Jeric Raval and Mayor Mamay Marcos

By Jemuel Cainglet Salterio

Actor Jeric Raval cannot be any prouder when he was tasked to play the title role in the three-hour long biographical film, “Mamay: A Journey to Greatness,” that mirrors the life story of incumbent mayor of Lanao, Mayor Marcos Mamay.

“This is not a political film,” insisted Mayor Mamay. “The script is written from the perspective of someone who dreams of overcoming hardships and achieving his goals.”

On the third and last term of Mayor Mamay, he produced his life story, “Mamay: A Journey To Greatness.”

Ara Mina plays the supportive wife of Mayor Mamay and Teejay Marquez is the young Mamay.

Others in the cast are Julio Diaz, Ali Forbes, Sabrina M, Ron Angeles, Devon Seron, Jethro Ramirez, Alvin Coronel, Via Veloso, with line producer and part of the cast Shiela Delgado and Baby F. Go.

Neal “Buboy” Tan is at the helm. The film serves both as a biography and an inspirational piece.

Mayor Mamay cannot be happier that the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) gave “Mamay” a Parental Guidance (PG) classification.

“Mamay,” that had its premiere last month at SM Megamall, generated excitement not only for its heartwarming story, but also for its music by Gerald Santos.

Gerald recorded the theme, “Hamon,” penned by Vehnee Saturno, who added an emotional depth to its narrative.

Mayor Mamay is contemplating on submitting the biopic to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

“The MMFF is highly anticipated and could share my life story to a wider audience,” he said. “Regardless of the outcome, I hope the film will inspire viewers to chase their dreams and contribute to their communities.”

This film is also inspiring especially to those students who cannot finish their studies because of hardships. “I want to prove to them that poverty is not a hindrance to success,” said Mayor Mamay.

Mayor Marcos Mamay was not a scholar when he attended grade school at the Sapad Elementary School in Lanao del Norte. But he was second honorable mention when he graduated.

He was an honor student when he finished at the Kapatagan National High School in 1996. Then, he finished college at the Mindanao State University, with a degree in BSBA Business Economics.

He entered the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), but was not able to finish the course because he had to evade his family’s conflict.

 Mayor Mamay is the CEO of Mamay Productions, which bankrolled the biographical film.

He is enthusiastic about future collaborations with local filmmakers and producers. “We are excited about working with other film outfits,” said Mayor Mamay. “We  are also considering a new advocacy film centered on education.”