Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao will have to pay the price for skipping the traditional Parade of Stars during the opening of the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival on Christmas day.
According to MMFF rules, all stars from nine official entries of MMFF are required to join the parade and help generate support for the festival entries. Failure to report to the parade results in a hefty fine for the star involved.
The 10-day MMFF is the only time of the year when Filipino movies are shown exclusively in all cinema houses in Metro Manila.
Pacquiao is the lead star and producer of “Anak ng Kumander”, an action film that has the boxing champ playing an armed rebel, opposite two of the countries sexiest actresses, Ara Mina and Valerie Concepcion.
Pacquiao’s absence was defended by the movie’s director Kaka Balagtas, who explained that the champ had to attend to a family matter.
“Ang sabi niya kaka ikaw na ang bahalang humingi ng paumanhin.. Kasi maraming inaayos. May konting problema sa pamilya,” movie director Kaka Balagtas said.
Even Pacquiao’s leading lady Ara Mina defended the champ’s absence.
“Sana intindihin na lang natin siya kahit di siya dumating sana suportahan pa rin nila ang pelikula,” she said.
(I hope you understand and even though he’s not here, let’s still support the movie.)
Another big star, actress Maricel Soriano for Regal Film’s movie “Bahay Kubo” was also unable to attend the said event.
Most of the festival’s biggest stars came in force, however, including multi-awarded actress Lorna Tolentino and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada for “Katas ng Saudi,” Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. for “Resiklo,” and award winning actor Christopher de Leon for independent film “Banal.”
“Alam mo this is a team, we work as a team at nag-eenjoy kami,” Christopher de Leon said.
“Mahal namin ang pelikula. Naniniwala kami na mabibigyan namin ng magandang pelikula ang manonood kaya nandito kami”, Lorna Tolentino added. with a report from Marie Lozano, TV Patrol.
