The 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is set to light up cinemas nationwide beginning December 25, offering moviegoers a wide range of Filipino films just in time for the holiday season. This year’s festival features eight official entries spanning drama, romance, comedy, action, and horror, reinforcing MMFF’s role as a cornerstone of the country’s Christmas tradition.
Ahead of the festival’s opening, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has released the official ratings for all participating films following screenings held on December 11. According to the board, most entries earned G (General Patronage) or PG (Parental Guidance) ratings, making the lineup largely suitable for family viewing.
MTRCB Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto said the ratings reflect the festival’s emphasis on values-driven storytelling and responsible entertainment, encouraging families to enjoy Filipino films together during the holidays.
Among the major entries is Call Me Mother, a comedy-drama directed by Jun Robles Lana and starring Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre. Rated PG, the film explores themes of chosen family, identity, and unconditional love through humor and heart. Another holiday-themed drama, Rekonek, also rated PG, centers on six families whose lives intersect amid a sudden global internet outage just days before Christmas.
Period crime thriller Manila’s Finest, set in 1969 and led by Piolo Pascual, likewise received a PG rating, blending historical context with suspense and action. Meanwhile, longtime MMFF staple Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins stands out as the only film rated R-13, continuing the iconic horror franchise with stories intended for more mature teenage audiences.
Rounding out the lineup is I’mPerfect, which earned a G rating. Directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, the film tells a tender love story between two adults with Down syndrome, highlighting inclusivity and emotional authenticity. Romantic comedy Love You So Bad and drama UnMarry—starring Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo—both received PG ratings, while sequel Bar Boys: After School also earned a PG, revisiting the lives of friends as they navigate adulthood beyond law school.
The festival officially kicks off with the annual Parade of Stars on December 19, which will be held in Makati City, featuring floats and appearances from the casts of all eight films. The celebration culminates with the Gabi ng Parangal on December 27, recognizing outstanding achievements in acting, direction, and filmmaking.
With a predominantly family-friendly slate and a mix of lighthearted, emotional, and thrilling stories, the 51st MMFF is expected to once again draw crowds to theaters, celebrating Filipino creativity and storytelling during the most festive time of the year.
