A photo posted by Regal Entertainment Inc. (@regalfilms50) on Nov 22, 2016 at 5:11am PST

MANILA - Richard Yap and Janella Salvador are looking forward to the release of "Mano Po 7: Chinoy," and said that they are proud of their work in the film despite its exclusion from the official list of entries to this year's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

"No doubt it's going to be a beautiful film kasi iyong mga artistang kasama ko dito ay sobrang gagaling," Salvador told reporters in a press conference held Tuesday. "So even if it's not part of MMFF, it's really fine with me. As long as people get to appreciate what we did, I'm happy na."

The film, which was partly shot in China, is about the struggles of a wealthy Filipino-Chinese father (Yap) to keep his family intact. This proves especially difficult after his focus on his work drew his children, portrayed by Salvador and actor Enchong Dee, to become emotionally distant from him.

"Mano Po 7," the newest installment of the award-winning family drama franchise, will be released on December 14, a little over a week before the start of the MMFF.

"We're still hoping na magustuhan ito ng mga tao ito and they will come out to watch even if it’s not part of the festival," Yap said. "I’m sure mayroon pa rin namang people who are looking for the 'Mano Po' franchise. Hopefully we’ll do well pa rin sa takilya."

Asked if the "Be Careful With My Heart" star felt any pressure in topbilling a film for the first time, Yap quipped: "Akala ko kasi picture ito ni Enchong talaga eh kaya hindi ako nape-pressure."

But he furthered: "Ang gagaling ng mga kasama ko dito so it lessens the pressure sa akin. Saka hindi ko naman siya masyadong iniisip eh. Basta trabaho lang. Iniisip ko lang kung ano ang pinagawa sa akin."

Directed by Ian Loreños, "Mano Po 7" also features Jake Cuenca, Jessy Mendiola, Kean Cipriano, Marlo Mortel, and Jana Agoncillo.