Jeric Raval, Ara Mina lead cast of ‘Mamay’ biopic

MANILA, Philippines — Veteran actor Jeric Raval cannot be any prouder when he was tasked to play the title role in the three-hour-long biographical film, “Mamay: A Journey to Greatness,” which is based on the life story of Lanao Mayor Marcos Mamay.

Ara Mina plays the supportive wife of Mayor Mamay and Teejay Marquez is the young Mamay.

Others in the cast are Julio Diaz, Ali Forbes, Sabrina M, Ron Angeles, Devon Seron, Jethro Ramirez, Alvin Coronel, Via Veloso, with line producer and part of the cast Shiela Delgado and Baby F. Go.

Neal “Buboy” Tan is at the directing helm. The film is designed to be a biography and hoped to be an inspirational piece.

Veteran singer and PCSO director Imelda Papin.

“This is not a political film,” insisted Mayor Mamay who is now serving his third and last term. “The script is written from the perspective of someone who dreams of overcoming hardships and achieving his goals.”

Mamay cannot be happier that the MTRCB (Movie and Television Review and Classification Board) gave “Mamay” a Parental Guidance (PG) classification.

“Mamay,” which recently had its premiere at SM Megamall Cinema 1, also featured music by Gerald Santos. The singer recorded the theme, Hamon, penned by Vehnee Saturno, which added an emotional depth to the film’s narrative.

Mamay is contemplating on submitting the biopic to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

“The MMFF is highly anticipated and could share my life story to a wider audience,” he said. “Regardless of the outcome, I hope the film will inspire viewers to chase their dreams and contribute to their communities.”

‘Mamay’ lead stars Jeric Raval and Ara Mina with Lanao Mayor Marcos Mamay (rightmost), who is also one of the executive advisers of the Actors’ Guild. Other cast members are Teejay Marquez, Victor Neri, Julio Diaz, Ali Forbes, Sabrina M, Ron Angeles and Devon Seron.

This film is also inspiring especially to those students who cannot finish their studies because of hardships. “Let’s not do it as an excuse not to finish our studies,” added Mamay.

The film particularly depicts Mamay’s life from childhood to becoming a public servant. He graduated second honorable mention from grade school at Sapad Elementary School in Lanao del Norte. He was an honor student when he finished at the Kapatagan National High School in 1996. Then, he finished his college at the Mindanao State University, with a degree in BSBA Business Economics. He ventured into the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), but was not able to finish the course because he had to evade his family’s conflict. The film also touches on his love story with his wife.

Mamay carefully supervised the filming, especially since there were flashbacks that needed to be shown in the movie. As CEO of Mamay Productions, which bankrolled the biographical film, he is enthusiastic about future collaborations among local filmmakers as well as producers.

The cast and production are joined by special guests at the red-carpet premiere of ‘Mamay’ at SM Megamall Cinema 1.

“We are excited about working with other film outfits,” said Mamay. “We are also considering a new advocacy film centered on education. We are particularly interested in featuring Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo as the stars.”

The national vice president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) and president of the LMP-Lanao del Norte Chapter also expressed support for the industry through active roles in entertainment and leadership.

Special guest during the premiere was veteran singer and PCSO (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office) director Imelda Papin.

“As one of the executive advisers of the Actors’ Guild, it’s my advocacy to help other sectors of the industry, not just one,” said Mamay.

“We need to support the film industry. At the same time, we need to do our advocacy. We need to show that poverty is not a hindrance to success.”