MANILA, Aug. 2 – Evelyn Salt outguns James Bond, Jason Bourne…even Mr. and Mrs. Smith!

Columbia Pictures’ “Salt,” a heart-stopping action-thriller starring Angelina Jolie as a suspected double spy, opened at No. 1 at the Philippine box-office, amassing a formidable gross of P58.12-million in five days in 132 screens for the July 28 to Aug. 1 weekend. This was revealed today by Victor R. Cabrera, managing director of distributor Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.


Arriving to tremendous rave reviews for its break-neck pace and hard-hitting action, “Salt” posted the 4th biggest opening of the year, outpacing 5th placer “Shrek Forever After” (P56.9-M) and bested only by “Twilight Saga: Eclipse” (P177.6-M), “Iron Man 2” (P104.9-M) and “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” (P60.7-M).

“Salt” maneuvered itself to box-office success despite not having IMAX and digital screens which charge higher admission prices.


The kinetic actioner also gave Jolie her highest opening in the country, exceeding her previous best “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” (P51-M), even as it handily shattered the debuts of other franchise spy blockbusters -- James Bond’s “Quantum of Solace” (P53.1-M) and Jason Bourne’s “The Bourne Ultimatum” (P26.6-M).

Providing “Salt” its biggest grosses are the following cinemas: Trinoma (P3.41-M), SM Mall of Asia (P3.07-M), Glorietta 4 (P2.45-M), SM Megamall (P2.22-M), Power Plant (P1.87-M), SM North EDSA (P1.82-M), Greenbelt 3 (P1.81-M), SM Cebu (P1.76-M), Alabang Town Center (P1.70-M) and Gateway (P1.57-M).


Not to be outdone are Shang Cineplex (P1.53-M), Ayala Cebu (P1.45-M), Eastwood (P1.21-M), Robinsons Ermita (P1.202-M), Greenhills (P1.201-M), Robinsons Galleria (P1.16-M), Market! Market! (P1.05-M), Gaisano Davao (P1.04-M), Festival (P1.01-M) and SM San Lazaro (P781,090).

In the film, CIA officer Evelyn Salt (Jolie) swore an oath to duty, honor and country. Her loyalty will be tested when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture. Salt's efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives, as the hunt to uncover the truth behind her identity continues and the question remains: "Who Is Salt?"


Still playing across the Philippines, “Salt” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to get the latest movie news, video clips, games and free downloads. Find us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.