Shared Experiences, Love, and Hurt in MMFF 2025 Entry UNMARRY

This 2025 MMFF, an entry by CINEKO Productions and Quantum Films will touch on the topic of relationships, love, and walking away. Angelica Panganiban and Tom Rodriguez will play the role of Angelica and Tom, a married couple who's life is about to collapse, breaking their hearts, and their two daughters. The other couple played by Zanjoe Marudo and Solenn Heussaff, want to fight their annulment procedure, and being with his son Elio played by Zac. Then found themselves inside the office of a lawyer, Atty. Lombridas played by the iconic Eugene Domingo. 

Finding themselves in the same boat, they got to stand on trial, telling some of the hardest things they've ever experienced while in the circumstances of their respective partners, and end up connecting, because they've been through the same things too. They began rebuilding themselves, helping each other overcome their trauma, but does this mean they're meant for each other?

Eugene Domingo "This film is sincere, no hysterics, just telling a story. It's an honor for me to do a film like this, we have a relationship because I am the real Ninang of Angge. She gives a little, it doesn't have to be overdone, a little talk, you'll feel it because she has been through a lot."

Chris "It's the way they throw lines, when I wrote this, I couldn't imagine how it would feel like in real life. It's been 3 years since we conceptualized this, about annulment, and the issues of legalities, no resolve of suggesting, but fair depiction of it, and balanced."

Angelica says "If you watched it, you'll like how characters tell their story. When I read this, I needed to be the voice of those who are seeking freedom, and we deserve that. I prepared for this because you really have to get to know the character first, it's easy because I'm working amongst friends too. I often suggest things, and they were receptive. Z and I have worked together so many times so it's comfortable to work with him. She didn't have to fight an annulment, but it's how she tries to find herself.When I was being given roles, I just couldn't feel things. Of course I want the life I have right now but I needed something that could make me come back with a project, something that could fire passion. I got text messages from both Atty Joji and Direk Chris. When I found out the cast, it was just the schedules that we talked about. This was really worth it. I started slow, they guided us in the first 3 days, but I wanted to do best because I miss this craft a lot. I wanted to prove so many things because I have experience. I needed to attack differently. My husband was happy and supportive, had to take breaks because I live in Zambales. This made me go out to Manila for a couple of days. Being with Uge was also warm, I feel good being with her on set "

Zanjoe says "When I read this, I knew how we were not husband and wife, but we were going through the same thing. Being a Father, and Husband, it's going to be more natural to connect with my character. It doesn't undermine marriage. I focused on emotions, because most of it is Ivan's family and how they are leaving you. I had to attack it on the day of the shoot, because it needs to build up naturally. I love how you know something will happen on scenes even after rehearsing it, it's a surprise every day."

Tom says "Celine and Ivan is relatable, but I tried to approach it as a human being even if I don't understand why. Even if love was depicted wrong, it's not a gimmick, it is a story that happens a lot in the Philippines. I feel fortunate because I got through a divorce which is relatively quicker. I was eager to accept this role. Atty. Joji is my Mom, this material was good but when I read it, it's something you wouldn't just leave on the table. I had to find the character."

Nico says "Being a child in an annulment, I went through it personally. This encourages you that in every ending, it gives someone else a fresh start."

Here's the video of the Mediacom this afternoon:

This comes out on Christmas day together with other entries of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025. Make sure you catch it with the other films because this looks like an Angelica Panganiban masterpiece, she could get a Best Actress award for it. It doesn't matter if you're single, married or not. The film encourages you to think, start a better life with someone else or your own.

STAR MAGIC Puts SPOTLIGHT on SETH FEDELIN

I've had the pleasure of watching Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz's recent MMFF 2024 film "MY FUTURE YOU" which won Seth "Breakthrough Performance for an Actor" and a nomination for Best Actor in the film festival. Star Magic recently put the SPOTLIGHT on him after the win and he told us how he felt right after that win because he told us it didn't really sink in til he went home and celebrated with his family. Seth felt it wasn't just his win, but a huge win for his dreams, and his family.

Seth told us how he was very eager to make this count especially since projects of this magnitude doesn't come so often. When they were making it, he talked to Francine about its importance and they knew they had to return the trust being given to them by the production because it was the perfect vehicle to showcase their acting strengths. It was initially set to premiere during the 3rd quarter of 2024, but then it got moved twice, then was sent to the 50th MMFF. Regal told them that this was going to be just something they'd send to the committee with a prayer, til they saw it being announced as one of the finalists in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.

He even drove back home to tell his folks, Francine told him about it. And when they did the whole promotion thing for the movie, he wasn't ready about how BIG it is.

Here's the whole interview with him a few days ago, super thanks Seth for being so nice that day!

Seth says "In all the things I do, I am really too shy. I don't know how I do it when I'm in front of the camera especially when I do roles that are really important to me. When I do it, I try to toughen up because I'm my own critic. I just do my best, and when people see it, that's me. I really mix in my persona, I don't remove myself from scenes. I just tell myself that I need to do it, like self motivation. I am happy to do it even if I'm not in my best look in the studios, I just show my truth."

He adds "I've got so many actors I'd want to work with. I'd like drama, to have a bad boy flick, action or something like that. Still a hero but challenging, a different take to a character. I'd like to do that in a different project. I'd want to learn about it first because I know it is difficult to do that."

 

This isn't the last time you'll be seeing Seth because from the looks of it, he's going to have a few more projects this 2025 especially because of his recent win. He also is open to do projects with other stars, even if they won't be working with each other because he finds it limiting for Francine if the pairing is going to hold them back. But don't fret, because they still are eager to also work with each other (he says he's full tank). Who wouldn't want to see that!

Make sure you follow him and Star Magic's social channels because I'm sure they've got something up their sleeves! (TV series Nobody, shooting soon!).

Green Bones Tops MMFF 2024 Awardees: Now Shows in Over 180 Cinemas

Green Bones unfurled a few surprise wins in the recent Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night) which happened last December 27th hosted by the folks from the Metro Manila Development Authority. They won the festival's coveted BEST PICTURE Award amongst 10 entries including the Best Actor award for Dennis Trillo, Best Supporting Actor for Ruru Madrid, Best Child Performer for Sienna Stevens, Best Screenplay for National Artist Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza, Best Cinematography by Neil Daza and the nod of critics. The night's award ceremony was witnessed by GMA Network's Senior Vice President and GMA Films President Ms. Anette Gozon-Valdes. She describes the win as a great show of their efforts, risks, to ultimately tell the story in hopes of people loving the story, in its wonderful and outstanding depiction. 

This is the vision of GMA Picture's Executive Vice President Nessa Valdellon. They wanted to make sure that the movie would become a vessel to showcase the amount of talent their artists have, and no doubt Dennis Trillo, Ruru Madrid gave their all.  Critics likewise saw how production took risks, and lauded how Director Zig Dulay made sure it be at par or even better than last year's successful entry "Firefly" which got rave reviews and top awards  too. Dennis' portrayal of Dom Zamora had complexity, Ruru on the other hand did Xavier Gonzaga - who's a very colorful character, who wouldn't want to fall or have a change of heart with criminals like Dom in the film. MMFF also took notice of Sienna Stevens, got her the Best Child Performer trophy, and nominations for talented actors Royce Cabrera and our guy Mikoy Morales who had their moments in the film. If you haven't watched it yet, just be warned I've seen fully grown men who had a bout of crying in the cinema, a handy work of Ricky Lee and his excellent screenwriting no doubt. Go watch this touching, but now, well decorated film that's been lauded by movie goers during the festival. You'll be surprised how emotional it will get in the end, and see why Green Bones took accolades this year.

(REVIEW) UNINVITED: Desire To See An Unconventional VILMA SANTOS

Going inside the Gateway Mall theater this afternoon, I had super high expectations for this particular movie... not just because of the caliber of actresses in it, but how production and distribution has been done internationally with Mentorque Productions, Project 8 Projects and released via Warner Brothers (which you probably don't get on an ordinary day). There must be certain standards met, and from the looks of it, they've done it quite well. The film has excellent cinematography, camera angles, and story line that's very efficient. They didnt' get too comfortable adding unnecessary scenes (which is a plus on my books). Add to that the excellent music score and sound effects too.

UNINVITED has Ms. Vilma Santos, Aga Mulach and our generation's President Nadine Lustre. Obviously I'm a huge fan of their previous work and since they are presenting this in MMFF 2024, I want a different flavor from them because when they discussed this during the Mediacon a few weeks ago, they promised a worthy story (with them in it) that would keep us glued on the screen for a few hours (which they did). For starters, Ms. Vilma actually pitched this whole concept. Aside from directly being involved behind the cam, she's pronounced how this was actually a dream role for her. It was hard not to spoil a few things, but she shared that you could start by imagining all of these happening in one day.

When Nadine Lustre walked into the picture, she presented herself as a feisty, gutsy daughter of a very evil man. Partly fed up, she's a no holds barred, unapologetic lady, forced to please folks. She also takes comfort and refuge with other people. Aga Mulach which we often see as a goody two shoes guy on screen will join the dark side and make you squirm. Think of all the evil things a person could do and he's probably done it, making you hate him the moment he walks up on stage on his birthday. Ms. Vilma on the other hand plays Eva Candelaria, let's keep it a bit mysterious on what she's doing at the mansion. Slowly, her presence exudes power, purpose, commanding at times, but what danger lurks behind this persona? What caused her to be this way?

I could say right after I watched the film, Vilma Santos might just have tipped the scale for the Best Actress trophy with this entry. You could feel how vulnerable and deeply caring she is at times, ultimately, being a mother to her only daughter Lily. But remember, Ms. Vilma mentioned how she's never done something like this before... so if you expect a twist of some sort in the story, please, believe her. This is exactly this movie's biggest selling point, worthy of the amount you'll spend in the movies this Christmas season. This excellently made film certainly had people in the cinema rooting for her, literally screaming for her to go forward at times which I find cute since most of the folks in the front seat were seniors, and they were not holding back, getting involved in UNINVITED's story.

 

Mentorque Production's very own Bryan Dy went on to greet those who watched the film right after the screening. He didn't want the opportunity to pass to personally thank folks who supported them from day 1.

What do I think about the film? UNINVITED definitely needs to be seen by you, me and everybody else. This is just one of the few projects that Ms. Vilma Santos would make (she seldom does because of her public service work). She's iconic, no question, and did a great job despite the challenges of making this film. This is also a treat to the Vilmanians out there, you'll surely love every bit of it. This has a few flaws, but pretty cosmetic (just some which would have been done differently, creative decisions). If you're a fan of President Nadine Lustre, you would also be glad to see her here. It's not normal to see her do the dialogues she's done in UNINVITED, plus the interaction with the Star for All Seasons was also quite satisfying. Though you'll actually be loving Aga Mulach and his face, you'll hate him because of how you're going to be severely affected by his deeds. I'd give this a great 4/5 cows 🐮🐮🐮🐮.

Make sure you watch UNINVITED on theaters today, and also the other entries that are part of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 as they celebrate their 50th year! 

PS. Stay for the credits! This is also R13 which I think is a very lax decision (so go watch it if you can teens!).

PIOLO PASCUAL for Historical Horror Flick "MALLARI"

The Philippines' most coveted leading man and muti-awarded actor Piolo Pascual is going to be portraying a role of a s3rial kill3r set in different timelines in Mentorque Productions "MALLARI". This is based on a true story of Juan Severino Mallari, a Catholic Priest who has taken the lives of supposed 57 individuals in the small town of Magalang, Pampanga. They'll be mixing in some fiction showcasing World War 2 and 2023 and tell how these in some way are connected, a scary premise which Piolo wanted to do since it is quite far from characters he has been reprising in previous movie projects. 

He initially said no to this movie because of the mere fact that it will be physically and mentally exhausting to do 3 roles in 3 different times plus the work required for prosthetics wouldn't be pleasing each shooting day. 

Producer Bryan Diamante of Mentorque Productions says "This is a dream project, Mallari is very challenging but I'm excited to bring this to the big screen. I strived to create films that bring the imaginations to movies, and I'm glad to be able to work with a heavily awarded director Derick Cabrido, and writer Enrico Santos. Thank you very much Mr. Piolo Pascual for accepting this project. Join us in creating a proudly Filipino production and concept."

Director Derick Cabrido has won several accolades in New York film festivals (medals in different years) and has worked in different documentaries, short films, indie films and full length ones that he's released in film festivals in different parts of the world. 

Piolo says "It's a relief that you don't have to think about results or box office because of the platforms, but we have a plan for the film. My being in the cinema, my only role is do your best, I don't have to think about commercial success, it's something that I am looking forward to do, I have these chances and I am thankful to do Mallari. I am grateful, when it happens, it happens. Initially I said no,  but in the same day I said yes, I just have to do what I have to do. I grew up in a Catholic family, school, and I respect them  everyday and in church. I wanted to become one when I was 18, attended Prex back in the day to have an easy life. They told me I need to study, I had a few attempts but ended up as an artista. Father's day was also special, my son was there and gave me an infinity necklace, he spent the day with me and we are doing projects together. He's a very talented young man, he's evolving, becoming a total performer, composed a few songs and I listened to it all day. We have a few dates in July for a concert. And hope a dance showdown happens in the last quarter of this year."

Today was just the contract signing and they plan to do a separate announcement for the cast which they have already chosen. Stay tuned for that and the actual movie which they plan to be part of the coming Metro Manila Film Festival this coming holidays 2023. 

Upcoming Horror Flick: PINOY GHOST TALES

I feel there's a certain resurgence happening in the film industry, and with lots of room for growth, more players come in to get themselves associated with genres like drama, comedy, action, and sometimes horror. It provides exhilarating entertainment for folks of all ages, and so LGM Grand Entertainment and LMK Productions took the liberty of doing a film called PINOY GHOST TALES.

Writer Lawrence Nicodemus likens this to the series Shake, Rattle and Roll (which has sorely been missed in recent years on Metro Manila Film Festival) which he says has inspired him to write these three stories (a trilogy).

 

First is "The Imaginary Friend", while the second one is "The Manager", and third is called "The Actress". As the name suggests, "The Imaginary Friend" is about an entity that a kid talks to, unbeknownst to her family who wanted to keep her away from it but ends up getting the brunt of its different forms. It stars actress Shermaine Santiago, BL superstar Arkin Del Rosario, talented child star Elia Ilano (who by the way answered press questions quite nicely) and seasoned character actor Richard Quan.

The story of "The Manager" on the other hand talkes about two professionals who ended up fighting for a management post, but one of them was rumored missing (hence the scary part as she kept appearing when the protagonist was put on the same post). Hence one asks, is she a friend? or a foe? Much of the work involved was reprised by Aubrey Caraan. Also in the episode is vixen Katrice Keirulf, Ms. Veronica Reyes (who was also there during the press preview) and notable character actor Ping Medina. 

Jeric Raval

For a mix of situational fun and horror, the last one called "The Actress" was actually enjoyable. It's like I was watching a Wen V. Deramas+ film all over again because Jeric Raval, Rob Sy, DJ Durano brought so much fun in the last episode. This is also a film where Jeric is appearing in this project with his son JK and daughter AJ Raval. The story revolves around the mysterious accident that happened going to the set of this film. AJ wasn't with Viva yet when they filmed this (much during pandemic). To give more context about the film, here's the press conference on video: 

Currently, they are finding ways to put this out in either theaters or streaming platforms. This film was also made by three different Directors Afi Africa, Jojo Nadela and John Isaac Natividad. Surprising how Jeric also did a few funny situational skits in their episode so that's something you should watch out for. 

This will be shown soon, so make sure you stay tuned for updates.

You'll Need Towels for Tears: FAMILY MATTERS this MMFF 2022

If you've been seeing trailers left and right for Metro Manila Film Festival 2022 happening this month, you probably remember this one by Cineko Productions (under Mayor Enrico Roque). It was able to touch the hearts of so many Filipinos in the trailer alone as it delved into the story of a FAMILY. 

Francisco and Eleanor are in the geriatric age, and got sick, requiring much care and attention from their family, but the eldest had to go find love elsewhere. This forced the other siblings to step up the plate, but the couple chose to do things their way, butting heads as the patriarch still wants to be taken cared of by his wife Eleanor which she thankfully obliges to do so later on the film. It's played by Noel Trinidad and Ms. Liza Lorena, plus an ensemble cast which includes Nonie Buencamino, Agot Isidro, Mylene Dizon, James Blanco, Nikki Valdez, JC Santos, Ina Feleo, Ketchup Eusebio and a throng of other actors that put their trust on this MMFF 2022 entry.

Here's what happened during the press conference on video, please, enjoy!

I asked a few unconventional questions during the press conference specifically on some parents making an investment out of their children. Also, I tried to see what they think of how Filipinos make it an obligation for family to take care of them in their older years. I was impressed how Mylene Dizon answered it after stating the differences, saying the care Filipinos do come from a place of LOVE rather than it being embedded in culture overall.

It is no surprise that those who have seen the trailer already shed a tear or two as this film comes from the same people behind "Miracle at Cell #7" that won awards and box office success in previous MMFF years. Will this prove to be a sure fire formula to success this coming December 25th? You're going to see a lot of actors vying for the Best Actress role and might need to compete with Ms. Liza Lorena. The ensemble cast is also a tough act to follow since they formed a real family doing this movie.

It's going to be a very interesting awards night and you might be looking at another successful entry when you watch "Family Matters" during the MMFF 2022 days. This is Directed by Nuel Naval and written by the prolific Mel Mendoza-del Rosario. They warned us and said this time, tissues won't be enough for your tears, bring towels!

JAKE CUENCA Acknowledges Buzz About Controversial Film "My Father, Myself"

Netizens are still talking about the film "My Father, Myself" (by acclaimed Director Joel Lamangan) after its trailer was released a couple weeks back. In it, the heavily awarded and very talented actor Jake Cuenca was seen in intimate scenes with Sean De Guzman who's already done several indie and commercial films in his belt too.

Jake says "We do look at the comments and we see the negative ones, we do take note of that, but we also see a lot of positive ones on my Instagram account who on the other hand appreciates it. They know the story is different, but beautiful, and they've never seen things like this on cinema before."

Equally talented actress Dimples Roman plays Jake's wife Amanda and he commented "It's not enough to thank Dimples Romana for the amount of help she's given us during the filming of My Father, Myself. Rest assured, when she needs my help in any way, on another movie... I'll return the favor and help her there."

Jake also describes his family and said "I haven't been too visible when it comes to my personal life especially on social media. People really didn't really see what was happening, but we did really go through a lot of challenges in our relationship. The real reason why I'm doing this film is because my Mom told me that I could do it, so I'm really dedicating this to her. To tell you honestly, it's really my goal to win an award which has been my goal this year and next year. For sure, the first award that I get will be for my mother. I want that to happen!"

He adds "People can interpret me any way they want. The reason why I can work on films like these is because I don't have questions on myself, I don't have anything like that, I can focus on acting, and on the task at hand rather than ask myself about unrelated questions. We are just actors at the end of the day, I want to work with everyone... when that opportunity comes, I want to be partnered with Vice, or do dramas, let's do it, why not? Like what I said, I don't have limitations."

Talk about the film "My Father, Myself" certainly be to the brim til the actual movie comes out on the 25th as part of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2022. Talented writer and actress Quinn Carillo (who did mighty well on several movies) was responsible for this story. This actually happened in real life and she interpreted it extensively for screenplay. This is produced by 3:16 Media Network and Mentroque who hinted about this I think in past events. This is huge because of the amount of people that are about to see this on MMFF. With an R18 rating, this would be for the mature audiences only. It'll be interesting to see how they would react once they get to see the whole story. 

Complete List of Winners from MMFF 2020

Today is the day! 

Globe Blue Carpet for MMFF 2020 

This evening's MMFF Gabi ng Parangal was a whole lotta fun as we saw celebrities come one by one. We saw at the Globe Blue Carpet Ritz Azul, Gerald Napoles, Maui Taylor, Michael De Mesa, EA Guzman, Zanjoe Marudo, Alfred Vargas, Harlene Bautista and John Arcilla.

Paulo Avelino was so dapper, he had silver hair, wore a tux, shared his music, told us about his fans and the hosts Giselle Sanchez and Bekz Battalions Chad Kinis just got so crazy wild because he looked so good. They also warned people about piracy which probably is a problem this year in MMFF.

They also announced the Best Float (virtual) this year which went to Magikland, while Isa Pang Bahaghari came second, while third went to Fan Girl.

Marco Gumabao and Kylie Verzosa hosted the formal awards show, MMDA chair reiterated these are done online for the safety of the general public. He also said awardees this evening well deserved the recognition as it was doubly harder to put together good movies while the country is on lockdown period. 

 
They also gave kudos to students who participated in shorts which were presented before actual participating movies

Best Student Short Film Paano Maging Babae from DLS St Benilde

Best Child Performer went to Seiyo Masunaga of The Missing

Best Editing Fan Girl's Benjamin Tolentino

Best Cinematography went to Fan Girl's Neil Daza

Special Citation for Direk Peque Gallaga+

MMFF Gender Sensitivity Award went to The Boy Foretold by the Stars  

Best Sound went to FanGirl's Vincent Villa

Best Musical Score goes to Magikland's Emerson Texon

Best Original Theme Song went to The Boy Foretold by the Stars Jhay Cura and Pao Protacio

Best Visual Effects goes to Magikland's Richard Francia and Ryan Grimarez of Central Lab

Best Production Design was won by Magikland Ericson Navarro

Best Editing Fan Girl's Benjamin Tolentino

Best Cinematography went to Fan Girl's Neil Daza

Manay Ichu Vera Perez Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ms. Gloria Romero

Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award went to the film Suarez the Healing Priest

Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award went to Magikland

Best Screenplay went to Fan Girl's Antoinette Jadaone for Fan Girl

Best Supporting Actor was won by Michael De Mesa for Isa Pang Bahaghari

Best Supporting Actress was won by Shaina Magdayao for Tagpuan

Best Director was won by Antoinette Jadaone for Fan Girl

MMFF 3rd Best Picture went to Tagpuan

MMFF 2nd Best Picture went to The Boy Foretold by The Stars

MMFF Best Picture Award went to Fan Girl by Epic Media Corporation

Best Actor is Paulo Avelino of Fan Girl

Best Actress is Charlie Dizon for Fan Girl

Congratulations to all the winners! This is brought to you by Globe, Upstream, MMDA and MMFF.