Two decades of Mano Po in movies and television
Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters. Image from Regal Entertainment, Inc. and GMA Network
Who would have guessed that two decades later, the third installment of “Mano Po Legacy” on GMA Network, “Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters,” had its much-anticipated worldwide premiere on GMA Network on October 31, 2022? The first Mano Po movie came out in 2002, which was a long time ago. Now, that legendary first movie in the series turned out to be the most accurate portrayal of modern Chinese-Filipino culture, history, and influence in the history of Philippine cinema.
Do you know who the stars were in Mano Po? They have all made their mark and are all well known. Forever, they will be remembered as the actors who first appeared in the first Mano Po movie. So, they are already part of movie history in the Philippines. Few people can say that.
Upon reflection, with each new Mano Po movie, it is almost as if the biggest stars in showbiz were in that movie the year they released it. Looking at the names of everyone who was a part of all the movies, you realize that the casting power of Mano Po was second to none because the “Who’s who of showbiz” were practically all in those movies, and the timeline proves that. Historically, it is a checklist of the names of the actors who mattered and would matter down the line. Some big stars now have gotten their first big break in movies because of being cast or selected to join a Mano Po movie.
To have starred in a Mano Po movie is an immediate “stock builder,” a value raiser, and a stamp of approval in showbiz. Whether in the primary or supporting cast, as long as you were in it, “Hey, you did something right!” Let us call a spade a spade here. Everyone with a good head on their shoulders, a star, would want to be a part of this because doing so automatically builds up their credentials and star power. It works hand in hand. You will not only add to the legacy, but also be a part of it—a continuing legacy.
I have said this before, but this point is worth repeating. I view Mano Po as the equivalent of “Dynasty” with its television counterpart on GMA Network, Mano Po Legacy. Still, for the series of movies that have been released already, it is hard to pinpoint what foreign counterpart you could compare to this series of films. Because, let us be brutally honest, I can’t think of any family-drama-themed movie that has had over six sequels already. It is unique. It boggles the mind a bit, as well. That must be some record, at least.
What does the future hold for Mano Po? Its continuity: Until the powers decide when to stop, it will continue until the foreseeable future for generations to come and be part of its glory.
