MMFF should consider artistic excellence, not commercial appeal

The Vic Sotto-Ai Ai delas Alas starrer "Enteng ng Ina Mo" had grossed P183 million, making it the undisputed top grosser of the ongoing 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival. These figures came from the office of the Metro Manila Development Authority, the overseer of the MMFF. The P183 million earned by "Enteng ng Ina Mo" represents the income from Christmas Day until New Year’s Day so it stands to end until the festival ends on January 7.

Based on the figures released by the MMDA, this year’s festival is beating the record set by the festival last year and it could easily meet, if not surpass the target gross which is P600 million.

In the festival’s eight days or until Jan. 1, MMFF 2011 has grossed P477, 824,459.68, earning P80 million more compared to last year’s figures on the same period.

Here are the official grosses of the seven official entries, according to the MMFF Executive Committee.

1. Enteng ng Ina Mo – P183,213,717.35M

2. Segunda Mano – P94,629,812.45M

3. Ang Panday 2 – P86,316,624.55M

4. My Househusband – P42,587,787.58M

5. Shake, Rattle & Roll 13 – P41, 935, 473.35M

6. Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story – P31,781,973.55

7. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow – P7,359,070.85M

Despite the many awards it had won, Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story only moved a notch higher, at 6th place. With P31M gross, the lone action movie in the film made with the budget of P75 million stands to lose money. Scenema Concepts and Viva Entertainment, however, could console themselves with the awards they brought home with them.

As for Gov. ER, the bitter pill is having lost the Best Actor award to Dingdong Dantes. He said that they may have won majority of the awards but of course, he didn’t hide the fact that he was disappointed in losing the best actor trophy.

It was quite surprising that the drama Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, did not muster enough crowd support to make it a box-office hit. Maybe the disqualification from the major awards had something to do with it. But it won best actress for Maricel Soriano but sad to say, it did not pick up.

Kris Aquino must be very happy not only that Dingdong Dantes won best actor but also Segunda Mano is in second place based on box-office gross, with P94M. But it's still far from P150M gross that Kris is hoping for. She promised that she will throw a blowout to the movie press for Segunda Mano’s success. With three days to go before the festival ends, will Segunda Mano attain the gross that Kris is wishing for?

We’ve watched all entries and while we agree with the victory of Maricel Soriano, Eugene Domingo and John Regala, if we were a juror, we’d give Ryan Agoncillo the best actor award.

Not that Dingdong or Gov. ER were bad choices but we felt that Ryan was so effortless in his acting. We liked Ryan’s take on his performance – simple but with a heart. On the same breath, we also liked Judy Ann Santos’ performance on the film as well. We’d ranked them among the year’s best performances.

We also wished that My Househusband, Ikaw Na also won a best picture award.

We also wished that the MMFF committee would only consider artistic excellence, and not include commercial appeal or viability as part of the criteria, in choosing the best picture award. Being the most popular film in the festival doesn’t necessarily make you the best.

******

ABS-CBN Regional Network Group (RNG) was named as World Wildlife Fund (WWF)’s Media Partner of the Year for its unfailing support in helping promote the organization’s vision in preserving the wildlife.

The award was given during the WWF Philippines Anniversary Black and White Benefit at the Manila Polo Club held recently as a part of WWF’s 50th anniversary celebration. The event also marked WWF’s 15th year in the Philippines.

Through airing WWF plugs in its 32 TV stations and 14 My Only Radio (MOR) stations, RNG has helped promote awareness for the protection and preservation of pawikan. Local news programs such as "TV Patrol" and "Umagang Kay Ganda" also followed WWF activities as its representatives visit RNG areas to check their projects or to hold seminars among city stakeholders.

Desiree Bretana, Customer Marketing Group Head for RNG, received the award. "We feel that this is a timely advocacy to support and take to heart, in view of the fast changing climate worldwide," Bretana said. "This also brings full circle complementary corporate projects like the "11.20.11. Run for the Pasig River."

ABS-CBN RNG has been supporting WWF since January 2011. Bretana added that RNG will continue to support WWF’s projects in the future.