Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 2) — The summer heat did not stop fans of entries to the inaugural Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) from coming out to support their idols, as they lined up along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City for the Parade of Stars on Palm Sunday.
Eight colorful and themed floats started off from Villa Beatriz and headed to the Quezon Memorial Circle, with the films’ stars and directors giving away festival passes and souvenirs along the way.
The Parade of Stars will end at the Quezon Memorial Circle. The eight Summer MMFF entries will premiere in theaters on April 8. https://t.co/Ni4v3zQor2 | @JeloMantaring
📸 MMFF/Facebook pic.twitter.com/j8SvB7sqSy
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) April 2, 2023
“Panoorin natin ang mga pelikula sa ating mga sinehan,” said Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Romando Artes. “Kung ano ang init ng panahon, sana ganun din ang init ng inyong pagtanggap at pagsuporta dito sa walong pelikulang kalahok sa kauna-unahang Summer Metro Manila Film Festival.”
[Translation: Let’s watch the films in theaters…May your support for the eight films participating in the first Summer MMFF match the summer heat.]
LIST: The 8 official entries of the 1st Summer MMFF
“Let’s support Filipino films para manumbalik ang sigla ng Philippine cinema dito sa ating bayan,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte, who expressed her gratitude to the MMDA for choosing Quezon City as the venue to kick off the first Summer MMFF.
[Translation: Let’s support Filipino films to rekindle the vigor in Philippine cinema.]
The casts and directors of the entries also showed their love to the fans, saying they were excited about the renewed interest in watching Filipino films in movie houses.
“Maraming salamat dahil lumabas kayo at sinamahan niyo kami kahit sobrang init,” said actor Carlos Aquino, who stars in the drama film “Love You Long Time.”
[Translation: Thank you for coming out even with the hot weather.]
In a video played during the event’s livestream, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. invited Filipinos to watch the “good mix of entries” and support local artists and filmmakers.
“Iniimbitahan ko kayong lahat, kahit anong henerasyon ka man, Boomer, Millennial, Gen Z…Kung masaya ang industriya, masaya ako, masaya ang Pilipino,” Marcos said.
[Translation: I’m inviting everyone regardless if you are a Boomer, Millennial, or Gen Z. If the industry is happy, I’m also happy, and the Filipinos as well.]
“This reflects a healthy and thriving economy and it signifies that we are really getting back together stronger and united,” he added.
Meanwhile, Artes said the MMDA is currently coordinating with other agencies to investigate possible cases of piracy after seeing suspicious Facebook posts.
