Parade of Stars ushers in 33rd MMFF

The Metro Manila Film Festival or MMFF for 2007 officially raised its curtain yesterday, December 24, with the customary Parade of Stars signaling the beginning of the annual extravaganza. As compared to last year, the organizers chose a much shorter route for the parade to save time and to avoid a lot of unnecessary hassles, especially to the motorists-many of which were last minute Yuletide shoppers and those traveling back to their respective provinces. "We want to give everyone, like the celebrities and everyone involved in this, enough time to rest and prepare for the Christmas festivity tonight," explained one of the organizers. "Last year kasi medyo mahaba ‘yong ruta and nagkaroon ng mga problema, particularly sa traffic, kaya gabi na talaga natapos." KEEPING THE TRADITION ALIVE. According to Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman, Bayani Fernando, who also serves as the MMFF committee chairman, the Metro Manila Film Festival is a highly important event because it shows that the local film industry is "very much" thriving despite the problems that continue to plague the industry. Speaking to the press a few minutes before the parade, Bayani stressed the vital contribution of the movies in our culture as well as its unifying effect on the nation as a whole. "Ito ay nagpapasigla. Kinakailangan kasing umunlad ang ating pelikulang Pilipino kasi ito ang nagbibigkis sa ating diwa bilang isang bayan, isang mamamayan," said Bayani, who was wearing an all white attire." "Ito ang nagdadala ng kultura natin," he added," pinakamabisang paraan para sa pagkakaisa ng mga Pilipino." Bayani can't help but express excitement on this year's entries, much to the credit of the producers who invested time and resources to come up with films that will please the general moviegoing public. "Ating binibigyang halaga ‘yong desisyon ng mga manonood," he emphasized anew. Bayani expounded more on the sensitive subject of commercial success being used as a gauge for a film to be labeled as the best among the lot. "Sila [the viewing public] ang mga nagbabayad, sila dapat ang masiyahan dito sa mga pelikula natin. Kaya nga ‘yong commercial viability, ibig sabihin, paramihan ng manonood don sa pelikula. ‘Yon ang ating basehan ng magaling na pelikula; na tumatama sa kagustuhan nung ating mga manonood," Fernando explained. This particular stand,, of course earned the ire of some producers and film critics who collectively felt that a film should be critiqued more on the basis of its artistic and creative merits (quality, storyline, content, and originality) and not purely based on revenues. Critics lamented that too much emphasis on commercial appeal encourage mediocre and less thought-provoking projects which consequently stagnates the growth of the viewers' taste and preference. Despite the logic and the point raised by some, Fernando remains steadfast on his conviction about the said matter. "Walang nababago," he candidly announced, "dapat, e, maunawaan ng lahat ‘yon. Noon pa man, e, ‘yon na ang ating naging patakaran." The only adjustment made by the MMFF Board this year was to move the awarding to a latter date to give film producers ample time to collect and account their revenues as to avoid confusion in making blockbuster claims. Awarding for this year is scheduled on January 5, 2008. The parade's starting point yesterday happened at the spacious vicinity of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The floats-fully decked with designs to represent the theme of each entry-were on standby in full view of the spectators and some passerby. The parade rolled right off the bat as soon as the brass band hit on the first note at around 2:30 in the afternoon. Sequence of the floats were as follows: Desperadas, Enteng Kabisote 4, Resiklo, Sakal, Sakali Saklolo, Anak ng Kumander, Bahay Kubo, Banal, Katas ng Saudi, and Shake, Rattle and Roll 9. Majority of the lead stars, as well as the supporting cast, for each entry were on hand to wave, toss posters, candies and other giveaways to the enthusiastic crowd who filled every stretch of the route. Marian Rivera, a crowd favorite The four gorgeous ladies-Ruffa Gutierrez, Rufa Mae Quinto, Marian Rivera, and Iza Calzado-of Desperadas all wore fashionable pink-colored outfits as a statement of solidarity and also as a way to attract the attention of the spectators. Marimar lead star Marian Rivera, who is also part of another entry, Bahay Kubo, proved to be one of the parade's crowd darlings. With comedian Jose Manalo egging the crowd at every stop to chant the film's title, consistent topgrosser Enteng Kabisote 4 was in full party mood, with its theme song blaring through the speakers of the float in full abandon. Vic Sotto, looking good in a brown jacket, was obviously having a grand time waving to the multitude of people-the same people who made Enteng Kabisote a solid force to reckon with year after year in the MMFF. PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) couldn't help but notice the special attention being showered by Vic's son, Oyo Sotto, to Kristine Hermosa throughout the event. Living up to its ala-Transformers concept, Bong Revilla's Resiklo wowed the crowd with its futuristic-yet-majestic float. The actor turned senator led the entire cast plus their entourage. The effort put up by the Resiklo team never went into naught as they were named this year's Best Float with a corresponding cash prize of P500,000. One of this year's strongest MMFF bet, Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo-a sequel of the highly successful Star Cinema's Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo entry from last year-possessed perhaps the cutest float of all. Resembling a doll house with matching stuffed toys and dolls to color the entire look, Judy Ann Santos and real-life boyfriend Ryan Agoncillo confidently breezed through despite the afternoon December heat. As an added come-on, the entire gang adopted the irresistible, "Papaya" number-popularized by Edu Manzano's game show Pilipinas, Game KNB? as the movie (and the float's) soundtrack. SSS was recognized as the runner-up in the Best Float category, which also included a cash prize worth P300,000. Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao of Anak ng Kumander was nowhere in sight during the parade while leading lady Ara Mina joined the entire cast a couple of minutes late. According to director, Kaka Balagtas, Manny really wanted to participate in the annual celebration but a prior "important" commitment held his schedule hostage. Another cast member, young actress Valerie Concepcion also decided not to show up. Valerie and Balagtas had a rift after the veteran director allegedly forced the former to have a "torrid" kissing scene with Manny. Valerie's manager, Becky Aguila, protested that a kissing scene was totally unnecessary given her ward's wholesome image. When asked by PEP if he's offended by Valerie's open refusal to join the Anak ng Kumander entourage, Kaka simply let out a pained smile before saying, "Okay lang. Nothing." The absence of Maricel Soriano did nothing to take away the glitter in Bahay Kubo's presentation, which, as what the title suggests, was very native and very Filipino. Later on, Bahay Kubo was adjudged as the third Best Float. Aside form the honor, the team also took home a cash prize amounting to P100,000. Leading the Bahay Kubo team during the parade were Shaina Magdayao, Yasmien Kurdi, and Rayver Cruz. Though not as grandiose as compared to the others-Banal, Katas ng Saudi, and Shake, Rattle and Roll 9-made up more through the presence of its top caliber stars. For Banal, Christopher de Leon, Paolo Contis, Alfred Vargas, and Paolo Paraiso kept all the women spectators drooling and screaming for their attention. The tandem of Lorna Tolentino and Senator Jinggoy Estrada of Katas ng Saudi drew one of the loudest cheers from the crowd. As expected, Shake, Rattle and Roll 9 once more boasted with youth, talent, and oozing appeal. Controversial heartthrob Dennis Trillo along with sexy young actress Katrina Halili led the charge for the legendary horror flick. WRAPPING UP. From SM Mall of Asia, the parade traversed through Roxas Blvd. to T.M. Kalaw before ending at the Qurino Grandstand where a small program was prepared for a number of people that gathered to see their favorite celebrities. The mini program-where all the stars who participated in the parade were presented-was hosted by Archie Alemania, Asia Agcaoili, Smokey Manaloto, and Say Alonzo. MMFF officials as well as Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim were also on hand to address the crowd. A little chaos ensued when security failed to seal and check the backstage area, consequently allowing a number of fans to infiltrate the area, making the celebrities uncomfortable while some were slightly mobbed by excited camera-carrying fans. The presentation of the stars ended before 7:00 p.m., right after the Best Float awards were handed out. - GMANews.TV