Joel Lamangan is on the right track in his purpose to make the Filipino understand gay culture by making movies like Manay Po, which has the most number of gay characters. Joel Lamangan co-directed "Pusong Mamon" with Eric Quizon in the 90s when gay films are being experimented if the Pinoy movie goers will not be offended by them. In his attempt to break down connotations, stereotypes and misunderstanding about gays, he made more films with gay character or about a gay character(s) like Live Show, Aishte Imasu, I Will Survive, Happy Together, Ako Legal Wife, etc. All these films were either box-office hits, critically-acclaimed award-winners, or both. In Manay Po!, he introduces the movie goers to different kinds of gays through the story of three brothers portrayed by Polo Ravales, John Pratts and Jiro Manio. 

Lamangan sees the success of these movies as proof that Filipino moviegoers are not turned off by gay characters and themes. In fact, they may even be curious about them, as long as the tone isn’t too heavy. “Though the most successful movies I’ve done with gay characters were all comedies, I make it a point to humanize the characters by grounding them in reality and making them face unpredictable situations,” reflects Lamangan. “I don’t put caricatures in my films because they can’t sustain your interest in a full-length movie. Such characters are only good for comedy skits and gag shows.”

Direk Joel avoids the use of clichéd stereotypes by basing his characters on real people. “It might surprise some to know that Manay Po! is based on more than one family that I know,” reveals Lamangan. “The parents are my friends, and all their children are gay. When I told Mother Lily Monteverde that we should make a movie about them, she gave the go-signal without hesitation. It’s a good thing Mother Lily also loves gays, because who else but Regal Films would make a movie like this?”

In fact, executive producer Lily Monteverde became so enamored with the project that she baptized it as Regal Entertainment’s very first “Mother’s Gay” presentation, one which she dedicates to moms of gays and straights, boys and girls everywhere.

But considering that Manay Po! has more gays than any film he’s ever done (there are at least 5 major characters), is direk Joel worried that this might be too much for the audience? “Not at all,” Lamangan quickly replies. “Each character has a unique predicament and story in the movie, so the viewers won’t ever feel that they’re watching the same story with different stars. Also, the actors playing the gay sons – Polo Ravales, John Prats, and Jiro Manio- each have a different way of reacting to and dealing with their kabadingan. One accepts it, while another tries to hide it. Then there’s the one who tries to fight it.”

Lamangan is proud of how Manay Po! is shaping up. “I’m very happy with the movie,” he says, “and Mother Lily tells me the trailer has been getting excellent feedback. Even with hardly any dialogue, people say it’s already very funny. She’s confident that we have another blockbuster, and that I should already start thinking about my next project.

“Maybe my next one will be about gay senior citizens, or gay soldiers,” laughs Lamangan. “There’s no shortage of interesting stories out there that I know about and want to share with moviegoers.”

Starmometer Rating: 7.5