Magbuwag Ta Kay film opens in cinemas nationwide

Aiming for a wider audience reach and promote Cebuano films in the national cinema arena, Magbuwag Ta Kay (MTK) premiers in theaters nationwide today, March 7.


The Bisaya romantic comedy film is making history being the first independent Bisaya film to be distributed by a giant film producer from Manila, the VIVA Films.

“It’s high time to create an industry for VisMin and MTK is a beautiful movie that appeals to Filipinos and further our goals to set a Bisaya film industry,” said Vice-President for Operations of Viva South, Vicente Eduardo “Verb” del Rosario, in a recent interview.


The nationwide release is seen to be a huge boost to Bisaya film industry and this has always been one of the film producer’s dreams to put Cebu on the Philippine film industry map.

Top-billed by social media sensation Rowell "Medyo Maldito" Ucat and Star Power finalist Akiko Solon, MTK is a love story that revolves around Roy and Kay (played by Ucat and Solon). It is a story of love in the beginning then springs forth complications being in a relationship. It also tells a story of surviving in a relationship and putting in the effort to make it work despite challenges.

Produced by Heritage Productions headed by Charles and Sunshine Lim, MTK is written by Jude Gitamondoc and Therese Marie Villarante, directed by Janice Perez and Reuben Joseph Aquino. It also stars Mark Anthony Abucejo aka Snake Princess, Dante Luzon as Roy’s father, Ligaya Rabago as Roy’s mother, Rio Delizo as Roy’s deaf brother, and Roy’s friends played by Alem Garcia, Kurt Fick, and many others.

For his part, Ucat is uncertain how MTK will be received by the Manila audience although he is optimistic they will appreciate the film as much as Cebuanos did. The film premiered in local cinemas last Nov. 30, 2017.

It is Ucat's first major acting stint and his official foray into the film industry.

"I'm hoping nga ma-realize nila nga naa pu'y ikabuga ang Bisaya artists (I'm hoping that this will open the eyes of the Manila audience to the fact that Cebuano artists can do well in filming and acting as well)," Ucat said during MTK's press conference last March 1 at Manang Juling's Kilawin.

"I also hope that this will encourage huge film producers to work with and help the talents in the VisMin region."

MTK will be screened exclusively in SM Cinemas nationwide. (Dominic Yasay)