Bong Revilla, Rhian Ramos, Geoff Eigenmann, and Robert ‘Buboy’ Villar

The much awaited 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival, an annual undertaking of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) under the leadership this year of former Judge Oscar Inocentes, officially starts Friday, Christmas Day. The seven official entries will be screened in all theaters nationwide from Friday till Jan. 7, 2010.

The seven entries are “Ang Darling Kong Aswang” (OctoArts, M-Zet and APT Entertainment), “I Love You, Goodbye” (ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc.), “Noboby, Nobody But Juan” (RVQ Productions and Kaizz Ventures), “Mano Po 6 (My Mother)” (Regal Entertainment, Inc.), “Panday” (GMA Films and Imus Productions), “Shake, Rattle & Roll XI” (Regal Entertainment, Inc.) and “Wapakman” (Solar Entertainment).

“Ang Darling Kong Aswang” stars Vic Sotto, the undisputed MMFF Box-Office King, who has a new leading lady in Cristine Reyes. The horror-fantasy-comedy-romance flick is directed by Tony Y. Reyes, the same director who megged Vic’s previous top-grossing festival entries.

So, will “Ang Darling Kong Aswang” be the MMFF topgrosser again this year? Said Vic: “Honestly, I don’t really think about it just like the previous years. Getting the No. 1 post in the race is just a bonus. What’s more important is the satisfaction and enjoyment of our loyal audience. That’s why we made sure the end product would only be the best. In terms of budget, storyline, casting and special effects, I can say that ‘Ang Darling Kong Aswang’ is one of my grandest MMFF entries ever.”

He added: “Every Christmas, it has been our goal to give the best entertainment to our loyal patrons who never fail to support our filmfest offerings. ‘Ang Darling Kong Aswang’ will continue the tradition, so to speak. I’m sure the viewers will enjoy it.” What adds to Vic’s strong appeal at the tills is its being a family-oriented film. “More than the horror element, it’s first and foremost a family picture. It imparts some important lessons on love, sacrifice, friendship, faith and loyalty. This is also the reason why our aswangs are all good-looking and young like Jean Garcia, Rafael Rossel, Denise Laurel, Jackie Rice, Empress Schuck and Gian Sotto.”

As to why he chose Cristine as his leading lady, Vic said “why not? She’s one of the hottest young stars today. I can see that she’ll go a long way in showbiz. And she fits her role to a T. She’s got that enigmatic, quiet persona and white complexion which characterizes a creature of the night.” He also admired Cristine’s professionalism.

Also in the cast of “Aswang” are Agot Isidro, Dante Rivero, Allan K, Jenny Miller, Wally Bayola, Tita Swarding, Mosang, Shalala and child stars Mika dela Cruz and Barbie Forteza.

“I Love You, Goodbye” stars Angelica Panganiban, Derek Ramsay and Gabby Concepcion in his comeback dramatic movie role.

Directed by awarded Laurice Guillen, it tells the story of a successful doctor (Gabby) who falls in love with an ordinary woman (Angelica) after the break-up of his marriage to Angel Aquino’s character. Angelica has a past (with Derek’s character) she was trying to forget. The movie reunites Laurice with Angelica who starred in her awarded film “Santa-Santita.” In “I Love You, Goodbye,” Angelica gives a very impressive performance, something that will definitely rank her among the great dramatic actors of Philippine cinema.

It’s another unforgettable film from ABS-CBN Film Productions/Star Cinema, and making it even more exciting is that it marks the return to the big screen of former matinee idol Gabby Concepcion who proves that he is still a very appealing actor especially with the ladies of his generation and also the younger ones. Playing his rebellious daughter in the movie is Kim Chiu.

“Noboby, Nobody But Juan” is topbilled by “Comedy King” Dolphy. Once again, he showcases his comic skills in this movie directed by his son Eric Quizon and which features an all-star cast including Ms. Gloria Romero, Eddie Garcia, Eric Quizon, Vandolph, Epy Quizon, G Toengi, Pokwang, Eugene Domingo, Bearwin Meily, Mar Lopez and Heart Evangelista. “Wowowee” host Willie Revillame plays a special guest role as himself, while a gang of other comedians also joins in the fun: Andoy Ranay, Ricci Chan, Long Mejia, Brod Pete and many others.

“Nobody, Nobody but Juan” talks about the heartaches and joys of senior citizens as embodied by Juan (played by Dolphy). Juan has two son, Mario (played by Eric) who happens to run the nursing home in Chicago where Juan lives, and John (played by co-producer Joe Aldeguer of Joe Aldeguer Productions). Juan is constantly at odds with son Mario because he refuses to follow orders to cut down on watching TV shows, particularly “Wowowee” on The Filipino Channel (TFC). Meantime, John, a businessman, is always too busy even to have a meal with Juan.

“Nobody, Nobody But Juan” is supported by The Filipino Channel (TFC), ABS-CBN, Bench, Samsung, Komeya 3Q, Prostamen the 3-in-1 supplement for men’s health, Cory Quirino World of Wellness, Taichi Liniment and media partners Yes FM 101.1 and 90.7 Love Radio.

“Panday,” the legendary komiks hero created by National Artist Carlo J. Caparas, stars Sen. Bong Revilla in his second “Panday” movie, with Iza Calzado and Rhian Ramos as his leading ladies. “Panday” was directed by Mac Alejandre and Rico Gutierrez. The late Fernando Poe Jr. first played Panday.

The prediction is that “Ang Panday” will be the topgrosser of the 2009 MMFF. Sen. Bong is confident of this because as he said during the movie’s press screening at Cinema 6 of SM Megamall (after which he gave the entertainment writers a memorable Christmas party) “this is the best ‘Panday’ ever. It’s world-class and I’m sure the moviegoers will agree with me.”

In the past, the FPJ-topbiller versions were all topgrossers, and Bong said “I don’t want to break the tradition.” Bong first played Flavio in “Dugo ng Panday,” where he was directed by Caparas himself. Carlo said Bong is the perfect “heir” to the “Panday” legacy. “Ninong Ronnie entrusted me the role,” Bong said. “He told me ‘alagaan mo ang ‘Panday’ ha. Take care of it.’ I assured Ninong Ronnie that I wouldn’t disappoint him.”

Asked what convinced him that “Ang Panday” is the best ever, Bong refused to, so to speak, lift his own bench (magbuhat ng sariling bangko) and simply said “they should watch it and find out for themselves.”

“Shake, Rattle & Roll XI” is a three-episode horror flick directed by three promising film directors: Jessel Monteverde, Rico Gutierrez and Don Michael Perez. The first episode, “Diablo,” stars Maja Salvador as a possessed woman and Mark Anthony Fernandez as the priest-exorcist. Maja displays remarkable acting skills in her role, making her someone to watch out for. The second episode, “Ukay-Ukay” stars Ruffa Gutierrez who is reunited with her former real-life boyfriend Zoren Legaspi. The third episode is entitled “Lamang-Lupa” and it features Rayver Cruz, Jennica Garcia, Mart Escudero, Iya Villania, Bangs Garcia, and twin brothers Dominic Roco and Felix Roco.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Dec. 25 go to former Speaker Jose de Venecia, Angelito Banayo, Jess Soriano, Salvador Rivera, Vic del Fierro Jr., US-based Josephine “Banig” Roberto, Antonio Gamboa, Mila S. Catan, Dr. Numeriano “Noel” Tanopo, Ricky Gallardo, Jesusa “Weng-Weng” Romero, Jeannette So, Jesus Hanzel Villafuerte, Susan Smith of California, Noella D. C. Alegre, Ador Saluta, Rose Merycris M. Tabor, Crisanta Lumunsad, MB’s Joseph Lorenzo, and LJ Reyes. To our readers and friends, here’s wishing you all A VERY BLESSED AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!