Will "Enteng Kabisote" retain its MMFF box-office streak?

Not all films can be successful in coming up with sequels. The original may be a very huge hit, but it’s no sure guarantee that its succeeding parts will enjoy the same fate. It is phenomenal, therefore, if a project is able to sustain its box-office appeal in its sequels, especially if these sequels are done on a yearly basis.

Enteng Kabisote is one perfect example of such. Its box-office record at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is really impressive since it always ends up as the top grosser in the last three years.

It can be remembered that Enteng Kabisote: Okay Ka Fairy Ko The Legend (2004), Enteng Kabisote 2: The Legend Continues (2005) and Enteng Kabisote 3: The Legend Goes On & On & On (2006) consistently dominated the race at the tills in the prestigious film festival, a record that has yet to be toppled.

This year, OctoArts Films and M-Zet TV Productions once again bring to the big screen the series’ fourth installment titled Enteng Kabisote 4: Okay Ka Fairy Ko (The Beginning of a Legend), which is touted as the biggest, grandest and simply the best in terms of story, special effects, casting and overall production value.

“That’s true! One thing we are proud about Enteng Kabisote is the fact that each year, the sequel gets better. Lahat kami nagbi-brainstorm para makaisip ng mas exciting twists sa story. This is for the benefit of all our loyal patrons who made us number one for the past years. They are our prime concern. Kaya ‘di issue sa amin kung malaki na ang nagagastos namin. Gusto namin, mag-enjoy ang mga manonood.

“Tulad na lang ngayong taon, star-studded ang Part Four. Aside from me and the other regular cast members like Kristine Hermosa, Oyo Sotto, Aiza Seguerra, G Tongi, Ruby Rodriguez and Jose Manalo, we also have Ian Veneracion, Francine Prieto, Carlos Agassi, Tita Swarding, Michael de Mesa, Caridad Sanchez, Candy Pangilinan, Cristine Reyes, Ian de Leon, Mikylla Ramirez, Arthur Solinap, Elisa Pineda, Peque Gallaga and Jomari Yllana. May special guest appearance rin si Joey de Leon as Karimarimarima.

“If you talk naman of adventure, tiyak na mamamangha na naman ang mga manonood lalo na ang mga bata kasi maraming makakalaban si Enteng dito like Taong Paniki, Babaeng Dragon at mga aswang. At siyempre, the state-of-the-art special effects na binubusisi talaga ng aming direktor na si Tony Y. Reyes. Maganda rin ang story ngayon kasi babalikan namin ang origin ni Faye sa Engkantasya. Basta, ito na ang pinakamalaking Enteng Kabisote sa lahat, that I can assure all of you!” averred the main lead Vic Sotto whose current box-office kingship was greatly bolstered by this project.

And what are his expectations this time?

“It’s more of hoping actually that the movie will be as successful or will even surpass the records set by its predecessors. Lahat kami involved sa production, from the stars to the staff and crew, we truly gave our best to make the movie superb. Ang nasa isip namin palagi ay ang kasiyahan ng balana na walang sawang tumatangkilik sa amin.

“‘Di rin naman kami mapapahiya kasi lahat ng elements ay nandito na: may fantasy, drama, action, suspense, comedy, lahat-lahat na so ano pang hahanapin mo? It’s really total entertainment. Sana, suportahan ito ng aming loyal viewers kapag nagbukas na sa December 25, Christmas Day!” he said.

*****

Richard Gutierrez was surprised when he heard the rumor that KC Concepcion and rumored boyfriend director Lino Cayetano had broken up and that he was being referred to as the culprit.

“Sobra naman ang balitang iyan,” reacted Richard when we got to talk to him at the Christmas party he and his family gave to the entertainment press at the Imperial Palace last Tuesday night. “I haven’t got the chance to talk to KC. The last me and KC talked was before the launching presscon of Kamandag,” he said.

He hasn’t talked to KC since and in those few times that they did talk, the conversation was related to Christmas, such as what gift to give for the holidays. But other than that, they didn’t discuss each other’s state of the heart.

“I don’t have any information about her personal life,” said the lead star of “Kamandag.”

For Christmas, Richard plans to spend time with his family. They are complete this year, with her Ate Ruffa and her kids spending the holidays with them, unlike in previous Christmases when Ruffa was in Istanbul with hubby Yilmaz Bektas. They plan to throw a party in their home at White Plains. “It’s just a simple celebration with me and family,” he added.

“Of course, we are very, very happy because our family is complete this Christmas. There are a lot of kids in the house plus some of our relatives are joining us for the Christmas dinner so it’s going to be fun.”

*****

This Friday, at Primetime Bida, the King of Comedy Dolphy, showcases his flair for drama as he topbills the special pre-Christmas offering of “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” 

It’s a very rare chance that the “King of Comedy” accepts acting assignments on TV, especially on drama anthology so this stint of Dolphy on “Maalaala Mo Kaya” should not be missed. Add to why this MMK episode is keenly awaited is because his fans rarely see Dolphy on a TV drama.

Episode director Jeffrey Jeturian is all high praises for the King of Comedy! “Magaling si Mang Dolphy, isa siyang henyo,” he said. Dolphy plays a former prison inmate who has been given a chance at freedom—a freedom that he equates to imprisonment as he tries to catch up with the lost times and people he loves.

“Isang malaking karangalan sa akin ang maging bahagi ng produksiyon ng MMK at makapag-alay ng Paskong regalo sa inyong lahat,” said the comedy king of his special role in this heart-tugging episode.

This episode of MMK features Dolphy alongside child star Makisig Morales, who expressed elation at being paired with the comedy king. “I feel so lucky kasi bata pa lang po ako pero nabigyan na ako ng pagkakataon to work with Mang Dolphy. It’s a big honor po para sa akin,” said Makisig.