It's beginning to look a lot like the MMFF

Can you believe that it's Christmas? I've been sick with a mild version of the flu (like, it's taking its own sweet time, with the different symptoms manifesting themselves one every two days) the past few days, so the holidays kind of sneaked up on me. But I'm not complaining, even if I've got seven nieces and nephews, apart from their parents, and zero Christmas shopping done.

By the time you read this, it would be the day before Christmas Eve. You're probably reeling from today's activities and the preparations for tonight's big feast already. It's a miracle you have time to pick up the paper! But, it is a season for miracles, and we're taking what we can get, right?

I always say this every year, and I'm saying it again this year. Christmas is also the time for the Metro Manila Film Festival. I'm not sure if the organizers also block out foreign films in Cebu, but I'm hoping you give the local film industry some much needed support.

I know most of the films don't seem promising, but there's no way the industry's going to be revived by our boycott either. Let's watch local, people!

Here are some of the official entries of the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival, which will start on Christmas Day, December 25, 2010, and end on January 7, 2011.

Dalaw. I'm a sucker for suspense thrillers, especially during the holidays, so this Kris Aquino and Diether Ocampo starrer is on my must-see list. Produced by Cine Media, an MMFF newbie, it's about a woman who is framed for some murders. I haven't seen a really good Pinoy suspense thriller in a while, so I'm giving this film a shot.

Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na 'To!). This is the final installment of the successful “Ina” franchise of Star Cinema. Ai-Ai de las Alas is back to reprise her role as Ina Montecillo, the perennial single mom with twelve children from three (dead) fathers. Eugene Domingo will also be back as BFF Rowena. We'll also see most of the original cast, except for Heart Evangelista, who portrayed one of the children, and Edu Manzano. Heart, however, will probably be seen in a flashback scene. I'm looking forward to seeing my 90s favorites, Marvin Agustin, Kaye Abad and Nikki Valdez, back in the franchise after missing the preceding installment.

Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote. This is a comedy, action and fantasy film starring Vic Sotto and Bong Revilla, two MMFF stalwarts. I was wondering why I hadn't heard any buzz from the Revillas, because they always come up with fantasy films for the MMFF. So this is the answer. Vic and Bong have teamed up in a film produced by M-Zet, GMA Films, Octo Arts Films, Imus Productions and APT Productions.

Shake, Rattle and Roll XII. It's still alive! Produced by Regal Films, the Shake, Rattle and Roll franchise has got to be the oldest and most successful ever, at least as far as the MMFF is concerned. It's retaining its old format: three short films in one. Mamanyika is about a monster doll that is found by an orphan. It's directed by Zoren Legaspi, so I'm interested to see what he comes up with. Isla Engkanto is about, well, an island with evil fairies that target tourists. Lastly, Punerarya is about vampires who have a funeral parlor business. Sounds crazy, right? That's the Shake, Rattle and Roll franchise for you.

RPG Metanoia. If you are going to watch only one MMFF film this Christmas, let it be this one! It's the first full-length 3D-animated Pinoy film. Produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions and Ambient media, RPG Metanoia is about a young and shy Nico who finds a life in online games. I've seen the teaser trailers—it looks world-class, but it's purely local. Our talented animators have finally come up with a local production!

Things are looking up for the mainstream film industry, I think. Show it some love.

Merry Christmas everyone! I'm changing phone numbers, but in the meantime you can reach me at [email protected].