A Plea to Get Movie Goers Back to Cinemas: SRR Evil Origins Showcase Stars for MMFF

Just got out of the Gateway cinemas to cover the grand press conference of Shake Rattle and Roll Evil Origins, a Regal Entertainment entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. The producers Ms. Roselle Monteverde and Atty. Keith Monteverde went up on stage and told us about this big project and how it was mounted despite several challenges in doing another Shake Rattle and Roll movie. 

They required it to be not just different, but connected as far as episodes go. They needed 3 writers and 3 directors to do this and separated them like period films, one takes place in 1775, 2025 and 2050. They also had an ensemble of actors to portray the various characters included in the film. During the press conference, they introduced themselves and expressed how thankful they were just by being part of the iconic horror franchise. Speaking of iconic, one of the films original actress was making a comeback particularly Ms. Manilyn Reynes (who appeared in the Aswang episode of the second installment). Popular loveteams JMFyang, FranSeth is also a part of this film, which would be a litmus test to see if they'd carry the film in its entirety. People were screaming in the cinema with the mere mention of their names, not surprised and hope this equally means they're going to rush to theaters this Christmas too.

FranSeth felt pressured to do good especially since they were able to surprise folks with last year's MMFF entry from the same production. This project is also one of many movies that Richard Gutierrez will be doing with Regal, so staty tuned for the next ones to be released soon. Ms. Annabelle Rama and Zion was in the audience to support him, a touching sight (as I was at their back during the talk).

Here's what happened on video:

While the movie and the rest of the entries are preparing for battle on Christmas Day for the Metro Manila Film Festival, their goal always has been to make sure people would go back to pre pandemic levels of people watching local films. They have the material, the star power and production that can do good, and they hope you'd give them the attention they deserve on MMFF season, and beyond on digital!

JM IBARRA and FYANG SMITH Excited About First MMFF Appearance via SHAKE RATTLE and ROLL Evil Origins

Every Metro Manila Film Festival, there's sort of an expected entry from the folks of Regal Films. It's tradition, something that movie goers flock to when it's Christmas, even to watch something scary during the season meld into episodes that have become iconic reminders of lore, monsters and fantasy. This year, they made the conscious decision of putting in one of the most popular love team of this generation, JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith, aka JMFyang. After their stint at PBB, the two have had shows and appearances in ABSCBN and of course, we can't discount how fans have really consumed content about them on social media, further cementing their status as artists capable of carrying their own movie now. This would be a litmus paper test, including the recent Ghosting show they've been in in recent months. 

Fyang says "I'm so happy about the part 1 of Ghosting, that's why we're doing part 2 very soon. Thank you for those who loved it, if it weren't for you this wouldn't happen. We came from a reality show, we are super close friends. He's a "maginoong lalake!". I really like horror movies, I sit on several movies for hours and SRR is something that already exists before I was born, and every Christmas it's something that people anticipate. We want to watch it in it's entirety. I really feel things, I think it's because I came from the province and I often am alone in the house. I remember when something mentioned my name and my cousins didn't believe it."

She adds "I couldn't believe that I'd be really fond of Sassagurl because I was too shy to approach her. She's my happiness and when we met I didn't think we'd click or gel. I am so happy about that. When we see each other bardagulan agad! FranSeth was super easy to work with because they're very focused on the work, they don't get distracted when the film is rolling. They also share and support other artists like us. We really did what we can for DJ Elle, it's already a win to just be part of it. It's a bonus if we win."

JM says "Until now I've been on cloud 9 hearing feedback from my movie in Cinemalaya. I'm happy and thankful for that opportunity to work in the film. We're just enjoying what's happening in and out of showbiz. Episode 2 is about the present time. It's a big thing to be included because this is one of the biggest and longest running franchise in Philippine cinema. We are just overwhelmed. I'm sure we'll be together during Christmas. When I was in Quezon, something really tried to mimic my Dad's voice."

Then he told us "Sassa, Seth and Dylan were really nice people. Working with them was super fun. Seth is really serious when working, he's also funny so it is easy to approach him when we need to. I feel we'll be satisfied with the work we did, and I hope viewers would appreciate that."

Here's the press conference on video:

During the event, Keith Monteverde was at the venue to support the two. Everyone's optimistic that the first MMFF appearance of JMFyang will be as successful as they predict because they see something promising from the two.

Though it's my first time interacting with them, they're super nice and I hope the support their getting translate into box office success so they can make more movies in the future including one that involves love and romance, something JMFyang fans would enjoy! Congratulations to both JM and Fyang, can't wait to see what you've got in store for those who love you. Anyone who's nice deserves that success.

BENHUR ABALOS Gets Nod of REGAL ENTERTAINMENT Execs and Showbiz Heads

Talk of the town is Benhur Abalos, and today he's gotten the nod of the executives of Regal Entertainment and several entertainment industry heads at Valencia in Quezon City.

The event was hosted by Roselle Monteverde, Keith Monteverde, Dondon Monteverde and was witnessed by Boots Anson Roa Rodrigo, Direk Perci Intalan, actors Phoebe Walker, and Nico Antonio. 

Ms. Roselle Monteverde says "More than the industry, the help we need is for the country. He is tested, done a lot, I believe we need a person like him. I hope people think hard of who could help us in our need."

Benhur Abalos says "I started at #35 in surveys and slowly went up, I was a bit disheartened, but I believed in myself. Now is the crucial week, and in the last few days I got endorsements from Senator Drilon, VP Leni Robredo, Vice Ganda, several organizations and entities. SWS reported yesterday I got 6 percent increase and within striking distance. Seeing friends in the film industry, even during MMFF and during COVID, we were doing hard work in producing movies. What we've done before, we will make it a reality. I am very methodical, but we got our city to become a Tiger City and have had several awards not just here but internationally. Dear friends, whatever happens, I will do my best and leave it up to the Lord!"

He adds "I was surprised because Vice doesn't endorse easy, but at this point, I'd like to thank her and the many celebrities who helped make that. It caught a lot of attention, and it really means a lot. I'm a bit emotional, my journey has been challenging and in the last 2 days, they willingly helped and endorsed me. It's like my birthday happening again, thank you really. Our electricity didn't have tax in the past, now our other utilities prices have increased, and on record I will try to remove this. We are the second highest rate in Asia. I also plan to help in agriculture, it's a long process, I am saying this because I don't want to see fertile land become subdivisions. I'm saying this in front of cameras now. The rate of electricity is certainly high, and also we can help with the local government code. The barangay roads, their funding can only afford pay for their personnel. It is my track record that is different, I see people say it's the educational system. When I was Mayor, we saw malnourished kids in our city. If you have the best teachers, it doesn't address hunger. We started working from taking care of women while they are pregnant, supported food programs later on, and it now resulted with us getting the highest marks compared to other cities. It stopped growth stunting. Countrymen, a Senator makes laws, not just in one or more industries but for the whole country. We need a lot of policies to be fixed."

Here's more from the press conference this morning:

Would you consider him?