The legendary superhero returns to the big screen with a new image and new story but is still full of exciting and out-of-this-world adventures. Matteo Guidicelli is the new PENDUKO. In cinemas nationwide, December 25, 2023.
Jason Paul Laxamana reimagines National Artist Francisco V. Coching’s 1954 comic book and re-tells the story of Pedro Penduko for the new generation. An official entry to the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival, PENDUKO is one of the ten films Filipino viewers will be treated to watch this upcoming Christmas holidays.
Starring Matteo Guidicelli, the movie is also headlined by a-list and award-winning actors in the Philippines. Multi-awarded best actor Albert Martinez is Gat Blanco, a respectable businessman who owns Hatinggabi, an underground company with albularyos-for-hire. Internationally acclaimed actor and Venice Film Festival awardee John Arcilla plays Apo Tisot, a famous albularyo and Pedro’s father. Award-winning actress Kylie Verzosa plays Liway, an alluring and confident agent from Hatinggabi.
PENDUKO tells the story of Pedro, a young man skilled with mythical and supernatural powers, something that he and his father, Apo Tisot, have inherited from their ancestors. But unlike Apo Tisot, who uses his gift to help the poor and sick, Pedro has other plans for himself.
After cutting ties with his father and leaving his hometown, Pedro moves to the city to follow his dreams, but so far, Pedro has had no luck and has to do odd jobs here and there to make ends meet, completely wasting his gift and potential.
But all that changes when a secret organization owned by Gat Blanco hears about his skill and offers him a job as an albularyo agent. As Pedro works for the organization, he further hones his talent, which impresses many but also makes others jealous.
A force of powerful witchcraft also comes and endangers the lives of many, including the ones closest to Pedro. Pedro then uses all the skills he has to fight all evil and makes unexpected enemies. Will he be everybody’s new hero? Or will he fail to save the day?
“PENDUKO is the first MMFF venture of Epik Studios and Sari Sari Network, Inc. We are very excited and we look forward for families to watch this amazing masterpiece,” Epik Studios and Sari Sari Network, Inc. Co-Chairman Jane Basas said.
“Let’s make the MMFF a family tradition every Christmas once again. We want kids and parents to have a meaningful movie bonding experience. Brace yourselves for this is just the beginning of something EPIK.” Epik Studios President and Sari Sari Network, Inc. Co-Managing Director Vicente Del Rosario III said.
PENDUKO also stars Mark Anthony Fernandez, Phoebe Walker, Marissa Sanchez, Candy Pangilinan, Andrea Del Rosario, Arron Villaflor, Gene Padilla, Joe Vargas, Martin Venegas, Keagan De Jesus, Kurt Delos Reyes, Tyro Daylusan, Zombie Tugue, TJ Valderrama, Jobelyn Manuel, JC Tiuseco, Andrea Babierra and more. PENDUKO also marks the big screen debut of It’s Showtime’s Mini Miss U viral contestant, Annika Co.
With an all-star cast, a multi-awarded and highly regarded director, a quality of visuals and graphics, and an even better storyline, PENDUKO is surely the best choice for the whole family this MMFF.
