Photo from the Facebook page of Arnell Ignacio

MANILA – Comedian and TV host Arnell Ignacio has formally accepted the offer to become a member of the Metro Manila Film Festival executive committee.

In a text message sent to entertainment site PEP, Ignacio said he is “profoundly thankful and honored” to be given this opportunity.

“I welcome this opportunity to share my humble talent and knowledge to the industry I have known most of my life, and have much to say thank you to,” he said.

Ignacio also acknowledged the issues the MMFF is currently facing and he hopes to help bridge the dichotomy between the mainstream and independent films.

“Hopefully, ang munting natutunan ko sa gobyerno sa isang taon, magamit ko mabuti dito para magkaroon ng complimenting relationship 'yung arts at saka 'yung sustaining power of business. Kasi hindi natin siya puwedeng paghiwalayin,” he said.

“Probably, we cannot achieve it in this timeframe. Basta let’s just be consistent and hopefully makatulong yung pagpapaliwanag, at ng sharing ng knowledge na mai-emerge natin yun,”Ignacio added.

Ignacio is optimistic that the 'perfect' MMFF can be attained in future festivals.

“Probably we can do better next year until we get the perfect combination, the perfect chemistry. Minsan kasi ang problema natin, unang suntok, kailangan bagsak na agad 'yung kalaban. It’s a very huge task. Hindi mo magagawa ‘yan sa isang Metro Manila Film Festival na ma-perfect mo. Step by step, dun na lang,” he said.

Aside from Ignacio, the two other new members of the MMFF executive committee are filmmaker Maryo J. Delos Reyes and Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonete-Alimurung.

This was announced last week by MMFF executive committee chairman Tim Orbos following the resignation of four officials early this month due to the committee’s decision to prioritize "commerce over art" for this year’s festival.