When it comes to movie regulation, there is that thin line that separates the young and the adult audiences- something that the MTRCB (Movie and Television Regulatory and Classification Board) has mastered through the years. Adapting to the ever blossoming creative license of local cinema, the local regulating body just introduced a two-rating system, handing it for the first time to the Vilma Santos’s horror-suspense flick titled ‘
The Healing’.
Star Cinema’s latest movie offering, which also marks the Star for All Season’s 50th year in showbiz, is given a PG-13 rating to be shown in SM cinemas while the Director’s Cut is allowed to be screened in selected theaters of Glorietta, Greenbelt, and Robinsons bearing a PG 18 rating.
Official trailer and interview cast of 'The Healing'.
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This is the first time that this happened and I am happy that mabibigyan natin ang audience ng choice”, Gov. Vilma Santos said during the bloggers conference held for the movie on July 23.
“If medyo matatakutin kayo, you can watch the PG 13. If medyo strong naman kayo, you can watch the Director’s Cut”, the movie’s director and renowned filmmaker Chito Roño, on the other hand, suggested.
Prior to this suspense film, Vilma’s last starring role was for another Star Cinema movie ‘In My Life’ in 2009. “
Nilambing ko talaga si Direk na kung sana puwede gawan niya ako ng suspense horror and thankfully, ginawan niya naman ako. Sana magustuhan pa rin ng publiko.”, the Governor enthused.
‘The Healing’ opens today in over 100 cinemas nationwide.
Being the Batangas Governor for some 6 years now, Santos, meanwhile, shared that ‘Then Healing’ also happens to be her first horror-suspense flick.
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Nakagawa nako ng aswang na pelikula dati pero ito talaga yung masasabi mo na suspense-thriller”, the woman Governor shared.
Kim Chiu and Vilma Santos with Chito Roño as the director. Photograph courtesy of Star Cinema.Vilma will be sharing starring credits here with Kim Chiu whom she personally chose for the role. “
Wala nakong mahihiling pa kasi ang dami ng chances na ibinigay sakin bilang artista. Yung makatrabaho yung talented younger generation, ‘yun na lang ang gusto kong masubukan”, Santos further said.
The powerhouse cast of 'The Healing'.Other actors gracing the movie are Janice de Belen, Pokwang, Mark Gil, Martin del Rosario, Allan Paule, Cris Villanueva, Daria Ramirez, Ces Quesada, Ynez Veneracion, Simon Ibarra, Joel Torre, Abi Bautista, Mon Confiado and Carmi Martin. All of their characters will revolve around the fictionalized mishaps caused by the ‘forbidden’ faith healing sessions.
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There’s no harm in trying faith healing”, the Governor answered when asked if she herself believes in one of the Filipino medical traditions which involves herbs, oils, chants and prayers. The Governor shared that it was a faith healer from Batangas who helped her heal after 3 weeks of hospitalization during her 1st week as Mayor of Lipa City.
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It took them (the doctors)
awhile before they found out it was irregular bowel syndrome. A faith healer came and prayed over me. Walang masama to try the alternative as long as we also go to the hospital and consult the doctors”, she shared further.
