The Metro Manila Film Festival has been part of our Christmas celebrations for decades. (naka 100 versions pa nga ata ang Shake Rattle and roll sa MMFF!) But obviously for this year, the pandemic is breaking the festival’s tradition of making theatres and cinemas exclusive for the screening of PInoy Films during the holidays. (walang pipila kay Enteng Kabisote!) Good thing, the organizers thought of an alternative by showing festival films via streaming. (sana marunong mag-avail si Aling Tasing para maexperience pa rin nya ang MMFF)
I just have fun memories of the MMFF. I had the opportunity to be part of the festival for several years as host of their activities. (hoping nga ako na next time as lead star of a movie!) My usual gig for them was the float parade featuring the stars of the festival entries. The organizers would always assign me at the end point of the parade along Roxas Blvd. (may host kasi bawat kanto!) I would be annotating the situation on a very high and small stage. ( yung may umuuga factor!) But later on I realized, it would be better if I get the spot at the starting point of the parade because, I would be the first one to finish the hosting chore. (pagdaan sakin ng lahat ng floats, Babu na ko!) So, I would request that spot everytime they would invite me to host. The parade would usualiy take place a day before Christmas. (so gusto ko makauwi agad dahil noche Buena na!)
But there was a time that they decided to put me on stage with the late German “Kuya Germs” Moreno. After the parade, the stars would have to be interviewed by Kuya Germs. I was his sidekick. It was always fun working with the Mastershowman (kahit ginagabi na kami sa dami ng iinterviewhin)
I also had an assignment where in I had to visit every float and get ambush interviews. (so sampa sa bawat float!) I remember Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos granting me an interview on a moving float. (yung pareho kaming nakakapit sa kahoy dahil baka tumilapon kami!)
It was in MMFF where I first met my good friend Director Jose Javier Reyes. I got the chance to interview him for his horror film entry. (dun palang nagfeeling close na ko sa kanya!)
I also had my “kilig” moment at the parade. I was introducing Showbiz Icon Vic Sotto when he suddenly said my signature tag: may ganon (complete with my signature may ganon pose!) I just told myself: “ay kilala pala ako ni Bossing! (feeling Paulene Luna ako!)
I’m sure many celebrities and fans have their MMFF stories too and they are all looking forward to experience the traditions of the festival again. (game ako sumampa ulit sa umuugang float at stage!)
(MR.FU hosts on 91.5 Win Radio, 8pm-12mn, Mondays to Fridays. Twitter/IG: @mrfu_mayganon. FB: Mr.Fu the Star DJ. Youtube/Patreon: WTFu. Spotify: InLove FU ako)