In the recent Metro Manila Film Festival 2023, the Philippines bore witness to a
cinematic spectacle that not only captivated audiences but also shattered records.
The film ‘Rewind,’ directed by the Mae Cruz-Alviar and starring Dingdong Dantes and
Marian Rivera-Dantes, amassed an astounding P815 million in domestic sales as of
January 17, 2024. This groundbreaking film has achieved the remarkable feat of
becoming the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time.
The MMFF, a time-honored tradition since 1975, serves as a pivotal platform for
promoting locally-produced films and fostering the growth of the Philippine film industry.
Despite facing challenges stemming from the global pandemic in 2020, last year’s
MMFF set out to rekindle the passion for cinema. The 2023 MMFF not only met but
exceeded expectations, officially earning its place as the highest-grossing edition to
date.
Senator Robinhood Padilla, through Senate Resolution No. 909, led the Senate in
commending the artists and production team. The resolution also acknowledged Dantes
and his wife not just for their on-screen prowess but also for their role as inspirational
figures, championing family values, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Senator
Padilla’s sponsorship of Senate Resolution No. 900,
Preceding this resolution, the Senate approved Senate Bill No. 2505, also authored by
Padilla, known as the Eddie Garcia Bill, instituting policies for the protection of movie
and television workers.
The speeches delivered by Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Joel Villanueva, Ronald
“Bato” Dela Rosa, Riza Hontiveros, and Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri
further amplify the acclaim for ‘Rewind.’ Each senator shares personal anecdotes,
emphasizing the film’s ability to evoke genuine emotions and reflections on life’s
profound intricacies.
As Dela Rosa candidly admitted, “Doon sa loob ng sinehan, nakakahiya mang sabihin,
pero humagulgol talaga ako nang iyak. Umiiyak ako. Lahat kami ng mga anak ko at
saka iyong sons-in-law ko, pati misis ko. Nag-iyakan kami sa loob ng sinehan.”
Hontiveros expressed optimism for the future of the film industry, as she stated: “Simula
na ito ng mga sunod-sunod pang maaayos na pakikipagtulungan sa pagitan ng kanilang
komunidad o industriya, ng ating gobyerno, at ng private sector, upang bigyan ng mas
estratehiko, long term, at malakas na suporta ang pagpapaunlad ng industriya ng
pelikula at telebisyon dito rin sa Pilipinas.”
Zubiri, acknowledging his family’s high praise for the film, expressed his intention to
attend a special screening later that week. He also shared his hope for the realization of
plans for two film festivals annually.
