MANILA, Philippines - Aga Muhlach, Regine Velasquez, Sarah Geronimo, Claudine Barretto, Richard Gutierrez, Judy Ann Santos and Anne Curtis (clockwise) topbill the powerhouse releases of Viva Productions for the third quarter of 2010.
Viva started operations in November 1981 with the Sharon Cuneta/Gabby Concepcion starrer P.S. I Love You and now has behind it many years of quality filmmaking that includes some of the most memorable films in local motion picture history. More are to come this year as Viva prepares its 29th anniversary celebration with an exciting line-up of new films.
Leading the pack is Hating Kapatid, which is now showing in theaters nationwide. A funny family movie directed by Wenn Deramas and written by Mel del Rosario, the movie marks the first teamup of box-office queens Judy Ann and Sarah as wacky loving sisters.
Next on tap is In Your Eyes, a romantic drama directed by Mac Alejandre and written by Keiko Aquino-Ilagan. Partly filmed in the US, this welcomes award-winning actress Claudine into the Viva banner and reunites the lovely pair of Richard and Anne on the big screen.
Wenn and Mel are also working together on the new retelling of the tale of Petrang Kabayo. Based on the classic komiks novel by Pablo Gomez, this is about the boy who because of pride is transformed into a horse to learn life’s lessons. The fantasy is the launching vehicle of Vice Ganda. It also stars Eugene Domingo, Pokwang and Sam Pinto.
Viva brings back the box-office blockbuster team of Aga and Regine with director Joyce Bernal and writer Del Rosario in the romantic comedy Of All The Things. Aga and Regine worked together in Dahil May Isang Ikaw and Pangako Ikaw Lamang.
A Vivacom Company, Viva Films now boasts of 1,500 titles in its catalogue that includes such unforgettable films as Bituing Walang Ningning, Maging Sino Ka Man, Bagets, The Flor Contemplacion Story, Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan, Magdusa Ka, Saan Darating ang Umaga and Captain Barbel. These films are once again enjoying popularity on video, cable and other new media formats and have turned Viva into one of the largest suppliers of program content.
Aside from Viva Films and Digital Viva, Vivacom includes Viva Video, Philippine licensee of 20th Century Fox, Universal and Buena Vista Home Entertainment; Viva Artists Agency which manages the careers of Anne, Sarah, Rachelle Ann Go and Jennylyn Mercado; Viva Concerts and Events; Viva Music Group and the cable channels Pinoy Box-Office and Viva Cinema.