Two icons of Philippine cinema, Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual, come together on screen for the first time in ‘The Kingdom‘, a highly anticipated entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). The film reimagines an alternate Philippines—an uncolonized nation where a powerful monarchy rules over a land rich in tradition and steeped in power.
During the ‘State of the Kingdom Address‘, a grand press conference held for the film on November 29 at Novotel, Araneta City in Quezon City, Vic Sotto shared his initial hesitation about accepting the role in The Kingdom, but was reassured and excited upon learning that he would be working alongside Piolo Pascual.
Vic Sotto said, “When Direk Mike [Tuviera] first talked to me about the concept, about the film, sabi niya sa akin ‘ganito, ganyan’. Medyo na-shock ako. Medyo nagdalawang isip ako kasi it’s a serious film. Sabi nga ni Direk, it’s a non-political political film. Parang, I was asking myself, ‘Bagay ba sa akin?’ And another question was, ‘Kaya ko ba ‘to?’
“And then finally, medyo parang okay na sa akin, I asked him sino mga kasama. Sabi ni Direk, ‘We’re negotiating with Piolo Pascual.’ ‘Okay, go na tayo!,’ sabi ko.
“It’s not every movie na—Kasi we belong to different stations before, so we never had the chance to be together in one film. So this is one pagkakataon na hindi ko kayang palampasin.”
Meanwhile, Piolo Pascual expressed his admiration for Bossing Vic Sotto, not only for his professional skills but also for his strong moral character and kindness.
“One thing I discovered about Bossing was, you know, you’re not gonna last long in this business if your heart is not in the right place. And I must say, nakita ko yung dedication niya sa craft, yung commitment niya sa trabaho, yung pagmamahal niya, not just sa trabaho but yung sa paligid niya, sa environment niya, yung professionalism.
“You know, you’re not gonna last long in this business staying on top, if you are not that good of a person, if your heart is not good. And that’s what I saw. Napakabait na tao ni Bossing, sobra.”
An official entry to MMFF’s golden anniversary, ‘The Kingdom’ also stars established actors including Cristine Reyes, Sue Ramirez, Sid Lucero, Iza Calzado, and many more. It is directed by Mike Tuviera, DGPI, and produced by MQuest Ventures Inc, M-ZET TV Productions, and APT Entertainment Inc.
The film tells an intense family drama set against the backdrop of the Kingdom of Kalayaan—a realm filled with tradition, secrets, and a fierce struggle for the throne.
At the heart of the story is Lakan Makisig, portrayed by Vic Sotto, a ruler wrestling with his own legacy while his kingdom faces upheaval. As tensions rise within the royal family, Sotto’s portrayal of the aging monarch reveals a man caught between tradition and the hope for a better future. Joining him is Piolo Pascual as Sulo, an outcast farmer who is shunned by society but becomes an unlikely hero in the kingdom’s quest for change.
The film’s powerful cast ensemble includes Cristine Reyes and Sue Ramirez as the strong-willed princesses Dayang Matimyas and Dayang Lualhati, respectively, alongside Sid Lucero as their brother Magat Bagwis, whose struggle with expectations ignites tensions within the family. Ruby Ruiz takes on the role of the Babaylan, the kingdom’s spiritual priestess, while Cedrick Juan plays a young Lakan in flashbacks that unveil the history of the royal family. Zion Cruz stars as Lakan Makisig’s grandson, bringing another layer of complexity to the family saga.
With stunning visuals that bring to life an alternate history of the Philippines, The Kingdom is poised to be one of the most talked-about films at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival. This is a story of family ties, betrayal, and the struggle for power—one that will captivate audiences and leave them questioning what might have been.
Catch The Kingdom as it premieres this December25 at the MMFF 2024. Don’t miss this unique blend of family drama and a reimagined Philippines brought to life on the big screen.
TATAK MNL 
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