Parade ushers in Metro filmfest today

Movie fans will again line the length and breadth of Roxas Boulevard today when the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), in cooperation with movie producers and the Metro Manila Film Festival, holds the 27th Metro Manila Film Festival’s "Parade of Stars."

The parade starts at 2 p.m. at the Manila Film Center at the CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) complex.

This year’s floats represent the seven official Metro Filmfest entries, and are to be boarded by stars included in their respective casts: Bagong Buwan (Star Cinema); Tatarin (Viva Films); Yamashita: The Tiger’s Treasure (MaQ Films); Susmaryosep (4 Fathers) (Maverick Films); Hindi Kita Ma-Reach (E-Corp. Films); Bahay ni Lola (Regal Films) and Hubog (Good Harvest Productions).

From the Film Center, the annual parade of stars will proceed to Baclaran, then to Quirino Grandstand, where a short program will be held.

The MMFF kicks off tomorow, Christmas Day, and ends on Jan. 3, 2002. During this period, only official MMFF entries are shown in Metro Manila theaters.

The main cast of the official entries and their respective directors are:

Bagong Buwan - Cesar Montano, Amy Austria, Caridad Sanchez, Jericho Rosales; directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya;

Tatarin - Edu Manzano, Dina Bonnevie and Rica Peralejo; directed by Tikoy Aguiluz;

Yamashita - Armando Goyena, Rustom Padilla, Albert Martinez, Camille Prats, Danilo Barrios, Carlo Muñoz; directed by Chito Roño;

Bahay ni Lola - Gloria Romero, Aiza Seguerra, Manilyn Reynes, Gina Alajar, directed by Uro de la Cruz;

Di Kita Ma-Reach - Mikey Arroyo and LJ Moreno; directed by Wilfredo Milan;

Hubog – Assunta de Rossi, Jay Manalo, Wendell Ramos and Alessandra de Rossi; directed by Joel Lamangan;

Susmaryosep (4 Fathers) – Bobby Andrews, Bojo Molina, Polo Ravales and Gerald Madrid, directed by Edgardo "Boy" Vinarao.

The awards rites, which will honor the best performers and production people among the official entries, will be held Dec. 27 at the PICC Reception Hall. Cash prizes and trophies will be given to the winners.