At one of the popular cinemas in Metro Manila, queues to the surefire blockbuster hit Rewind ran for loops all the way to the stores outside. It was the Christmas season, and for many Filipino families, it was the time of the year to watch Filipino movies together. One reason is that the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entries have been trending all over social media. Moreover, the awards have already been given, assuring that some of these films were worth spending hard-earned money on. Yes, pesos and centavos were a factor, especially in dire economic times.
Coming out from a two-and-a-half-year hiatus brought upon by the pandemic, cinemas saw an influx of moviegoers during the recent MMFF. People may have already grown tired of watching from their tiny mobile screens or home television. In January 2024, the Metro Manila Development Authority, the agency behind MMFF, reported that Rewind garnered a record-breaking PhP1.2 billion in gross receipts. Netizens quickly dubbed the season as the return of Philippine cinema's vigour. However, Jose Javier Reyes, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman and CEO, thinks otherwise.
He believes that Rewind, the collaborative blockbuster hit of erstwhile rival entertainment and media corporations ABS-CBN and GMA for the MMFF, is unique in many ways. He calls the movie, which stars reallife couple and two big names in the local entertainment scene, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, a "perfect storm". His reasons: "It's not the most original movie in terms of screenwriting, but you have Dingdong and Marian who haven't done a movie for a long time. It tackled themes about family, love and God, which are all apropos for the Christmas season. And lastly, it may not be Oscars-worthy, but it was a well-made melodrama."
Now that it is mid-year, Filipino films are hanging by a thread again. Has Philippine cinema really gotten back on track?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rhythm in the Kitchen
Lea Salonga's latest kitchen renovation has everything she needs for her baking endeavours, thanks to her state-of-the-art appliances
Talk of the Town
Tiffany & Co's name is bound to come up in any conversation regarding exquisite diamonds, jewels and gemstones.
A Thoughtful Escape
Attention to detail makes all the difference at Pangulasian, El Nido, where Filipino hospitality is plucked at its finest
ASIA RISING
Tatler Best of Asia debuted with two days of extraordinary celebrations at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, spotlighting the region's brightest talents and most exceptional establishments through awards, talks and immersive experiences
SLOW MOTION
Following a preview of one luxury accommodation group's newest vessel, we explore how hotel brands are embracing—and investing in—the slow travel trend
ECLECTIC DREAMS
Blending diverse styles and family preferences, tastemaker Tania Fricke creates a unified yet uniquely personal sanctuary across two apartments
WHERE SPIRIT MEETS SCIENCE
Meet three women who are sharing the wisdom of traditional Asian healing practices for better health in a modern world
NEW IMPRESSION
The Louvre Abu Dhabi's latest post-impressionism exhibition adds Asian and Middle Eastern perspectives to the western canon and exemplifies the landmark's role as a global cultural connector
A CONVERSATION WITH TWO ICONS
The Metropolitan Museum of Manila mounted a landmark exhibition, reuniting two pioneering Filipina modernists who shared parallel lives
FUNNY MAN
Actor and comedian Nico Santos reflects on his journey to stardom, his roles in Crazy Rich Asians and Superstore, and his return to the homeland for a roundtable discussion with Filipino filmmakers
