IS MOTHER LILY MONTEVERDE mad that her entry “Mano Po 7: Chinoy” didn’t make it as an official entry? “No, I’m not, but I’d be dishonest if I'd say I didn't feel sad our movie didn’t make it,” she says. “I’m happy for those that made it and I wish them good luck. But I’m sad for the industry because let’s face it, the Christmas playdate is the for children and it's the time when local moviegoers go and flock to theaters to have a good time spending their napamaskuhan or what they saved through the year or what they got from their Christmas bonuses. Admit it, they still go to the movies mainly to be entertained, to relax. This year, since there are no big name stars to attract them at karamihan, puro indie films na hindi masyadong kilala ang stars, I think most of them will just choose to stay at home and watch movies on videos. I’m also afraid that if theaters don’t make money in the festival like they used to, they’ll be forced to give back the Christmas playdate again to Hollywood films na noon pa nagla-lobby na makuha nila ulit ang Christmas and New Year holidays for their own big releases, like the new 'Star Wars' movie na for sure, ipalalabas sa IMAX Theaters sa Christmas.”
But she’s glad that, at least, “Die Beautiful”, who she’s supporting wholeheartedly, became an official entry. She has just signed up Paolo Ballesteros to a three-movie contract and believes that after winning the best actor award in Tokyo International Filmfest for “Die Beautiful”, Paolo is on the verge of full stardom. “I saw ‘Die Beautiful’ and he’s very good,” says Mother Lily. “Naiyak ako sa ending. I think his time has come. He can be the new Dolphy.”
