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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider 'Entertain, but don't forget the hungry,' says Joel Lamangan on the role of beauty pageants

'Entertain, but don't forget the hungry,' says Joel Lamangan on the role of beauty pageants

Published Mar 17, 2026 10:03 am
Beauty pageants are okay, but society should not forget the hungry.
This was the remark of award-winning director Joel Lamangan when asked about the relevance of beauty pageants during a media conference for the 2026 Sinag Maynila entry "All About Her," which will be shown from March 23 to 29.
Director Joel Lamangan on the set of 'All About Her'
Director Joel Lamangan on the set of 'All About Her'
"I'm not a fan of beauty pageants, but I've heard about them. Beauty has never been irrelevant. Has beauty ever been irrelevant?" the director asked.
Joel added, "But that's not the most important thing in society. The point is that many people are hungry. Not beauty. But to entertain or make someone who is hungry laugh, maybe a beauty pageant is necessary. But that's not what our society needs."
"All About Her" reflects the events of a beauty pageant. In the Philippines, beauty contests are popular among Filipinos. That's why Director Joel believes that the Filipino audience will be interested in "All About Her," an entry to the 8th Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival.
Director Joel said the film is a drama-thriller about the mystery surrounding a beauty queen's death.
The cast of 'All About Her'
The cast of 'All About Her'
"It's a story of jealousy, ambition, friendship, unity, and disunity. You should watch it because it reveals the truths behind beauty contests. Those who are not covered in the news, here you will find out what happens inside the beauty contest," the director said.
Also starring in "All About Her" are Yuki Sonoda, Kelley Day, Tony Labrusca, Itan Rosales, Marco Gomez, Angelica Cervantes, Pancho Magno, and Jim Pebanco.
"The film reflects the real events in beauty contests that Filipinos are always very interested in. Most of the elements that occur in beauty contests are evident here, including cheating, manipulation, and exploitation," said Quinn Carrillo, screenplay.
Yuki, half-Japanese and half-Filipino, believes that many will be attracted to watch their film. "It feels very fulfilling that 'All About Her' has been selected for the Sinag Maynila Film Festival.
Beauty queens Yuki Sonada (left) and Kelley Day star in 'All About Her,' which deals with the mysterious death of a pageant contestant.
Beauty queens Yuki Sonada (left) and Kelley Day star in 'All About Her,' which deals with the mysterious death of a pageant contestant.
"It's a very intriguing story, and I believe that many will be attracted to watch it, especially since the movie revolves around the world of beauty queens. It's something that Filipinos really love."
"There are parts that I can relate to, especially the pressure and determination. But I want to make it clear that I am the opposite of the character I play here, Isabella, in real life. I did nothing wrong to win the title.
"My character is really more intense and ambitious compared to my real personality," said Yuki, who was the 2nd runner-up in Miss Universe Japan 2020 and Miss Supranational Japan 2024.
Kelley, who was the Miss Eco International 1st Runner Up 2021, said, "I can relate to the story, because in my first pageant, Miss World Philippines, I was actually competing with one of my best friends at the time. So, she ended up winning the crown, and I was the first runner-up. So relatable.
Tony Labrusca
Tony Labrusca
"But I guess, as Yuki said, it's a competition, so even if you're a friend, you're fighting for the same crown. But there are ways to do it with respect, class, and honesty. So, you'll see in our film that people take different approaches. That's what I really like about the movie, it's not just about the competition, the crown. Like, you'll see a lot of things about friendship, relationships, insecurities, struggles, and that's what I like about how the film was written," said Kelley,
Tony shared, "I'm happy because I've got to work with Direk Joel alongside Yuki and Kelley. We hope you guys will like our film. I think the highlight will be our two female leads. I'm just happy to support them. I play the role of William dela Cruz, and I'm a police officer here, and I'm Yuki's love interest."
Produced under 3:16 Media Network, the executive producers here are Len Carrillo, Melanie Uy, Mike Lazo, and Jharvis Ong.
‘All About Her’ will be shown in selected cinemas in Metro Manila from March 23-29: Gateway Cinemas (Cubao, QC), Eastwood Cinemas (Libis, QC), Uptown Cinemas (BGC, Taguig City), Venice Cineplex (McKinley Hill, Taguig City), and Lucky Chinatown Cinemas (Binondo, Manila).
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