The Star Cinema and Viva Films' romantic drama When Love Begins has already grossed P 69,277,632.90 on its two weeks of running. The Aga Muhlach-Anne Curtis starrer was second only to Hollywood superhero movie Iron Man, which already raked in P 120,930,291.90 for 2 weeks. Compared with Aga's previous movie "A Love Story" with Maricel Soriano and Angelica Panganiban, When Love Begins is lackluster at the boxoffice. A Love Story has grossed P 130,169,177.10 and it ran for 8 weeks. A Love Story was no. 1 in 3 weeks beating the Hollywood movie "Bourne Ultimatum" starring Matt Damon which also premiered last August 15, 2007.

Although When Love Begins can still run to 4 to 6 weeks of screening, it could only pull in approximately P10 million or less specially that Hollywood summer movies are now hitting the theaters. For what its worth, When Love Begins received a grade of “B” from the Cinema Evaluation Board which means the producers will only pay 50% for its amusement tax.

The independent movie “Ploning”, produced by various filmmakers collectively known as “Panoramanila”, has grossed P 10,546,847.40 in 2 weeks. This is an above the average performance for an indie-movie in the country. Furthermore, the Judy Ann Santos starrer was shown only in SM cinemas nationwide. Plus, it’s the first movie this year to receive a grade of “A” from the Cinema Evaluation Board.

Judy Ann’s previous movies like Ouija and Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo has grossed P87.3 M and P122.9 M respectively. Of course, we have to consider that SSS has no Hollywood movie competitor compared to Ouija so these two movies are both hits. And while her last 2 films are commercial successes, her latest film “Ploning” was a critical success.

Let’s take a look at this year’s box-office so far, shall we?

1. My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend:
P 101,196,809.40 (6 weeks)

2. When Love Begins:
P 69,277,632.90 (2 weeks)*

3. My Big Love:
P 68,074,541.10 (6 weeks)

4. Supah Papalicious:
P 66,523,342.80 (6 weeks)

5. Manay Po 2: Overload:
P 29,750,322.90 (3 weeks)

6. Ploning:
P 10,546,847.40 (2 weeks)

*still running

Figures courtesy of Box Office Mojo.