My Verdict for Metro Manila Film Festival 2025

 

Movie Review: Love You So Bad

Love You So Bad is the ultimate Star Cinema romantic comedy experience, perfect for fans of the genre. The film follows college senior Savannah (Bianca de Vera), a sassy, confident, and unapologetically herself young woman who finds herself caught in a complicated love triangle. On one side is the charming, impulsive bad boy LA (Dustin Yu), who brings out her wild and carefree side; on the other is the principled and ambitious Vic (Will Ashley), who challenges her to grow and reflect on what she truly wants in love and life. As Savannah navigates desire versus direction, the story explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and the timeless joys of young romance.

Movie Review: Call Me Mother

Call Me Mother is a touching, funny, and heart-stirring film that explores motherhood, love, and family beyond blood ties. Set against a warm, almost fairy-tale-like visual backdrop that remains grounded in reality, the film delivers a story that is both entertaining and deeply meaningful—perfect for the Christmas season.

The story follows Twinkle de Guzman, a single queer mother who is in the process of officially adopting her son, Angel. Hoping to surprise him with the finalization of his adoption papers, Twinkle plans a celebratory trip to Disneyland, Hong Kong, provided that no one claims Angel within three months. Their peaceful life is shaken when Mara, Angel’s biological mother, suddenly reappears. As Mara begins to form a bond with her son, Twinkle is forced to confront her fears and go to great lengths to prove that she is just as deserving—and capable—of being Angel’s parent. 

Movie Review: I'm Perfect

I’m Perfect is an emotional cry fest—sweet, heartwarming, and refreshingly different. Directed with sincerity and care, the film follows Jiro and Jessica, two adults with Down syndrome, as they navigate everyday life, first love, and the joys and uncertainties of a romantic relationship.

Movie Review: Barboys: After School

Set ten years after the original film, Bar Boys: After School explores the lasting impact of time on institutions, relationships, and individuals. This sequel picks up a decade after the graduation of the original law school barkada—Torran, Chris, Erik, and Josh—who return not just as lawyers but as individuals grappling with the complexities of adulthood. When their mentor, Justice Hernandez, falls gravely ill and faces emotional abandonment by her family, the barkada steps up, alongside a new generation of law students, to support her in her most vulnerable moments. Through this journey, the film delivers a poignant exploration of loyalty, integrity, character, and purpose, reminding viewers that life’s most important lessons extend far beyond any syllabus—we are all forever students of life.

Movie Review: UnMarry

UnMarry is a touching drama that explores the painful journey of annulment, family dynamics, and the meaning of “happily ever after.” Inspired by real-life cases and their impact on children, the film follows Celine (Angelica Panganiban) as she seeks an annulment while fighting for custody of her daughters, and Ivan (Zanjoe Marudo), who is desperate to save his marriage and connect with his son. Their paths cross at a family lawyer’s office, hearts tangle, emotions run deep, and somewhere between heartbreak and coffee, healing begins.

Movie Review: Shake Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins

Shake Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins is brutal, exciting, and bloody. Spanning three eras—1775, 2025, and 2050—the film delivers a complete package of action, horror, and suspense, making it a must-watch on the big screen. It’s exciting to see the long-loved Shake, Rattle & Roll franchise return to the Metro Manila Film Festival, this time with three interconnected episodes that explore the cyclical nature of evil.

Movie Review: Rekonek

Rekonek is a warm, meaningful Christmas film that beautifully explores love, family, and forgiveness in a modern world suddenly cut off from digital communication. Set ten days before Christmas, the film follows six different Filipino families who are forced to reconnect with each other face-to-face during a global internet outage on Christmas Eve. As the world goes offline, Rekonek reminds us of the importance of personal connections, empathy, and truly spending time with our loved ones.

Movie Review: Manila's Finest

Manila’s Finest is a gripping MMFF 2025 crime thriller that transports audiences back to the turbulent 1970s during the First Quarter Storm. Set against a politically charged pre–Martial Law era, the film follows principled Manila Police Captain Homer Magtibay (Piolo Pascual) and his young partner Billy Ojeda (Enrique Gil) as they investigate the murders of troubled teenagers in the slums—an investigation that gradually exposes deeper corruption involving powerful figures, systemic decay, and the widening divide between the rich and the poor.

Ashley Rivera Named White Castle Whisky’s 2026 Calendar Girl

 

Beloved Australian Singer-Songwriter Rick Price to Perform in Manila for “For Lovers” Concert Tour 2026

 

MTRCB completes review for all 8 MMFF entries

 

Angeli Khang Breaks New Ground in First-Ever PG-Rated Film “Mandirigma”

 

TGC honors partners and employees in “Kasama, Kasalo, Pasasalamat” event

Marvin Diamante, 2024 Mister International, Handang Pasukin ang Showbiz

 

All-Star Cast Assembles for MMFF 2025 Police Drama “Manila’s Finest”

Angelica and Zanjoe Reunite for “UnMarry,” MMFF 2025 Official Entry

L–R: Producer Atty Joji Alonso, Zanjoe Marudo, Angelica Panganiban and Director Jeffrey Jeturian

VIVA Film’s Opening Salvo for 2026: Rabin Angeles and Angela Muji Lead A Werewolf Boy

 

Bar Boys: After School — A Reunion Full of Heart, Humor, and Honest Conversations

From L-R: Bryce Eusebio, Carlo Aquino, Will Ashley, Emilio Daez, Carlo Aquino

 

Movie Review: The Heart of Music

The Heart of Music is a simple yet heartwarming Filipino musical film that leaves audiences with meaningful life lessons. It’s a family story about embracing differences, accepting who you truly are, and understanding that love sometimes means waiting and sacrificing. The songs are catchy, charming, and easy to follow, blending Tagalog lyrics and cute melodies that both kids and casual moviegoers will enjoy.

Puregold CinePanalo student shorts winners to receive full scholarships, tuition discounts from APFI

 

Marcos Mamay closes the year with a bang

 

41st Star Awards for Movies winners bared

 

A New Era of Filipino Cinema Shines at the 41st PMPC Star Awards for Movies

 

Movie Review: Nasaan Si Hesus

Nasaan Si Hesus? is more than just a movie—it is an emotional journey that encourages reflection on life, faith, and the challenges we all face. Set in the humble village of Sto. Niño, the film explores the lives of its residents as they grapple with personal struggles, moral dilemmas, and the search for meaning in their daily lives. From Roger and his family, whose seemingly perfect household is shaken by the consequences of sin, to Fr. Carlo, the parish priest confronting his own anger and weaknesses, each character offers a glimpse into the human struggle between faith and doubt. Meanwhile, Sister Remedios dedicates herself to caring for street children, despite the hesitant guidance of novice Sister Alma, and Lucy, a single mother, battles poverty and the temptation of drugs as she tries to survive for the sake of her child. The community itself faces the pressures of selfish employers and opportunistic politicians, reflecting struggles that are relatable and deeply human.

Movie Review: Jackstone 5

If you’ve been longing for a classic pang-masa Filipino comedy—raw, real, and delightfully funny, Jackstone 5 is exactly the film that brings back that nostalgic charm. It has the warmth of old-school humor mixed with heartfelt storytelling, capturing the spirit of friendship that has stood the test of time. The story follows five childhood friends who once called themselves the “Jackstone 5.” After decades of living their separate lives, they reunite for a long-overdue trip that takes them back to their old hometowns. What begins as a lighthearted adventure filled with teasing, laughter, and shared memories gradually becomes a deeper journey of reflection. As they revisit the spaces where they grew up, old secrets resurface, long-buried tensions emerge, and the truths they once hid to survive a conservative society slowly unveil themselves.

Movie Review: Salvageland

SalvageLand delivers a masterful blend of suspense and storytelling, a neo-Western thriller that grips the audience from start to finish. Set against the haunting, sun-baked landscapes of Mount Pinatubo, the film follows a veteran police officer and his rookie son, isolated in a remote outpost, when a high-value fugitive from a powerful crime syndicate unexpectedly seeks refuge. What begins as a routine night spirals into a desperate standoff, forcing father and son to confront not only external threats but also their own fears, loyalties, and moral boundaries. The stakes are high: uphold the law or survive as a family.

Movie Review: KMJS' Gabi ng Lagim

KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim is a film bound by intriguing, real-life stories, packed with goosebump-inducing moments that make the big screen experience unforgettable. The movie brings three hair-raising episodes to life, each distinct in tone, style, and emotional impact, leaving viewers talking long after the credits roll.

Ghost Project: NDM PLUS’ New Horror-Comedy Ready to Haunt and Amuse!

 

‘Lumipad ang aming team’: MTRCB OKs ‘KMJS Gabi ng Lagim,’ ‘Salvageland,’ other films for public screening

 

Sony Philippines Showcases Next-Level CineAlta Experience

Australian Cinematographer Liam Brennan setting up the BURANO for the set

TV5 is gearing up for an electrifying 2026 slate

 

A New Era of Terror Begins in Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins

 

A Powerful Movie Musical for All Generations: Nasaan Si Hesus? Opens in SM Cinemas on December 3, 2025

Eye Mo Launches Eye Mo Cool: The Philippines’ First Cooling Eye Drop for Red Eyes

Aaron Maniego at the Eye-Mo Cool Booth

 

Zeenfluential Awards 2025 Winners Revealed

 

Movie Review: The Road To Sydney

The Road to Sydney, directed by Emmy and Gawad Urian award-winning filmmaker Benito Bautista—best known for Harana and BOUNDARY—is a quiet yet deeply affecting documentary about identity, healing, and the courage to return home. Part of the Dokyu Days section of QCinema International Film Festival 2025, the film traces the emotional journey of Sydney Loyola, a Filipina trans woman and folk dance master who seeks reconciliation with her past and with her estranged father.

MTRCB classifies “Wicked: For Good” as PG

 

BINI and SB19 were the big winners at the Awit Awards 2025

 

The Sandbox Collective Announces Full Cast of Spring Awakening

 

Bagets The Musical Brings the Iconic ’80s Barkada Back to the Stage

IM Rentals to provide equipment sponsorship and workshops to Puregold CinePanalo student filmmakers

 

All-Star Ensemble, Acclaimed Filmmakers Power MQuest Ventures’ “Manila’s Finest”

Yah Bles Releases “Pagbigyan Mo Na” — A Heartfelt Reggae Love Song Under KDR Music House

 

Puregold’s Got My Eyes on You drops truth bombs on the realities of modern dating

In Puregold’s Got My Eyes on You, fans witness the many realities of modern dating.

 

Movie Review: Meet, Greet & Bye

It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen a Filipino family drama-comedy grace the big screen, and Meet, Greet & Bye is a refreshing one to catch. The film tells the story of a mother whose cancer has returned, but instead of seeking treatment, she makes one last request — to meet her favorite Korean drama idol. This wish brings her four adult children back together, each facing their own struggles as they navigate their mother’s illness, unresolved tensions, and the rediscovery of love, forgiveness, and family bonds.

Cross-Cultural Rom-Com Road Movie Finding Santos Set to Embark on Its First Official Screening

 

Dolly de Leon, Mayor Vico Sotto, Alex Eala, Antoinette Jadaone, and Jessica Soho To Be Honored as Zeenfluential Voices of 2025

 

Local film “Meet, Greet & Bye” earns a G rating from MTRCB

 

Pens ready! QCinema announces the participants of the 2025 Critics Lab

QCinema Critics Lab Participants
Top row (L–R): Athena Venus, FL Calvario, Lebron Ponce, A.L. Sarino
Bottom row (L–R): Kiana Flores, Benj Gabun, Javi Villaluz, Jia Enad