A very important person on Christmas

(Editor’s Note: Until end of January 2007, My Favorite Movie will feature only movies shown during a Metro Manila Film Festival from any year. Contributions must not exceed two and a half pages, short bond paper, double-spaced. We don’t return rejected articles. Published ones will be paid accordingly. E-mail your pieces at [email protected].)

Just recently, I asked my 10-year-old nephew what he wants for Christmas. His instant reply: "Damit na lang tsaka nood tayo ng Enteng Kabisote sa sine?"

I was amused. In my younger years, watching a Tito, Vic and Joey movie was also on top of my list. I still remember the early ‘90s when Vic Sotto brought the hit TV series Okay Ka Fairy Ko to the silver screen. My cousins and I treated ourselves to seats at the balcony of our favorite theater in Pasig every Christmas after "collecting" our aginaldo. Our annual delight was shortlived after our favorite actor-producer decided not to pursue a third movie installment of the classic TV show.

A decade after, Vic again weaved magic after reviving Okay Ka with a couple of spin-offs that conquered the 2004 and 2005 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) box-office. Enteng Kabisote: Okay Ka Fairy Ko The Legend and The Legend Continues were top-grossers, with the latter snatching a major award courtesy of Jose Manalo, last year’s Best Supporting Actor.

Before Enteng’s return, Vic was a hit as superheroes Lastikman and Fantasticman. This winning streak made Bossing the Box-Office King in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Now that Enteng Kabisote is an official entry in this year’s Metro Filmfest, this will be the fourth year in a row Vic will be on the big screen for the holidays. He has become a VIP for every Pinoy kid and kid-at-heart on Christmas.

Why has Enteng endured? Why is he well-loved, even if we have seen some of the movie’s humor in past TVJ films? The story is about good versus evil where bad guys bully the hero as the story starts. The hero eventually wins in the end. It’s the oldest story in the book.

So the key to Enteng’s lasting power could be Vic Sotto. Not convinced? Think of any other person who can sing Karen Carpenter’s Sing in the cheesiest version ever and get away with it. (Admit it, you love the way he does the side step ala-cha-cha dance move) Only Vic Sotto can do that. The demand for tomatoes will rise if somebody tries duplicating the act.

As early as now, a number of people are waiting for Enteng in this year’s MMFF. There will surely be an evil creature who will cast a spell on someone close to Mr. Kabisote. Enteng will surely need help from Enkantasia’s good fairies to beat the bad guys. And for sure, there will be a 30-year-old fan who will "temporarily" be as young as his third-grade nephew cheering for his hero as Enteng spreads joy this Christmas.