RICHARD YAP admits he feels so sad that “Mano Po 7: Chinoy” was not accepted as an entry in the coming Metro Filmfest. “Nakakapanghinayang talagang hindi kami nakasali kasi we did everything possible ng buong cast and ni Direk Ian Lorenos para matiyak na we have a good quality movie, a moving family drama that’s perfect for the Christmas season,” he says. “But I guess we just have to live with their decision not to accept us. Move on na lang. But I’m still very honored and proud to be a part of the ‘Mano Po’ franchise. Wala pa ako sa showbiz, napanood ko na ang ibang movies nito and never kong naisip na, one day, gagawa ako ng ‘Mano Po’ movie. And this one is really about a Chinese family where I am the head, so napakaganda and challenging ng role ko. We're all confident papanoorin ito ng tao and be a big success at the box office kahit wala ito sa filmfest.”
Direk Ian says Richard is a revelation as Wilson, the business taipan and patriarch who is very protective and strict with his family, not knowing they’re being alienated from him. Playing his wife is Jean Garcia and their three kids are Enchong Dee, Janella Salvador and Jana Agoncillo. Enchong is paired with Jessy Mendiola, while Janella is linked to Kean Cipriano as her music teacher and Marlo Mortel as her schoolmate. Also in the cast are Eric Quizon as Richard’s long lost brother, Rebecca Chuaunsu as Richard and Eric’s mom, plus Pinky Amador, David Chua and Rosalind Wee.
Didn’t Direk Ian have a hard time directing such a big cast, considering that it’s his first mainstream movie after directing two acclaimed indie films, “The Leaving” and “Alagwa”? “Noong una, kabado ako, kasi most of them are A-listers at kilalang celebrities,” he says. “But I gained confidence when I talked to them and realized they’re dedicated artists, not just celebrities. We all collaborated and they gave a very good performance.”
Eric Quizon, who’s the most experienced member of the cast and is a director himself, says Direk Ian acquitted himself well for a new director. “He has a clear vision of what he wants for his film. He is good with his visuals and is also a good storyteller. May puso ang pagdidirek niya,” says Eric, which flattered Direk Ian no end.
“Mano Po 7: Chinoy” will be shown on December 14 in theatres nationwide, with a premiere night at SM Megamall on December 9, and with Direk Ian getting married on December 10.
Direk Ian says Richard is a revelation as Wilson, the business taipan and patriarch who is very protective and strict with his family, not knowing they’re being alienated from him. Playing his wife is Jean Garcia and their three kids are Enchong Dee, Janella Salvador and Jana Agoncillo. Enchong is paired with Jessy Mendiola, while Janella is linked to Kean Cipriano as her music teacher and Marlo Mortel as her schoolmate. Also in the cast are Eric Quizon as Richard’s long lost brother, Rebecca Chuaunsu as Richard and Eric’s mom, plus Pinky Amador, David Chua and Rosalind Wee.
