Dingdong Dantes, Alden Richards, Alessandra de Rossi, more stars grace MMFF grand launch

Lead stars from the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entries gathered during its grand launch, coinciding with the inauguration of the new MMFF Auditorium.

In Cata Tibayan’s report on “24 Oras,” Thursday, Dingdong Dantes said that he is hoping the viewers will appreciate their works.

“Nararamdaman ko po na for some reason, eh malakas po ang taya ng bawa’t isa dito po sa etong Metro Manila Film Festival. Hindi lang po monetarily kundi sa talento, kundi pati na rin sa siyempre, ‘yung ating commitment na mabigyang sigla talaga ang industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino,” the Kapuso Primetime King said.

‘Dasal namin araw-araw, sana lumabas ang ating audience, sana ma-appreciate ninyo ang aming trabaho,” he added.

Among the films that had an advance screening was GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs’ “Firefly.”

Following the screening, the film received good feedback for its story and editing, including the exceptional acting skills of Alessandra de Rossi.

“Masyadong marami sa best actress pwede pong supporting ako? By exposure na lang,” she said.

The actress added that the film is a perfect fit for Filipino families because of the lessons that it will teach children.

“Ang pagmamahal ay mas malakas kaysa sa anumang fear na meron ka, ‘yung tapang mo ‘pag nagmamahal ka, mawawala lahat ng takot mo,” Alessandra said.

Meanwhile, Alden said that he is dedicating his film “Family of Two” to his late mother.

“Gesture of my mom na pareho dun sa character ni Mommy Maricar, which is played by Miss Sharon, ‘yung nagtatampo ‘pag hindi ka kumakain, tapos ‘yung nagseserve ng pagkain na kahit alam niyang busog ka, ta’s nakita mong nagserve, ‘yung kunyari hindi masakit, itatabi nalang niya, babaunin mo bukas,” he said, saying these are the love languages of a mom to her children.

“Paglabas mo, ang sarap mabuhay, ang sarap may magulang na, you know, the definition of love is in every sequence of the film,” Alden added.

“Becky and Badette” star Eugene Domingo said that in the upcoming MMFF, Filipino actors have united to revive Philippine cinema.

“Ipinatawag ko kayong lahat dahil may magandang balita ngayong Pasko. Nasa labas po ang lahat ng artista at magsasanib pwersa para buhayin ang pelikulang Pilipino!” she said.

Also present at the event were Christopher de Leon of “When I Met You in Tokyo,” Iyah Mina and Jay Gonzaga of “Broken Hearts Trip,” Kylie Verzosa and John Arcilla of “Penduko,” Enchong Dee and Cedrick Juan of “Gomburza,” Derek Ramsay of “Kampon,” and Piolo Pascual of “Mallari.”

As part of the festival, there will also be a Parade of Stars on Saturday, December 16, which will traverse the route of Caloocan, Navotas, Malabon, and conclude in Valenzuela.

MMFF 2023 will run from December 25, 2023 to January 2024.

—Carby Basina/CACM, GMA Integrated News