Mahirap Maging Pogi (film)
Mahirap Maging Pogi (lit. 'It Is Hard to Be Handsome') is a 1992 Filipino comedy film written and directed by Ben Feleo. The film stars Andrew E., along with Dennis Padilla, Gelli de Belen, Ruby Rodriguez, Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Anjo Yllana, Ana Roces, Lea Orosa, Mia Pratts, Almira Muhlach, Patrick Guzman, Michael de Mesa and Roi Vinzon. Named after Andrew E.'s rap song of the same name, the film was produced by Viva Films and released in August 19, 1992.[1]
| Mahirap Maging Pogi | |
|---|---|
 Movie poster | |
| Directed by | Ben Feleo |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Story by | Ben Feleo |
| Produced by | William C. Leary |
| Starring | Andrew E. |
| Cinematography | Ernie dela Paz |
| Edited by | Efren "Loging" Jarlego |
| Music by | Mon del Rosario |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Viva Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 100 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
Critic Justino Dormiendo of the Manila Standard gave the film a negative review, criticizing it as "downright ugly" and "not much fun".
Cast
- Andrew E. as Parding Pogi
- Dennis Padilla as Dodong Boogie
- Gelli de Belen as Gigi
- Ruby Rodriguez as May
- Ogie Alcasid as Dodie
- Janno Gibbs as Siano
- Anjo Yllana as Jojo
- Ana Roces as Annie
- Lea Orosa as Ms. Muñoz
- Mia Pratts as Ingrid
- Almira Muhlach as Mari
- Patrick Guzman as Robert
- Michael de Mesa as Gabby
- Roi Vinzon as Richard
- Jinky Oda as Yaya
- Jessa Zaragoza as Jezebel
- Jojo de Cresta as Joanne
- Elizabeth Alvarez as Elizabeth Alvarez
- Errol Dionisio as Joey Boy de Sastro
Former radio disc jockey and current GMA News personality Mike Enriquez (1951-2023) appeared in the film as a cameo role.[2]
Production
Filming took place from July 2 to 22, 1992.[3]
Release
Mahirap Maging Pogi was released on August 19, 1992.[4]
Critical response
Justino Dormiendo, writing for the Manila Standard, gave Mahirap Maging Pogi a negative review, criticizing it as "downright ugly" for its central ironic joke of Andrew E.'s character being seen as handsome even though he is not, and stated that "Ugliness is never a virtue especially if it is used to deceive the viewer." He also noted that the film is "not much fun and the gags are hardly original", citing its general use of toilet humor and a subplot which directly imitates the main storyline from Charlie Chaplin's 1931 film City Lights.[5]
References
- "The Nineties No. 311: Mahirap Maging Pogi". Video 48. August 7, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
- "Throwback to That Time Mike Enriquez Rapped for Andrew E." Esquire Philippines. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
- Alejandro Maraguinot Jr. v. National Labor Relations Commission (Second Division), The Lawphil Project (January 22, 1998).
- "GMTA Theater Movie Guide". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. August 22, 1992. p. 20. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
AVENUE [-] Mahirap Maging Pogi
- Dormiendo, Justino (August 28, 1992). "Bearing the stigma, baring the enigma". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. p. 20. Retrieved November 9, 2020.