Watch Manay Po!

Manay Po! is a Filipino comedy-drama film that was released in 2006. The movie stars Cherry Pie Picache, John Prats, and Polo Ravales in leading roles. Directed by Joel Lamangan, the movie revolves around a family living in a small town in the Philippines. The film follows the story of Marilou, or simply "Manay," who is a transwoman living in the province with her two younger brothers, Narsi and Bijoy. Despite discrimination and ridicule from the conservative townsfolk, Manay has become a respected figure in their community. With her assistance, Manay's two younger brothers, who are both gay, have found their respective lovers and are thriving in their own careers.

Manay falls for a dentist named Michael, who is unaware of her gender status. When Michael learns about her background, he decides to end their relationship. Manay, heartbroken but strong-willed, decides to stay positive and find happiness despite adversity.

The film takes a comedic turn when Narsi, one of the Manay's brothers, becomes pregnant after a one-night stand with a woman he met online. Understanding the challenges that lie ahead for Narsi, Manay decides to keep the pregnancy a secret from their conservative townsfolk to avoid further discrimination.

The movie also focuses on Bijoy, the youngest of the siblings, who is a nurse working in Kuwait. Bijoy is struggling to come out to his lover, Jun-Jun, who is also a nurse in Kuwait. When Jun-Jun's family discovers Bijoy's sexual orientation, Jun-Jun is forced to choose between his lover and his family.

Manay Po! is a story about love, family, and acceptance. It tackles the issue of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and highlights the struggles they face in their everyday life. Though centered around the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community, the film successfully delivers its message of acceptance to a broader audience.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the film is its portrayal of a transwoman as the head of a family. Manay's character is an inspiration to many and serves as proof that gender identity does not define one's worth as a person.

The movie's soundtrack is also exceptional, featuring hits such as "Anak" by Freddie Aguilar and "Kumusta Ka" by Rey Valera, which serve as the backdrop to the film's emotional scenes.

Overall, Manay Po! is a must-watch for anyone looking for a lighthearted yet meaningful film that celebrates love, family, and acceptance. The film's authentic portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community and their struggles for acceptance in a conservative society is commendable, making it a timeless classic that is still relevant to this day.

Manay Po! is a 2006 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.