MMFF 2019. The float of the movie "Miracle in Cell No. 7", one of the entries for this year's Metro Manila Film Festival. The movie stars veteran actor, Aga Muhlach, and Xia Vigor. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)
MANILA - - Taguig City’s mayor has affirmed the city government’s commitment to Philippine cinema as it hosted for the very first time in 45 editions, the Metro Manila Film Festival’s (MMFF) star-studded Parade of Stars.
“The city of Taguig affirms its commitment to the arts, to culture and to promoting Filipino films,” Mayor Lino Cayetano said as he welcomed the throng of people who gathered at the Taguig Lakeshore Park, where the parade originated, last Sunday.
“On the part of the City of Taguig, with Vice Mayor Ading Cruz, to my colleagues in the industry, we would like to emphasize the deep commitment of the city government of Taguig for the growth of culture and the arts in the city and the country as a whole,” said Cayetano, who is also a TV director and producer.
From the Taguig Lakeshore Park, the parade passed through ML Quezon Avenue, MRT Avenue, and C5 Road. It then entered the McKinley Hill township via Upper McKinley Road, then moved on to McKinley Parkway, 32nd Street, 7th Avenue, 28th Avenue, 5th Avenue, then Lawton Avenue, LeGrand Avenue, and Chateau Road. The parade ended at McKinley West Open Ground.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), which organizes the yearly event, said the route made the parade the longest in the history of the MMFF.
“The growth of and support for Philippine cinema is important,” Cayetano said. “Taguig believes that in supporting culture, arts and Philippine cinema, we will have a wider and more comprehensive understanding of the issues and many other things. These will help us in our goal of unity.”
The competition first opened in 1975, then called the Metropolitan Film Festival. Many cinema gems premiered in the fest.
This year’s eight entries will vie for awards that will be given out during the Gabi ng Parangal on December 27. The foremost award is Best Picture. The parade was when the Best Float was decided.
All the films will be shown in cinemas from Christmas Day until January 27.
“I have seen the lineup for the 2019 MMFF and I am confident and excited to see there is something for everyone,” Cayetano said. “I encourage all Taguigeños and all my fellow Filipinos to go out this Christmas and New Year season to watch a movie, spend time with your families, friends, and loved ones and watch as many, if not all of our 2019 MMFF entries.”
Taguig’s involvement in the MMFF did not end with the Parade of Stars as it also opened the MMFF Gallery featuring cinematic snippets of all eight titles competing for Best Picture.
It opened its doors to the public on Monday at the cinema area of the Central Square located in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
The MMFF exhibit is open to the public until December 30.
Cayetano said this is the way to promote the MMFF and show Taguig City’s support for the festival.
In his speech, Cayetano also mentioned the Mercado del Lago where local artists perform on Fridays and Saturdays.
He encouraged theater groups to hold showcases at the amphitheater.
An arts center and exhibit hall will also soon open within the Taguig Lakeshore Park complex.
Films can now be screened in more government facilities.
The five-storey Center for The Elderly features a “mini lazy boy theater”.
By the end of 2020, the city will have inaugurated six multilevel community centers fitted with mini-theaters.
For all these facilities, the city is looking to buy or rent libraries of content.
“In 2020, we are also opening the Taguig Film Development Office,” Cayetano said. “Through this, we can assist producers in filming our beautiful city and create additional livelihood for Taguigeños.”
“Again, we look for a deeper and longer-lasting partnership with MMFF, MMDA. Thank you. We wish everyone the best of luck," he said. (PR)
