Erik Matti won MMFF 2015 Best Director for 'Honor Thy Father'

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'Honor Thy Father ' won 5 awards held Sunday, December 27 at the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Awards Night at the Kia Theatre in Cubao, Quezon City.

Erik Matti won Best Director despite the controversy surrounding Honor Thy Father’s disqualification from winning Best Picture in the Metro Manila Film Festival. 

Honor Thy Father was disqualified from the Best Picture category by the MMFF executive committee for violation of MMFF rules and regulations, for non-disclosure of the film's participation in another festival.

Video: Orange Magazine TV-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go2Nrl8ksZ0

Direk Erik Matti was not present during the awards night but here is his acceptance speech in full, read by Shiel Calde of Reality Entertainment at the ceremony.

(from the official Facebook page for the movie posted Matti’s acceptance speech.)

The film Honor Thy Father awards including Best Supporting Actor for Tirso Cruz III, Best Original Theme Song, and Best Child Performer for Krystal Brimner and Best Makeup Artist (Ryan Panaligan and Erika Racela.)

Honor Thy Father movie is about a family who find themselves in a Ponzi scheme. Edgar (John Lloyd Cruz) and Kaye (Meryll Soriano) seeks to pay their family's debt to Kaye's co-parishioners. The couple fear that the parishioners may hurt their daughter.

First screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section of the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival, Honor thy Father was also screened in the Cinema One Originals Film Festival on November 2015. The film was accepted as an official entrant to the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival

During the MMFF night, there are guests, artists,and producers air their sentiments on the film's 'Best Picture' disqualification issue.

While accepting her trophy for 'Buy Now, Die Later' and Walang Forever won second and overall Best Picture, respectively, Atty. Joji Alonso appealed to everyone to support all films and 'I hope you would watch all 8 films and not just two films. Thank you very much."

Atty. Joji Alonso said : "This should be an enjoyous moment. But I am not that happy. I only wished that Honor Thy Father was also part of this category. And I mean that with all sincerity. Dondon Montiverde, John Lloyd Cruz, and direk Erik Matti have created an outstanding film. And I would like to congratulate them for not stopping to dream and for continuing their advocacy in making meaningful films that hopefully would reach or touch the lives of people."

Congratulations Direk Erik Matti and to all the winners !

HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, is the exclusive presenter for the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival. The event was hosted by KC Concepcion and Richard Gutierrez. 

Check out the complete list of #MMFF2015 winners. 

#GetHOOQdOnMMFF

#GetHOOQdOnMMFF : Walang Forever won as the 2015 MMFF Best Picture, with its stars Jericho Rosales, Best Actor and Jennylyn Mercado, Best Actress

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Walang Forever won 6 awards including Best Picture, and Best Actor and Best Actress for its stars, Jericho Rosales and Jennylyn Mercado during the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Awards Night held Sunday, December 27 at the Kia Theatre in Cubao, Quezon City.

The FPJ Memorial Award for Film Excellence goest to Walang Forever movie, with Php 400,000 cash prize.

'Buy Now Die Later' won 2nd Best Picture, and "My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore won as 3rd Best Picture. As the Special award, Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award also go to "My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore."

Winners of the New Wave category include the animated film, Buttons, which was created by Marvel Obemio, Francis Ramirez and Jared Garcia of De La Salle University – College of St. Benilde and the short film entitled, Mumu, written and directed by Cheryl Tagyamon of UP Diliman.

Here is the complete list of winners: 

Short Film Special Jury Prize: Daisy

New Wave Best Short Film: Mumu

Manila Bulletin Entertainment Best Animation Award: Momento

New Wave Best Animation Film: Buttons

Best Float Award: Buy Now Die Later

New Wave Best Screenplay: Ari: My Life with a King

Manila Bulletin Best Full Length Film: Ari: My Life with a King

New Wave Best Full Length Film: Ari: My Life with a King

New Wave Best Actor: JM de Guzman, Tandem and Francisco Quinto, Ari: My Life with a King

New Wave Best Supporting Actor: Thou Reyes, Toto

New Wave Best Supporting Actress: Bibeth Orteza, Toto

Best New Wave Film Director: John Paul Su, Toto

New Wave Full Length Jury Prize: Toto

New Wave Special Jury Prize: Little Lights

New Wave Best Picture: Ari: My Life with a King

Best Festival Child Performer: Krystal Brimner, Honor Thy Father

Best Festival Sound: Ditoy Aguila, Nilalang

Best Musical Score: Jessie Lasaten, Nilalang

Best Original Theme Song: "Tao," Honor Thy Father

Best Makeup Artist: Ryan Panaligan and Erika Racela, Honor Thy Father

Best Visual Effects: Nilalang

Best Production Design: Buy Now Die Later

Best Editing: Nilalang

Best Cinematography: Nilalang

FPJ Memorial Award for Film Excellence: Walang Forever

Male celebrity of the night: Cesar Montano

Female celebrity of the night: Jennylyn Mercado

Best Original Story: Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone, Walang Forever

Best Screenplay: Paul Sta Ana, Walang Forever

Best Director: Erik Matti, Honor Thy Father

Best Supporting Actor: Tirso Cruz III, Honor Thy Father

Best Supporting Actress: Maine Mendoza, My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore

Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore

3rd Best Picture: My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore

2nd Best Picture: Buy Now Die Later

Best Picture: Walang Forever

Best Actor: Jericho Rosales, Walang Forever

Best Actress: Jennylyn Mercado, Walang Forever

Congratulations to all the winners!

HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, is the exclusive presenter for the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival. The event was hosted by KC Concepcion and Richard Gutierrez.

Enjoy award-winning Filipino movies on HOOQ

HOOQ together with MMFF, both answered the call of entertainment buffs who enjoy watching their favorite films and TV shows wherever and whenever they want; through streaming and downloading of award-winning and quality locally-produced films. 

Since 2010, the New Wave category has given independent filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work and the chance to have more funding for future film projects. This year, aside from the animated and short film entries being shown in cinemas, they were also released through the HOOQ app. It was the first time in the history of MMFF that entries were shown simultaneously online and in theaters. 

“We want the world to take notice of the best content Philippine cinema can offer,” said Jane Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager. “Supporting young filmmakers now is investing in the future of entertainment,” she added. 

Users will soon be able to watch other 2015 MMFF finalists and winners on HOOQ. They can also choose from close to a hundred past winners and finalists in its huge library of local films and TV shows, made available for streaming and download on multiple devices. 

New users can enjoy a 30-day free trial by signing up at www.HOOQ.tv. Monthly subscription is available at only P149 and can be charged to your Globe mobile bill, via credit card, or it comes free with Globe Home Broadband plans P1,299 and up.

#GetHOOQdOnMMFF

Catch Up the Animation entries as HOOQ places student films in the spotlight at this year’s MMFF

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Join and enjoy the gateway to a world of unlimited entertainment.

HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, gives you unlimited access to over 10,000 movies, indies and animation and TV series. Discover endless adventure, eternal drama and non-stop laughter at your fingertips.

It's time to widen your world of entertainment, as HOOQ, has signed a groundbreaking deal with the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) to screen a selection of the official entries on the app. 

“Everyone has to start somewhere and for many directors, that happened while they were in school. Young filmmakers from schools like Ateneo de Naga University and DLSU-CSB made it as finalists in this year’s MMFF” said Jane Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager. 

“It is very encouraging that their animated films were chosen among hundreds of entries to take part in this festival,” she added. 

HOOQ is the exclusive presenter for the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival and its New Wave Category, a partnership geared towards promoting quality Philippine entertainment. 

For the first time in the 41-year history of the film fest, the entries under the New Wave category will be simultaneously available in theaters and online, exclusively through HOOQ. 

Since the films will be on the HOOQ app, you can now watch them wherever you are, anytime you want. With just one app, you can stream, download and enjoy thousands of movies and TV series. All from your phone, laptop or tablet.

The MMFF New Wave category has been around since 2010 to give the opportunity to independent filmmakers to showcase their entries and the chance to take home prize money that could potentially be used to fund future film projects. This year’s finalists were selected by a jury out of hundreds of national submissions which was then trimmed down to five finalists each. 

Here are the entries for animation:

The Seed 

The Seed by Joven Maniaol shows the relationship of a man and his wife’s dog, with whom he does not favor, and how this relationship develops when the dog irrevocably ruins an anniversary surprised prepared by the husband. The film was inspired by the Pixar animated film UP and French film “Floating in my Mind.”

Buttons

Buttons was created by Marvel Obemio, Francis Ramirez & Jared Garcia of De La Salle College of St. Benilde. It is a story about 2 voodoo dolls living in a world where others seem to not notice their existence until one day, a mysterious voodoo doll shows up. 

The taboo nature of voodoo one of the pulls that attracted the creators to animating this story.

Geo 

Geo was written and directed by John Aurthur Mercader of Puppeteer Animation Studio has previously won the grand prize for Animahenasyon, the biggest animation film festival in the country. His team also won best in technical quality, Best Animation in Category B (6-30 mins.), and the Hero TV Choice Award in Animahenasyon. The short is about young Geo with a wild imagination, whose mother must always come to his rescue whenever he takes it a step too far.

Little Lights

Little Lights by was written and directed by Rivelle Mallari, the only finalist submission that claims no affiliation to a school or studio. It is a touching story about a physically weak yet strong-willed firefly named Charlie who struggles with his fear of darkness and finding his place within the firefly community. 

Alamat ng Giraffe

Alamat ng Giraffe, directed by Alyssandra Kyle Mallari and written by Karl Marlo Gonzales and Mel Jeffrey Jabido of De La Salle College of St. Benilde, tells a made-up legend on how the giraffe came to be.

Each film is under 10 minutes and (will be) screened started December 17 up to 24 at Glorietta 4, Robinsons Movie World Ermita and SM Megamall. All ten entries will be available on HOOQ from December 18.

In addition to the New Wave shorts and animated films for this year, HOOQ has close to a hundred MMFF past winners and finalists among its huge collection of local TV shows and films, made available for streaming and download on multiple devices. 

New users can enjoy a 30-day free trial by signing up at www.HOOQ.tv. 

Monthly subscription is available at only P149 and can be charged on your Globe mobile bill or via credit card, or it comes free with Globe Home Broadband plans P1,299 and up.

HOOQ up with Metro Manila Film Festival’s indie entries for the very first time

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This 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival in partnership with HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, presents the entries under the New Wave category and will be simultaneously available in theaters and online, exclusively through HOOQ.

For the first time in the 41-year history of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), and now the exclusive presenter for the 41st, MMFF New Wave category has a new Short Film Competition for amateur and professional filmmakers.

It's open-themed and for films ten-minute films. The Metro Manila Film Festival New Wave category features progressive works of independent and student filmmakers to express themselves through the powerful medium of film.

“Some of the most inventive techniques are shown in short films,” said Jane Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager. “We’re very proud to showcase this and the creativity and talent of Filipino filmmakers.”

A partnership geared towards promoting quality Philippine entertainment, HOOQ and MMFF to address the growing needs of the digital natives to consume content at their own time; through streaming and download of the finalists’ animation and short film entries.

The MMFF New Wave category has been around since 2010 to give the opportunity to independent filmmakers to showcase their entries and the chance to take home prize money that could potentially be used to fund future film projects.  

This year’s finalists were selected by a jury out of hundreds of national submissions which was then trimmed down to five finalists each. 

There are five finalists from the short-film medium and another five from the animated genre. 

The complete list of entries are listed below.

Short-film finalists:

Daisy (Bryan Reyes of Colegio De San Lorenzo)

Ding Mangasyas (Justine Emmanuel Dizon of Kayumanggi Pictures)

Lapis (Maricel Cariaga of Center Stage Productions)

Momento (Jan-Kyle Nieva of UP Film Institute

Mumu (Jean Cheryl Tagyamon of UP Diliman)

These entries for short film feature:

Daisy, a story about a wife and mother Barbara who orders a Proxy Daisy robot to take care of household duties, only for Barbara to have a growing realization that there may be something very wrong with the robot that she has let into her families’ lives.  Written and directed by Bryan Reyes of Colegio de San Lorenzo, this is his first film competition that he joined on a whim and shot two days prior to the contest deadline.

Ding Mangasyas

Ding Mangasyas (Tough Guys) centers on 2 brothers who have had a lifelong love-hate relationship filled with violence. They’re faced with the emotional reality of separation as one of them packs up to work in the US. The film was directed by Justine Emmanuel Dizon and written by Jason Paul Laxamana of Kayumanggi Pictures, who was initially discouraged by the rejection of this same film in another competition. This is his first national competition, and he is proud to show off the “homegrown” talents of his team who are from Pampanga like him.

Lapis 

Lapis follows the career shift of a pencil artist in his 50s as he applies for a job as a graphic artist only to be confronted by the realization that his medium of expertise is defunct in a modern world.  This moving film that addresses the conflict of analog vs. digital artistry was inspired by real stories of unemployment in the country.  Written and directed by Maricel Cariaga of Center Stage Productions, this is her third competition after UP POV 11 and Sinkwento International Film Festival, wherein she placed top 3 for both.

Momento

Momento features an ageing couple, Teresita and Ronaldo, as they celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversary--despite Teresita having made a terrible discovery earlier in the film that “marks the darkest hour of their relationship.”  Written and directed by Jan-Kyle Nieva of the UP Film Institute, Nieva states that he enjoys disturbing films and made this film to challenge himself into delving into a genre that he has not previously explored.

Mumu

Mumu is about a fresh grad named Kara who resists pursuing a nursing career despite her nagging mother and pressure from witnessing the success of her friends.  She also finds herself being haunted by a ghost – a character she had played in a blockbuster horror film. Mumu is directed by Cheryl Tagyamon from UP Diliman, who also wrote the film.  Mumu has thus far won 3rd place in the National Digital Arts Awards 2014 Motion Graphics Category for Students, and in the UP Film Institute’s Black Beret Film Festival it won the Audience Choice Award, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Performance.

The short films and animations under the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival’s New Wave category will be shown simultaneously on the country’s biggest subscription video-on-demand platform. Anyone with a HOOQ subscription can watch the shorts on just about any screen they own, on the same day the films are being shown in theaters.

Each film is under 10 minutes  and screened started December 17 and up to 24 at Glorietta 4, Robinsons Movie World Ermita and SM Megamall.  All ten entries will be available on HOOQ from December 18.

HOOQ has the largest collection of Pinoy movies and TV series, which includes close to a hundred winners and finalists of the Metro Manila Film Festival such as “Baler”, “Tanging Yaman”, “Mulawin the Movie, “Pedro Penduko” and many more.

New users can enjoy a 30-day trial by signing up at www.HOOQ.tv.  

Monthly subscription is available at only  P149 and can be charged on your Globe mobile bill or via credit card, or it comes free with Globe Home Broadband plans P1,299 and up.

Catch these Animation finalists too! 

Animation finalists:

8 (Johanna Kaye Boncodin of Ateneo De Naga)

Geo (John Arthur Mercader of Puppeteer Animation Studio)

Little Lights (Rivelle Mallari)

Buttons (Marvel Obemio, Francis Ramirez, Jared Garcia of De La Salle College of St. Benilde)

Marvino’s League of Superheroes (Ja Marti Escandor of Ateneo De Naga)

“My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” with Vic Sotto, Ai-Ai delas Alas and phenomenal #AlDub loveteam!

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“My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” to break records at the 2015 MMFF!

“My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!,” starring Vic Sotto, Ai-Ai Delas Alas and the phenomenal loveteam Aldub of Alden Richards and Maine “Yayadub” Mendoza, is going to make a killing at the box-office and set higher heights in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) History.

Vic Sotto and Ai-Ai delas Alas at the “My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” blog conference held at the Annabels Restaurant, Quezon City, December 2, 2015.

The undisputed Philippine box-office king of comedy Vic Sotto and box-office queen Ai-Ai delas Alas, join forces with the newest record-breaking, phenomenal loveteam Aldub in one groundbreaking movie during the Christmas season.

This is the first movie of Maine Mendoza,  the famous "Yayadub" at the lunch time TV program 'Eat Bulaga's'  'Kalye Serye.' The well known celebrity duo AlDub have become a phenomenal television and social media success in the Philippines even they only been on air for four months.

Half of #AlDub loveteam, Alden Richards and Director Jose Javier Reyes at the “My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” blog conference held at the Annabels Restaurant, Quezon City, December 2, 2015.

Written by Jose Javier Reyes and Bibeth Orteza, With “My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” expect waves of high-spirited excitement, heartwarming romance, wholesome fun, and excellent Filipino values, to take the holiday season’s finest film festival by storm.

Vic and Ai-Ai spearhead the fun topsy-turvy of characters as they are featured side by side Alden and Maine, the movie is directed by Jose Javier Reyes.

Observers predicts a surefire box-office reign for “My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” jointly-offered by OctoArts Films, M-Zet Television Productions, Inc., APT Entertainment, GMA Films and Media Production. While the country is being swept away by the record-breaking love team of Alden Richards and Maine “Yayadub” Mendoza, MMFF is poised to be another territory for conquest by the Aldub phenomenon. The duo’s most exciting film debut.

The movie also features Joey de Leon, the “Eat Bulaga” lolas Paolo Ballesteros, Jose Manalo, and Wally Bayola, and Ryzza Mae Dizon, in special appearances.

Here's the story: 

Vic Sotto plays the role of Vito who finds himself at odds and in a bitter professional rivalry with Cora, played by Ai-Ai. The two are both in the business of mounting special events and productions and have both made a successful name in the same profession. The conflict happens when their respective wards – Anna (played by Maine) daughter of Vito, gets romantically entangled with Cora’s beloved nephew Dondi (played by Alden). As expected, the “parents” actively reject the budding romantic involvement between the star-crossed lovers and willingly struck an unexpected truce to prevent this romance from happening. 

The plot thickens when the unexpected alliance of the Vito and Cora starts blooming into something else. 

Now, it’s the turn of the youngsters to feel disconcerted with the idea of having their folks enter into a different relationship zone. Now it was the turn of Dondi and Anna to react to the situation. They did not like the idea of his auntie and her father falling in love with each other. Now it was the younger generation vehemently reacting to this new romance.

So where will all this end? What are the possible solutions and resolutions to bring closure and new beginnings to these young, exciting lovers? 

Catch the excitement, the love, the fun and romance when “My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” starts showing on Christmas Day at the MMFF. 

Eight Official Entries to Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2015

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MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino led the reveal of the lineup of films in this year's MMMF, last Saturday, June 20.

This year's 8 films include the movie projects of Kris Aquino, Robin Padilla, Coco Martin, Vice Ganda, Janella Salvador, Herbert Bautista, Jennylyn Mercado, JM De Guzman and Japanese actress Maria Ozawa are included in this year's entries for Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2015.

Here are the Eight Official Entries to MMFF 2015:

1. Beauty and the Bestie

Production: ABS-CBN Film Production, Inc. and Viva Communications, Inc.

Director: Wenn Deramas

Lead Actors: Vice Ganda, Coco Martin

2. Death and Senses

Production: Quantum Films

Director: Randolph Longjas

Lead Actor: Rayver Cruz, Jayson Gainza, John Lapus, Ian Veneracion

Lead Actress: Janine Gutierrez, Lotlot de Leon

3. Haunted Mansion

Production: Regal Entertainment, Inc.

Director: Jun Lana

Lead Actor: Marlo Mortel, Jerome Ponce

Lead Actress: Janella Salvador

4. Hermano Puli (Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Apolinario Dela Cruz)

Production: Teamwork Film Productions

Director: Gil Portes

Lead Actor: John Prats

Lead Actress: Karylle

5. MR and MRS Split

Production: ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc.

Director: Antoinette Jadaone

Lead Actor: Herbert Bautista

Lead Actress: Kris Aquino

6. Nilalang (The Entity) 

Production: Haunted Towers Pictures, Inc.

Director: Pedring Lopez

Lead Actor: Robin Padilla

Lead Actress: Maria Ozawa

7. “Romcom-in Mo Ako”

Production: Octoarts Films, MZET Productions, APT Ent., Inc.

Director: Jose Javier Reyes

Lead Actor: Vic Sotto

Lead Actress: Ai-Ai Delas Alas 

8. Walang Forever 

Production: Quantum Films

Director: Dan Villegas

Lead Actor: JM De Guzman

Lead Actress: Jennylyn Mercado

Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2015 movies will be shown starting December 25, Christmas Day.

2014 Metro Manila Film Festival Winners

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“Bonifacio ang Unang Pangulo” is the best picture for Metro Manila Film Festival 2014 awards night held this Saturday, December 27 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

Derek Ramsay and Jennylyn Mercado were awarded best actor and best actress for their performance in the romantic-comedy film "English Only Please."

The 40th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) organizers announced the full list of winners and awardees for the 2014 film competition in the awards night which was hosted by comedian-host Edu Manzano and 'Feng Shui 2' star Kris Aquino. Father Larry Faraon opened the 40th MMFF awards night ceremony with a prayer.

Eight (8) official entries have competed for the 2014 MMFF major award categories such as best picture, best actor, best actress and best director.

Entries to MMFF 2014 include Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles, Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo, Muslim Magnum .357, Praybeyt Benjamin 2, Feng Shui 2, My Big Bossing's Adventures, Shake, Rattle & Roll XV, and English Only, Please.

Here is the list of winners at the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival:

Best Actress: Jennylyn Mercado for "English Only Please"

Best Actor: Derek Ramsay for “English Only Please”

Best Picture: “Bonifacio ang Unang Pangulo”

2nd Best Picture: “English Only Please”

3rd Best Picture: “Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2”

Best Supporting Actress: Lotlot de Leon for “Kubot: Aswang Chronicles 2”

Best Supporting Actor: Joey Marquez for “Kubot: Aswang Chronicles 2”

Best Child Performer: Ryzza Mae Dizon for “My Big Bossing's Adventures”

Best Director: Dan Villegas for “English Only Please”

Best Screenplay: “English Only Please”

Best Original Story: “English Only Please”

Best Cinematography: Carlo Mendoza for “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo”

Best Editing: Marya Ignacio for “English Only, Please”

Best Production Design: Ericson Navarro for “Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2”

Best Visual Effects: “Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2”

Best Makeup: “Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2”

Best Original Theme Song: Von de Guzman for “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo”

Best Musical Score: Von de Guzman “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo”

Best Festival Sound Engineer: “Bonifacio Ang Unang Pangulo”

Best Float: “Bonifacio Ang Unang Pangulo”

New Wave:

New Wave Best Picture: “Magkakabaung”

New Wave Special Jury Prize: “M: Mother's Maiden Name”

New Wave Best Actor: Allen Dizon “Magkakabaung”

New Wave Best Actress: Zsa Zsa Padilla for “M: Mother's Maiden Name”

New Wave Best Director: Jason Paul Laxamana “Magkakabaung”

New Wave Best Supporting Actor: Kristoffer King for “Maratabat”

New Wave Best Supporting Actress: Gloria Sevilla “M: Mother's Maiden Name”

New Wave Short Film Special Jury Prize: “Kalaw” by Asia Pacific Institute

Special Awards:

Commemorative Award: Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito-Estrada

Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo”

FPJ Memorial Award for Film Excellence: “Bonifacio Ang Unang Pangulo”

Youth Choice Award: “Bonifacio Ang Unang Pangulo”

Female Face of the Night: Nadine Lustre

This year's MMFF also includes 5 full-length entries under New Wave category. Official entries which were launched last November at Resorts World Manila are Ato Bautista's Gemini; Zig Dulay's M. (Mother's Maiden Name); Jason Paul Laxamana's Magkakabaung (The Coffin Maker); Arlyn Dela Cruz's Maratabat (Pride and Honor), and Diane Ventura's Mulat (Awaken). Independent films were screened from December 16 to 24, 2014 at SM Megamall and Glorietta 4 cinemas.

The mainstream festival has kicked-off on Thursday, December 25, 2014 and will have ongoing nationwide screening until the first week of January 2014. During the festival, no foreign films are shown in Philippine cinemas in order to showcase locally produced films.

#MMFF2014: Bonifacio Ang Unang Pangulo

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This is a film that truly capture our patriotism, a story of a noble hero - Andres Bonifacio.

The true story of Andres Bonifacio, a man who rose as a leader in the fight against the Spanish oppressors, and would gain the enmity of even those fighting for the same cause. 

Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro (November 30, 1863 – May 10, 1897) was a Filipino nationalist and revolutionary leader. He is often called "the Father of the Philippine Revolution". He was a founder and later Supremo ("supreme leader") of the Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or simply and more popularly called Katipunan, a movement which sought the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule and started the Philippine Revolution. He is considered a de facto national hero of the Philippines, and is also considered by some Filipino historians to be the first President of the Philippines (through the revolutionary government he established), but officially he is not recognized as such. --- From Wikipedia

Directed by Enzo Williams and stars Robin Padilla, Vina Morales, Daniel Padilla, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Eddie Garcia, Jericho Rosales, Rommel Padilla, RJ Padilla, Isabel Oli, Ping Medina, Joem Bascon, Cholo Barretto, Jun-Jun Quintana and Isko Moreno.

Actor Robin Padilla, who portrays the titular character Andres Bonifacio, says he hopes to show, through the film, that there was more to the revolutionary hero than being brave and brash, qualities that most people associate with the beloved historical figure.

Vina Morales plays as Andres Bonifacio's second wife, Gregoria de Jesus. Jericho Rosales portrays Jose Rizal. 

“Bonifacio was also smart, loving and prayerful. Before he became leader, he was a follower,” Robin shares.

Here's a significant epic movie that we should not miss this season, recommended especially to the students. 

40th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF 2014) starts on December 25

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The 40th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF 2014) will be held from December 25, 2014 until the first week of January, 2015. During the festival, no foreign films are shown in Philippine theaters in order to showcase locally produced films.

The official eight entries of the films 40th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF 2014):

• Bonifacio, Ang Unang Pangulo

Cast: Robin Padilla, Vina Morales, Daniel Padilla, Eddie Garcia, Jasmine Curtis-Smith

Film Company: Philippians Productions & Events, Inc.

Director: Enzo Williams

• English Only, Please

Cast: Jennylyn Mercado, Derek Ramsay

Film Company: Quantum Films, MJM Productions, Uno Productions

Director: Dab Villegas

• Feng Shui 2

Cast: Kris Aquino, Coco Martin, Cherry Pie Picache, Carmi Martin, Ian Veneracion

Film Company: Star Cinema, Kris Aquino Productions

Director: Chito Roño

• Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2

Cast: Dingdong Dantes, Isabelle Daza, Hannah Ledesma

Film Company: Reality Entertainment, GMA Films, Agostodos Pictures

Director: Erik Matti

• Magnum Muslim .357

Cast: ER Ejercito, Sam Pinto 

Film Company: Scenema Concept International, Viva Films

Director: Jun Posadas

• My Big Bossing

Cast: Ryzza Mae Dizon, Vic Sotto, Marian Rivera, Manilyn Reynes, Nikki Gil, Pauleen Luna, Wally Bayola, Jose Manalo, Paolo Ballesteros

Film Company: Octoarts, MZET, APT Ent.

Directors: Joyce Bernal, Marlon Rivera, Tony Reyes

• Praybeyt Benjamin 2

Cast: Vice Ganda, Richard Yap, Roderick Paulate, James "Bimby" Aquino-Yap, Alex Gonzaga, Karla Estrada, Negi

Film Company: Star Cinema, VIVA Films

Director: Wenn Deramas

• Shake, Rattle & Roll XV

Cast: Dennis Trillo, Carla Abellana, Matteo Guidicelli, JC De Vera, Erich Gonzales, Lovi Poe

Film Company: Regal Films

Directors: Jerrold Tarog, Dondon Santos, Perci Intalan

Richard Yap with "The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin"

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"The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin" comes out this Christmas as Star Cinema and ViVa Films offering in the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival. 

Vice Ganda returns as the reluctant soldier-turned-hero Benjie in the sequel to the 2011 box-office hit "The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin."

We had an exclusive interview with Richard in a blog conference yesterday at the Star Cinema office, ELJ Bldg. Abs-Cbn Compound, Quezon CIty.

Richard said that this is the first time he work with Direk Wenn Deramas. "We've never worked together in a movie so this is my first time with most of the stars. With Direk Wenn you have to be very fast, how he works, you really have to pick up the pace. We already talked about making a movie before but that was shelved because of Be Careful With My Heart that we were supposed to do this year. I wasn't apprehensive because I know they were going to help me."

He was asked how did he work with Bimby? (Kris Aquino's son)

"It was also a nice experience working with Bimby. Bimby is like our baby in the set. He did all the things Direk Wenn told him to do."

"I'm excited! This is going to be the most exciting movie you'll watch this Christmas," he said.

"We'll be flying to Vietnam by the way on Monday to meet the fans there," Richard shared. 

Here''s the Synposis of the the story:

After defeating the terrorists led by Billy Aladdin, the once humble Private BENJAMIN (Vice Ganda) has become the Philippine’s unkabogable soldier and a worldwide sensation. Inevitably, he rises from the ranks and in no time becomes the incredible, unbeatable, and unreachable soldier. To prepare him better, Benjamin is assigned under a new general, WILSON CHUA (Richard Yap). However, Private Benjamin committed a BIG mistake. Benjamin is about to be dismissed from service when Gen. Chua saves him by giving him a mission – to be the private security of a brat kid B2 (Bimby Aquino Yap). As he watches over B2, Benjamin finds himself clashing with MISTY, General Chua’s daughter, and the meddlesome housemaid GUNDINA. However, as he gets to know B2 more, he learns that the B2 is a kid deprived of love from family – something that he has ignored in his quest to be on top again. Will he succeed in his new mission?

Joining Vice Ganda in the movie are Alex Gonzaga, Vandolph Quizon, Nikki Valdez, Kean Cipriano, DJ Durano and Ricky Rivero.

"The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin" was directed by Wenn Deramas, who was also behind the original, and co-produced with Viva Films.

It will compete against other movies in the main section of the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival, which will kick off on Christmas Day.

The other entries are: "Feng Shui," "Shake, Rattle & Roll 14," "Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo," "My Big Bossing," "Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2," "Magnum Muslim .357," and "English Only, Please."

Vic Sotto’s MMFF starrer ‘My Big Bossing’ is three times bigger this year

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“My Big Bossing” Bloggers Conference, December 3, 2014 at the Guilly's, Quezon City

“My Big Bossing,” Vic Sotto’s entry to the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), with Ryzza Mae Dizon, along with Ms. Marian Rivera and Nikki Gil in the cast. Three of the country’s biggest directors helm three different stories within the movie - Tony Y. Reyes, Marlon N. Rivera and Bb. Joyce Bernal. 

Nino Muhlach, Alonzo Muhlach, Direk Marlon Rivera, Ryzza Mae Dizon and Vic Sotto

“My Big Bossing,” Vic Sotto’s entry to the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is expected to create another blockbuster film franchise as the movie brings with it an all-star cast ensemble, three high-calibre directors and excellent production and visual spectacle to complete a trilogy of stories in one neat package of a movie this year.

The movie is the biggest-budget entry in the MMFF race, and boasts of the collaboration of three of the country’s biggest film production outfits: Octoarts Films, M-Zet TV Production and APT Entertainment. 

“My Big Bossing” consists of three episodes of fantasy and wonder, each with its own storyline. It features a star-studded cast led by the indomitable Bossing Vic Sotto, MMFF’s all-time box-office king and wonder child superstar Ryzza Mae Dizon in all three episodes.

Episode 1 entitled “Sirena” is directed by Tony Y. Reyes, and features the talents of Wally Bayola, Manilyn Reynes, and Pauleen Luna. 

Synopsis: 

Fish-dealer BOSSING (Vic Sotto) leads a simple life with his cos-player daughter VANNA. His workload at the fishport and the fresh fish market is something he’s been doing for years on his own since his wife died. He gets along well with the people at work, and even when he’s pestered by his naughty inaanak JESSA, he’s able to put her at teasing distance. 

Then one day he suddenly has his hands full when JESSA, envious of the many costumes and outfits that VANNA uses as a cos player, wishes herself to be a mermaid. Yes, a sirena. 

It so happens that in this world there is a TANDANG WISHY, an old crone who feeds on the desires of children. As a malevolent supernatural, she gives out wishes and for each accepted wish she reverts to being young again and beautiful. She’s a shortcut; her recipients do not bother to reach success the hard way. 

Dragging BOSSING to the public swimming pool one afternoon, JESSA surprises her Ninong with her amazing speed in swimming. BOSSING’s surprise turns to shock when JESSA’s mermaid tail suddenly appears. He demands to know where JESSA got her mermaid tale, she keeps quiet, obeying TANDANG WISHY ’s demand to keep their deal a secret, or she loses her mermaid status. 

JESSA’s mermaid state leaks out. At first they’re able to explain the tail as a costume quite similar to VANNA’s cosplay mermaid outfit. 

But BOSSING knows better than to expose JESSA to the world. He keeps her hidden in his house, in a container full of one part water and one part patis to ensure her mermaid ail is submerged in a salty stimulation of sea water. But the cats in the neighborhood are able to smell JESSA out. One just one cat or tw. Not merely a hundred or two hundred. But thousands of cats. Thousands and thousands of cats. 

The neighborhood’s curiosity is aroused. Rumors fly.

To make it worse, the patis solution also stops working. JESSA’s scales start to flake. The little mermaid begins to flake. Blood seeps out from her lower torso, for each scale that falls off. BOSSING secretly brings JESSA off to the sea, by his regular fishport. She feels better now in seawater. And swims with great speed.

BOSSING asks her now to reveal where she got her mermaid’s tail. She initially refuses to answer. Fine, says BOSSING, then I’ll leave you here. You won’t see me anymore, not your mother. 

It’s the fear of not seeing her beloved mother that makes JESSA blurts out the truth about TANDANG WISHY. BOSSING says all JESSA has to do is retract her wish. 

That’s not possible, counters TANDANG WISHY, who suddenly appears, still in her young form. 

Of course it is, BOSSING says, and its there that he reveals he was also once upon a time TANDANG WISHY’s victim. Out of laziness and refusal to study he had as a young boy wished for a diploma from TANDANG WISHY so he needn’t go to school anymore. He received a high school diploma, the symbol of hard work, but he also wasn’t really smart enough to go to college so he had to work doubly hard as fish dealer.

Go, BOSSING prods JESSA, you’re allowed 30 days to retract your wish. TANDANG WISHY tempts JESSA with further “get rich quick” schemes, but still in the end, it’s JESSA’s love for her mother that prevails. She retracts her wish and TANDANG WISHY is defeated and before us transforms into the old, wrinkled prune she was the first time JESSA met her. 

JESSA has a tearful reunion with her mother and a promise from her Ninong BOSSING that he will train her to be a champion swimmer, no shortcuts, but real hard work and training to get to the top. 

The episode ends with a swimming competition, and JESSA wins. She gets a gold medal. 

Walang shortcut ang talagang gustong magtagumpay. 

Episode 2 billed “Taktak,” directed by Marlon N. Rivera, is led Marian Rivera and Jose Manalo in the cast.

Synopsis: 

VINCE (Vic Sotto), a skeptical investigative reporter/television public affairs talk show host and his Executive Producer CLARISA (Marian Rivera), are fighting to control the top-rating Instigador ng Bayan (InB). 

ANGEL, a young spirit medium is on the rise, is Manila’s current cause célèbre: Is she really able to communicate with the dead? Parents switch and disguise, the mother dressing up as a man and the father dressing up as a woman, to test if ANGEL is for real, she passes such tests with flying colors and connects to departed children while in a trance, shaking all over, doing the “Taktak”. Scores of grievous parents testify about her abilities, and a series of videos secretly taped by CLARISA herself appear to support the girl’s authenticity. 

Believing her to be a hoax, VINCE vows to expose ANGEL. CLARISA, on her own, tails VINCE’s investigation of ANGEL. Accompanying them are their respective assistants: MOONIE (Raul Montesa) for VINCE, and DODIE (Nico Antonio), for CLARISA. 

Whether ANGEL is fake or for real, and how VINCE finds out the truth is the crux of Episode 2. 

Truth is, ANGEL, while on the outside a fake and only fed information by her maternal uncle BUDOY (Jose), a hospital nursing-aide assigned to the ICU of the National Children’s Hospital, can really talk to spirits, mostly young children. And ANGEL is the friend of the spirit of the dead PINKY (CHLAUI MALAYAO), VINCE’s daughter, whose death VINCE has yet to accept. 

VINCE and CLARISA discover the many things that BUDOY has done to make it appear ANGEL has powers, like rigging the lower basement of their house to shake the table and the overhead lamp when she is supposed to be having her ‘trances’. He’s also set up a smoking machine and a CD player to play ghostly music, while ANGEL performs her ‘seances’ in the living-room. 

Finding this out, VINCE and CLARISA confront ANGEL in the hospital. BUDOY is exposed and apprehended. 

Then Pinky appears. VINCE is enraged that his daughter is being made part of the scam, but when Pinky speaks to him through ANGEL and speaks of secrets known only to the two of them, VINCE finally believes that ANGEL is for real. He and Pinky are also able to finally bid each other farewell. 

In the end, VINCE and CLARISA get married, and adopt ANGEL. VINCE loses his skepticism, now that he has another stab at happiness with a wife, an adopted daughter and another baby on the way. 

All is well, that ends well. 

Episode 3 called “Prinsesa” is directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal, and puts Ryzza Mae Dizon in the spotlight alongside rising child star Alonzo Muhlach, the son of former child star Niño Muhlach, who will play the role of Alonzo’s dad in the movie as well.

Synopis: 

A bearded MEDICINE MAN who lives in the forests, from a time of long ago, tells his children the story of a princess most unlikely…

When REYNA BEA (Nikki Gil) is pregnant and about to give birth, her sister MARGA (Maricar de Mesa) waylays the 3 K FAIRIES who arrive to give the future monarch of the Kaharian ng Bugambilya with gifts, such as kabaitan, kasayahan and kagandahan. Before kagandahan is bestowed, MARGA stops the THIRD FAIRY and forbids her to give out kagandahan to ensure the child about to be born is not good-looking. Enraged, the THIRD FAIRY gives the unborn princess kapangyarihan of some sort. 

MARGA rushes back to the Queen’s chamber, where REYNA BEA is about to give birth. The child is born, and it’s not good-looking. MARGA and husband, the DUQUE CHORVU (Niño Muhlach) imply to the HARIng LUBO (Zoren Legaspi) that the queen, unconscious after giving birth, has been unfaithful. Never mind, that for the king, his daughter is the most beautiful infant he’s ever laid he’s eyes on. Never mind that the baby has a strawberry mark on her nape that the king also has, MARGA and CHORVU stress KING LUBO out so much, he has a stroke. Then MARGA goes into labor pains and it turns out she is also pregnant and she and CHORVU scheme to have their child — especially it it’s a boy — substitute for BEA’s and LUBO’s daughter. 

TORIUS (Vic Sotto), the royal doctor, hears the plan. He gives the princess to his assistant WARDO (Sef Cadayona) to spirit away. WARDO leaves.

The Prince VLADIMIR is born and BEA and LUBO are made to believe he is their son. MARGA feeds to BEA the lie that she herself, MARGA, had given birth to a baby girl but it died because TORIUS saved only BEA’s son VLADIMIR. BEA orders TORIUS arrested. TORIUS and CHORVU engage in sword-play and TORIUS escapes. CHORVU asks the PRIME MINISTER (Boboy Garovillo) permission to look for TORIUS and kill him.

But TORIUS is sheltered by the peasants of the kingdom, in the pigsty. 

In the village, CHORVU encounters WARDA buying cow’s milk. CHORVU recognizes WARDO from the Queen’s Chamber and forces him to reveal where the real princess is. WARDO denies knowledge of the Princess’ whereabouts, CHORVU cuts off his tongue. 

TORIUS leaves the safety of the pigsty but keeps on visiting the Princess (RYZZA MAE DIZON). We realize that TORIUS is the MEDICINE MAN, and that he has first-hand knowledge of the tale of the Princess cast out of the palace by her evil aunt MARGA and uncle-in-law CHORVU. 

TORIUS sees the Princess grow up in the care of WARDO who disguises himself as the woman WARDA. The Princess is fed pigs’ milk and given to playing in the mud, mud she’s able to magically change at will into weapons or bridges or whatever, for this is the power given her by the THIRD FAIRY, the ability to make something out of nothing, while playing and being with the lowly creatures in the babuyan. 

But because WARDA is mute, the name he gives the princess is misinterpreted by others, so she is known as BIIKTORIA (Ryzza Mae Dizon). 

Years pass. TORIUS the medicine man has taken a wife, DIWATA, and they now have a family. LUBO is paralyzed and cannot speak, BEA takes care of their son, VLADIMIR (Alonzo Muhlach). Impatiently waiting for LUBO to die, MARGA and CHORVU are stressed when it’s the sheltered VLADIMIR who gets sick and is need of a playmate. BEA asks JUAN (Rafa Siguion-Reyna), the Captain of the Guards, to look for a peasant child who has never gotten sick. 

JUAN’s search brings him to peasant leader BEBANG (Ruby Rodriguez) who brings him to BIIKTORIA, and he takes her and WARDA to the palace. In the palace, MARGA and CHORVU seethe at BIIKTORIA, but her presence does VLADIMIR good, he becomes healthy and robust. 

As MARGA and CHORVU step up their plans to have LUBO declared incompetent, JUAN, WARDA and BEBANG secretly visit TORIUS in the forest. The rebels are in place eo make sure that MARGA and CHORVU do not get their way and that the truth about BIIKTORIA’s royal lineage is revealed.

On the day MARGA and CHORVU pressure the MINISTER to assign VLADIMIR king and declare LUBO incompetent, on the occasion of the kingdom’s 500th anniversary celebration, TORIUS and the peasants attack the palace. BIIKTORIA uses her powers. MARGA’s and CHORVU’s scheme is exposed when LUBO in an emotional moment recognizes BIIKTORIA and heals. 

Death is demanded for MARGA and CHORVU, but BIIKTORIA gives her first command as Crown Princess and states that the parents of her friend VLADIMIR, as well as VLADIMIR himself, be merely exiled. Her first royal act is to forgive.

TORIUS exclaims BIIKTORIA — who is really named VICTORIA, after VICTORIUS, TORIUS’s real name — will make a fine queen someday. LUBO avers it is through the support of honorable men like TORIUS that the truth always comes out in the end, for the greater good. 

TORIUS is knighted by the recovered LUBO.

Happiness is restored in the Kaharian ng Bugambilya. 

“My Big Bossing” will be in theaters starting Christmas Day, Dec. 25.