RICHARD Yap is confident that his latest movie "Mano Po 7: Chinoy" is at par with the chosen films in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
In an interview with the Cebuano actor on Tuesday, November 22, at the grand press launch of the film, Yap said he was a bit disappointed with the exclusion of his project but remains positive that people will still watch the movie.
"Nalulungkot kaming lahat na hindi nakasali because we did everything possible para maging worthy siya sa isang MMFF entry. But we can't do anything about it kasi nagdesisyon na sila," he said.
Yap added: "I'm a person who takes everything in stride. Maybe it's not meant to be. Like they say, if a door closes, a window opens. Maybe this is another window of opportunity and baka iba ang gustong ibigay ng Lord sa atin."
The actor also came to his movie's defense when some moviegoers lauded MMFF’s decision to go for quality over commercial value.
"It's not there to say na pinili nila ang mas dekalidad na film. Hindi din naman matatalo yung film namin in terms of quality. I think it's just that their criteria have changed. We did everything to make this as first class, it terms of quality, as possible.”
Yap said the cast and producer of the movie were eyeing the Christmas play date not only because they are offering a family movie, but also because of the tried and tested box-office success of the MMFF movies.
He said bigger box-office returns means more films in the industry.
"When you do a movie you want na kumita naman the ones who produced the movie. Gusto din naman namin na maging box-office not only for us, but also for them. Para din people will keep producing movies."
The actor is hopeful that even though they are not included in this year's MMFF, people will still watch "Mano Po 7: Chinoy" on December 14.
Asked if this year's criteria in the MMFF will affect his decision if offered to do another holiday movie next year, Yap said at the end of the day, he is still looking for a good script.
"It all depends on the story parin. Kung maganda ang istorya, whether it be mainstream or indie, I wouldn't say no."
“Mano Po 7: Chinoy” also stars Jake Cuenca, Janella Salvador, Jessy Mendiola, Enchong Dee, and Jean Garcia. (Sunnex)