Vic Sotto, Vice Ganda’s return to MMFF met with anticipation from fans

Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda were met with excited cheers from fans during the MMFF 2024 Parade of Stars in Manila on Saturday, December 21. Images: Arnel Tacson/INQUIRER.net

While the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 Parade of Stars ended on a high note, Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda emerged as the top celebrities to look out for, as the floats of their respective film entries were met with explosive cheers from fans in Manila.

One of the highlights of the MMFF 2024 is the Parade of Stars, where thousands of fans would have a chance to get a glimpse of their favorite celebrities, who are promoting their respective film entries.

This year’s parade followed a 12-kilometer route on Saturday, December 21, in Manila which covered major thoroughfares such as Padre Burgos Street, Reina Regente, Abad Santos Avenue, Tayuman Street, España Boulevard, Nicanor Reyes (formerly Morayta) Street, Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw, and Roxas Boulevard, before ending at the Manila Central Post Office five hours later.

But the stars who received the loudest response were Sotto and Vice Ganda, who made their return to the annual film festival in “The Kingdom” and “And the Breadwinner Is…,” respectively.

Sotto stars as Lakan Makisig in “The Kingdom,” marking his return to the famed festival after a five-year break. Vice Ganda, on the other hand, returned to the MMFF after two years to portray Bambi Salvador in “And the Breadwinner Is…”

Other stars who received cheers during the parade were Vilma Santos, Aga Muhlach, Nadine Lustre, Sue Ramirez, Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino, Dennis Trillo, Eugene Domingo, Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Enchong Dee, Julia Barretto, Carlo Aquino, and Enrique Gil.

Celebrities who participated in the Parade of Stars were Cristine Reyes, Sid Lucero, Aicelle Santos, Elijah Canlas, Gabby Padilla, Chanda Romero, Kokoy de Santos, Ruru Madrid, Jane De Leon, Rob Gomez, and MJ Lastimosa.

WATCH: Led by Vic Sotto, the stars and crew of the MMFF 2024 entry “The Kingdom” wave to fans as the Parade of Stars kicks off in Manila. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/nvc34RZ0lU

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 21, 2024

WATCH: Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Enchong Dee, as well as the stars and crew of “Topakk” were greeted by cheers from fans during the MMFF 2024 Parade of Stars along Padre Burgos St. in Manila. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/ggtsLz3BpU

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 21, 2024

WATCH: Screams were heard as Vilma Santos, Nadine Lustre, and Aga Muhlach — while perched on “Uninvited’s” float — waved to fans during the MMFF 2024 Parade of Stars. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/WSjXkorGR4

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 21, 2024

WATCH: The banner of “Elsa Loves You” is the highlight of the MMFF 2024 entry “Himala’s” float, which stars Aicelle Santos and Bituin Escalante. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/0KtK6fOqQH

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 21, 2024

WATCH: The float of the MMFF 2024 entry “Hold Me Close” is decked out with flowers, which is a factor in the love story of Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino’s characters. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/vX20cs3t0e

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 21, 2024

WATCH: Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino, and the stars of the MMFF 2024 entry “Espantaho” waved to fans waiting for them along Lawton in Manila. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/KIwLDuexfe

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 21, 2024

WATCH: The float of the MMFF 2024 entry “My Future You” — starring Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin — is decked out with sequins and pastel colors. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/HwSqrWAz1N

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 21, 2024

WATCH: Before the float of MMFF 2024 entry “And the Breadwinner Is…” passed through Lawton, fans raced to the area to get a glimpse of its lead star, Vice Ganda. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/X23Ydh7lSg

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 21, 2024

WATCH: The float of MMFF 2024 entry “Green Bones” starring Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid was eagerly welcomed by fans along Lawton as well. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/1WiSyVxCDu

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 21, 2024

WATCH: Enrique Gil, Jane De Leon, MJ Lastimosa, Rob Gomez, and the stars of MMFF 2024 entry “Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital” were greeted by fans during the Parade of Stars in Manila. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/1ZvV9xw42S

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 21, 2024

After a brief chat with some of the fans who witnessed the parade, majority said they’re excited to see Sotto and Vice Ganda’s films, noting they’re known for “good films” that resonate with the public.

The participating entries include “The Kingdom,” “And the Breadwinner Is…,” “Topakk,” “Uninvited,” “Isang Himala,” “Hold Me Close,” “My Future You,” “Espantaho,” “Green Bones,” and “Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital,” which will be screened from December 25 to January 7, 2025.