The first Mano Po film (there are 3, so far) is considered by many to be a uniquely Filipino story, of interest mostly to Filipinos. To that I say, nonsense. I'm a white American, grandchild of immigrants to America, and I found much to identify with. Plus, the elements of the story that were strange to me were absolutely fascinating in the way they illuminated the Chinese/Filipino experience of one family in the Philippines. It is well shot and exceptionally well written. Okay, it's been justly criticized as being "just a soap opera." But So what? "Gone With The Wind" can also be called a soap opera, but it is well worth seeing again and again. I liked Mano Po so much I bought it on DVD and have viewed it several times. However, remember this is Mano Po 1. It is superior to the sequels. I recommend it highly.
Review of Mano po
