MANILA, Philippines — The 45th edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) kicked off Sunday with its annual Parade of Stars tradition in Taguig City.
Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza generated a lot of excitement and anticipation aboard the “Mission Unstoppable: The Don Identity” float, the first of eight to emerge in the streets of Taguig.
Iza Calzado, who stars in “Culion”, also joined the parade, and was seen eagerly waving to her fans.
The third float, “Write About Love”, featured its lead stars Miles Ocampo, Rocco Nacino and Joem Bascon.
“Ang Probinsyano” star Coco Martin, meantime, was dressed to impress as his character, Paloma, for the entry “3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon!”
Aga Muhlach, Bela Padilla, John Arcilla, Mon Confiado and child star Xia Vigor were likewise eagerly awaited and applauded by fans when the float of “Miracle in Cell No. 7” emerged.
The float for horror film entry “Sunod” featured its lead stars Mylene Dizon and Carmina Villarroel.
Award winning-director Brillante Mendoza also graced the Parade of Stars for his film “Mindanao”. He was joined by “Mindanao” lead star Judy Ann Santos.
The last float, “The Mall, The Merrier”, however, did not carry lead stars Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Danilo Lim and Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano led the opening ceremony at Lakeshore Hall.
Also in attendance were Lino’s wife, former collegiate volleyball star Fille, his brother House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and sister-in-law Taguig City Rep. Lani Cayetano.
Lim encouraged moviegoers to support the eight film entries included in this year’s festival.
“Alam ko yung mga kababayan natin na gusto nang mapanood yung mga napiling walong official entries sa ating MMFF,” Lim said.
“Kaya ang aking pakiusap sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan, patuloy natin tangkilikin ang sariling atin. Suportahan ang industriya ng ating pelikulang Pilipino,” Lim added.
The MMFF officially opens on Christmas Day, December 25 and will run until January 7, 2020.