MMFF earns P767-M, breaks records

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entries for 2012 earned a "record-breaking" P767.8 million from box office revenues, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced Thursday.

The commercial film festival's highest income to date, which increased from 2011's P637.7 million by 21 percent,was also  boosted by record-breaking top grosser Sisterakas, a comedy about revenge and sibling rivalry.

2012 Metro Manila Film Festival Earns Record-breaking P767.8 Million. 21% higher compared to 2011’s P636.7 million. #MMDA #MMFF

— Official MMDA (@MMDA) January 10, 2013

The joint production of Star Cinema and Viva Films, Sisterakas made history with its P342-million gross--enough to make it the highest earning Filipino-produced movie. It also set a new  record for opening day gross.

It broke the record set by 2011's The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin which earned P327 million. Both films star popular comedian Vice Ganda.

Other current MMFF entries also earned considerably, with the festival's Best Picture One More Try pulling in P170.5 million and superhero comedy Si Agimat, Si Enteng at Si Ako making P133.5 million.

Horror franchise Shake, Rattle and Roll 14 is the season's fourth biggest earner among the eight entries, though it still falls behind with its P45.3 million gross.

Both the drama One More Try and bankable Sisterakas had been occasionally trending on Twitter the past month, fueled by moviegoers posting their comments and reviews on the films.

#Sisterakas is now the highest grossing Filipino movie of all time! with P346,007,582.83 as of January 7. CONGRATULATIONS!

— Eric John Salut (@ericjohnsalut) January 8, 2013

Though acknowledging its cross-demographic popularity, pundits have criticized the annual festival as a political tool and a showcase of poor artistry.