LIST: Get to know the 10 MMFF entries this year

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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.

1. Rewind (PG, Parental Guidance)

Leading this year’s entries is Star Cinema, APT Entertainment, and Agosto Dos Media’s collaboration project “Rewind,” starring real-life couple Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, collectively known as “DongYan.” “Rewind” will mark the royal couple’s comeback on the big screen after 13 years.

Directed by Mae Czarina Cruz, “Rewind” tells the story of a couple named John and Mary as they navigate the struggles of marriage and strive to save their dying love. Aside from DongYan, the film also stars Sue Ramirez, Pepe Herrera, Lito Pimentel, Jordan Lim, Joross Gamboa, Pamu Pamorada, Coney Reyes, Via Antonio, Ariel Ureta, Ina Feleo, and Chamyto Aguedan.

2. Firefly (PG, Parental Guidance)

GMA Network’s official entry to the 49th edition of MMFF is the coming-of-age drama “Firefly,” starring Alessandra de Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell, with special participation from Dingdong Dantes. The rest of the cast includes Cherry Pie Picache, Epy Quizon, Yayo Aguila, Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Max Collins, and Kokoy de Santos.

Directed by Zig Dulay, “Firefly” follows a young boy who goes on an adventure to search for the mythical island described in his mother’s bedtime stories.

3. Becky and Badette (PG, Parental Guidance)

Produced by IdeaFirst Company Inc., “Becky and Badette” is a comedy film starring Eugene Domingo and Pokwang. It shows two best friends who accidentally go viral after making up a story about one of their batchmates during their high school reunion.

Written and directed by Jun Robles Lana, the film features a star-studded cast, including Agot Isidro, Romnick Sarmienta, Adrian Lindayag, Janice de Belen, Christian Bables, Moira dela Torre, Ice Seguerra, Via Antonio, Sharlene San Pedro, Sheryn Regis, Joross Gamboa, Gladys Reyes, Empoy Marquez, Karylle, Iza Calzado, and Sunshine Dizon.

4. Mallari (R-13, Restricted-13)

Produced by Mentorque Productions and locally distributed by Warner Bros., “Mallari” is a true-life story that puts Piolo Pascual at center as he takes up the role of Fr. Juan Severino Mallari, focusing on his dreadful life events.

Directed by Derick Cabrido, “Mallari” is a psychological horror film that also stars Mylene Dizon, Janella Salvador, Gloria Diaz, Tommy Alejandrino, Elisse Joson, and JC Santos. It is the very first Filipino film to be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

5. When I Met You in Tokyo (PG, Parental Guidance)

Directed by Rommel Penesa and Conrado Peru, “When I Met You in Tokyo” is a reunion movie between former A-lister love team Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon. It tells the story of two elderly workers who fall in love with each other amid one’s trauma as a divorcee.

Produced by JG Productions Inc., “When I Met You in Tokyo”‘s stellar cast includes Gina Alajar, Gabby Eigenmann, Lotlot De Leon, Tirso Cruz III, Kakai Bautista, Darren Espanto, Cassy Legaspi, Lynn Cruz, John Gabriel, Jacky Woo, and Kouki Taguchi.

6. Family of Two: A Mother and Son Story (G, General Audience)

Produced by Cineko Productions Inc., the drama film sees Kapuso actor Alden Richards and megastar Sharon Cuneta team up as they play a mother and a son in the heartwarming story. Tonton Gutierrez, Jackie Lou Blanco, and Miles Ocampo are among the cast as they completed Nuel Naval’s direction in “A Family of 2 (A Mother and Son Story)”.

7. Penduko (G, General Audience)

Showcasing Filipino traditions and martial arts, “Penduko” follows a 20-year-old U.S.-born-and-raised wimp as he goes on a quest to the Philippines as he looks for his mother following his father’s death, only to encounter a curse and evil forces in his journey.

Written and directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, the action-adventure drama stars Matteo Guidicelli, Kylie Versosa, John Arcilla, Albert Martinez, Mark Anthony Fernandez, and Andrea Del Rosario, among others.

8. Kampon (R-13, Restricted 13)

Joining this year’s horror genre, “Kampon” tells the story of a family that starts to experience terrifying events after sheltering a lost child under their care. Directed by King Palisoc for Quantum Films and produced by Atty. Joji Alonso: The film stars Derek Ramsay and Beauty Gonzales, replacing the cancelled 2020 production led by Kris Aquino and Gabby Conception.

Written by Dodo Dayao, the horror film cast includes internationally acclaimed actor Nico Antonio, veteran actors Lui Manansala and Nor Domingo, newest child star Erin Rose Espiritu, and vlogger-turned-actress Zeinab Harake in her much-awaited big-screen debut.

9. GomBurZa (PG, Parental Guidance)

Produced by JesCom Films and MQuest Ventures in collaboration with CMB Film Services, the film goes on a patriotic journey as it features the lives of the three martyred Filipino priests in the Spanish era.

The movie will see Dante Rivero portray Padre Mariano Gomez, Cedrick Juan as Padre Jose Burgos, and Enchong Dee as Padre Jacinto Zamora, with Piolo Pascual taking the role of Padre Pedro Pelaez, who is Burgos’ mentor. It also stars Khalil Ramos, Elijah Canlas, Ketchup Eusebio, and Tommy Alejandrino, among others.

10. Broken Hearts Trip (PG, Parental Guidance)

Completing this year’s lineup is “Broken Hearts Trip,” which follows five LGBTQIA+ individuals portrayed by Teejay Marquez, Marvin Yap, Petit, Iyah Mina, and Andoy Ranay as they go on a journey to heal their past traumas. It also stars award-winning actor Christian Bables and 2016 Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Jaclyn Jose.

This year’s Parade of the Stars motorcade will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, and will journey through the four CAMANAVA cities: Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela. With an estimated travel time of three hours, the parade will commence at Navotas Centennial Park at 2 p.m. and be en route to Valenzuela People’s Park.