NEWSFLASH

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"CURACHA" BOX OFFICE SUCCESS REVIVES INDUSTRY

Manila, May 29, 1998 - Everyone predicted that the controversial Rosanna Roces movie "Curacha" was going to be a financial success, but the long lines at movie theaters when it opened last Wednesday was beyond expectations.

"Curacha" continues to make a killing at the tills, despite the rains that would normally have affected cinema attendance.

The film reportedly grossed P11 million on opening day, a whopping figure that is expected to be topped this weekend, it being a payday weekend.

Another factor that's considered a plus for record-breaking box office income this weekend is the fact that most students have returned to Metro Manila from their home provinces, in time for enrolment and the June opening of classes. Majority of them are expected to flood the malls this weekend, rain or no rain.

Mother Lily Monteverde's outfit Regal Films produced "Curacha" and is now grinning from ear to ear, basking in her movie's success both with the film critics and with the "masa" movie-goers.

Mother Lily says the box office success of "Curacha" proves that the local movie industry, which has been on a slump for more than a year, is well on its way to full recovery.

The presidency of Joseph Estrada could also augur well for the movie industry, according to Mother Lily and many others in the business.

The only cloud in this bright scenario is the statement of Rosanna Roces that "Curacha" is her last bold movie, that she will be opting for more dramatic, less baring roles.

The big question now is: "Without Rosanna, who else among the present crop of movie stars can attract as much attention, controversy and mass following?"