'Walang Forever' tops MMFF 2015 awards

MANILA - Romantic-comedy "Walang Forever" dominated the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) awards night at the Kia Theater in Cubao on Sunday, taking home five major awards, including the coveted Best Picture prize.

Directed by Dan Villegas, "Walang Forever" also took the top acting awards for lead stars Jericho Rosales and Jennylyn Mercado.

The film also bagged the trophies for Best Screenplay and Best Original Story.

Mercado scored a back to back win as Best Actress, having won the same award last year for "English Only Please," which was also directed by Villegas.

In her acceptance speech, the actress thanked Villegas for including her again in his film, and her son, Jazz, for serving as an inspiration.

"Maraming, maraming salamat po Atty. Joji (Alonso), Quantum Films. Maraming salamat po sa pagkuha sa akin taun-taon. Maraming salamat po direk Dan Villegas sa walang sawang pagtulak sa akin. Para po sa ating lahat ito. Para po sa aking inspirasyong si Jazz, sa nanay ko at sa lanat ng bumubuo ng 'Walang Forever.' Napakagandang Christmas gift po nito. Lord, thank you," said Mercado.

Pedring Lopez's "Nilalang," which stars former adult film star Maria Ozawa and Cesar Montano, also took home five awards, including Best Editing and Best Cinematography.

Erik Matti's "Honor Thy Father," likewise, bagged five awards, including Best Director.

Randolph Longjas' "Buy Now, Die Later" took home the 2nd Best Picture award and Best Production Design, while "My Bebe Love" took home the 3rd Best Picture award, the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural award, and the Best Supporting Actress award for Maine Mendoza.

For the New Wave Category, "Ari: My Life with a King" took home majority of the awards, including Best Actor for Francisco Quinto, Full Feature Best Picture and Full Feature Best Screenplay.

This year's festival has been beset with several controversies, including the disqualification of "Honor Thy Father" from the Best Picture race one day before the awards night, and allegations of "ticket swapping."
Here are the complete list of winners:

Offical Entries:

Major Awards:

Best Child Performer - Krystal Brimmer ("Honor Thy Father")
Best Festival Sound - Ditoy Aguila ("Nilalang")
Best Festival Musical Score - Jessie Lazaten ("Nilalang")
Best Festival Original Theme Song - "Tao" ("Honor Thy Father")
Best Festival Make Up Artist - Ryan Panaligan and Ericka Racela ("Honor Thy Father")
Best Festival Visual Effects – "Nilalang"
Best Festival Production Design - "Buy Now, Die Later"
Best Festival Editing – "Nilalang"
Best Festival Cinematography – "Nilalang"
Best Original Story - Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone ("Walang Forever")
Best Screenplay - Paul Santa 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")
Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award - "My Bebe Love"
3rd Best Picture: "My Bebe Love"
2nd Best Picture: "Buy Now, Die Later"
Best Picture: "Walang Forever"
Best Actor: Jericho Rosales ("Walang Forever")
Best Actress: Jennylyn Mercado ("Walang Forever")

Special Awards:

Best Float - "Buy Now, Die Later"
FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence - "Walang Forever"
Male Celebrity of the Night - Cesar Montano
Female Celebrity of the Night - Jennylyn Mercado

New Wave Entries

Full Feature Category:

Best Supporting Actor - Thou Reyes ("Toto")
Best Supporting Actress - Bibeth Orteza ("Toto")
Best Actors - JM De Guzman ("Tandem") and Francisco Quinto ("Ari: My Life with a King")
Best Screenplay – "Ari: My Life with a King"
Best Director - John Paul Su ("Toto")
Special Jury - "Toto"
Best Picture - "Ari: My Life with a King"
Manila Bulletin Entertainment Best Full Feature Film - "Ari My Life with a King"

Animation Category:
New Wave Animation Special Jury Prize - "Little Lights" (Rivelle Mallari)
New Wave Best Animation Picture - "Buttons" (Marvel Obemio, Francis Ramirez & Jared Garcia)
Manila Bulletin Entertainment Best Short Film Award – “Momento”
Manila Bulletin Entertainment Best Animation Film Award - "Geo"

Student Short Film Category:

Special Jury Prize - "Daisy" (Brian Reyes)
Best Short Picture - "Mumu" (Jean Cheryl Tagyamon)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

MMFF earns P597M in 7 days

MANILA - The 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) continues to rake in cash and break records, earning P597 million in 7 days, organizers said Wednesday.

Its gross earnings are 34.5% higher compared to the previous year's event, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Francis Tolentino said in a text message to ABS-CBNnews.com.



After 7 days, "My Little Bossings" remains as the top grosser, followed by Vice Ganda-starrer "Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy"; horror film "Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay"; and comedy film "Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng Prequel."



Trailing in earnings, in no particular order, are award-winning action film "10,000 Hours," "Boy Golden: Shoot to Kill (The Arturo Porcuna Story)," "Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir," and "Kaleidoscope World."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kris, Vic didn't expect 'My Little Bossings' to be a huge hit

MANILA – Host-actress Kris Aquino admitted that she was initially worried that "My Little Bossings" will not be a huge hit in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Aquino and comedian Vic Sotto co-produced the film starring her son, James "Bimby" Yap Jr., and child actress Ryzza Mae Dizon.

The "Kris TV" host recalled how she initially felt the pressure of topping the success of Sotto's previous movies in the MMFF, which were all box office hits.

"Alam mo napa-drive ng six hours to go to Manaoag last night para lang makapagpasalamat ako. Kasi sa totoo lang, pinagdasal ko na P30 million kasi 'yun ang kinita ni Bong and Vic last year," she said.

Aquino said Sotto shared her sentiment as well.

"And nagkaaminan kami ni Vic kanina, na 'Alam mo ayaw ko na mapahiya sa'yo, na 'yung pag-partner mo sa akin, baka hindi mapantayan 'yung last year,'" she told reporters at the sidelines of the MMFF awards night held last Friday.

"Tapos sabi ni Vic, 'Sige puwede na ako umamin, takot din ako na baka yung maliit, natutuwa lang yung tao pero hindi gagastos para panoorin.' Hindi namin talaga inaaasahan [na malaki ang kikitain ng pelikula]," she added.

According to Aquino, she and Sotto already recovered their capital in producing the movie as of 2 p.m. Friday.

"Kung nag-expect [kaming kikita], nagpakatotoo kami na hindi. Alam namin na matindi ang kakumpitensya. Pero siguro kasi Christmas is for children and this was once in a lifetime, very special partnership,” she said.

Their worries were unfounded, however, as "My Little Bossings" easily assumed the top spot among the eight films during the festival's opening day last Christmas.

To celebrate the movie's success, Aquino said she will spend the rest of their holidays with her sons in Europe.

"Pangako ko sa dalawang anak ko ang London. Masuwerte lang na may mga friends kami nandoon, si Bea (Alonzo) and si Zanjoe (Marudo) nandoon so magkikita kami. Nag-book na ako ng limang play kasi 'yun ang kaligayahan namin, manood ng theater," she said.

Aquino and her two sons left for London on Sunday.

The TV host, who is under contract with ABS-CBN, said leaving the country is also her way of evading intrigues.

“Para iwas intriga na rin muna kasi napapabalita 'yung pagre-renew [ng contract]. Magmumuni-muni po at aalis,” she said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kris' cleavage-baring dress sends netizens abuzz

MANILA, Philippines -- Apart from the big winners at the recently concluded 38th Metro Manila Film Festival awards night, Kris Aquino's revealing gown was also the talk of the town on social media on Thursday night.


Aquino and KC Concepcion hosted the awarding ceremony of the annual film fest at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas. The actress also stars in one of the competing entries, "Sisterakas," along with Vice Ganda and Ai Ai delas Alas.

In a post on the image-sharing site Instagram on Friday, Aquino is seen posing in the cleavage-baring dress, which she credited to designer Cary Santiago.

As the delayed telecast of the awards night aired Friday, viewers took to micro-blogging site Twitter to rave about Aquino's bold fashion choice.

Several netizens called the gown "daring," while others joked that her outfit deserved an "award" of its own. Most of the "tweets" were posted with the hashtag "MMFFAwardsNight," which became among the top local trending topics on Friday night.

At the awarding ceremony, the family drama "One More Try" was named Best Picture. The Emilio Aguinaldo biopic "El Presidente" was awarded 2nd Best Picture, while Aquino's "Sisterakas" took home the 3rd Best Picture award.

For the full list of winners of the 38th MMFF, click here.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Angelica did not tell John Lloyd about love scenes

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Angelica Panganiban did not feel the need tell her boyfriend, actor John Lloyd Cruz, about her love scenes with actor Dingdong Dantes in the movie “One More Try.”

In an interview with “The Buzz” on Sunday, Panganiban said she does not want Cruz to worry about her as he is also busy at work.

“Unang una, hindi ko naman po sinasabi sa kanya na [intimate scenes] ang kukunan namin today. Siyempre ayaw mo naman na may iniisip siyang ganun habang nagtatrabaho rin naman ho siya,” she explained.

Panganiban considers “One More Try” her most daring movie to date.

“Yes, so far [ito ang pinakamapangahas]. Siya yung pinakamalalim, ito yung pinakakritikal na gawin, masyadong maselan yung pelikula,” she said.

Despite this, the actress said she and Dantes did not feel awkward while doing their love scenes.

“Sabi nga ni Dingdong kanina, simula February pa lang, nakukuwento na po sa amin ang movie so buong taon na po namin parang pinoproseso ang pelikula so ganun na rin kahaba yung naging pinagsamahan naming lahat,” she said.

Apart from her scenes with Dantes, Panganiban said moviegoers should also watch out for her confrontation scene with actress Angel Locsin.

“Imposible ho ‘yung 'di madadala sa eksena kasi parang 'pag nag-control ka, baka ho sumablay at makikita ho iyon ng tao, parang ‘di totoo ‘yung sampal. Hindi ho siguro magandang term ‘yung nadala. Parang ibinigay lang ho namin [ni Angel] parehas kung ano ‘yung hinihingi sa amin,” she said.

“One More Try” is one of Star Cinema’s entries in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. It will be shown in theaters nationwide beginning December 25.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Why Dingdong is part of Star Cinema film 'One More Try'

MANILA, Philippines - Although he is not part of the Kapamilya network, actor Dingdong Dantes was chosen to be one of the leading men in "One More Try", Star Cinema's entry to this year's Metro Manila Film Festival.

Ruel Bayani, the movie's director, explained the reason behind this in an interview with entertainment reporters last week.

He cited Dantes' acting chops particularly in the horror film "Segunda Mano", a previous MMFF entry where he starred alongside the country's "Queen of All Media" Kris Aquino.

Bayani added that they also wanted their film to have a new mix of actors to give it a "different flavor".

"Remember si Dingdong, gusto namin siya sa Star Cinema kasi fresh pa lang siya sa 'Segunda Mano', nag-breakthrough performance siya doon, nanalo siya doon," the "One More Try" director explained.

"Hindi namin sinasabi na hindi magagawa ng Kapamilya actor ang magagawa niya. Sinasabi lang namin na priority namin na mabigyan ng bagong putahe ang mga audience, kasi ayaw naming sabihin nila na 'wala na bang bago?' So ito, bago. Ang mga tao, ibang kumbinasyon, ibang halo-halo ito. So iba ang magiging lasa niyan."

In "One More Try", Dantes plays the role of Edward, who is married to Jacqueline, portrayed by Angelica Panganiban. The film's two other lead stars include Angel Locsin and Zanjoe Marudo.

"Ang akala ng mga tao mahirap [kunin si Dingdong]. Nag-present kami at nagustuhan nila, napapapayag sila," Bayani said.

"The truth was ang akala ng mga tao mahirap (kunin si Dingdong), nag-present kami at nagustuhan nila, napapayag sila," Bayani told reporters.

"One More Try" will be screened in theaters nationwide starting Christmas Day, December 25.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Zanjoe felt uneasy doing 'love scene' with Angel

MANILA, Philippines - Zanjoe Marudo admitted that he initially felt uneasy doing intimate scenes with Angel Locsin for their newest film.

Marudo, who is in a relationship with Kapamilya star Bea Alonzo, is Locsin's leading man in "One More Try", an official entry to this year's Metro Manila Film Festival.

This is the first time that Marudo and Locsin worked together in a film project.

"Siyempre 'yung first time namin na magkatrabaho tapos gagawa kami ng ganoong eksena. Para lang ma-break 'yung ice, sinabi ko na lang, 'Angel, tulungan mo ako.' Sabi niya, 'hindi, ako bahala sa'yo.' Kinakabahan kasi ako," Marudo told entertainment reporters last week.

Asked how his girlfriend reacted to his newest film role, Marudo said: "Una nga, hindi naniniwala [si Bea] na may [love scenes kami ni Angel]. Pero wala namang isyu doon. Kasi nagkakilala kami, pareho na kaming artista. So wala nang isyu 'yung ganoong eksena."

Locsin, for her part, praised Marudo, calling him a "gentleman."

"Si Z kasi, siyempre sa lahat ng love scenes, bago magsimula, may nerbiyos. Si Z, bilang gentleman, first time naming magkakasama at may love scene agad kami. Siguro siyempre parang naiilang siya sa akin at paano niya ako aalalayan.

"Ako bilang babae, responsibility ko kailangan ko siyang gawing kumportable kasi kapag nailang siya ay magiging pangit ang eksena namin. So nagtatago ako sa banyo at nagdarasal na 'Lord, sana po ay maging okay ang lahat.'

"Pero paglabas ni Z sabi ko 'dikit ka lang sa akin, ako ang bahala sa'yo, sanay na sanay ako rito.' Para lang maging kumportable siya. Pero ang galing ni Z sa eksena na 'yon," explained Locsin, who is currently in a relationship with football player Phil Younghusband.

"One More Try", which also stars Dingdong Dantes and Angelica Panganiban, opens in theaters nationwide on December 25.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

'Segunda Mano' overtakes 'Panday,' zooms to 2nd place

MANILA, Philippines – It looks like Kris Aquino is having the last laugh.

The controversial actress-TV host’s prediction that her Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, “Segunda Mano” would eventually wind up at second place based on box-office earnings has come true.

Tallies gathered in the last eight days – from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1 — of the ongoing MMFF, show Aquino’s film entry, “Segunda Mano” now at the number two spot raking in a hefty P94,629,812.45M at the box-office.

Aquino made her bold forecast in an earlier interview with PEP prior to the festival opening last Dec. 25.

“Number two. Very honest ako sa number two,” said she.

She went on to insist that she would get her wish, going on to recall how she correctly predicted “Dalaw” – her entry in last year’s festival – landing on the third spot.

“Di ba, dati sinabi ko gusto ko mag-number three? I was so happy. Ngayon, gusto ko mag-number two, kaya ‘segunda mano.’"

Not a few scoffed at Aquino’s calculation given the odds. She is, after all, competing against the box-office triumvirate of Vic Sotto and Ai Ai delas Alas of “Enteng Ng Ina Mo” and Bong Revilla with “Ang Panday 2.”

Aquino herself thought the fight was over, having already thanked her fans for helping her movie land on third spot after the first two days of the festival.

Past rankings based on opening day returns had allowed only for “Segunda Mano” to maintain third position behind both “Enteng Ng Ina Mo” and “Ang Panday 2.”

But Aquino’s fortunes suddenly changed. It helped that her co-star and co-producer, Dingdong Dantes, also bagged the Best Actor trophy during the recently concluded 37th MMFF Awards.

Aquino, now recognized as the country's official "Queen of Horror Movies," started out his acting career doing comedy.

Her first foray into filmmaking "Pido Dida Sabay Tayo" in 1990 opposite the now deceased comedian Rene Requiestas allowed her the tag "Box-Office Queen."

In 1993, she shifted to doing crime films based on real-life events, which again became hits earning her the moniker, "Massacre Queen."

She went on to forge a career in horror films starting with "Feng Shui" in 2004, which grossed P137.56 million at the box-office. she followed this with "Sukob (2006) and "Dalaw" (2010).

Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), which is behind the annual festival is confident that this year’s total gross will exceed P600-M.

Last year’s total gross was more than P500M.

The filmfest ends on Jan. 7.

Here are the official earnings of the seven official entries from Dec.

25 to Jan. 1, according to the MMFF executive committee:

l. "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 XIII" – P41,935,473.35M

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

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

source: mb.com.ph