MANILA, Philippines - It was the question on everyone's lips: would controversial young actress Krista Ranillo show up for the traditional Metro Manila Film Festival Philippines’ Parade of Stars to promote the movie "Wapakman" with lead star and rumored lover Manny Pacquiao?

As expected by seasoned entertainment analysts, Ranillo didn’t make it to the parade, disappointing fans who wanted to see her up close after she was romantically linked to the Pambansang Kamao.

Solar Entertainment bigwig Wilson Tieng, the producer of Pacquiao's movie, said he was keeping his fingers crossed that Krista would still make an appearance.

“I was told she is in Mindanao for an urgent appearance. And tonight, she is supposed to fly back to the US to spend Christmas with her parents,” he said at the stage of the 35th MMFFP Parade of Stars culminating show at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park.

On the spot, Tieng denied Krista and Manny are seeing each other. “I don’t think Manny and Kris are lovers. It’s because Jinkee (Pacquiao) and Manny are very much in love. They are always together,” he said.

Meanwhile, Manny joined the annual film fest parade but had to get off the float near the Cultural Center of the Philippines to catch up with his flight to General Santos City where he will celebrate Christmas with his family.

The parade caused heavy traffic at the Mall of Asia grounds as it wound its way to Roxas Boulevard. Movie fans came out in droves to watch the parade.

Ruffa Gutierrez, who was riding Regal Films’ “Shake, Rattle & Roll" float, had to leave the event to attend her family’s exclusively arranged Christmas party.

There were seven major "karosas" in the parade. Regal Entertainment’s “Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love” float had stars Sharon Cuneta, Dennis Trillo and Glaiza de Castro waving at their fans.

Veteran actors Dolphy and Eddie Garcia, two of the main stars of RVQ Productions’ “Nobody, Nobody but Juan”, also didn't disappoint fans by staying on the float despite the heat. The two veterans, however, begged off from joining co-stars German Moreno, Jodi Sta. Maria and Candy Pangilinan for the post-parade interviews.
OctoArts Films’ “Ang Darling Kong Aswang” with Vic Sotto and Cristine Reyes as major attractions was followed by Star Cinema’s “I Love You, Goodbye” with Gabby Concepcion, Angelica Panganiban, Derek Ramsey and Kim Chiu in their flaming red outfits.

The cast of Imus Productions’ “Ang Panday” was out in force headed by its lead star Bong Revilla, Jr. and villain Phillip Salvador with character actors King Gutierrez and Benjie Paras, child wonder Robert Villar and female leads Iza Calzado and Rhian Ramos.

All seven floats were designed and constructed by a common outdoor advertising firm, according to artisan Percival Aldana.

Aldana said that he and his fellow propsmen prepared them and got all things done in almost a month. “Ang pinakamahirap gawin, ‘yong sa ‘Panday’ kasi, hindi ordinaryong styrofoam ang ginamit do’n. Ang tawag sa materials na ginamit do’n ay 2 parts foam,” he shared.

The Parade of Stars is a traditional activity before the official opening of the Metro Manila Film Festival.