The surprise would be if "Mother" did not join. In fact, she wants MMDA to extend the festival by two days to allow the producers to make more money. On the other hand, Joey Reyes thinks opening all the movies on the same day defeats the festival’s purpose to generate income and expose the industry’s best to the greatest number.

As in previous years, Lily leads the gilded pack with four out of nine entries. Movie people see more glamour this year, glamour as in Gretchen Barretto, in her first movie after 12 years.

Is Gretchen prepared to have the rug pulled from under her feet by the scene-stealing Rustom Padilla in an out-of-this-world, out-of-the-closet role as the alter ego of ZsaZsa Zaturnnah in "ze moveeh" that stars the real Zsa Zsa Padilla.

Lily may have a talent for spending but other talents are on display. Joey Reyes directs two movies. Cesar Montano is a one-man powerhouse writing, acting, directing, producing. Angel Locsin and Richard Gutierrez are so hot their pairings pulled in more than P100 million in 06 alone.

As if audiences can’t have enough of their favorites, three entries are relentless returnees. The eighth edition of Shake Rattle and Roll; the fourth sequel to Mano Po; the third generation of Enteng Kabisote. Besotted with sequels, that’s what.

MMFF is supposed to provide family entertainment. Maybe that’s why three Lapids appear in Tatlong Baraha: Lito, incidentally a senator of the Republic; his sons Mark, coincidentally governor of Pampanga, and Maynard, whose political career could be launched if he aces it here.

Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo, real-life sweethearts who are in that stage of planning a family soon, invite you to catch their made-for-fans wedding.

Relax, it’s only a fun festival.