In the Philippines, moviegoers always have a heyday of watching Filipino movies during the holiday season because the annual Metro Manila Film Festival reels off on Christmas day and lasts till the first weekend of January. This means that no American or English-language flicks can be exhibited in the cinemas during the said period. This year is no different because seven (7) new local movies will take control of the multiplexes up to January 7, and the first four of the group are the following:

1. ANG PANDAY

WRITTEN BY: RJ Nuevas
DIRECTOR: Mac Alejandre
GENRE: Fantasy/action/romance
PRODUCERS: GMA Films and Imus Productions

CAST: Bong Revilla Jr., Phillip Salvador, Iza Calzado, Rhian Ramos, Geoff Eigenmann, Buboy Villar, George Estregan Jr., Gladys Guevarra, Joonee Gamboa, Paulo Avelino, Stef Prescott, Carlos Morales, Luz Valdez, Carlene Aguilar, and John Lapus

SYNOPSIS. Ang Panday revolves around the peace-loving but brave Flavio (Bong Revilla Jr.). His arch-enemy Lizardo (Phillip Salvador) attempts to ruin the peace and harmony of their dwelling place, affecting the inhabitants.

Moreover, the evil warlord challenges Flavio by capturing his beautiful lady love Maria (Iza Calzado). A series of events take place, bringing the blacksmith (panday) at the forefront of a full-blown war against Lizardo’s troops.

The production of this MMFF entry is estimated to cost as much as P80 million.

2. I LOVE YOU, GOODBYE

SYNOPSIS. This Star Cinema film is about Adrian (Gabby Concepcion) and his turbulent relationship with Liezl (Angelica Panganiban). However, Liezl is still confused because her past lover Gary (Derek Ramsay) comes back to win her back. Complicating matters even further is the fact that Adrian’s daughter (Kim Chiu) is also attracted to Gary.

Directed by Laurice Guillen, this is the first time that real-life couple Angelica and Derek have been paired together in a movie. This is also the first time that Derek shot a love scene for a project.

3. MANO PO 6: A MOTHER’S LOVE

SYNOPSIS. From Regal Entertainment, the sixth installment of the Mano Po series revolves around Fil-Chinese Melinda (Sharon Cuneta), a mother who is separated from her daughter (Heart Evangelista). Other stars in the movie are Dennis Trillo, Zsazsa Padilla, Ciara Sotto, John Manalo, and Nicole Uysusieng.

4. WAPAKMAN

Manny Pacquiao returns to the big screen with a fantasy movie from Solar Films and targeted for the whole family this Christmas season.

SYNOPSIS.

Magno (Manny Pacquiao) is an ordinary man whose world revolves around his five kids while his wife, Magda (Rufa Mae Quinto), works as a nurse in Italy.

One night Magno meets an accident. A car crashes into his truck, and upon impact, a big explosion takes place. Miraculously, Magno survives unscathed. The blowup was caused by Walo-walo, an organic substance, which stores energy that is almost as powerful as a nuclear energy. Soon, he wakes up and feels like a new man. Lighter, Faster, Stronger. Interestingly, his new found powers start helping him to become a better dad. His wish of being faster, smarter, and stronger for his family is coming true. He assumes the identity of their favorite superhero: Wapakman!

Soon, Magno learns that Magda has come back to take the kids with her in Italy. Magno wants his family to be together–happy and whole. He doesn’t want to let go of the kids. But, can he be a good dad in the eyes of his kids and still be a superhero? Magno knows that with Wapakman around, the world will be a much safer place for his kids. This is a responsibility he just can not turn away from, but if it means losing his kids… Can he give up being a superhero if it means saving the world? It is the hardest choice he has ever had to face, and he must make a decision–fast!

The other entries will follow in my next blog!