Mano Po (film series)
The Mano Po (吻手) anthology, produced by Regal Entertainment, is one of the most successful film series produced in the history of Philippine cinema, second only Shake, Rattle & Roll (Filipino film series) (which has a total of 15 films with three episodes). The series has now six productions and also includes Ako Legal Wife and Bahay Kubo (A Pinoy Mano Po). All episodes are directed by Joel Lamangan, with the exception of Mano Po 2 (2003) which was helmed by Erik Matti. The six series focuses on the ways and traditions of the Chinese-Filipino community.
Another tradition for the cast and crew of the Mano Po series is the visit of several cities in China, including Great Wall of China, Forbidden City in Beijing, and Shanghai; and also in Bangkok, Thailand (for Mano Po III: My Love)
List of Series
Mano Po 1: My Family (2002)
Starring: Maricel Soriano, Kris Aquino, Richard Gomez, Ara Mina, Eddie Garcia
Regal Entertainment produced the first Mano Po episode, known also as Mano Po 1: My Family. The film won 12 MMFF awards including Best Picture.
Mano Po 2: My Home (2003)
Antonio Chan, a prominent Chinese businessman, has three women in his life: Sol, a Filipina; Lu Shui, a Chinese; and Belinda, a Filipino-Chinese. Antonio has children with all three women. A crisis shakes up the over-extended Tsinoy family prompting all the members to re-examine their values, their relationships, and confront issues that they have refused to face all these years. With Mano Po 2, My Home, Regal Entertainment continues the tradition established by the critical and box-office hit Mano Po. Features strong dramatic performances from a stellar ensemble cast, lush visuals, a reverberating musical score, an unforgettable theme song, and a heart-warming screenplay that eloquently captures the rich Tsinoy culture. Laugh, cry, and be touched by this family story about forgiveness, healing and undying love.
Mano Po 3: My Love (2004)
Starring: Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon
The third episode marks the appearance of Vilma Santos as Lilian Chiong, an anti-crime crusader who was romantically torn between Michael (Christopher de Leon, in their latest team-up after Dekada 70) and Paul(Jay Manalo). This film won the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Picture Award. Santos won the best actress award in the said filmfest.
Produced by Regal's sister production MAQ Productions, Mano Po III marks the return of Joel Lamangan as the series' director. Lamangan, however, lost to Cesar Montano (for Panaghoy sa Suba) for winning the Best Director Award in the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival.
Mano Po 4: Ako Legal Wife (2005)
Starring: Zsa Zsa Padilla, Rufa Mae Quinto, Cherry Pie Picache, Jay Manalo
This comedy, popularly claimed as Mano Po 4(?), focuses on concubinage. Zsa Zsa Padilla won the best actress award in the 2005 Metro Manila Film Festival. It is revealed that this is officially Mano Po 4 after the release of Mano Po 5.
Mano Po 5: Gua Ai Di (2006)
Starring: Angel Locsin, Richard Gutierrez, Lorna Tolentino
This series is more of a romantic comedy-drama rather than the earlier ones which center around serious drama. However, Angel Locsin's appearance as the leading role for this film is her last project with Regal Entertainment (not counting The Promise) followed by her transfer to ABS-CBN a year later.
Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love (2009)
Starring: Sharon Cuneta, Christopher de Leon
The new tale marks the first project of Sharon Cuneta under Regal Films. This is also a reunion movie for Cuneta with Joel Lamangan (last worked in Walang Kapalit in 2003) and Christopher de Leon (last worked in Magkapatid in 2002).
The dramatic story focuses on billionaire Melinda Uy, who had a rags-to-riches story of hardships and triumphs as a Chinese-Filipino blooded woman.
Spin-offs
- Bahay Kubo (film) - known as the Pinoy Mano Po, this film focuses on family in the Philippine setting.