 |
| Bela Padilla as Honorata Manalo and Dennis Trillo as the titular Felix Manalo. |
Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated biopic Felix Manalo will have its regular run nationwide beginning October 7, 2015!
Earlier today at the movie's press conference, it was also confirmed that an exclusive premiere will be held on October 4, at the Iglesia Ni Cristo's Philippine Arena, in Ciudad de Victoria, Bocaue, Bulacan, which has a staggering 55,000 seating capacity. It is yet to be confirmed if the movie will be simultaneously screened at the Philippine Stadium on the same date, also located in CDV.
 |
| L-R: INC Spokesperson Edwil Zabala, Dennis Trillo, Bela Padilla, Joel C. Lamangan, and Vincent del Rosario. |
ABOUT THE MOVIE
Produced by VIVA Films and helmed by the award-winning director Joel C. Lamangan, Felix Manalo tells the story of a man's fervent search for the true Words of God, until he finally registered the independent Christian religion Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) in the Philippine government in 1914.
The film essentially portrays the life of Ka Felix (played by Dennis Trillo) from the time of his birth in 1886 until his demise in 1963, his trials and tribulations, as well as his life as a preacher, a husband, and a father.
FACTS AND FIGURES
It was emphasized at the presscon that Ka Felix was not the "founder" of the Church, but should be recognized as its first executive minister.
The budget was disclosed to be Php150 million, which VIVA Films admitted to be the most expensive out of the 700 movies the production company has ever produced.
Shooting took 57 days in a period of eight months.
TARGET AUDIENCE AND THE FILM'S OBJECTIVE
Lamangan, with main cast Dennis Trillo and Bela Padilla, told the press that Felix Manalo is an important film to see by everyone, regardless of faith and beliefs, as it is a story of hope, of a Filipino and his extraordinary and inspiring journey, and as an important figure in Philippine history. Lamangan even likened Felix Manalo to a national hero, like Jose Rizal, a man with admirable conviction and a fascinating biography.
Ka Edwil Zabala, the Church's spokesperson, explained that the film's ultimate objective is to simply tell the world that Ka Felix's triumphs and the existence and the growth of the Church are all God's doing. He also said that the film is not to glorify Ka Felix, but God alone.
When asked by a member of the press if INC members are required to see the movie, Ka Edwil said no, but he sincerely believes that no INC member would want to miss it. He also revealed that there are plans to screen the film abroad.
When asked if the film was created to convert people into the Iglesia Ni Cristo faith, Ka Edwil said, no; it's not the movie that will convert you, but the truth written in the Bible.
"Yung pagkumbinse sa tao na umanib sa Iglesia Ni Cristo ay hindi sa pamamagitan ng pelikula," said Ka Edwil. "Gaya ng nabanggit kanina, ang paninindigan ng Iglesia Ni Cristo---at yun ang malimit sinasabi ni Bro. Felix--yung nasa Biblia. Bumalik lang tayo sa sinasabi ng Biblia. Sundin lang natin ang itinuturo at inaaral ng Banal na Kasulatan. Yun ang pinag-aanyaya namin sa tao."
 |
| Edwil Zabala and Joel C. Lamangan |
THE POWERHOUSE CAST OF INC MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS
Dennis Trillo, who plays the titular Felix Manalo, is a Catholic, and Bela Padilla, who plays Ka Felix's wife Ka Honorata, is a Jehova's Witness. Direk Joel, a Catholic, revealed at the presscon that it was him who handpicked the main cast, based on their suitability to the role.
Other notable cast include Lorna Tolentino, Gabby Concepcion, Richard Yap, Mylene Dizon, Yul Servo, Gladys Reyes, Ruru Madrid, Jay Manalo, Eddie Gutierrez, Yul Servo, Joem Bascon, Jacky Woo, Alfred Vargas, Ejay Falcon, Bembol Roco, Mon Confiado, Antonio Aquitania,Tony Mabesa, Jim Pebanco, Ping Medina, Alan Paule, Snooky Serna, Elizabeth Oropesa and more. (Teaser trailer here).
FULL CREATIVE FREEDOM FOR THE DIRECTOR
Lamangan, when asked by a member of the press if he was sometimes dictated upon by the Church on how to direct the movie, he vehemently said no. He clarified that he was given full creative freedom in this movie, and only consulted with INC ministers for facts and references that he needed.
TOPNOTCH PRODUCTION NAMES
Lamangan's production team include director of photography Rody Lacap, costume designer Joel Marcelo Bilbao, production designer Edgar Littaua, Danny Red, musical director Von de Guzman, and sound engineer Albert Michael Idioma.
Watch Dennis Trillo, Bela Padilla, Direk Joel Lamangan, and INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala talk about the movie IN THIS VIDEO uploaded on Google Drive (click).
Felix Manalo opens nationwide on October 7, 2015.
Comments
TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY.