A heartwarming family drama in MMFF entry "Magkaibigan"

“Magkaibigan” owns the distinction of being the only family drama among the eight official entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival, which opens this December 25, Christmas Day. Which is most apt as the Yuletide season is the perfect time for the whole family to bond and celebrate—watching movies included.

Every member of the family can enjoy and relate to the story of “Magkaibigan,” which extols the values of solidarity and strength even in the face of tragedy—like the death of a loved one. And even if “Magkaibigan” touches on death, it remains a heartwarming and inspiring story, showing that those who have been left behind should continue loving and supporting each other.

Topbilled by Christopher de Leon, Jinggoy Estrada, Maricel Laxa and Dawn Zulueta, “Magkaibigan” is written and directed by Joey Reyes, who is at his best when doing family dramas. Also in the cast are Empress Schuck and AJ Perez as the children of Christopher and Dawn, and Ryan Julio and Justine Plummer as the sons of Jinggoy and Maricel. Tirso Cruz III and Bobby Andrews are cast in special roles as friends of the two families.

The inspiration of “Magkaibigan” is Rudy Fernandez, who knows how to live—and die. Jinggoy produced “Magkaibigan” under the banner of Maverick Films as a tribute to his best friend Daboy, so lovingly and sadly missed by the Philippine entertainment industry.

Dawn and Maricel advised moviegoers to bring along tissue papers as tears will surely flow while watching “Magkaibigan.” But they hastened to add that viewers will also feel good for the message of the film is one of hope and joy, to which Christopher and Jinggoy wholeheartedly agreed.

“Magkaibigan” had a special press preview last Wednesday night at the Podium cinema which was attended by the cast and direk Joey Reyes. The film, which got rated-A by the Cinema Evaluation Board, deserves such rating for its beautiful and meaningful message.

The press people who attended the preview had puffy, red eyes (us included), touched by the film’s message. Anyone who had lost a loved one would surely relate to the film’s message. Add to that is the superb acting of the cast. Christopher should be a prime candidate for another best actor award in this year’s MMFF.

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Revered actress Ms. Gloria Romero admitted she’s a big fan of “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal,” the game show hosted by Kris Aquino.

“I enjoy watching Kris. She is magnificent. I am a fan of her,” said the veteran actress and movie queen before she taped for KDOND on her 75th birthday.

Whenever she watches the show at home, she often gets affected whenever the contestants agree to deal with the offer of the banker. The same thing happens when the contestants decide not to accept the deal.

Tita Gloria had the scare of her life when she became the studio contestant herself for the KDOND episode that will be shown this Christmas Day.  

“I know naman that it is just a game pero siyempre hopeful pa rin ako manalo lalo pa’t kaarawan ko ngayon,” Tita Gloria said. If ever she gets the chance to bring home the P1 million prize money, Tita Gloria wants to share her winnings with streetchildren, with the church and with the World Vision non-government organization which she supports. 

“With the numerous blessings given to me by God and by ABS-CBN, I will definitely share and make everybody happy especially this Christmas,” she added. Tita Gloria is a mainstay of “I Love Betty La Fea” and the forthcoming TV series “Maruja.” 

Meanwhile, two lucky Kapamilya will get the chance to watch “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal” at ABS-CBN by joining PEP Insider’s Dream featuring “Panalo Bawat Kapamilya” promo. Just register at http://www.pep.ph/pepid to be part of the electronic raffle. The promo is valid until January 15, 2009. The promo is until January 15, 2009.  

Don’t forget to watch the Christmas episode of “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal” tomorrow night at ABS-CBN.