Laguna Governor ER Ejercito and director Amable "Tikoy" Aguiluz VI enter the Year of the Dragon with a clean slate.

After dealing with controversies buffetting their film, Manila Kingpin: The Untold Story of Asiong Salonga, Governor ER issued a public apology while Direk Tikoy sent his apologies via a text message.

In his acceptance speech, ER asked for Tikoy's forgiveness even though the director was not present during the MMFF's Gabi ng Parangal.

Part of ER's speech went: "Direk Tikoy worked hard for this film. He labored for nine months, for 40 shooting days... You're one of the best and brightest directors in the country. Pasensiya ka na. There were decisions the producers had to make to improve the film."

Produced by Scenema Concepts, the period film about the life of an infamous gangster is set in Tondo during the 1950s.

Asiong Salonga bagged 11 trophies at the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival, including Best Picture and Best Director.

In a phone interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) earlier today, January 4, Direk Tikoy admitted that he made the effort to reach out to the politician-actor.

He said, "Nakita ko ang wife niya [Maita Sanchez].

"Nag-text kami [ni ER] at binati ko siya ng Happy New Year.

"Di ba, nag-sorry siya [Governor ER] nung awards nights?

"Siyempre, sinagot ko yun. Sinabi niya when he received the trophy, 'Pasensiya ka na.'"  

The lead actor of Asiong Salonga initially rejected the idea of removing the name of Tikoy as the director of the movie. 

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NON-ATTENDANCE AT HEARING. Last December 23, Friday, the Intellectual Property Office issued a 72-hour Temporary Restraining Order to compel producers to remove the name of Direk Tikoy in the promotional materials and film credits of the movie.

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