The sequel to “Bar Boys” and the feature film return of Angelica Panganiban highlight the second batch of entries for the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
The final four films were announced at an event in the University of Makati hosted once more by Jervi “KaladKaren” Wrightson and Enchong Dee, accompanied by host-beauty queen Ivy Nuqui.
After a recap of the four screenplays that were selected for the first batch (and are in the middle of completion), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Atty. Ron Artes announced the four completed films to round up the 2025 line-up:
Romance film “I’m Perfect” by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, starring Kristel Go, Earl Amaba, Sylvia Sanchez, Lorna Tolentino, Janice de Belen, Tonton Gutierrez, Joey Marquez, and Zaijan Jaranilla;
Romance film “Love You So Bad” by Mae Cruz Alviar, starring Bianca de Vera, Will Ashley, Dustin Yu, Xyriel Manabat, Nour Hooshmand and Ralph de Leon;
Drama movie “UnMarry” by Jeffrey Jeturian, starring Angelica Panganiban, Zanjoe Marudo, Eugene Domingo, Solenn Heussaff, Donna Cariaga, Sharmaine Buencamino, Jervi Wrightson, Adrienne Vergara, Tom Rodriguez, Nico Antonio, Zack Sibug;
Drama-comedy “Bar Boys: After School” by Kip Oebanda, starring Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, Kean Cipriano, Odette Khan, Sassa Gurl, Therese Malvar, Glaiza de Castro, Klarisse de Guzman, Will Ashley and Benedix Ramos
“Bar Boys: After School” has Carlo, Rocco, Enzo, Kean and Odette returning to reprise their roles from the 2017 original film.
“UnMarry” will see Angelica back on the big screen for the first time since 2021’s “Love or Money” and returning to the MMFF after over a decade, having last joining in 2012’s “One More Try” which also starred Zanjoe.
“Love You So Bad” features the love-triangle trio of “Pinoy Big Brother” stars Bianca, Will (who also stars in “Bar Boys: After Hours”), and Dustin Yu accompanied by fellow housemate Ralph.
Much like how the housemates’ season was a collaboration, “Love You So Bad” is produced by the Philippines’ leading studios – Star Cinema, GMA Pictures and Regal Entertainment.
“I’m Perfect” has an ensemble of veteran actors like Sylvia, Lorna, and Janice, all of them supporting the two leads Kristel and Earl who are actors with Down syndrome.
These four films join the first batch of entries, initially chosen from 23 submitted scripts:
Comedy-drama “Call Me Mother,” starring Nadine Lustre and Vice Ganda, directed by Jun Robles Lana;
Family drama “Rekonek,” starring Carmina Villaroel, Gloria Diaz, Alexa Miro, Gerald Anderson, and Zoren Legazpi, directed by Jade Castro;
Crime-thriller “Manila’s Finest,” starring Piolo Pascual, directed by Rae Red;
Horror, “Shake Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins,” starring Ivana Alawi, Fyang Smith, Loisa Andalio, Ashley Ortega, Isabel Ortega, Elijah Alejo, Carla Abellana, Manilyn Reynes, Janice de Belen, Francine Diaz, Kaila Estrada, Richard Gutierrez, Seth Fedelin, Ryan Bang, JM Ibarra, Dustin Yu, directed by Shugo Praico, Joey de Guzman, Ian Loreños
Key dates to remember are the Parade of Stars on December 19 taking place in Makati, the theatrical start of the MMFF on December 25 (Christmas Day), and the Gabi ng Parangal on December 27.