It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF 2023) is rolling out the select Filipino movies participating in the festival. This is your one-stop site for all things MMFF 2023, beginning with the annual Parade of Stars!
MMFF 2023 hits P1B in box office: Create more ‘quality Filipino films’
January 7, 2023 – 06:08 PM
The films of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
MANILA, Philippines — The 2023 edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has crossed the P1-billion mark in total box office sales, as the annual festival is about to wrap up its final day in theaters on Sunday, Jan. 7.
The MMFF committee announced the combined gross receipts of the MMFF 2023 on its official Facebook page while expressing its gratitude to moviegoers. The festival’s spokesperson Noel Ferrer also confirmed the figures in a text message to INQUIRER.net.
Eugene Domingo, Pokwang’s real-life friendship similar to MMFF film ‘Becky & Badette’
January 1, 2023 – 11:10AM
Pokwang (left) and Eugene Domingo. Image: Facebook/The IdeaFirst Company
Similar to the companionship of the lead characters in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Becky & Badette,” Eugene Domingo is grateful to find a genuine friend in her co-lead star Pokwang.
“Gusto ko kay Pokwang ‘yung pagiging very professional niya. Ang bilis niyang kumilos. Game siya (What I love about Pokwang is that she’s very professional. She moves fast. She’s game for everything),” Domingo told reporters during the press conference for the film.
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‘GomBurZa’ director Pepe Diokno amused by ‘MaJoHa’ blunder, but inspired to tell martyr priests’ story
December 31, 2023 – 5:09PM
“GomBurZa” director Pepe Diokno. Image: Facebook
More than a year after former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Gabb Skribikin went viral for answering “MaJoHa” in an April 2022 episode, director Pepe Diokno pointed out that Skribikin’s infamous blunder became an inspiration to use film as a medium of reminding why it’s important to learn about Philippine history.
Skribikin was the subject of controversy after making up the phrase “MaJoHa,” instead of GomBurZa, to answer the question about the three martyr priests during the reality show’s “History Quiz Bee” segment. This led to netizens, celebrities and lawmakers raising concerns about the country’s educational system.
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Vilma Santos says ‘professionalism’ helps in ‘magical chemistry’ with Christopher de Leon
December 31, 2023 – 12:34 PM
Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon. Image: Facebook/When I Met You in Tokyo
Forty-eight years since Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon’s first film together, “Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw,” the veteran actors are grateful they have maintained their professionalism and respect as longtime onscreen partners.
Santos and de Leon are the leads in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “When I Met You in Tokyo,” which revolves around Joey who’s reeling from the pain of his divorce before meeting Azon. The movie proved to be a hit and emerged as the Fourth Best Picture during the awards night.
Miles Ocampo recalls ‘love-hate cycle’ with acting after MMFF 2023 Best Supporting Actress win
December 30, 2023 – 1:02 PM
Miles Ocampo. Images: Instagram/@milesocampo
Miles Ocampo admitted that she’s still reeling from her Best Supporting Actress win at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 Gabi ng Parangal, saying her recent milestone is a culmination of her “love-hate cycle” in her acting career.
On her Instagram account on Friday, Dec. 29, Ocampo recalled her early beginnings as an actress at the age of 6, where her “love for [the] craft” grew despite its ups and downs.
Cedrick Juan reveals almost missing audition for role of Padre Jose Burgos in ‘GomBurZa’
December 30, 2023 – 11:03 AM
Cedrick Juan. Image: Facebook/Gomburza
More than a year before winning Best Actor at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023, Cedrick Juan admitted that his role of Padre Jose Burgos in the entry “GomBurZa” was almost a missed opportunity.
Juan starred as the title character in the historical film which tells the story of the Catholic priests Mariano Gomez (Dante Rivero), Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora (Enchong Dee) who were executed in February 1872. The movie emerged as the biggest winner during the MMFF awards night, bringing home seven awards.
‘GomBurZa’ director Pepe Diokno hopes film industry goes beyond box office in tracking movie’s success
“GomBurZa” director Pepe Diokno. Image: Facebook/Gomburza
Pepe Diokno, who was named as Best Director at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 Gabi ng Parangal for his work in “GomBurZa,” has urged the film industry to go beyond the box office when it comes to setting a standard for a movie’s success.
During an interview with ANC’s Headstart on Friday, Dec. 29, Diokno said the film industry should rethink its goal of encouraging people to “come back to the cinemas,” which starts with reassessing ticket prices in theaters and going beyond box office sales.
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LOOK: Couples, screen veterans grace MMFF 2023 Gabi ng Parangal
December 29, 2023 – 3:45 PM
(From left) Euwenn Mikaell, Dingdong Dantes, Mae Cruz-Alviar, Marian Rivera, JC Santos, John Bryan Diamante, Piolo Pascual. Images: Facebook/Euwenn Mikaell, X/@StarCinema, Facebook/Mentorque
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 Gabi ng Parangal last Dec. 27 was a star-studded night to remember, as the biggest names of the Filipino film industry gathered at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City to represent the 10 entries for this year’s edition.
Power couple Marian Rivera, who looked breathtaking in a red midi dress, and Dingdong Dantes were among the biggest names who graced the event, and were accompanied by “Rewind” director Mae Cruz Alviar.
Enchong Dee ‘manifested’ Cedrick Juan’s Best Actor win before MMFF awards night
December 29, 2023 – 10:40 AM
(From left) Enchong Dee, Dante Rivero, Cedrick Juan. Image: Instagram/@mr_enchongdee
Before Cedrick Juan was named as Best Actor at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 Gabi ng Parangal, his “GomBurZa” co-star Enchong Dee already had an inkling the theater actor would bag the coveted award.
Dee admitted, when interviewed by entertainment journalist MJ Marfori on the sidelines of the MMFF awards night, that he had rooted for Juan’s win even before the festival’s culminating event.
‘Firefly,’ ‘GomBurZa’ dominate MMFF 2023 ‘Gabi ng Parangal’
December 28, 2023 – 02:35 AM
“Firefly” director Zig Dulay accepts the award for Best Picture at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival. (Photo from the Facebook page of the Metro Manila Film Festival)
It was an unforgettable night for the cast and crew of “Firefly” as it emerged as Best Picture of the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal on Dec. 27, while “GomBurZa” bagged the most awards with a total of seven.
Held at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, the MMFF committee recognized the best among the 10 competing film entries. Cedrick Juan and Vilma Santos after winning Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.
LOOK: The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 Gabi ng Parangal kicks off at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, which recognizes the standouts among the 10 competing film entries. | 📸: MMFF/Facebook via @HMallorcaINQ #MMFF2023 pic.twitter.com/4Zr9fzt0rD
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 27, 2023
Euwenn Mikaell, who stars as Tonton in “Firefly,” wins Best Child Performer, beating fellow nominees Jordan Lim of “Rewind” and Erin Espiritu of “K(ampon).” | 📸: MMFF/Facebook via @HMallorcaINQ #MMFF2023 pic.twitter.com/u0RNspcBsb
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 27, 2023
“Mallari” emerges as the Best Score at the #MMFF2023 Gabi ng Parangal. | 📸: MMFF/Facebook via @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/SJNsIg3vmf
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 27, 2023
“Mallari” wins Best in Visual Effects, beating fellow nominees “Firefly,” “GomBurZa,” “K(ampon),” and “Penduko.” | 📸: MMFF/Facebook via @HMallorcaINQ #MMFF2023 pic.twitter.com/sLbHxPAW1I
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 27, 2023
LOOK: A representative for Benjamin Tolentino of “K(ampon)” has accepted his award for Best Editing at the #MMFF2023 Gabi ng Parangal. | 📸: MMFF/Facebook via @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/oW98cImaEj
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 27, 2023
LOOK: “Becky & Badette” emerges as the Gender Sensitivity awardee at the #MMFF2023 Gabi ng Parangal.
Other nominees include “Family of Two,” “When I Met You in Tokyo,” “Broken Heart’s Trip,” and “Firefly.” | 📸: MMFF/Facebook via @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/nxVY7yjTe3
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 27, 2023
LOOK: The Pepe Diokno-helmed “GomBurZa” wins the Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award at the #MMFF2023 Gabi ng Parangal. | 📸: MMFF/Facebook via @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/bxTBmSj1tS
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 27, 2023
LOOK: “Firefly” wins Best Screenplay at the #MMFF2023 Gabi ng Parangal, beating fellow nominees “GomBurZa,” “K(ampon),” “Becky & Badette,” “Mallari,” and “When I Met You in Tokyo.” | 📸: MMFF/Facebook via @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/4GNBDsUMU0
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 27, 2023
LOOK: Miles Ocampo wins Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal in “Family of Two.” She beats fellow nominees Eugene Domingo, Alessandra de Rossi, Gloria Diaz, and Janella Salvador. | 📸: MMFF/Facebook via @HMallorcaINQ #MMFF2023 pic.twitter.com/UwOUs2yfOb
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 27, 2023
The MMFF committee has corrected its nominees for the Best Supporting Actress category which includes Agot Isidro, Alessandra de Rossi, Gloria Diaz, Miles Ocampo, Janella Salvador.
Miles Ocampo emerged as the winner earlier. | @HMallorcaINQ #MMFF2023
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 27, 2023
LOOK: Vilma Santos of “When I Met You in Tokyo” is #MMFF2023‘s Best Actress. | 📸: MMFF/Facebook via @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/ivuzvIk3zP
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 27, 2023
LOOK: “Mallari,” starring Piolo Pascual, Janella Salvador, Best Supporting Actor winner JC Santos, and Gloria Diaz, is #MMFF2023‘s Third Best Picture winner. | 📸: MMFF/Facebook via @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/OWMvUCTXtP
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 27, 2023
LOOK: “Firefly,” starring Euwenn Mikaell, Alessandra De Rossi, Dingdong Dantes, Ysabel Ortega, and Miguel Tanfelix, wins Best Picture at the #MMFF2023 Gabi ng Parangal. | 📸: MMFF/Facebook via @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/3C7vMPGw7o
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 27, 2023
By the end of the #MMFF2023 Gabi ng Parangal, these films emerged as the winners:
“GomBurZa” – 7 (Second Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, Best Production Design, Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award) [1/3] | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/OseKOiSATF
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 27, 2023
By the end of the #MMFF2023 Gabi ng Parangal, these films emerged as the winners:
“GomBurZa” – 7 (Second Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, Best Production Design, Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award) [1/3] | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/OseKOiSATF
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 27, 2023
Beauty Gonzalez says MMFF 2023 made her understand ‘realities’ of PH film industry
December 27, 2023 – 03:20 PM
Beauty Gonzalez (right) with “K(ampon)” co-star Erin Espiritu. Image: Wence Trajano via Instagram/@beauty_gonzalez
Beauty Gonzalez, lead star of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “K(ampon),” reflected on how the annual festival made her realize the “realities of the film industry in the Philippines,” and how the “film who earned the most money” is apparently the “winner.”
On her Instagram account last Tuesday, Dec. 26, Gonzalez shared how the MMFF was “monumental” in raising her awareness on the “realities” of the local film industry, while sharing a behind-the-scenes photo of herself with “K(ampon)” co-star Erin Espiritu.
MMFF committee denies art card showing first-day box office tally
December 26, 2023 – 07:37 PM
The films of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Image: FILE PHOTOS
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) committee is denying an art card circulating on social media about the initial box office tally of participating films in the festival’s first day.
An art card posted by the Facebook page Pinoy History claimed that the MMFF entries “Rewind” (P110 million), “Mallari” (P31 million), and “Penduko” (P25 million) are the three films that generated the most ticket sales last Dec. 25, the first day of the film showing.
Dingdong Dantes very proud of wife Marian Rivera, co-stars in ‘Rewind’
December 26, 2023 – 06:37 PM
Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera during the advanced screening of “Rewind.” Image: X/@StarCinema
There was not a dry eye in the theater as Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes hugged Mae Cruz-Alviar, director of their Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Rewind,” which they hope to serve as a reminder to value what matters most.
“Rewind” tells the story of John (Dingdong Dantes) who would lose his wife Mary (Marian Rivera) to a car accident, which prompts him to make a deal with the Lord to turn back time to make things right. As soon as credits rolled, the real-life couple were seen wiping off their tears before hugging Alviar tightly.
MMFF 2023: ‘Mallari,’ a visual feast of horror sci-fi
December 26, 2023 – 05:19 PM
Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 entry “Mallari.” Image: Mentorque Productions, Warner Bros.
Generous budget aside, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 entry “Mallari” devoted its efforts to ensuring that the audience would enjoy frightening and thrilling visuals. Showcasing concepts that go from time travel to Filipino folklore, “Mallari” effectively did its purpose: to delve into too many themes without exhausting its viewers as it tells the stories of three people from different generations.
After experiencing terrifying visions that concerned his girlfriend, Dr. Jonathan de Dios made a trip to his ancestral house in Magalang, Pampanga, to get some answers. As he goes in the direction of finding solutions to his present-day problem, Jonathan discovers footage made by his great-uncle, Johnrey Mallari, and experiences events that remind him of the town’s former parish priest and notorious serial killer, Fr. Severino Mallari.
‘GomBurZa’ gets national artist Ricky Lee’s seal of approval
December 26, 2023 – 10:28 AM
Ricky Lee, poster of MMFF film ‘GomBurZa.’ Images: FILE PHOTOS
National artist Ricky Lee is all praises for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “GomBurZa,” which stars Cedrick Juan, Enchong Dee, and Dante Rivero, as it made him feel prouder of his Filipino heritage.
On his X (formerly Twitter) page last Sunday, Dec. 24, “GomBurZa” director Pepe Diokno shared a screenshot of what seemed to be a text message from Lee who congratulated him for a job well done.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: MMFF best actor, best actress winners over the years
December 25, 2023 – 09:58 AM
Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) best actors and best actresses over the years | Image: @dongdantes, @officialjuday, and Wikipedia
It’s Christmas season, and for the local film industry, it’s also the season for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), one of the top award-giving bodies in the country. In its close to six decade of existence (first, as the Manila Film Festival), the festival has seen the worst of controversies, but the best part was the recognition of the artistic excellence of various actors and actresses who graced the silver screen.
MMFF 2023: Eugene Domingo and Pokwang’s ‘Becky & Badette’
December 23, 2023 – 12:10 AM
Scene from “Becky & Badette” —THE IDEAFIRST COMPANY
After 17 years, Domingo and Pokwang find themselves teaming up and topbilling a comedy film anew.
The story follows the titular characters Becky (Domingo) and Badette (Pokwang), two longtime best friends who dream of becoming a popular musician and actress, respectively. But while they’re smart, talented and are achievers in school, circumstances beyond their control stop them from maximizing their true potential.
MMFF 2023: Alessandra de Rossi, Euwenn Mikaell’s ‘Firefly’
December 22, 2023 – 12:15 AM
Alessandra de Rossi (right) with Euwenn Mikaell
“Firefly” opens with the adult Tonton (Dantes) being interviewed by a skeptical journalist (Collins) about winning the National Book Award. There are suspicions that he isn’t really the one who wrote his winning novel. He did, actually. But he couldn’t have done it without his mother. The film then transports us back to 1999 and revisits Tonton’s childhood and his rose-colored memories of life with his mother, Elay (De Rossi). Bullied as a kid, Tonton (Mikaell) always finds himself wishing that he would grow brave and strong. And one way Elay reassures her son is by telling him stories.
Sharon Cuneta hopes MMFF film ‘A Family of Two’ inspire mothers to let children spread their wings
December 21, 2023 – 01:46 PM
Beauty Gonzales in ‘Kampon’ | Image: @beauty_gonzalez IG
Beauty Gonzalez said their Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Kampon” will take the viewers on a different whim.
In a quick interview with the press during the Christmas party of one of her endorsements on Dec. 20, the actress said their MMFF film entry is not the typical “crying and screaming” Filipino movie and that it will leave a memorable impression on the audience.
Sharon Cuneta hopes MMFF film ‘A Family of Two’ inspire mothers to let children spread their wings
December 21, 2023 – 10:04 AM
(From left) Alden Richards, Sharon Cuneta. Image: Instagram/@sparklegmaartistcenter
Sharon Cuneta couldn’t help but see the similarities between her character Maricar in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Family of Two (A Mother and Son Story)” and herself as a mom, as she noted that letting go of a child will always be a “heart-wrenching” part of life.
Enchong Dee, Cedrick Juan say MMFF film ‘GomBurZa’ reminds Filipinos to ‘never be apolitical’
December 20, 2023 – 10:30 PM
(From left) Cedrick Juan, Enchong Dee. Images: Courtesy of Jesuit Communications and MQuest Ventures.
One hundred fifty-one years after the three martyred priests GomBurZa were executed, Cedrick Juan and Enchong Dee hope their Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry will challenge Filipinos to seek justice and to never be “apolitical.”
Juan and Dee, who were accompanied by their co-stars Ketchup Eusebio and Carlos Siguion-Reyna and director Pepe Diokno during an advanced screening, said “GomBurZa” is a film that teaches their countrymen to “never [be] apolitical” through the story of the priests Mariano Gomes, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora.
MMFF 2023: Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon’s ‘When I Met You in Tokyo’
December 20, 2023 – 12:20 AM
Vilma Santos (left) and Christopher de Leon —JG PRODUCTIONS
The film is about the love between Azon (Santos) and Joey (De Leon), who promised himself to never fall in love again after being betrayed by his ex-wife. When he meets Azon, he opens up his heart again, only to discover after a few blissful years together that the woman he cares for is dealing with an age-related debilitating disease, something that will break his heart once more.
“This project was really a team effort. [Christopher and I] made sure to express our opinion in all the scenes we shot. This was to make sure they were age-appropriate. We also didn’t want the film to be too emotionally heavy for the audience. It’s a very simple love story that deals with forgiveness and moving on with life,” said Santos.
MMFF’s significance to Filipinos, filmmakers not lost on Matteo Guidicelli
December 18, 2023 – 09:47 PM
Matteo Guidicelli as Penduko for MMFF 2023
Matteo Guidicelli is one of the actors who will make their first ever appearance in a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry this year. Despite starring in numerous films and series already, the actor said he’s excited to join this year’s festival.
In a quick interview with INQUIRER.net during the Parade of Stars on Dec. 16, Guidicelli weighed in on the significance of MMFF to the Filipinos, noting that it offers a contribution to the Philippine culture and economy.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Notable MMFF Best Picture winners through the years
December 18, 2023 – 03:48 PM
Movie posters of “Deleter (2022)” and “Fangirl (2020)”. Images: FILE PHOTOS
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is a celebration of the film industry through humorous, heart-wrenching, and horrific stories brought to life onscreen — which seems fitting as it’s annually held during Christmas through the New Year.
‘Firefly’ cast reveal what makes their 2023 MMFF entry unique
December 18, 2023 – 03:59 PM
Cast of 2023 MMFF entry ‘Firefly’ during the Parade of Stars | Image: @ysabelortega IG
Ahead of Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 opening day on December 25, one of its film entries, ‘Firefly,’ held a special advance screening with viewers commending what kind of emotional journey the film was.
During the Parade of Stars on Dec. 16, INQUIRER.net talked to some members of the cast to ask what trait made their entry unique from all the other participating films.
Zeinab Harake says MMFF debut is ‘overwhelming’
December 18, 2023 – 11:15 AM
Zeinab Harake | Image: @zeinab_harake IG
Zeinab Harake rose to fame as a YouTube vlogger, but now she is adding acting to her experience as she is about to have a big screen debut through a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, “Kampon.”
In a short interview with INQUIRER.net during the Parade of Stars on December 16, the social media influencer expressed her feelings ahead of her MMFF debut, noting that she feels overwhelmed by the people’s support.
How ‘Mallari’ stars plan to spend Christmas Day
December 17, 2023 – 06:30 PM
“Mallari” stars Piolo Pascual, Gloria Diaz and Janella Salvador during a media gathering. Combined images from Armin P. Adina
MANILA, Philippines — Veteran actress Gloria Diaz wants to spend Christmas day with her “Mallari” co-actor Piolo Pascual, the film’s lead, she said at a gathering with members of the media for the semi-biographical thriller that is part of this year’s Metro Manila Film FestivaL (MMFF).
“Ako, chill lang. Makikibahay sa bahay ni Piolo, sa beach. Wala, chill lang (Me, just chilling. I’ll visit Piolo’s house at the beach. Just nothing, just chilling,” the first Filipino Miss Universe winner said when asked what her Christmas plans are at the press conference held at Cinema 5 of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City earlier this month.
MMFF 2023: ‘Family of Two (A Mother and Son Story)’
December 17, 2023 – 12:15 AM
Sharon Cuneta (left) and Alden Richards —CINEKO PRODUCTIONS
(We are running this guide to help you plan your movie-viewing activity during the holidays. The 49th Metro Manila Film Festival, or MMFF, Christmas Edition runs from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7, 2024.)
Directed by Nuel Naval; written by Mel Mendoza del Rosario; stars Sharon Cuneta, Alden Richards, Miles Ocampo, Jackie Lou Blanco, Soliman Cruz; produced by Cineko Productions.
Parade of Stars: Highlights of MMFF 2023 motorcade
December 17, 2023 – 9:58 AM
Parade of stars MMFF 2023 motorcade | Image: Jessica Ann Evangelista, INQUIRER.net
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) marked a series of firsts for its 49th edition as it expanded its entries to 10 and now held the biggest MMFF Parade of Stars after passing through four cities: Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela on Dec. 16.
Thousands of fans flooded the streets to witness the parade and cheer movie actors on board their eye-catching floats as they promoted their respective MMFF films. The three-hour, 8.7-kilometer grand motorcade commenced at Navotas Centennial Park and ended at Valenzuela People’s Park for the main event.
Beauty Gonzales admits feeling awkward kissing Derek Ramsay in ‘Kampon’
December 17, 2023 – 12:10 AM
Scenes from “Kampon” —PHOTOS FROM QUANTUM FILMS’ YOUTUBE
While Beauty Gonzales admitted that it felt awkward to do a bed scene for the horror movie “Kampon” with Derek Ramsay, the husband of her best friend Ellen Adarna, the actress said her own husband, Norman Crisologo, acted really cool about it.
Beauty and Derek play a childless couple in the film by King Palisoc, which is one of the 10 entries in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), which will begin on Christmas Day.
MMFF 2023 Parade of Stars: Everything you need to know
December 16, 2023 – 09:46 AM
10 official entries of Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 | Image: Facebook/Valenzuela City
The 49th edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) will see a local history made as the Parade of Stars journeys through the four CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela) cities for the very first time in the festival’s history.
Before the 10 official entries grace the Philippine cinemas nationwide, a motorcade featuring the movie stars carried by their captivating floats will entertain people on the street as they promote their respective films on Dec. 16.
Stars bat for PH cinema at MMFF 2023 Parade of Stars
December 16, 2023 – 12:10 AM
Sharon Cuneta —SHARON CUNETA/ FACEBOOK
With local cinema still reeling from the effects of the pandemic and dealing with competition from streaming, actors of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) believe that it’s important, now more than ever, to take part in today’s Parade of the Stars to reconnect with the fans, and, hopefully, persuade them to return to the theaters.
“I was once again given an opportunity to join this very festive occasion in Philippine cinema. And we hope to encourage Filipino moviegoers to go back to the cinemas. At the end of the day, we have to encourage them,” “Family of Two” star Alden Richards said.
MTRCB issues ratings guide to MMFF 2023 entries
December 16, 2023 – 09:00 AM
10 official entries of Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 | Image: Facebook/Valenzuela City
As the first day of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) approaches, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) officially announced the film ratings for all 10 participating movies for the annual film festival.
The MTRCB aims to guide the viewers in selecting films suitable for their respective age groups as they enjoy the entries for this holiday season. The classification board released three categories for the 10 entries: G for general audience, PG for parental guidance, and R-13 for restricted 13.
LIST: Get to know the 10 MMFF entries this year
December 15, 2023 – 04:18 PM
MTRCB Ratings for 2023 MMFF Entries | Image: MTRCB
One of the signs that Christmas is approaching in the Philippines is the annual celebration of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), which runs from December 25 to the first weekend of January of the following year.
Organized by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the 2023 MMFF presents 10 official entries that focus on all Filipino-starred and produced films. As everyone prepares to join the celebration held nationwide, here are the 10 participating movies that you can watch with your family and friends.
Why Vilma Santos feels anxious about her MMFF entry ‘When I Met You In Tokyo’
December 15, 2023 – 12:30 AM
Santos on the set of “When I Met You In Tokyo”—photos from VILMA SANTOS/FACEBOOK
“It was an anxious time for all of us,” said Vilma Santos to describe how she and onscreen partner Christopher de Leon felt while waiting for news on whether or not their latest movie, “When I Met You In Tokyo” (WIMYIT), would be chosen as a finalist in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
The film, with Christopher also serving as associate director, initially had a September playdate. Its producer, JG Productions, opted to postpone its commercial release because September was in the middle of the rainy season in the Philippines, Vilma explained.
MMDA issues traffic advisory in Camanava area for 49th MMFF parade
December 9, 2023 – 01:30 PM
Metro Manila film Festival MMFF logo
The 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) will hold its Parade of Stars next Saturday, Dec. 16, and motorists are advised to avoid its route, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.
According to the MMDA, the parade will take place in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela (Camanava) area for the first time.
‘Mallari’ beyond its gore and jump scares
December 15, 2023 – 12:15 AM
Scene from “Mallari”—MENTORQUE PRODUCTIONS
While the creators of “Mallari,” a movie about the only documented Filipino serial killer, hope it would be a box-office success because most audiences find the lives of serial killers to be fascinating, they pointed out that the film does not glorify or celebrate the murders in any way.
“Mallari,” with Piolo Pascual in the lead, is based on the horrific story of Filipino priest Severino Mallari, who lived in the 1800s and reportedly murdered 57 people to aid his ailing mother. His case is the only documented serial killing in the Philippines so far.
How Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera maintain long-lasting relationship: Respect, give and take
December 10, 2023 – 02:03 PM
(From left) Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera. Image: Instagram/@starcinema
The characters of John and Mary played by Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera—collectively known as DongYan—in their Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Rewind,” are on different sides of the spectrum which resulted in the breakdown of their marriage.
John is a workaholic, while Mary is a “giveaholic,” or someone who gives too much. But off-camera, DongYan consider themselves as passionate “giveaholics” which is, perhaps, one of the secrets to their long-lasting romance.
Janella Salvador says ‘well-written’ script convinced her accept ‘Mallari’ role
December 4, 2023 – 02:31 PM
Janella Salvador. Image: Facebook/Mentorque
Janella Salvador confessed that she was scared to be typecast as a horror actress due to her past works, but it was the “well-written” script of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Mallari” that convinced her to accept the role.
Salvador admitted during the film’s press conference that she initially wanted to take a break from the horror genre. She said she used to constantly accept projects of the same genre in the past.