38TH METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL
Much like our customary monito-monita or exchange of gifts, Simbang Gabi and the Noche Buena, Christmas in the Philippines will never be complete without the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Now on its 38th year, the MMFF has become an essential part of the Filipino holiday celebrations like family reunions and homecoming gatherings. And while some would argue that the festival has been quite inconsistent in showcasing the best works of our local filmmakers in lieu of more commercial (read: formulaic) movies, it remains to be the grandest spectacle that reflects our colorful film culture.

Relax – see a movie
The Metro Manila Film Festival was established in 1975 by virtue of Metro Manila Commission Executive Order 86-09, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation Nos. 1459, 1485, 1533, 1533-A and 1647, in recognition of the role of the film industry in providing artistic depictions of both the country’s culture and history.

The festival runs from December 25 to the first week of January. During these two weeks no foreign movies are shown in cinemas throughout the country. This year, the MMFF will begin with a grand Parade of Stars on Sunday, December 23, with the Gabi ng Parangal set for December 27.

Throughout its history, the festival has showcased some of the most memorable movies ever produced in Philippine cinema such as Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa (1975); Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon (1976); Burlesk Queen (1977); Kisapmata (1981); Himala (1982); Karnal (1983); Jose Rizal (1998); Muro Ami (1999); and has likewise spawned movie franchises Shake, Rattle and Roll; Mano Po; Enteng Kabisote; and Tanging Ina.

Of crossovers and joint forces
Just as 2011 was a banner year for Philippine cinema in terms of box office receipts, the MMFF also grossed more than P630 million with the Vic Sotto and Ai Ai delas Alas’ starrer Enteng Ng Ina Mo becoming the festival’s highest grossing entry of all time with P237.89 million. It is also the third movie of the year to break the P200-million mark following The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin (P331.6 million) and No Other Woman (P278.39 million).

This year looks to be an even more competitive year with another crossover movie of the Agimat and Enteng franchises and the coming together of three box office personalities Kris Aquino, Ai- Ai delas Alas and Vice Ganda. It will also mark the return of Superstar Nora Aunor in the internationally acclaimed film Thy Womb, while Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito continues his quest to uplift the quality of local cinema with the Hollywood-ish El Presidente.

The other entries also evenly balance the festival, each one playing to their strengths and offering something new to their respective genres.

As MMFF Executive Committee Francis Tolentino said, “The entries for this year’s film festival are all worthy of international audience.”

So which one should you watch first? Check The Sunday Times Magazine’s special annual preview of the eight official entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival.

‘EL PRESIDENTE’
The Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Story and the First Philippine Republic
Genre: Historical/Action-Drama
Starring: Gov. Jeorge “ER”Estregan, Nora Aunor, Cristine Reyes, Cesar Montano, Christopher de Leon
Director: Mark Meily
Produced by: Scenema Concept
International

In 2011, Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito took a big gamble when he produced the black and white film Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story. His risk paid off as the movie was rated A by the Cinema Evaluation Board that eventually translated to numerous awards throughout the year.

This time, Gov. Ejercito takes on a more historic flick with a script that took almost 14 years to complete. El Presidente he says seeks to tell the story of our greatest general and legendary hero, and the often controversial decisions he had to make that helped shape our nation.

El Presidente is the first full length film about the life of General Emilio Famy Aguinaldo and tells his story from the time he led the resistance against the Spaniards that led to the inauguration of the first democratic republic in Asia.

“There are three controversies in the life of Gen. Aguinaldo: The execution of the Bonifacio brothers, the murder of Gen. Antonio Luna, and the Treaty of Paris where Gen. Aguinaldo allegedly profited from the signing of the treaty. All three controversies shall be fairly addressed in the film, along with several other challenges,” he said in a news interview.

Gov. Ejercito said he wanted to create another epic film, a feat that is quite evident from the trailer and theme song written and performed by Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.Ap. It may also be the most star-studded entry with more than 50 notable actors in its cast.

In addition to its lead cast, the movie also stars Ronnie Lazaro, Bayani Agbayani, Gerald Ejercito, Allan Paule, Emilio Garcia, Wendell Ramos, John Arcilla, Mike Lloren, Ian De Leon, Felix Roco, Alireza Libre, Richard Manabat, Jerico Estregan, Gary Estrada, Allen Dizon, Will Devaugn, Crispin Pineda, Hero Bautista, Andro Morgan, Yul Servo, William Martinez, Ronnie Quizon, Epy Quizon, Alvin Anson, Lou Veloso, Sid Lucero, Sunshine Cruz, Joko Diaz, Romel Montano, Archie Adamos, Soliman Cruz, Roi Vinzon, Dennis Padilla, John Regala, Baron Geisler, Ian Veneracion, Tony Mabesa, Troy Montero, James Paolleli, Recto Cantimbulan, Joonee Gamboa, Mark Meily (who is also the director), Mav Lozano, Roldan Aquino, Lariel Castro, Darry Dela Cruz, Elaine Lozano, Maita Sanchez, Jhulia Ejercito, Jenny Javier, Gloria Sevilla, Maylyn Enriquez, Melissa Yotoko and Alicia Meyer.

‘SI AGIMAT, SI ENTENG KABISOTE AT SI AKO’
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Action
Starring Bong Revilla, Vic Sotto and Judy Ann Santos
Director: Tony Y. Reyes
Produced by: OctoArts Films, M-Zet, Imus Productions, Apt Entertainment
and GMA Films

Can five producers, three different worlds, two box office kings and a queen equal to no. 1?

Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. definitely thinks so.

His previous team up with Vic Sotto in Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote broke opening day box office records at the 2010 MMFF, and with the addition of Judy Ann Santos, the possibility of duplicating the feat isn’t impossible .

“We did our best to create a movie and spared no expense to create a movie that the entire family can enjoy; that is why I can say na pang-number one ang pelikula namin,” Revilla told The Sunday Times Magzine at his annual Christmas Party for the press.

“Our movie has everything—there’s comedy of course, drama, action, world-class special effects, and this time there is also an advocacy that the movie promotes so lahat nandoon sa movie namin.”

Since their first adventure, the friendship of the Amuleto warrior Agimat and Enteng Kabisote has grown. Now, Agimat strives to apply everything he has learned from Enteng and his fairy wife Faye, as he starts his own family with wife Samara.

Through Enteng’s daughter Aiza, they eventually meet Angelina Kalinisan-Orteza (Judy Ann Santos) or Ako, a leader of an environmental advocacy organization. Ako’s personality initially causes friction and jealousy between the two couples, but as a new threat emerges from the cannibal tribes of Tokatoks and alien monsters, the three heroes and their families find themselves forming an alliance to protect their respective worlds.

‘THY WOMB’
Genre: Drama
Starring: Nora Aunor, Lovi Poe and BembolRoco
Director: Brillante Mendoza
Produced by: Centerstage Productions and Solar Entertainment
Writer: Henry Burgos

It is hard to dismiss a movie that stars Nora Aunor, and even harder to ignore the work of award winning director Brillante Mendoza. Yet their movie Thy Womb was initially snubbed by the MMFF as it failed to make the first cut.

Believing in the quality of his film, director Brillante Mendoza brought it to several foreign film events, most notably the Venice International Film Festival where he and his film’s leading lady, Nora Aunor, each won a special award from independent film critics.

After her long hiatus from local showbiz, Aunor once again proved her mettle in acting as she captured the Italian film critics’ nod in the 69th Venice Film festival held this year.

Also, Thy Womb has been officially nominated for competition and is an early favorite at the coming Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), also, in the 43rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

In Thy Womb, Aunor plays the role of a barren Badjao wife who goes through the pain of sacrificing her personal happiness by allowing her husband, played by Bembol Roco, to get a second wife that will give them a child.

Despite the Muslim tradition which allows the husband to have more than one wife, the story illustrates a woman’s ultimate and decisive sacrifice.

Thy Womb was shot entirely in Tawi-tawi which portrayed the humble and serene life that the peace-loving Badjaos enjoyed. The film also showed the magnificent sceneries and the unique and colorful culture of the ethnic minorities that every Filipino must see.

“I hope that local moviegoers watch Thy Womb because this showcases an ethnic minority whose lifestyle is very much a part of our cultural heritage,” Mendoza stated.

With the movie back in the final eight, many are already predicting that its lead cast of Aunor, Poe and Roco will be walking away with the top acting trophies come awards night.

‘SISTERAKAS’
Genre: Comedy
Starring Vice Ganda, Kris Aquino and Ai-Ai Delas Alas, with Kathryn Bernaro and Daniel Padilla
Director: Wenn V. Deramas
Produced by: Star Cinema and Viva Entertainment

Vice Ganda’s The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin holds the distinction of being the Philippines’ top grossing movie of all time with P331.6 million. Ai Ai delas Alas’ Tanging Ina Series and Kris Aquino’s MMFF entries likewise easily surpass the P300 million mark, so it comes as no surprise that of all the entries this year, Sisterakas, is viewed as the biggest challenger to Agimat and Enteng’s hold on the number one spot.

In the story, Vice portrays the role of Bernice, a super successful “lord of the apparels industry” and business leader of the Ponytale Company who is determined to bring all her opponents down. Including her hardworking half-sister Detty (AiAi) whose family refused to help Bernice’s family when they were poor, and Roselle (Kris) the equally brilliant yet eccentric business arch nemesis.

In Bernice’s quest to secure her throne as the queen of her industry—and although it’s against her will—Bernice will be forced to hire Detty as his 75th assistant. But things get out of hand and the world gets crazier when Detty suddenly becomes an employee of Roselle.

With the rivalry getting tougher and more intense than ever and severely affecting each other’s intertwined lives, who among Bernice, Detty and Roselle will emerge victorious?

Asked if he feels pressured about the box office success of Sisterakas, Direk Wenn Deramas replied, “Sisiguraduhin ko lang na hindi magsasawa ‘yong mga tao na paulit-ulit panoorin ‘yong pelikula namin.”

‘ONE MORE TRY’
Genre: Romance-Drama
Starring: Angel Locsin, Angelica Panganiban and Dingdong Dantes and Zanjoe Marudo
Director: Ruel S. Bayani
Produced by: Star Cinema

Christmas may be the season of joy, but that doesn’t mean moviegoers don’t like a little bit of drama at the MMFF.

From Ruel S. Bayani, the acclaimed director of No Other Woman, comes another movie that tests the boundaries of love, in what he claims as his best work so far.

“It may put a lot of pressure, but I can tell you this is a better movie. I will say this it’s my best movie so far,” he professed.

“Nakita ko na ang mga films, I must say what an honor to be in this year’s batch of entries. Naniniwala kami at pinapanindingan namin ang aming mga pelikula at naniniwala kami this is the best movie. We worked so hard for this so it would be unfair to say that we are just second best.”

The movie takes on a very brave plot about a loving single mother Grace (Locsin) who is willing to sacrifice everything to save her sick son.

All seems well in Grace’s life with the comfort of her son Botchok (Miguel Vergara) and boyfriend Tristan (Marudo), but when Botchok’s rare blood condition becomes more severe, Grace is left with no other choice but to reconnect with Edward (Dantes), Botchok’s biological father, an accomplished man married to a more successful woman Jacqueline (Angelica).

 All Grace asks from Edward is for him to help their son. Edward is hesitant at first but Jacqueline gives him permission. However, such a tedious process of curing Botchok starts to taint their happy relationships, for unwanted feelings in the past start to creep in. Until eventually all other options fail and the only solution is for Edward and Grace to have another child to permanently cure Botchok and they need to do it the natural way.

 As for acting awards, the director also praised his two “Angels” saying they both deserve the most coveted Best Actress Award.
“
Siyempre ang mga tao sasabihin si Ate Guy (Nora Aunor) ‘yun at wala namang laban ‘yung dalawang bata. Pero hindi ganoon ang buhay. Ang buhay paggising mo may laban ka.”

‘THE STRANGERS’
Genre: Horror
Starring: Enchong Dee, Julia Montes, Enrique Gil, JM de Guzman
Director: Lawrence Fajardo    
Produced by Quantum Films

Filipinos love underdogs, and hopefully that love will extend to The Strangers, considered as the dark horses of all the entries as its fairly young cast is pitted against the biggest names in the industry.

From the producers of Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, and the director of Posas and Amok, comes a whole new horror experience that takes viewers to a world where nothing is ever what it seems.

According to director Lawrence Fajardo, the movie’s title pertains to the relationships of the characters, the village they end up in, and the supernatural creatures that they have to face.

Enchong Dee and Julia Montes said working on The Strangers has been a totally different experience for the entire cast and that their fans will be surprised to see them play very different roles.

The Strangers focuses on a family that tries to put aside their differences on the eve of their children’s 18th birthday. Fraternal twins Pat (Julia Montes) and Max (Enrique Gil) prepare to go on their annual out-of-town trip. Accompanied by their parents Roy (Johnny Revilla) and Evelyn (Cherry Pie Picache), their grandfather Pete (Jaime Fabregas) and his temporary caretaker Paloma (Janice de Belen), as well as their driver Toning (Nico Antonio), they set off for the far flung town of Murcia.

Whatever problems they had with each other fade away as they begin their journey. But their happiness comes to a screeching halt when their van hits an old Lady. Night falls and suddenly they are attacked by a strange creature, Roy and Lolo Pete go missing, and the rest are left stranded in the middle of nowhere.

The group eventually makes their way to a village, and finds an ally in one of the villagers, a young man named Dolfo (Enchong) who helps them fight of the “aswangs” and try to survive.

‘SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL 14’
Genre: Horror
Starring: Vhong Navarro, Lovi Poe, Paulo Avelino, Janice de Belen, Herbert Bautista,Dennis Trillo, and Eula Caballero
Director: Chito Roño
Produced by: Regal Entertainment

In 2011, Regal Films matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde announced that Shake, Rattle & Roll 13 would be the final chapter of the franchise.

But as director Chito Roño simply put it, “It cannot be Christmas without Shake, Rattle & Roll!

“They said huli na yun, pero sabi ko, Hindi! and I convinced them to resurrect it!”

The master of Philippine horror flicks believes that SRR has become a tradition for moviegoers and wanted to return to the roots of the franchise, which was horror with a bit of comedy.

In the first episode entitled “Pamana” written by Ricky Lee, a group of cousins are called to gather together for their shares from an unknown uncle that died. But instead of money they inherit their uncle’s comic collection whose characters will later haunt them. “Pamana” is headlined by three original SRR cast members: Herbert Bautista, Arlene Muhlach and Janice de Belen.

Vhong Navarro and Lovi Poe, meanwhile, star in “Unwanted.” The episode is about a young couple who gets trapped inside a mall after an explosion. Together with a handful of survivors, they must face a breed of alien monsters in order to get out alive.

Finally the third episode, “Lost Command,” is a tale of soldiers featuring Dennis Trillo, Paulo Avelino, Martin Escudero, Rommel Padilla etc.

From a simple military operation, terror strikes the Special Unit 21 when they discover the power of the so-called “berdugo” of the former Vigilante Squad, the Alsa Puwersa.

Each of the members of Special Unit 21 turns into a zombies except for its leader, who takes on the evil soldiers in one grueling battle for supremacy.

‘SOSY PROBLEMS’
Genre: Comedy
Starring: Heart Evangelista, Rhian Ramos, Bianca King and Solenn Heussaff
Director: Andoy Ranay
Produced by: GMA Films
 
Four girls, rich and famous, may have the most expensive pairs of shoes, high-end designer bags and the life that every girl wanted—but behind the glitz and glamour are the struggles and differences that they have to face.

In the story, the sosy girls’ tambayan, The Polo Club, is in danger of being torn down. The new owners of the exclusive club want to build a “yaya mall,” which for the girls is not at all a Sosy plan.

The spoiled-rich daughter of a hotelier and self-appointed leader of the Sosy group, Lizzie (Rhian Ramos), proposes a planking protest to stop the bulldozers from rolling. But she gets in trouble and as a way to get back to the good graces of their family’s matriarch; she has to do one thing—to live with her poor relatives. Having the luxuries and comfortable life that she has, will she be able to survive the living conditions in the province?

Then there’s Danielle (Bianca King), the daughter of an ex-politician who’s in the process of impeachment wherein all their assets were frozen. She is still in denial that they now are not part of Manila’s richest. Until when will she be able to cover up their financial struggle? What if she meets the guy who will love her for who she is, will she be courageous enough to accept her real status or will she stick to her plan of looking for a rich guy who can save them from financial difficulties?

Completing the Sosy girls are frenemies Margaux (Solenn Heussaff) and Claudia (Heart Evangelista), daughters of former beauty queens who have had a long standing unfriendly competition. What if they found out that each of them is running after the same man, Benjo (Aljur Abrenica), an all-around employee at the Polo Club? Will their friendship end just because of a guy?

Can our Sosy girls patch over their differences to save their friendship and the much-loved tambayan? Will they ever realize that their friends, family and loved-ones are more important than the riches and luxuries in the world?