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.

MTRCB completes review for all 8 MMFF entries

 

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

TV5 is gearing up for an electrifying 2026 slate

 

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

Movie Review: The Ride

In The Ride, Piolo Pascual plays Barry, a father estranged from his son Leo (Kyle Echarri). The story follows their tense and complicated relationship, which takes a darker turn when Leo discovers that his father is entangled in criminal activities.

As the film unfolds, it explores how the streets are not only divided by left and right—but also by the thin line between life and death.

Internationally Acclaimed ‘’Song of the Fireflies’’ Makes Glowing Philippine Cinema Homecoming this June 25

 

MQuest Artists Agency Holds Exclusive Summer Workshops with PH Top Acting Coach, Director Rahyan Carlos

 

The Kingdom Triumphs at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival with Five Major Awards

All smiles from APT and MQuest team From left -Shayne Sarte, LPS, Piolo Pascual, Sienna G. Olaso, Michael B. Tuviera, DGPI, Jane J.
Basas, Michelle Ngu-Nario, FSG, Camille G. Montaño, Jojo C. Oconer, Nestor Abrogena, PDCP

 

 

 

My Verdict for Metro Manila Film Festival 2024

Movie Review: The Kingdom

King Lakan Makisig (Vic Sotto) of the Kingdom of Kalayaan faces a looming succession crisis as he struggles to choose the rightful heir among his three children.

His eldest son, Magat Bagwis (Sid Lucero), known for his fiery temper; his daughter, Dayang Matimyas (Cristine Reyes), who has a strained relationship with him due to her romantic involvement with a political adversary; and his youngest, Dayang Lualhati (Sue Ramirez), who enjoys the closest bond with the monarch.

When Lualhati is abducted before her marriage to a Thai prince, a rescue mission led by Bagwis fails. However, an outcast named Sulo (Piolo Pascual) secretly rescues her, sparking doubts about the kingdom’s leadership and putting Sulo's life in jeopardy.
 

The Kingdom Opens in Cinemas Nationwide this December 25

 

Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual’s ‘The Kingdom’ Reimagines an Uncolonized Philippines this MMFF 2024

 

The Kingdom 'Bandila ng Kalayaan' Sightings in MOA and Kalayaan Avenue

Kalayaan Flag at Kalayaan Avenue

 

Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 First Five Official Entries Announced

 

Movie Review: GomBurZa

GomBurZa is a historical film that will move and inspire today’s Filipinos. It tells the story of three martyr priests — Mariano Gomes (Dante Rivero), Jose Burgos (Cedrick Juan), and Jacinto
Zamora (Enchong Dee) — who were executed by garrote in 1872 falsely accused of sedition and treason. The film chronicles the struggle that began with the secularization movement led by Padre Pedro Pelaez (Piolo Pascual). From this movement, the advocacy for Filipinization of the Church was continued and championed by priests. They inspired the educated middle class, liberal intellectuals and students, including Jose Rizal's brother Paciano Mercado (Elijah Canlas). The martyrdom of GomBurZa never silenced the enlightened. Their deaths influenced others to continue the struggle, eventually inspiring our national hero, Jose Rizal, who dedicated his novel “El Filibusterismo” to the three priests. A heroic drama laden with intrigue, battle scenes and love of country, GomBurZa is an epic tribute to the people behind the birth of our Filipino consciousness.