PEP: MMDA launches the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival

Isang malaking pagtitipon ang naganap kaninang tangahali, November 18, sa Kalayaan Ballroom ng Club Filipino kung saan ginanap ang informal launch ng 36th Metro Manila Film Festival. Ang luncheon ay hosted ng Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino welcomed all the participating films. Ilan sa prominenteng kasama niya sa MMFF Executive Committee ay sina Boots Anson-Roa, representing Mowelfund, and Grace Poe Llamanzares, Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairperson. This is the first time na nagtipon-tipon ang mga entries na kasali sa festival ngayong taon. The program, emceed by Ms. Anson-Roa, started past 1:00 p.m. Naka-attract ng attention sina Marian Rivera and John "Sweet" Lapus na dumating wearing their costumes. Suot ni Marian ang kanyang pink Super Inday superhero costume habang si John naman ay naka-white and gold costume. Ang Super Inday and the Golden Bibe ang isa sa mga film entry ng Regal Films. Regal big boss Roselle Monteverde was seated besides Marian and John. Nasa table ng Father Jejemon (RVQ Productions) sina Zsa-Zsa Padilla, Nash Aguas and Ejay Falcon. Dolphy wasn't able to make it but Zsa-Zsa's presence more than made up for it. She will not be appearing in the movie but she acts as co-producer. Alessandra de Rossi represented Star Cinema's Dalaw. Kasama niya sa table ang mga producers na si Roxy Liquigan and Mico del Rosario. The two main stars Kris Aquino and Diether Ocampo couldn't attend dahil may conflict of schedules. Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo were side by side on the table of Rosario and they were happy to oblige everyone na gusto silang kuhanan ng litrato. Sitting quietly in the entourage of Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote were the beautiful leading ladies of the film, Gwen Zamora and Sam Pinto, who wore a brown dress with black tassels, accessorized with gold bracelet and trinkets. Zaijian Jaranilla was addressed as "Santino" by host Boots Anson-Roa and Chairman Tolentino instead of his real name. Zaijian is the lead voice actor for the film RPG Metanoia. Also with him was fellow child actor Mika Dela Cruz and director Luis Suarez. Shake Rattle and Roll XII was represented by its different stars: Carla Abellana, Rayver Cruz, and Mart Escudero. Meanwhile, Ang Tanging Ina Mo Rin (Last Na 'To) had Alwyn Uytingco and Xyriel Manabat in attendance. Almost 3:00 p.m. nang matapos ang programa. Nagpaunlak naman ang mga star ng kaunti pang interview sa mga entertainment writers bago sila umalis papunta sa kanilang next functions. Ang huling batian ng lahat: "See you sa parada sa December 24." - Paul Mata, PEP