Asked about the non-inclusion of his supposedly entry Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers in the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival, Vic Sotto averred:
“Honestly, I have mixed feelings regarding this. It’s like for the first time in so many years, the MMFF has no entry that would cater to the younger crop of viewers, particularly children. For the past years, I always fielded an entry to the annual film fest and many of these were Enteng Kabisote sequels. So now, I feel it’s an abnormal Christmas for me.
“Everyone knows that when the Yuletide season comes, the public expects to watch light and entertaining stuff like Enteng Kabisote. It’s the time of year when families get to bond together and going to the cinema is one activity they don’t miss. That’s the reason why I felt sad that they won’t be able to watch our offering on Christmas Day itself as traditionally happens. But we opened earlier instead on Nov. 30 to make our loyal followers happy. At least, their Christmas gift was given to them way ahead of time, so to speak.”
Was he hurt with the fact that the MMFF selection committee didn’t consider his movie to be part of the Magic 8?
“Well, let’s just say that I respect their taste in choosing the entries that made the cut. If they say their basis was quality, I’d like to believe that it’s something relative…that we all have different perceptions and definitions when it comes to this. I can only speak for myself. When I do movies, like this Enteng series, we see to it that it’s of the highest quality story, technical, acting and execution-wise. But as I’ve said, people would always have varying definitions of quality.”
Despite this development, Vic believes that something good will still come out of it.
“Yes! I see it as a blessing in disguise. Given our Nov. 30 showing, we’ll have longer showing time. Who knows, if the public will really support us, we might even reach Christmas and even New Year, right?” he stated.
Enteng Kabisote will always have a special place in Bosing’s heart.
“I think that’s understandable since it’s the project where I started as a producer. It paved the way for me to learn the ins and outs of movie production. Imagine this latest Enteng offering is our 10th big screen installation already, a proof that we were really able to make an indelible mark in the hearts of the movie-going public. They love the character so much that it has become part of their year-end tradition. For me, such triumph is priceless!”
With Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers now making a big killing at the tills, the showbiz icon wishes that all eight entries in this year’s MMFF will also perform well at the box-office.
“Oh yes! I wish them all the luck! We cannot deny the fact that the annual film festival is able to help various industry organizations like the Optical Media Board (OMB), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Movie Workers’ Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund) to name some so hopefully, the 8 entries rake in money to continue extending aid to said groups.”
Considering the experience he had this year, will he still join future MMFF editions?
“Well, let’s see. It would depend on their rulings,” Vic ended.
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Paolo Ballesteros doesn’t want to entertain the issue pitting him against Vice Ganda. Kibitzers say it could’ve been a good match had the latter’s Super Parental Guardians made it to the Magic 8 of this year’s MMFF where the former’s Die Beautiful is in contention. According to some, he even has an edge over Vice since his project won for him the Best Actor trophy in the recently-concluded Tokyo International Film Festival.
“This early, I want to say that there’s no competition between me and Vice. We’re friends in real life and I admire his comic skills. I was able to watch the trailer of his film with Coco (Martin) and it’s hilarious. It would all depend on the viewers who have their respective choices. As for me, I’m happy that I have work. That’s what’s important,” he says.
Although he is disappointed as well that his other supposedly entry Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers didn’t qualify in this year’s MMFF, the talented actor-host admits the situation became favourable for him.
“At least, I can focus in the promotion of just one movie. I won’t have any difficulty in choosing in which float I would ride during the Parade of Stars, right?”
Besides, according to Paolo, Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers is a sure fire box-office hit.
“Many people are waiting for its commercial exhibition. Our Nov. 30 play date is just perfect. Since it’s a holiday, the kids, accompanied by their parents and siblings can enjoy watching the film as early as 8 in the morning. It’s just like Christmas Day,” he states.