerated the big Hollywood movies that precede the one time in the year where only Filipino movies are shown for a fortnight across the country.

“Sabi ko nga, parang traffic lang ang pag-solusyon sa mga problema ng festival,” he continued. “Lahat niyan ay triangle—sa traffic, yan ang driver, road condition, and vehicle. Pag-maayos lahat yan, maaayos ang takbo ng traffic.

“Sa film fest, ang triangle, ang moviegoer, ang film industry at ang executive committee. Pag alam mo lahat ang kailangan nila, magiging maayos ang MMFF.”

Tolentino then returned the praises to hardworking committee of the MMFF—among them the godparents of local showbiz, Jesse Ejercito, Marichu Maceda, Leo Martinez and Boots Anson-Roa—whose cooperation and knowledge of the industry is very valuable in his chairmanship and the overall success of the festival.

“Sila ang mga larawan ng film industry—masipag at matiyaga,” Tolentino commended.

Tolentino is commended for the New Wave Section of the MMFF, introduced in 2011, which showcases the works of student filmmakers in order to ensure a continued wellspring of talents for the industry.

This year, there are five official entries in this category, namely Ad Ignorantiam, Gayak, In Nomine Matris, Paglaya sa Tanikala, and Grave Bandits, many of which have popular actors in their casts.

As for the eight official entries of the main event, the movie outfits of the country’s biggest television networks landed most of the coveted spots. They are:

El Presidente, starring Nora Aunor, E.R. Ejercito, Cristine Reyes and Cesar Montano (Scenema Concept International);

One More Try, starring Angel Locsin, Dingdong Dantes, Angelica Panganiban, and Zanjoe Marudo (Star Cinema);

Shake, Rattle & Roll 14, starring Iza Calzado, Lovi Poe, Dennis Trillo, and Mutya Orquia (Regal Films);

Si Agimat, Si Enteng at Ako, starring Vic Sotto, Bong Revilla Jr. and Judy Ann Santos (Octoarts Films, M-Zet Productions, Imus Productions, APT Entertainment, and GMA Films);

Sisteraka, starring Kris Aquino, Ai-Ai de las Alas, Vice Ganda, Kathryn Bernardo, and Daniel Padilla    (Star Cinema and Viva Films);    

Sossy Problems, starring Heart Evangelista, Rhian Ramos, Solenn Heussaff, and Bianca (GMA Films);

The Strangers, starring Julia Montes, Enrique Gil and Enchong Dee (Quantum Films); and

Thy Womb, starring Nora Aunor, Bembol Roco, Lovi Poe, and Mercedes Cabral (Centerstage Productions).

In his advocacy to boost the confidence of young filmmakers and independent producers, believing that they will guarantee the future of the industry, Tolentino sought the help of young director Paul Soriano this year for the CinePhone category. Featured in this section are informative shorts regarding traffic in Metro Manila shot entirely using mobile phones.

“I hope that next year we will add another new section, which will be devoted to animation. Naniniwala ako na kaya ng Pilipino na gumawa ng mga pelikulang puwedeng ihanay sa Ice Age at mga katulad pa nitong pelikula,” Tolentino ended.

With such a fan and supporter of the movie industry like Tolentino, there might just be bigger and better Metro Manila Film Festivals to come.