Mano po (2002)

Director:

Joel Lamangan

Writers:

Roy C. Iglesias (story) &
Lily Y. Monteverde (story) ...

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

During the Chinese Revolution in 1949, young Chinese copra trader named Fong-Huan marries Elisa, a young and pretty Filipina...

Plot Keywords:

Chinese | Filipino Chinese | Sisters | Chinese Culture | Rebellious

Awards:

2 wins & 17 nominations

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Maricel Soriano	...	Vera Go
Richard Gomez	...	Raf
Kris Aquino	...	Juliet Go-Co
Ara Mina	...	Richelle Go
Eddie Garcia	...	Don Luis Go
Tirso Cruz III	...	Daniel Go
Eric Quizon	...	Joseph Co
Cogie Domingo	...	Young Luis / Fong Huan
Jay Manalo	...	Emerson Lau
Gina Alajar	...	Gina Go
Amy Austria	...	Linda Go
Boots Anson-Roa	...	Elisa Go (as Boots Anson Roa)
Maxene Magalona	...	Young Elisa
Allan Paule	...	Tonyo
Jim Pebanco	...	Mike

Also Known As:

Mano Po 1: My Family (Philippines: English title) (long title)

Runtime:

Philippines:110 min

Country:

Philippines

Language:

Filipino | Tagalog | English | Hokkien | Mandarin

Color:

Color

Certification:

Philippines:G

Filming Locations:

China

Company:

Regal Films

Trivia:

The role played by Ara Mina was initially intended for 'Assunta De Rossi' who was forced to withdraw from the project. Ara Mina's role then went to Kris Aquino.

Goofs:

Errors in geography: Toward the end when the family supposedly goes to China, the temple where they are in is actually Ma Tsu Temple somewhere in the north of the Philippines near Baguio. It's a famous devotee temple.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Manay po! (2006)

Soundtrack:

Ako't Ikaw

Ugly Po!

i was able to watch this film just a while ago, and will all the hype and "awards" it was receiving, i thought that i would be seeing a perfectly done movie with an undoubtedly remarkable story! But as the saying goes... to ERR is human... and i was wrong! the only place an unintentionally laughable movie like this belongs to is the garbage can! the script culdn't get more ludicrous. it is merely a tabloidish saga of a Chinese-Filipino family in the Philippines. it is just like watching a poorly done latin or tagalog telenovela but with chinese characters and transformed into chinese settings. i even lost count on the never-ending scenes where Vera have to look angry at her sister Richelle. There was too much focus on the Chinese culture and not on the story. The film could have been more effective as a documentary.

only the performances of SOME of the actors are commendable in this film. Soriano continues to prove that she is one of the top actresses in Philippine cinema, while Ara Mina succeeded in proving that she is not only a sexy star but can compete with the likes of Soriano as well. Aquino's performance of a submissive daughter and sibling was flawless too despite the fact that she has not been seen in the big screen for quite some time. Garcia's acting is convincing but not best actor quality. Domingo gave the most hilarious performance of all-time! It is quite obvious that he doesn't look Chinese, the best he could have done is convince us that he sounds Chinese, but he did not. Joel Lamangan is a highly-respected director in the philippine movie industry. Although he's direction is good, movies with ridiculous script like this can also badly affect his well-earned reputation. Kudos to Mother Lily for once again proving that Regal Films is a pioneer in creating the worst in philippine cinema! Adios to her!!!