Richard Yap and Jean Garcia's Valentine wishes

MANILA, Philippines — After being stalled in the Metro Manila Film Festival last December, “Mano Po 7: Chinoy” finally shows in cinemas starting today.

Starring Richard Yap, Jean Garcia, Jessy Mendiola, Enchong Dee, Jake Cuenca, Eric Quizon, Kean Cipriano, Janella Salvador, and Marlo Mortel, “Mano Po 7” is different from its predecessors because while the previous ones starred mostly women, this time, the spotlight is on the male “Chinoy” (Filipino-Chinese), explained Jean.

“We’ve very proud of this film. Richard is good here. You’ll see a different Richard Yap!” she assured.

“We’re very honored to be part of ‘Mano Po.’ It’s been a very successful franchise and we’ve seen big stars star in it,” Yap enthused during the movie’s advanced screening last weekend at HOOQ Hangouts. “Most actors in this movie are Filipino-Chinese. This is the most authentic ‘Mano Po,’ I think.”

According to him, the movie is relatable to both Filipino and Chinese community as it has a lot of Chinese dialogues with corresponding subtitles, helmed by the flick’s Filipino-Chinese writer and director.

This Year of the Fire Rooster, besides good fortune and health, Jean wishes for love life “para lang masaya.”

Richard, in turn, wishes for more successful projects and “more blessings, so we can continue to become a blessing for others.”

The entire “Mano Po” series, except for the seventh and latest installment, is now available in the video on-demand service HOOQ.