Let the 2003 Metro Filmfest begin!

It’s showtime, folks!

In the next 10 days (from today until Jan. 3, 2004), the 2003 Metro Manila Filmfest reels off with seven official entries which are, I assure you, worth your while and your money. There’s something for all movie fans: two family dramas, two fantasy-adventures, one comedy, another drama and one horror-suspense.

They are:

• Mano Po 2 (Regal Films), an all-star cast led by Susan Roces, directed by Erik Matti

• Filipinas (Viva Films), also an all-star cast with Armida Siguion-Reyna as matriarch of a divided clan, by Joel Lamangan

• Captain Barbell (Premiere Productions), with Bong Revilla in the title role, by Mac Alejandre

• Fantastikman (OctoArts/M-Zet Films), with Vic Sotto in the title role, by Tony Reyes

• Malikmata (Canary Films), with Rica Peralejo as a girl haunted by visions, by Jose Javier Reyes

• Homecoming (Teamwork Films, to be distributed by Columbia Pictures), with Alessandra de Rossi as a SARS-stricken Filipino nurse back from Toronto, by Gil M. Portes

• Crying Ladies (Unitel Films), with Sharon Cuneta, Angel Aquino and Hilda Koronel as professional criers in Chinese wakes, by Mark Meilly

Two more films, MaQ’s Gagamboy and Seiko Films’ Bridal Shower, will join the filmfest starting Jan. 1, 2004.

The Gabi ng Parangal will be held Saturday night, Dec. 27.

Enjoy this rare feast of qaulity Filipino films.

Tangkilikin ang sariling atin.

Relax and enjoy; see you at the movies!

(E-mail reactions at [email protected])