MMFF still going strong

It is that time of the year once more for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) when Filipino filmmakers will enjoy the luxury of having exclusive use of all avenues for the showing of their MMFF mainstream entries from Dec. 25 to Jan. 8, 2015. It will also be a time of walkouts, complaints of all kinds from disenchanted losers, which we have found even more interesting than some of the entries. Below are some of the entries:

Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo: A historical biopic/true-to-life story of a Filipino hero who fought for freedom. Bonifacio was called the Supremo and the founder of Katipunan movement which sought and fought for our country’s freedom from the Spaniards.

The cast is headed by Robin Padilla as Andres, Vina Morales as Oryang (wife of Andres), plus Daniel Padilla and Jasmine Curtis-Smith. Director is Enzo Williams.

English Only Please: Based on the teaser, Derek Ramsay is a foreigner looking for a Filipino interpreter who can translate the letter he will send to an ex-girlfriend. The teaser is very funny, especially the scene showing the dramatic, teleserye-like interpretation made by the character of Jennylyn Mercado. The teaser trailer is also pleasant, with glossy textures and good cinematography. English Only Please is directed by Dan Villegas.

Feng Shui 2: The Queen of All Media Kris Aquino is doing a follow-up to the movie Feng Shui which was popular in 2004. Star Cinema has decided to come out with a sequel titled Feng Shui 2 for the MMFF 2014. Coco Martin will be part of the movie together with Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino. Direction is by Chito Roño. Kris is the producer with Star Cinema.

Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles: Dingdong Dantes and Isabelle Daza team up for direk Erik Matti’s Aswang Chronicles. Kubot is a bat-like creature resembling an umbrella and is also one of the terms used by Filipinos in referring to an aswang. The film is written by Erik and Michiko Yamamoto.

Magnum Muslim .357: This is a hard-action film starring ER Ejercito and Denise Laurel as directed by Jun Posadas.

My Big Bossing’s Adventures: For those who go for comedy, My Big Bossing’s Adventures is a comedy-adventure film, starring Vic Sotto and Ryzza Mae Dizon, directed by Joyce Bernal, Marlon Rivera and Tony Reyes. Of all the finalists announced by the MMFF committee, it was only Bossing Vic who said that he had already completed his film entry.

Praybeyt Benjamin 2: The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin 2 is the sequel to The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin. Vice Ganda plays the lead role with other characters played by Julia Barretto, Daniel Padilla, Richard Yap, Bimby Aquino-Yap and Alex Gonzaga.

Shake, Rattle & Roll 15: Regal Films’ official MMFF entry includes an entire collection of stars whom Mother Lily has worked with through the years. Some of the 2014 cast are Dennis Trillo, Carla Abellana, Matteo Guidicelli, Ariel Rivera, Melai Cantiveros, Chanda Romero, Jana Casandra Agoncillo, Lovi Poe and Daniel Matsunaga. Director is Jeffrey Jeturian.

(Correction: My apologies for the mistake on the Ipaglaban Mo article last Nov. 19. The show is now airing on ABS-CBN. E-mail your comments at [email protected] or text me at 0917-8991835.)