CinemaBravo

The biopic Mamay: A Journey To Greatness, directed by Neal Tan, tells the inspiring story of Mayor Marcos Mamay’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming a beloved leader in his community. The movie highlights the hardships, trials, and ultimate triumphs that shaped his journey, showcasing his dedication to uplifting the lives of his constituents. Having personally experienced the challenges of poverty, Mayor Marcos serves as a powerful testament to the impact of hard work and determination.

During the red carpet premiere of his biopic, Mayor Marcos Mamay discussed his desire to support the movie industry. “Ang naisip ko, para kahit papaano makatulong tayo sa movie industry, gumawa tayo ng movie na ‘to — inspiring movie para ma-inspire natin ang mga kabataan na hindi makatapos ng pag-aaral dahil sa kahirapan. Kasi galing tayo diyan, so naiintindihan natin ang buhay ng mahirap”

(I thought that to help the movie industry in our own way, we should create this movie — an inspiring movie to inspire the youth who can’t finish their studies due to poverty. I came from that, so I understand the life of the poor), he explained.

“Farmer kasi both parents ko… So, parang isang kahig, isang tuka. Pa’no tayo nakatapos? Ano’ng ginawa natin? So, watch the movie! Nandiyan mapapanood lahat.” (Both of my parents were farmers… So, it was like living hand to mouth. How did I finish? What did I do? So, watch the movie! You’ll see everything there), he added, encouraging viewers to see the film to understand the struggles and triumphs depicted.

Expounding further on his contributions to the movie industry, he stated, “Paano tayo makakatulong sa movie industry? Yes, binuhay natin ang movie, ‘no? Tayo, bilang isang producer, so, kahit papaano makatulong tayo sa movie industry, yung mga kaibigan natin sa showbiz… ginagawa natin ang advocacy film ito para kahit papaano makatulong.”

(How can we help the movie industry? Yes, we revived the movie, right? We, as producers, in our own way, help the movie industry, our friends in showbiz… we are making this an advocacy film to help in our own way.)

He firmly denied any political motivations behind the film, emphasizing, “No! Wala itong bahid ng politika. Sa atin lang, advocacy film ‘to, makatulong tayo. Kasi ang gusto ko kasi, hindi lang tayo naka-focus sa isang sektor, kundi lahat ng sektor matulungan natin. So, at least kahit papaano, nabuhay ang movie industry, ang showbiz industry. At tulungan natin. So, napakalaking karangalan.”

(No! This has no trace of politics. For us, this is an advocacy film, to help others. Because what I want is not to focus on just one sector, but to help all sectors. So, at least in our own way, we revived the movie industry, the showbiz industry. And let’s help it. So, this is a huge honor.)

At the program for the premiere night, Mayor Marcos Mamay expressed his hopes for the movie’s message to resonate with viewers, especially those from marginalized sectors. “This is a very inspiring movie. I want people, especially those who belong to the marginalized sector, to know that there is always hope and opportunities to reach your dreams if you focus all your energies on it,” he said. “Kailangan din na magsumikap ka para maabot ang anumang pangarap mo. This movie tells that poverty is not a hindrance to succeed in life,” he added.

The premiere was also attended by the film’s lead actors, Jeric Raval and Ara Mina. Ara Mina, who portrays Mayor Mamay’s wife, Cathy, in the film, shared her admiration for the mayor’s life story. “I accepted this movie dahil inspirational talaga ang buhay ni Mayor Mamay. Nakita ko din nang personal ang napakagandang lugar ng Nunungan nang dahil din sa efforts ni Mayor,” she said.

Jeric Raval, who plays Mayor Marcos Mamay in the film, expressed his honor at being chosen for the role. “I am honored na ako ang napili ni Mayor Mamay na gumanap bilang siya sa pelikulang ito. Humanga ako sa mga pinagdaanan ni Mayor. Truly inspiring,” he remarked.

The movie has been rated PG (Parental Guidance) by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). In recognition of its inspirational and educational content, the Department of Education (DepEd) has approved Mamay: A Journey To Greatness for nationwide screening in schools.