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2012 MMFF kicks off with the annual parade

A star-studded annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) parade made Sunday afternoon even hotter for fans and local film supporters.

Artists from the eight MMFF entries “Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako,” “El Presidente,” “Sisterakas,” “One More Try,” “Thy Womb,” “Shake, Rattle and Roll 14: The Invasion”, “The Strangers” and “Sosy Problems,” paraded from the Quirino Grandstand, passed through Roxas Boulevard and made their final stop at the SM Mall of Asia grounds, where they greeted thousands of fans.

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The stars from “El Presidente,” “Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako,” and “Thy Womb,” were all in character.

Wearing medieval-looking armors, Sen. Bong Revilla and Vic Sotto looked every inch of a superhero as they donned their Agimat and Enteng Kabisote costumes, respectively. Their co-star Judy Ann Santos, who plays the role of AKO, looked stunning in her yellow Grecian-styled dress. Ryzza Mae Dizon charmed the spectators as she danced her signature cha-cha on stage, wearing her elf costume. Other casts on the float were Sam Pinto, Gwen Zamora, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, John Lapus, Alden Richards and Yassi Pressman.

The casts of “El Presidente,” led by Gov. ER Ejercito, came in full force and were reminiscent of the Philippine revolution era. The male casts, such as Christopher de Leon, Baron Geisler, Wendell Ramos, Ronnie Lazaro, Ian de Leon, Bayani Agbayani, and Dennis Padilla wore their barongs, coats and soldier costumes; the female casts, such as Cristine Reyes and Alicia Mayer, wore traditional baro’t saya.

Superstar Nora Aunor led the “Thy Womb” casts as she greeted her fans, while riding their balangay looking float. Nora, who won special awards in international film festivals for her role as a Badjao midwife, wore a pink satin sablay with a gold scarf. Director Brillante Mendoza also wore a traditional Badjao costume. Nora was not able to join the casts on stage because of stomach ache.

“Sisterakas” casts Vice Ganda, Kris Aquino, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, were among the most applauded on stage. Kris’ son,  Bimby, also joined the festivities. This is the first time that Vice Ganda participated in the MMFF, while Kris and Ai-Ai have been long mainstays of the festival.

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Star Cinema’s “One More Try” float looked simple but its stars Angel Locsin, Dingdong Dantes and Zanjoe Marudo were so full of energy while greeting their fans all the way to the Mall of Asia grounds. The girls of “Sosy Problems” Solenn Heusaff, Rhian Ramos and Bianca King looked stunning in their pink outfits. Tim Yap and Mikey Bustos also joined the float.

There are numerous stars who are part of more than one entry. Janice de Belen joined the floats of “The Stangers” and “Shake, Rattle and Roll 14: The Invasion.”

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“It’s exciting because I’m riding two floats. This experience is new to me again kaya medyo nakakanerbiyos,” Janice said in an interview.

Lovi Poe wasn’t able to join the parade, but she joined the casts of “Thy Womb” and “Shake, Rattle and Roll 14: The Invasion” on stage to invite fans to watch the entries.

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While many have already joined the parade during the past years, there are also some who joined the annual event for the first time. Albie Casino, who stars in “Shake, Rattle and Roll 14,” feels overwhelmed of his first MMFF parade.

“Sobrang daming tao. Never pa akong nakakasali sa film fest so big deal para sa akin,” Albie Casino said.

German Moreno, Candy Pangilinan and Mr. Fu hosted the event.