A ‘first’ for Bossing

MANILA, Philippines – Vic Sotto, also popularly known as Bossing, said he has mixed feelings over the non-inclusion of Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers, his supposed entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

A regular in local cinema’s biggest annual festival, Vic spoke to the press during last week’s presscon regarding his thoughts on the screening committee’s decision to select eight independent films as official entries and “booted out” mainstream productions. Other MMFF regulars which didn’t make it to the Magic 8 are Vice Ganda and Coco Martin’s starrers The Super Parental Guardians under Star Cinema and Regal Entertainment’s Mano Po 7: Chinoy.

“I have mixed feelings about it. First of all, for the first time, I will be having a normal Christmas. But more than that, it’s more of… I cannot say hard feelings at kung meron man, it’s not for me but for the children,” he said.

With co-stars (from left) Bea Binene, Ryza Cenon and Alonzo Muhlach during the presscon.

Vic added, “With all due respect sa mga kasamahan natin sa pelikula for the first time in so many years, panahon pa ni FPJ (Fernando Poe Jr.) at Dolphy hindi nawawalan ng pambata basta ang pinag-usapan Metro Manila Film Festival.”

The comedian emphasized that he believed in the word respect. He has respect for what the people want or what he referred to as “panlasa ng bawat tao.” He, too, has respect in the decision of the screening committee but hinted that it should have also taken into consideration what the moviegoers want in the kind of movies, especially during the Christmas season. “I don’t have anything personal against them; nirerespeto ko ang panlasa nila at pag ganitong dumarating ang Pasko may panlasa tayo na nagkakaisa ang buong pamilya. Ang masakit lang sa akin hindi nila nirespeto yung panlasang yun ng manunuod ng pelikulang Pilipino.”

Vic made it clear that he has nothing against movies included in the filmfest line-up “but they should have at least included movies that can be watched by children.”

Still, he considered what happened as a blessing in disguise. The movie’s earlier than Christmas Day playdate — tomorrow, Nov. 30 — is synonymous to having a longer movie showing period. He said it might be shown until the New Year. “What’s good, we were notified that SM Cinemas will open at 8 a.m. (earlier than the normal screening schedule),” Vic revealed.

It is also known that provincial theaters have an option whether to screen or not those not in the MMFF list since they are not under the MMDA mandate of restricting Metro Manila theaters to screen only the official entries.

Asked who decided on the playdate of Enteng Kabisote 10, Vic said it was the producers’ decision for the movie to have an earlier opening date. He added, “In fact, Star Cinema also decided for its movie. And I think it’s a good one since it’s a holiday (Nov. 30 is Bonifacio Day) and there are no classes at sakto din kasi kakasweldo lang o yung iba nagbigayan na ng bonus; kumbaga it’s on their list to be able to watch movies. Hopefully, they will be entertained by Enteng.”

How does he feel that Enteng will open in cinemas on the same day as The Super Parental Guardians?

“That’s okay, mas maganda may kasama. Si Vice at si Coco malulungkot ‘yun pag wala ako,” quipped Vic.

Kidding-aside, he said that theaters these days can accommodate eight or more movies so it would not be impossible for them to have Enteng and Parental Guardians at the same time “and the chances of being the box-office hit is very possible for two or even three movies. So there would really be no problem.”

What Vic can assure now is for the whole family to find Enteng an entertaining fare. The trailer alone visibly reflects that Enteng 10 has leveled up in all aspects — from the story to the actors and to the special effects.

In the latest installment, Enteng (portrayed by Vic) has evolved with the times, especially since in the story, he is now an iron works magnate. His wife Faye is now staying permanently in Engkantasya so they seldom see each other and their children have all become independent. So Enteng has settled down as a businessman and a doting grandfather to Benok’s (Oyo Sotto) son Benokis (Alonzo Muhlach). Soon, trouble will brew and Enteng will once again fight evil to save the world.

“The whole family will laugh and cry,” said Vic who also announced that the movie is Rated G (General Audiences — all ages admitted). “G as in gwapo at gondoh,” he added with a laugh.

Produced by OctoArts Films, APT Entertainment and M-Zet Production, Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers also stars Epi Quizon, Aiza Seguerra, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Bea Binene, Ryza Cenon, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Ken Chan, Cacai Bautista, Simon Loresca and Atak. Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards will have a special participation. It is directed by Tony Reyes and Marlon Rivera.