Heart says she’ll never go back to Echo
BY MARIO BAUTISTA
‘Mano Po 6’ budget reaches P70M
because of Beijing shoot
Notwithstanding the freezing weather in Beijing, China, the star-studded cast of "Mano Po 6: My Mother’s Love," filmed the grand finale in the Chinese capital, complete with firecrackers, balloons, banners and a festive lion dance.
Megastar Sharon Cuneta led the "Mano Po 6" entourage that went to China, with Zsa Zsa Padilla, Heart Evangelista, Ciara Sotto, Dennis Trillo, Nicole Uysiuseng and John Manalo.
The Beijing Film Studios served as the backdrop for the orphanage, where Sharon made a homecoming with her children. The scene employed more than 200 Chinese extras. Translators were also on the set to work with the production team, producers and the stars.
The Megastar was overwhelmed that she cried after shooting the final scene. She was thankful to producers Lily Monteverde and daughter Roselle Monteverde-Teo for making everything possible for the Beijing shoot.
"This is one movie that I can really be proud of," Sharon said of her Regal Films debut. "I’m glad that my first for Regal is something as big as this one. We’ve all done hard work for this movie and we gave our best to make it great."
At the helm of the shoot was "Mano Po 6" director Joel Lamangan, with cinematographer Mo Zee and supervising producer Manny Valera.
"Only a director like Joel Lamangan can handle a scene like this," Mother Lily said. "Never mind the sacrifices that we did just to be able to shoot in Beijing. It’s all worth it."
Budget for the movie therefore ballooned to P70 million because of the filming in Beijing. But Mother Lily left no stones unturned to ensure a hassle-free "Mano Po 6" shoot in Beijing.
The cast and crew filmed for three days in key locations in the city, like Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Great Wall and the National Olympic Stadium or more popularly known as Bird’s Nest.
"Mano Po 6: My Mother’s Love" is the official entry of Regal Films for the Metro Manila Film Festival, which starts December 25. Also starring in the movie are Boots Anson Roa, Ryan Eigenmann, Nina Jose, JC de Vera, Glaiza de Castro, Zoren Legaspi and Kris Aquino in a special role as Sharon’s best friend.