Record-setting take for Metro filmfest

MANILA, Philippines - As of 3 p.m. yesterday, the box office gross of the eight official entries in the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) was almost P140 million, outgrossing by around P12 million last year’s first-day take of P128 million.

This was announced by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino in a radio interview.

Based on the first-day trend, this year’s filmfest is predicted to gross much more than last year’s P1 billion during the official 14-day event from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7.  This year’s entries, especially those in the Top Five, are expected to gross some more during the extended play dates.

Here’s how the eight entries fared during the opening yesterday (figures not revealed):

1.         The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin

2.         Feng Shui

3.         My Big Bossing

4.         Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles

5.         English Only, Please

6.         Shake, Rattle & Roll XV

7.         Bonifacio: Unang Pangulo

8.         Magnum .357

The first four places were confirmed by Tolentino and The STAR got the ranking of the last four spots from industry sources.

The ranking is expected to change dramatically after the Gabi ng Parangal Awards night tomorrow, Dec. 27, although the Top Five might be only slightly affected.