ER Ejercito cries foul over delayed release of 'Asiong'

Laguna Governor ER Ejercito (also known as George Estregan Jr.) cried foul over the delayed release of "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story," in which he played the eponymous starring role.

The delay was brought about by SQ Laboratories' late delivery of the film's prints to 34 theaters on December 25, the opening day of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

According to Ejercito, SQ Laboratories had stated that the "Asiong" prints would be done by December 23. But because the company was also contracted to finish the prints of four other MMFF entries, his film became last priority.

As a result, "Asiong" was only shown in 17 cinemas instead of the original 51 and grossed a mere P3 million on its first showing day.

"Kung parehas ang laban, 51 theaters pinalabas ang 'Kingpin,' malamang naka-P20 million kahapon (Sunday)," Ejercito told ABS-CBN News.

Despite the setback, Ejercito is confident that his movie will get awards and catch up in the box office.

"Good reviews po ang aming nakuha dito," he said. "Sana makahakot ito ng maraming awards sa [December] 28, at sana walang pulitikang mangyari."

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/27/11/er-ejercito-cries-foul-over-delayed-release-asiong