Fantasy films rule the 2006 Metro Filmfest

Moviegoers will see four fantasy films, two horror movies, one romantic drama, one romantic comedy and one suspense thriller in the 32nd Metro Manila Film Festival Philippines, which reels off on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.

The announcement was made yesterday at a media briefing held at the Aliw Theater VIP Lounge, where the nine official entries were revealed.

They are:

• Shake, Rattle & Roll 8 (Regal Entertainment) starring Keanna Reeves, Roxanne Guinoo, Sheryl Cruz, Iza Calzado and Manilyn Reynes;

• Mano Po 5-Gua Ai Di (Regal Entertainment) starring Angel Locsin, Richard Gutierrez, Lorna Tolentino, Tirso Cruz III and Gina Alajar;

• Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah (Regal Entertainment) starring Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pops Fernandez and Rustom Padilla;

• Tatlong Baraha (Violett Films) starring Lito Lapid, Mark Lapid and Maynard Lapid;

• Enteng Kabisote 3: The Legend Goes On and On (OctoArts Films) starring Vic Sotto and Kristine Hermosa;

• Matakot Ka sa Karma (Canary Films) starring Gretchen Barretto, Rica Peralejo and Angelica Panganiban;

• Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (ABS-CBN Films) starring Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo;

• Ligalig (CM Films) starring Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz and

• Super Noypi (MAQ Productions) starring Mark Herras, Jennylyn Mercado, Sandara Park, John Prats and others.

Unlike last year’s filmfest which had 10 official entries, this year’s event is down to nine films since the 10th, the sex comedy Short Time, was not able to meet the filmfest deadline. The film, according to producer Orly Ilacad, will be shown on a regular playdate next year instead.

The traditional parade of stars, set Dec. 24, will start on Quezon Ave. and end up at Sotto St. within the CCP Compound. Awards night is set on Dec. 29.

Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), which co-produces the annual event together with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), will also mount two raffle promos.

In Guess the Best, listeners of MBC stations DzRH, Love Radio 90.7 and Yes 101.1 will be asked to make bold predictions on who they think will win the top awards.

Cash sa Pelikula will give moviegoers a chance to win more cash prizes as they watch more Metro Filmfest entries.

As of presstime, the festival executive committee, headed by overall chair Bayani Fernando, has yet to decide whether they will show the nine entries simultaneously or in two parts – the first on Dec. 25 to Jan. 1, the second on Jan. 1 to 10.

Lawyer Espiridion Laxa, member of the executive committee, says that if the members decide to show the entries simultaneously, the filmfest period will run for 10 days, or up to Jan. 3. But, if the entries will be shown in two parts, the filmfest will run for a longer period.

This year’s target, says Fernando, is P500-M, proceeds of which will benefit the Mowelfund, the Anti-Film Piracy Council and the Film Academy of the Philippines.