MMFF 2014: ER pays tribute to FPJ in ‘Muslim Magnum .357‘

MANILA, Philippines - ER Ejercito returns to the Metro Manila Film Festival for the fourth year in a row with “Muslim Magnum .357.”

 

The action star and politician has been a staple in the annual Christmas movie fest since 2011, with “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story,” “El Presidente” and “Boy Golden.”

 

This time, ER takes on a role originally portrayed by the late Fernando Poe Jr.

 

The original movie is about a Muslim undercover cop sent to Manila to help curb the city’s crime rate.

 

ER said his take on the 1980s movie is a tribute to FPJ.

 

“Sa mga kabataan ngayon, marami ang hindi nakapanood ng “Magnum 357“ noon ni Ninong Ron. Kaya itong version ko ay tribute para kay Fernando Poe Jr, bilang hari ng pelikulang Pilipino at ninong ko sa kasal at tribute ko rin sa Muslim community ng bansang Pilipinas specifically sa Maranao at Tausug,” he said in an interview with an entertainment news site.

 

He stars with Sam Pinto. ER’s previous partners in his MMFF movies include Carla Abellana, Cristine Reyes and KC Concepcion.

 

“Matagal ko nang gustong makatrabaho noon si Sam, kaya lang hindi naman matuluy-tuloy. Buti dito sa “Magnum 357“ natuloy din finally. Dapat kami ang magkasama sa ibang pelikula ko noon,” dagdag pa niya,” he said.

 

“Muslim Magnum .357” is directed by Jun Posadas.