Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, 35, is heir apparent to Ai-Ai de las Alas, 59, the reigning comedy queen of the Philippines. The former still has a long way to go and the latter has yet to retire but there seems to be nobody in between the two in the line of succession to the throne.
Among Filipino comediennes not older than 35, who can play the lead role in a comedy film and who can deliver laughter while hosting with or without a script? The first one that comes to mind is Cantiveros.
As if those were not enough to prove that Cantiveros is worthy of the throne, the new film “Ma’am Chief” is a proof that her comedic talent is no laughing matter. She plays the lead role in the debut film of PULP Studios.
Cantiveros plays the title character in “Ma’am Chief”, a police officer named Criselda “Selda” Kaptan. This is the second time she is playing the title character in a movie, following “The Adventures of Pureza: Queen of the Riles“, which was released on July 13, 2011.
Based on a story by PULP Studios chief operating officer Happee Sy Go, “Ma’am Chief” follows Selda’s bumpy journey as a policewoman on a secret mission to South Korea. The character, also a K-pop fan, disguises herself as a tour guide to apprehend a fugitive.
Mostly filmed in Seoul, South Korea, “Ma’am Chief” marks the directorial debut of Kring Kim, who did a great job at allowing Cantiveros to be herself and the character at the same time. The screenplay was written by Sofia Hazel Calayag, a retired police officer’s daughter.
Joining Cantiveros in the cast are Karylle, Alora Sasam, Jennica Garcia, Bernadette Allyson, Enzo Almario, Sela Guia, Marinella Sevidal, Dustine Mayores, Louella Gomez, Al Tantay and Pepe Herrera. Karylle, Garcia and Tantay also play police officers.
Korean actors Moon Kyung, Gabriel Choi and Do Ji Han are also in the cast. K-pop fans will be pleasantly surprised to see Cantiveros’s scenes with Lee Seung Gi, Yuju and Rolling Quartz, as well.
CONAN Daily 