‘Felix Manalo,’ epic biopic on INC founder, aims for world record

CEBU, Philippines – ‘Felix Manalo,’ epic biopic on INC founder, aims for world record. The long-delayed biopic on Iglesia ni Cristo founder Felix Manalo has a playdate at last.

Originally titled “Ang Sugo: The Last Messenger,” the film now titled eponymously as “Felix Manalo” will open in theaters nationwide on October 7, but the INC faithful will hold simultaneous premieres at their 55,000-seater Philippine Arena and 20,000-seater Philippine Stadium in Ciudad Victoria in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The event will aim to break the Guinness World Record for the largest attendance at a film screening held by the 28,422 who attended the premiere of the 2012 documentary “None Less Than Heroes: The Honor Flight Story.”

The Philippine Arena already holds two Guinness records — world’s largest indoor arena and largest mixed-use indoor theater.

Produced by Viva Entertainment, “Felix Manalo” traces Manalo’s life from his birth in 1886 and the humble beginnings of the religious sect he registered in 1914, to his death in 1963 and the INC’s rise as the biggest and a highly influential indigenous religious group in the Philippines.

The film’s Wikipedia entry lists its production budget at P300 million, but a source involved in the production disputes this figure and said the film, whose production values are lavish by local standards, cost less than half of that.

Its release will come on the heels of recent controversies involving a power struggle among Manalo’s heirs. The INC is currently led by Manalo’s grandson, Eduardo, who recently expelled his own mother and brother from the church amid allegations of abductions of several ministers.

Directed by Joel Lamangan, “Felix Manalo” was conceived to be the centerpiece of the INC’s 100th founding anniversary on July 27, 2014, but it was marred by production delays and casting changes.

The title role played by Dennis Trillo was originally assigned to Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., who was replaced by Albert Martinez after he was implicated in the pork barrel scam. After shooting several scenes, Martinez dropped out of the project early this year to care for his then ailing wife Liezl, who passed away in March.

The final cast includes Bela Padilla, Mylene Dizon, Yul Servo, Joem Bascon, Jacky Woo, Alfred Vargas, Ejay Falcon, Bembol Roco, Ruru Madrid, Mon Confiado, Antonio Aquitania, Eddie Gutierrez, Tony Mabesa, Jim Pebanco, Ping Medina, Jay Manalo, Alan Paule, and Elizabeth Oropesa. – InterAksyon.com