We just want to give our moviegoers an early Christmas treat,” said Regal Matriach Lily Monteverde on releasing Mano Po 7: Chinoy a week before the MMFF opening.The Regal movie failed to make the cut as official MMFF entry and though Mother Lily as she is fondly called in showbiz said that “it was a sad reality,” she still wants to be part of the traditional celebration of showcasing movies for the whole family.
“Tradisyon na iyan eh. In my long practice of producing and making films for the filmfest, the very basic formula of presenting the Pinoy folks movie for the entire family is very evident. That’s why we are releasing Mano Po 7,” explained Mother Lily.
Filipino-Chinese actor Richard Yap tackles a role of a very rich business tycoon who is very protective of his family and a strict a husband to his wife (played by Jean Garcia) and father to children played by Enchong Dee, Janella Salvador and Jana Agoncillo.
The star-studded cast also includes Jessy Mendiola, Jake Cuenca, Marlo Mortel, Kean Cipriano and Eric Quizon, who all praised young director Ian Lorenos for his “brilliant understanding “ of the material.
And yes, as per Mother Lily, she will not just show the movie on Dec. 14 all over the country, but Regal will also mount an event where her big stars will be joined by some friends from showbiz in a Filipino Chinese tradition-like “parade of stars,” on a float or trucks around Metro Manila.
Whether this is an expression of protest or disgust, that we do not know!
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“That’s very Mother,” quips Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto when we visited her at the Lower House last Wednesday.
The hardworking Congresswoman known in showbiz as Star For All Seasons doesn’t see anything wrong with Mother Lily’s wish to show Mano Po 7 before the MMFF opens on Christmas Day.
“Hindi naman siguro,” said when asked whether the Regal Matriach just wants to despise the MMFF Selection Commmitee after Mano Po 7 landed on the 9th or 10th position in the final choices, or she was simply being a producer who feels the need to join the filmfest.
We caught the Lipa City representative in her office moments after she finished her meeting in the Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation, which she chairs.
“I heard about it (MMFF news). As an artist, I respect the decision (sic) by the Screening Committee that selected the official entries. Maybe, their goal this time is to bring back the luster of a filmfest where entries really boast their good qualities. On the other hand, and based on my experiences over the years in the filmfest, eh talaga namang pam-pamilya ang Pasko. People go to cinemas to be entertained. Once a child encourages his parents or elders to watch a film, lahat sila sama-sama na (all of them go together),” shared Ate Vi.
She has quite a different workload in Congress compared to her being Batangas Governor. “Everything we make here is still for our people. It’s just that whatever law or laws we will file or approve will be used as basis for legislation,” she said also adding that she enjoys reading and studying research-based works and consultations for her to know better, how more beneficial to majority each every bill or law she wishes to pass.
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Speaking of dear friend and fellow Bicolano Enchong Dee, he related that he doesn’t mind being bashed for his opinions on our government and its leaders.
Growing up, he shared, he experienced and saw systems that do not really work or serve for people.
“Wala naman pong problema. We are in a democracy sabi nga, pero at least po ako, I always check my facts and whenever I share my sentiments on any issue that I feel needs public understanding, wala pong makakapigil sa akin,” Enchong said on his latest take about the Marcos burial.
Enchong is in Mano Po 7 as the eldest son of the roles played by Richard Yap and Jean Garcia.
“Pasaway ang role ko, doing it out of the character’s desperation to find love and happiness for the family. This is the first time that I play a role like this and I so like it,” he added.
His love interest in the film is Jessy Mendiola. When asked about their many steamy and intimate scenes in the movie, he simply answered, “eh di masarap.”