2017 Manila Film Festival Winners

Winners of the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival pose for media during the awards night at the Kia Theatre, Quezon City on Wednesday. “Ang Larawan” was named Best Picture, while acting trophies were given to Joanna Ampil (best actress, Derek Ramsay (best actor), Jasmin Curtis Smith (best supporting actress) and Edgar Allan Guzman (best supporting actor).

source: news.abs-cbn.com

LOOK: Paolo Ballesteros arrives as Lady Gaga at press con

MANILA – Paolo Ballesteros turned heads when he arrived as Lady Gaga at the press conference for his movie “Die Beautiful” on Wednesday.

The film -- his first in a lead role -- is an entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. It features him doing nine makeup transformations, something which he has become known for over the past year.

Among all his projects, Ballesteros admitted “Die Beautiful” is really close to his heart.

“Very personal sa akin ito kasi this is my first title role and 'yung story, talagang parang sinukat sa akin 'yung film. Although lahat naman ng mga projects ko, binibigay ko yung 100% ko, gusto ko every time I make a project, I make sure na iba 'yung makikita nila na Paolo. This one, with makeup transformation pa, so talagang very personal sa akin kaya pinagbutihan ko talaga,” he explained.

His performance in “Die Beautiful” has already been recognized in international film festivals but Ballesteros stressed that winning an award is not his main motivation.

“Kung sakaling magkaroon ng award, I am thankful. But I am not doing it for the award kundi dahil maganda yung storya,” he said.

Asked how else he prepared for his role, Ballesteros said: “'Yung character ko kasi merong mga series of flashbacks, may college, may pabakla pa lang. May level ng pagkabakla, iba 'yung acting. Direk is always there naman to guide me. Teamwork talaga.”

For his part, “Die Beautiful” director Jun Robles Lana admitted that they prefer to make a splash in the box office than to receive awards.

“Sa takilya na tayo kasi medyo marami na tayong awards,” Lana said. “Particularly sa movie na ito, gusto namin maka-reach out kami sa pinakamaraming audience na possible. Yung story is very Filipino. We made it primarily for the Filipino audience.”

“Die Beautiful,” along with the other seven MMFF entries, will open in cinemas stating December 25.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

WATCH: John Lloyd jams with Armi Millare

MANILA – A video of John Lloyd Cruz jamming with Up Dharma Down’s Armi Millare is now going viral.

The three-minute clip was originally uploaded on Millare’s Facebook page, where Cruz can be seen playing the guitar as she sings “Tao.”

“Tao” is the theme song of Cruz’s movie “Honor Thy Father,” which is an entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

The song won Millare the Best Festival Original Theme Song award during the MMFF Awards Night on Sunday.

In the caption, the singer said: “A little something from the #honorthyfather family. Sa mga hindi pa nanonood, do it tomorrow! Haha. Enjoy!”

As of writing, the video already has more than 8,600 “likes”, almost 600 comments and over 3,200 shares on Facebook. The video has been viewed 188,156 times.

A little something from the #honorthyfather family. Sa mga hindi pa nanonood, do it tomorrow! Haha. Enjoy! #tao #garyperez #sampaguita

Posted by Armi Millare on Monday, December 28, 2015

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'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

Kris wants to play mom to KathNiel, Kim Chiu

MANILA -- Actress-host Kris Aquino is open to do a drama movie if she will be given a mother role.

"Tinanong ako ni Tita Malou Santos nung Friday, 'Kris, do you want to do a drama next year?' Sabi ko 'Tita Malou at my core I am a mother,'" she said during the press conference of her horror film "Feng Shui," which is an official entry to this year's Metro Manila Film Festival.

"So kung 'yung role is to be the mom of KathNiel (Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla), to be the mom of Enrique (Gil) or to be the mom of Kim Chiu, I would love to do it. Pero kung ilalayo mo ako sa kung ano ako talaga at my core, I don't think I would be effective," added Aquino, who is turning 44 next February.

Aquino has been very vocal about how she's a proud stage mom to son, James "Bimby" Yap Jr., who has finished his second movie "The Amazing Praybeyt Bejamin" with Vice Ganda.

"Totooo talaga umaamin ako na stage mother ako. Sa shooting days niya, tatlo lang ang na-miss kong araw because those days nagshu-shoot ako at today nandito ako. As much as possible inaayos nila ang schedule na I could be there. So yes, I'm really am a stage mother and yes nakialam talaga ako," Aquino said.

Can't ask for more

Meanwhile, Aquino, who is often described as having everything in life, admitted that she can't ask for more -- including her love life.

"Hindi naman pwedeng maibigay ang lahat sa iyo ng sabay-sabay. So alam niyo naman lahat kung ano ang kulay sa buhay ko." Obvious naman, hindi ko naman kailangang ipagsigawan 'yan ngayon," she said, referring to her string of romantic disappointments.

Aquino was last linked to Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista but that romance proved to be short-lived.

"Pero kung hindi talaga panahon ngayon siguro darating 'yung time na hindi na ganito 'yung trabaho ko baka pwede na doon na ang panahon ng pag-ibig," she added.

Pressed if she found a new love, Aquino replied: "Wala. Nagshu-shooting pa ako tapusin ko muna siya. Wala akong sini-set aside, sinasabi ko lang siguro kapag hindi ko na kailangang mag-press conference."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

First trailer for 'Feng Shui' sequel released

MANILA - The first official trailer for the sequel to the hit horror film, "Feng Shui," has been released online.

"Feng Shui 2," which is directed by Chito S. Rono ("Feng Shui," "Sukob") will see television host Kris Aquino reprise her role in the original movie, where she played a wife who must save her family from a curse brought about by a "bagua."

Also joining Aquino in the movie are co-star Coco Martin, Cherry Pie Picache, Carmi Martin, Ian Veneracion and Joonee Gamboa.

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

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

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Dingdong slays monsters in 'Kubot' trailer

MANILA - Dingdong Dantes returns as an "aswang" slayer in the sequel to the 2012 action-comedy film "Tiktik," this time with Kapamilya star Isabelle Daza as his leading lady.


The nearly four-minute trailer of "Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2," which is set after the events of the first film, follows Makoy (Dantes) as he battles a new breed of aswang led by actor KC Montero.

Returning cast members include Joey Marquez and Ramon Bautista. The film will also star Elizabeth Oropesa, Lotlot de Leon, Abra, and Julie Ann San Jose.

"Kubot" was directed by Erik Matti and produced by GMA Films, Matti's Reality Entertainment, and Dantes' Agostos Dos Productions. It will compete against seven 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," "English Only, Please," "Magnum Muslim .357," and "The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

4 sequels lead MMFF 2014 entries

MANILA – The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Saturday announced the 8 official entries to the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

A noticeable trend with this year’s competition is that half of the entries are sequels to blockbuster hits.

Comedian-host Vice Ganda returns to the big screen with "Praybeyt Benjamin 2", a sequel to "The Unkabogable: Praybeyt Benjamin" released in 2011. Co-produced by Star Cinema and and VIVA Productions, Praybeyt Benjamin 2’s predecessor was once the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time until its record was broken in 2012. The movie will again be helmed by director Wenn Deramas.

Following the huge success of horror movie "Feng Shui" 10 years ago, Kris Aquino will make a comeback to the horror genre with "Feng Shui 2." Directed by Chito Rono, the movie’s cast will include Coco Martin, Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino.

Regal Entertainment will bring back the popular horror anthology movie franchise "Shake, Rattle & Roll". Now on its 15th year, this year’s installment will be top billed by Dennis Trillo and Carla Abellana.

Another sequel that will compete this year is "Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2". Filmmaker Erik Matti will return as director while Dingdong Dantes and Lovi Poe are expected to reprise their roles.

Last year’s MMFF Best Actor winner Robin Padilla will star in a biopic of hero Andres Bonifacio in “Bonifacio, Gusto Mo Ba Syang Makilala?” The film will also star Kapamilya Iza Calzado and be directed by Lawrence Williams.

Ousted Laguna Governer ER Ejercito will star in "Magnum Muslim .357" with Kapamilya Denise Laurel as his leading lady. This will be Ejercito’s fourth straight movie entry to the festival after “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story” in 2011, “El Presidente” in 2012 and “Boy Golden” in 2013.

TV host-actor Vic Sotto will also compete this year with “My Big Bossing's Adventures” co-starring child actress Ryzza Mae Dizon. Jointly produced by Octoarts, MZET and APT Entertainment, the movie will be directed by Joyce Bernal, Marlon Rivera and Tony Reyes.

Last but not the least is “English Only Please” top-billed by Kapamilya Angeline Quinto and Derek Ramsay who allegedly replaced Sam Milby. The film is being produced by Quantum Films and will be directed by Dan Villegas.

Here are the 8 Official Entries to the MMFF 2014:

1. Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2 (Reality Ent, GMA Films and Agostodos Pictures)
Starring Dingdong Dantes, Lovi Poe

2. Bonifacio, Gusto Mo Ba Syang Makilala? (Philippians Productions)
Starring Robin Padilla, Iza Calzado

3 Magnum Muslim .357 (Scenema Concept)
Starring ER Ejercito, Denise Laurel

4. Praybeyt Benjamin 2 (ABS-CBN Productions and VIVA Productions)
Starring Vice Ganda

5. Feng Shui 2 (ABS-CBN Productions and VIVA Productions)
Starring Kris Aquino, Coco Martin, Kim Chiu

6. My Big Bossing's Adventures (Octoarts, MZET, APT Ent)
Starring Ryzza Mae Dizon, Vic Sotto

7. Shake, Rattle & Roll 15 (Regal Entertainment)
Starring Dennis Trillo, Carla Abellana

8. English Only Please (Quantum Films)
Starring Angeline Quinto, Derek Ramsay

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

Daniel says he's more 'seloso' than Kathryn

MANILA – Teen stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla thanked their families for remaining very supportive of their careers, adding that until now, they look to them for guidance.

“Hindi naman po mawawala sa mga magulang [ang pagabay]. Mas marami na silang [mga magulang] alam sa ganito so makikining na lang [kami],” Padilla said in an interview with "Buzz ng Bayan" on Sunday.

Padilla also admitted that his mother gives him advice about his "Got to Believe" leading lady.

“Kayo ni Kathryn, relax lang kayo. Alagaan mo dahil babae ‘yang si Kathryn. Relax ka lang, DJ. Dadating din ang panahon. Basta ngayon, magtrabaho kayong mabuti at mag-enjoy kayong magkasama,” Padilla quoted his mother, actress Karla Estrada, as saying.

Bernardo, on the other hand, admitted that she feels grateful for having Daniel in her life.

“Unexpected kasi ‘yung sa amin ni DJ. Masaya ako dahil okay siyang kaibigan, na taga-advice mo and totoo siya, ‘yun ang importante. Siya ‘yung nagturo sa akin ng reality. Before, hindi ko alam ‘yung mga bagay. Siya ‘yung mas matured kasi so tinuruan niya ko sa mga realidad ng buhay," Bernardo said.

Padilla also revealed that he is more "seloso" than her on-screen partner.

“Wala naming selos na sobra. Hindi naman selos na ang sama sama ng loob. [Kapag nagseselos ako], pinapasaya ko na lang ‘yung sarili ko. Hindi ko na dina-down ‘yung sarili ko," he said.

Aside from their primetime series "Got to Believe," the two tween stars will headline the horror film "Pagpag," which is the official entry of Star Cinema and Regal Films to the Metro Manila Film Festival, which opens on December 25.

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

Kristine Hermosa makes surprise public appearance

MANILA, Philippines -- Kristine Hermosa's red-carpet appearance last Thursday was a welcome surprise to entertainment media and fans alike, as the prized Kapamilya star attended the premiere of an entry to this year's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).



Hermosa, along with husband Oyo Boy Sotto, graced the premiere night of the fantasy-comedy flick "Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako" at SM Megamall on Thursday night.

Sotto's father, Vic, stars with Judy Ann Santos and Bong Revilla in the MMFF entry. In earlier installments of the "Enteng" film franchise, Hermosa portrayed Vic's wife.

Last seen in the fantasy series "Noah" (2010), where she portrayed Diwatang Eva, Hermosa has been on hiatus from show business since getting married to the younger Sotto in January 2011.

In December that same year, Hermosa gave birth to a baby girl, Ondrea Bliss, which prolonged her absence from the limelight.

Sotto and Hermosa also have an adopted son, Quiel.

On being a full-time mother the past years, Hermosa said, "I'm enjoying it, I'm happy. [Ondrea Bliss], she's active, and smart!"

Although she devotes most of her time to her duties as a mom, the Star Magic talent said she hopes to make her showbiz comeback in 2013.

"I'm not sure [when I will return to acting], hopefully next year. Plantsahin muna natin bago ako magsalita," she said.

Hermosa, 29, also expressed interest in a reunion project with former leading man and real-life boyfriend Jericho Rosales, "basta malinis lang."

Rosales and Hermosa's first series together, "Pangako Sa'yo" (2000), will be localized for Cambodian viewers by the Cambodian Television Network  and is set to start production in early 2013.

News of the series' revival fueled interest in another Rosales-Hermosa team-up. In an earlier interview, the actor revealed that a Malaysian production company has proposed a project starring the former couple.

Hermosa thanked her fans who continue to support her despite being inactive in show business.

"Kahit na hindi nila ako nakikita ngayon, kahit hindi ako visible on TV, maraming, maraming salamat sa suporta, dahil nandoon pa rin kayo," she said.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Janice, Vhong in first 'Shake, Rattle & Roll 14' trailer

MANILA, Philippines – The first trailer for the latest installment in the popular horror film series "Shake, Rattle & Roll (SRR)" gives a glimpse of the three-episode offering of the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry.







Released online early this week via Regal Films' official YouTube page, the debut trailer of the "SRR 14" features all three episodes directed by Chito S. Roño.

The post-apocalyptic episode "Unwanted" sees the team-up of Vhong Navarro, Lovi Poe, along with Albie Casino, Eula Caballero, Eric Tai, Chocolate Garcia. According to the "It's Showtime" host, the episode shows the end of the world as it happens inside a mall.

ABS-CBN actor Paulo Avelino also joins the film anthology via "Lost Command". In the episode, the "Walang Hanggan" star portrays a soldier, along with Dennis Trillo, Mart Escudero, Alex Castro, JC Tiuseco and AJ Dee. The episode also stars Kapamilya teen actress Ella Cruz.

Veteran actress Janice de Belen, meanwhile, will make her seventh appearance in the "SRR" series via a reunion episode, "Pamana", with actor-politician Herbert Bautista and actress Arlene Muhlach, who, along with the "Showbiz Inside Report" host, both starred in the first-ever "SRR”.

They will be joined by Dennis Padilla, Empress Schuck, Dimples Romana and Ivan Dorschner.

Known for its yearly theatrical offerings, the popular horror anthology released its first installment in 1984. In 2005, the Regal Films-produced series returned with its seventh installment, which was then followed up with annual sequels.

"Shake, Rattle & Roll 14" will hit theaters nationwide on Christmas Day.

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