Enrique Gil admitted that working with Piolo Pascual in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2025 entry ‘Manila’s Finest’ feels like an ‘early Christmas gift,’ while expressing his excitement for the film.
In the MMFF 2025 entry, Gil stars as First Lieutenant Billy Ojeda who works for the Manila Police Department. He is the trusted partner of Captain Homer Magtibay (Pascual) who investigates brutal murders in the city’s growing slums.
‘Billy looks up to Capt. Homer [is] like an older brother, and I think that mirrors how I see Piolo in real life. I’ve always dreamed of working with him,’ Gil said of his working experience with his co-star.
Gil, who signed a multi-picture contract deal with MQuest Ventures, said being part of the film is an experience that made him step into ‘another time.’
‘Being part of Manila’s Finest as my first film project under MQuest Ventures is really special. The whole experience – from the costumes to the set design – felt like stepping into another time. Everyone on set was so passionate about bringing that era to life, and it made me appreciate how meaningful this project is,’ he said.
Meanwhile, ‘Manila’s Finest’ is Pascual’s fourth consecutive MMFF entry after ‘Mallari,’ ‘GomBurZa,’ and ‘The Kingdom,’ and his third consecutive time to take on a lead role.
‘To be part of the MMFF for three years in a row is truly special. To also work with a cast and team of this caliber is an honor. The chemistry on set was incredible, everyone was driven by the same passion to create something that feels big, bold, and deeply Filipino,’ he said.
Also part of the Raymond Red-helmed film are Ariel Rivera, Romnick Sarmenta, Joey Marquez, Soliman Cruz, Cedrick Juan, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Rico Blanco, Kiko Estrada, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, Ashtine Olviga, Ethan David, Dylan Menor, Paulo Angeles, Inday Fatima, and Pearl Gonzales. /mr