Despite stiff competition from Hollywood films, the locally produced movie Ang Babae sa Septic Tank continues to do well in the box-office.

According to executive producer Atty. Joji Alonso, the film was able to gross P3 million nationwide on its opening day (August 3). Star Cinema, the distributor of this 2011 Cinemalaya entry, started screening the Eugene Domingo-starrer in 43 theaters but due to strong demand, they decided to increase the number of theaters to 50.

As of August 7, Ang Babae sa Septic Tank was able to gross P20 million in its first five days, based on information provided by Atty. Alonso.

This comedy film was named the Best Picture in the New Breed category of the 7^th edition of Cinemalaya.  First-time filmmaker Marlon Rivera won  the Best Direction award while lead star Eugene was named Best Actress "for her expert handling of a multi-faceted character, always with tongue-in-cheek attitude."

Ang Babae sa Septic Tank also won Best Screenplay (Chris Martinez) and the Audience Choice Award for the New Breed category.

Last August 2, a star-studded special screening was held in Gateway Mall in Cubao. Celebrity guests present that night were KC Concepcion, Sam Milby, Eula Valdes, Richard Poon, Lorna Tolentino and her sons Renz and Ralph. Also spotted at the venue were Enchong Dee, Joseph Marco, Pokwang, John "Sweet" Lapus and Toni Gonzaga who was with her boyfriend Direk Paul Soriano.


Cai Cortez, who plays the production assistant in the movie, was able to arrive halfway through the screening.

Uge (Eugene's nickname) was able to make history as the first Best Actress winner to earn the honor for a comedy role. How does she feel about this achievement?

"I hope I inspired other actors also na hindi madali maging komedyante. In fact, hindi ka lang dapat nagpapatawa, dapat  maipakita mo pa kung ano pa yung kaya mong gawin," she told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal).

How does she plan to reward herself?

"Sana makapagbakasyon ako, kahit isang weekend lang. Pero hindi ko pa alam kung saan, siguro Asia lang para naman medyo ma-rejuvenate ako kahit papaano, para naman sa susunod nating pelikula sa Star Cinema kasama si Ms. Toni Gonzaga, yung Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi."

PEP also had the chance to ask director Marlon Rivera to choose if his personality is more similar to the suave producer (portrayed by JM de Guzman) or the idealistic director (played by Kean Cipriano).

"Sa larong ito, ako yung director, ako yung naboljak ni Eugene," admits Direk Marlon. "In real life producer din ako, e, si Chris talaga yung original filmmaker. This time nagpalit lang kami ng roles. Pero actually, kaming dalawa yun, e. Ganun ang ginagawa namin noong araw magpahanggang ngayon. Buong buhay namin magkatrabaho for the last three years."


(CLICK HERE to read PEP's review of Ang Babae sa Septic Tank)