Why spoofs click with Pinoy movie fans

MANILA, Philippines - For Skylight Films head Enrico Santos, producer of the Zanjoe Marudo-Pokwang starrer My Illegal Wife, spoofs are very welcome to Filipinos because more than any other film audience worldwide, Filipinos love quotable quotes, dramatic highlights, actor’s so-called “moments.” The movie is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

A few days ago, the trailer of the movie was released, and it generated excitement among local movie fans who enjoyed previous Star Cinema releases being spoofed in the movie’s trailer.

“Making spoofs is not as easy as it seems,” claims Enrico, who also produced the surprise hit comedy Bromance. “It is a credit to actors that they can evoke the signature acting or faces of the original stars.”

Enrico cites, “Zanjoe’s squinting to approximate Xian Lim in Bride For Rent  or his lip bite to send off that Enrique Gil vibe in She’s The One,” as the real gems in My Illegal Wife.

In fact, fans requested the Star Cinema website (www.starcinema.com.ph) to place the original and spoofed scenes side-by-side. These clips are now uploaded on the website.

Enrico adds that it is nice to note that the “original” stars enjoy being spoofed. After all, being spoofed is an indication of a star’s popularity. 

When asked why Skylight chose Zanjoe and Pokwang to topbill My Illegal Wife, Enrico explains, “Only Zanjoe in his generation is completely un-self-conscious and totally willing to put himself in ridiculous situations.”

He also reckons that the leading man of the movie can be seen as everyone’s brother, who people enjoy spending time with — low profile, charming, but very attractive to girls.

“Zanjoe brings in the laughs with a bit of kilig,” says the TV and movie executive. “It is the kind of laughter that is not given to a stereotypical kalbo or bungi or gay sidekick.”

Zanjoe is a one-of-a-kind comedian from a little appreciated Filipino archetype. Enrico swears, “In the years to come, Zanjoe will grow into the John En Marsha roles, but with an Adam Sandler edge.”

As for Pokwang, the film executive thinks that the comedienne is perfect for female comic stardom because she has the best of both images of the Filipina.

“Pokwang is love and mother. In other words, may asim pa,” says Enrico of the comedienne, who starred in last year’s Skylight movie Call Center Girl. “Pokwang is svelte, and young enough to still own the laughs when she does her ridiculous sections. However, when she shifts gears to motherhood, we are with her all the way.”

He describes Pokwang as a phenomenon — a modern Filipina unashamed to acknowledge her search for true love with the condition that she is first and foremost a mother and a provider.

Pokwang also embodies the modern Filipino mother, who, at one point in her life, worked  abroad to provide for her children.

“Pokwang is a true-to-life mother,” quips Enrico. “So, you can just imagine the number of women who can identify with her. They all wish they can laugh their troubles away like Pokwang with a little luck, diskarte and faith.”

For Enrico, these qualities of Zanjoe and Pokwang make them the best choices to play lead stars   of My Illegal Wife.

“With them as stars, you get a super sulit, tanggal problema experience,” says the Skylight head. “I hope people will watch the movie and have fun.”

My Illegal Wife follows the story of Clarise (Pokwang), who takes advantage of the amnesiac Henry (Zanjoe Marudo) and introduces herself as his wife. She makes him believe that they have been married in Japan and they are on their way to the Philippines to get married in church.

Produced by Skylight Films and helmed by Tony Y. Reyes, My Illegal Wife also stars Ellen Adarna, Empoy Marquez, Edgar Allan Guzman, Pooh, Beauty Gonzalez, Joy Viado, Anita Linda, among others.