MMFF QUEEN – Aside from being the one and only Superstar, Nora Aunor is also the acknowledged Queen of the Metro Manila Film Festival. Think of her many festival awards, topped by “Atsay,” where she was named best performer. That year, only one acting award was given by the MMFF jurors. To date she’s the only actor so honored.
Her other festival trophies for best actress: “Andrea,” “Bulaklak ng City Jail,” “Ina Ka ng Anak Mo,” “Himala,” “Pacita M,” “Muling Umawit ang Puso,” and “Thy Womb.”
In the December 2016 Metro filmfest, the Queen has an entry, “Kabisera,” supported by an array of award-winning stars.
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FAMILY VALUE – Let’s listen to what director Real Florido has to say about “Kabisera.”
The center chair of a table, which we call “kabisera” has been a symbolic seat of power at home. The head of the house usually enjoys the view as he or she watches the banter of the whole family while sharing food and happy stories. Fate could, however, throw uncertainties. A happy dining could just end up a long memory from the past.
Honor, trust, and loyalty are some of the values that are tested with this newest MMFF entry as it exposes imperfections that reign the lives of the Filipinos today, and how in the end we all stand up for what’s right and what is more important to us.
“Ang pamilya ang pinakaimportanteng kayamanang mayroon ang Pilipino. Sa bagong hakbang ng MMFF ngayon na magbigay ng higit na makabuluhang pelikula sa industriya, naisip namin bakit di tayo gumawa ng istoryang malapit talaga sa puso ng bawat Pinoy. We’re talking about value and what’s more valuable for us Pinoys than the family?” said director Real Florido when asked why they chose this plot for their first Metro Manila Film Festival project.
Inspired by a true story, this newest treat for 2016 became even bigger by brilliantly putting together big names in the industry who have earned their own laurels to boot – Gawad Urian best actors Ricky Davao and Jason Abalos; Urian best supporting actor Menggie Cobbarubias; QCinema best actor JC de Vera; MMFF best supporting actor Victor Neri; Sinag Maynila best actress Ces Quesada; Cine Filipino best actor Karl Medina; and Gawad Urian best supporting actress Perla Bautista.
What is getting everyone excited about this film is the fact that we are once again about to be blown away by the one and only Grand Dame of Asian Cinema, Ms. Nora Aunor, as she comes back to the Metro Manila Film Festival. Actor and producer RJ Agustin is also in the cast together with Ronwaldo Martin (brother of Coco Martin), Kiko Matos, and Alex San Agustin.
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PRESSURE – People behind the scenes are also composed of names in the industry who have also won prestigious awards from both local and international award-giving bodies – cinematographer Topel Lee; production designer Mark Sabas; musical scorer Vince de Jesus; and editor Tara Illenberger.
The cast and crew admitted that the pressure for this year’s festival is higher as they are expected to fulfill the responsibility of answering the public’s hunger for more content and value. The public has demanded that they be given something more than the usual kind of plot and entertainment. They wanted something more heartfelt and relevant and “Kabisera” hopes to deliver just that.
“Inaanyayahan namin ang publiko na umupo sa mga sinehan ngayong pasko bilang simbolo ng pagtayo para sa pelikulang Pilipino. We are inviting them na umupo sa ‘Kabisera,’ manood kasama ang mga mahal sa buhay, bilang pagtayo para sa kanilang pamilya,” according to the film’s producer RJ Augustin, who is also one of the artists featured in the said film.
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TOUR – The cast and crew of the said film are also scheduled to tour nationwide. The stars of the film will be visiting remarkable families who have been inspirations for the film’s plot, from different parts of the country as they campaign for the movie. For a list of activities you may check “Kabisera’s” social network portals www.facebook.com/kabisera or visit the website www.firestartersmanila/kabisera.
This 2016 let’s stand up for Pinoy films and our families. Join us in the cinemas and enjoy together with your loved ones the must-watch family drama film of 2016 – “Kabisera,” starting Dec. 25, 2016 in cinemas nationwide.