So, who’s gonna stop Enteng Kabisote from making your Christmas season worthwhile? Not the selection committee of the annual Metro Manila Fim Festival that rejected the film from being an official entry to the yearly Tagalog filmfest.In an unprecedented move, the producers of Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers announced late last week that the film will hit the theaters today, and it’s going to be a wide release nationwide, from Aparri to Jolo, just like the theme song of Vic Sotto’s popular noontime show, Eat Bulaga.
At the press conference for the film at Annabel’s last Thursday, Sotto said he respects the decision of the committee of the MMFF in excluding Enteng from the roster of official entries to the film. “But, what I am not happy about is the apparent deprivation of the traditional fun the festival offers to children with films like Enteng Kabisote.”
The comedian cited the late Fernando Poe, Jr. who produced, directed, and starred in films with children in mind as the audience. “He told me when he was still alive, if I had no plans to produce films for the festival so that there would be an entry that the children and their family could look forward to.”
But Sotto has no rancor in his heart. In fact, he said, “It’s a blessing in disguise. I’ll be able to spend Christmas in peace and not worry about the box office results of the movie.”
Yet, Vic’s box-office power is unparalleled. A member of the formidable trio TVJ (Tito Sotto and Joey de Leon are the other two) that churned one hit movie after the other, going solo has proven that Vic’s drawing power extends beyond TVJ and Eat Buaga. Up until these days, his supremacy at the tills remains strong.
One of Vic’s most successful franchises is Enteng Kabisote, which now totals nine installments. It has now a cult following among film buffs.
This year, the ace comedian return with Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers. Of course, Sotto is happy to breathe life once again to one of his signature roles on screen.
“The last Enteng Kabisote movie was shown four years ago,” he said. “To give in to the fans’ clamor since they missed Enteng’s adventures and misadventures, we’re bringing him back on the big screen.”
Vic stresses that this sequel is the hardest and grandest to mount.
“People expect that this will be better than the last one. Imagine, we’re on our 10th sequel, so we have to show something new. So, when I talked to the team, I told them that we cannot rely on our old story line and antics anymore. Viewers nowadays look for freshness in the material. I’m proud to say that our finished product has that element that will surely delight the crowd!
“We made sure that the movie will have a totally new look. There are a lot of new features in this latest sequel. From the cast to the special effects, I’m sure the audience will love it. Even the younger crop, those whom are called ‘Millenials’, I’m sure they will enjoy watching it since the way we presented the story is very contemporary. There are a lot of scenes where they can relate so much.”
According to the screen icon, even the character of Enteng has evolved as well in the story.
“Oh yes! He’s no longer the usual Enteng Kabisote you’ve seen in the previous installations. As I’ve stated earlier, we ensured that he’d go with the flow. I can say that Enteng here caters to all types of viewers, from the conservative to the millenials. They will truly relate to him one hundred percent!” avers Vic.
Produced by OctoArts Films, APT Entertainment and Vic’s very own M-Zet Production under the helm of Tony Y. Reyes and Marlon Rivera, Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers is star studded.
Joining the cast are Oyo Boy Sotto, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Bea Binene, Ken Chan, Ryza Cenon, Epi Quizon, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Atak, Cacai Bautista, Simon Loresca and child wonder Alonzo Muhlach. Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza will also have a special participation.
Many wonder who will play as the new Faye. “Well, that’s one of the highlights. You’ll know eventually!”
“I’m certain the viewing public will be entertained to the max with the film. It’s worth their time and money. In the story, Enteng is now a robotics and iron works magnate. For the first time, he should save humankind from an eccentric yet very risky threat he is yet to conquer: digital manipulation of humankind through a viral mysterious game application! In order to defeat such menace, he needs to form a group of extraordinary unusual and elusive beings that happen to be outcast engkantados.”
For Sotto and the rest of the cast, tomorrow is Christmas time for the kids and their families.
