MANILA — Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino announced on Sunday the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) have grossed Php 786 million for nine days screening of all eight entries which is up by four percent higher compared to last year in the same period.
Tolentino, who is also the chairman MMFF committee, said in nine days or Dec. 25 up to Jan. 2 the ticket sales recorded Php 786 million compared to Php 757 million in the same period.
The top four films, in no particular order, are “The Amazing Praybet Benjamin,” “Fung Shui 2,” My Big Bossing,” and “English Only Please” replacing “Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles in the leading entries in terms of overall earnings since the first day of showing.
“Nakatulong sa movie ang pagkakapanalo ng mga artista ng ‘English Only Please’ kaya humakot ito sa takilya,” said Tolentino.
Actor Derek Ramsay and actress Jennylyn Mercado, both stars of “English Only Please” bagged the best actor award and best actress award, respectively, in the MMFF awards night last December 27, held at the PICC in Manila.
Other entries include “Bonifacio ang Unang Pangulo; “Magnum Muslim .357” and “Shake, Rattle & Roll 15.”
Tolentino said that they are expecting a gross income of P1.1 billion this year to surpass last year’s gross income of MMFF reaching P987 million.
Tolentino said the beneficiaries of the MMFF include the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation Inc., Motion Picture and Anti-Film Piracy Council, Film Development Council of the Philippines, and the Optical Media Board.
Meanwhile, eight films competed for the mainstream category of this year’s film festival, while there were five full-feature, five Student Short Films, and Five Animations that participated in the New Wave category.