Producer John Bryan Diamante encouraged filmmakers to continue telling stories, building worlds, and believing in Philippine cinema.

"To everyone who continues to tell stories, build worlds, and believe in Philippine cinema, keep going. Never give up. The future is still being written, and our stories matter," said John Bryan on social media after he served as one of the jurors for the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival.

He added, "To the filmmakers and producers who dared to dream and take risks, thank you for believing in Filipino stories. Your persistence keeps our cinema alive.

"To the industry, do not lose hope. Philippine cinema has always moved forward through struggle. Every generation faces its own challenges, but each one also produces voices that redefine who we are and where we are going," he said. "This moment should also be a call to action."

While there is immense talent among Filipinos, John Bryan pushes for a long-term national plan for creative industries.

"If we truly believe in the power of Filipino creativity, then we must move beyond words. We need clear direction, sustained investment, and a long-term national plan for the creative industries, not only film, but television, animation, music, fashion, space design, digital content, and the many creative sectors that employ millions of Filipinos.

"Creativity is not a luxury. It is culture, livelihood, identity, and economic opportunity.

"The ambition of our filmmakers proves that the talent is here. What we need now is a system that allows that talent to thrive while keeping cinema open, reachable, and meaningful to the very people it is meant to serve," he said.

This year’s awards night marked several historic milestones:

• A queer actor winning Best Actor, widely praised for both performance depth and cultural significance.

• A performer with Down syndrome receiving Best Actress, celebrated online as a landmark moment for representation and inclusion in Philippine cinema.

• A 79-year-old senior citizen winning Best Supporting Actress, applauded as a recognition of longevity, mastery, and enduring artistic value.

John Bryan, of Mentorque Productions, said he was deeply grateful to be one of the jurors for the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival.

"I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the MMFF Executive Committee, MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes and MMFF Executive Director Atty. Rochelle Ona. Despite yearly immense public scrutiny, they continue to take on the difficult work of mounting this festival, improving its processes, and sustaining a platform that keeps Philippine cinema visible, debated, and alive. The work is not easy, but it is necessary, and it deserves acknowledgment," the award-winning producer stated.

John Bryan added, "I would also like to thank the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines. Their role is often unseen, yet they carry the responsibility of keeping cinemas operational in an increasingly difficult environment. At the same time, this reminds all of us jurors, organizers, producers, exhibitors, and policymakers that we must remain conscious of accessibility. Philippine cinema can only survive if audiences are able to watch it, appreciate it, and feel that it belongs to them.

"To the audience, thank you for continuing to show up despite rising costs and competing priorities. Your presence in cinemas matters more than you know. We hear the concerns about ticket prices, and we must take these seriously. Supporting Filipino films should not feel like a burden, but an invitation. Ensuring that cinema remains accessible is a shared responsibility, and one we must continue to work on together," he said.

John Bryan also lauded the eight official entries which he believes were made with conviction.

"Watching the official entries this year was not just an exercise in judging films. It was a reminder of the resilience, courage, and imagination of Filipino filmmakers who continue to create despite uncertainty, limited resources, and an ever-changing industry landscape.

"What we witnessed were not perfect films, but ambitious ones. Films made with conviction. Films made by producers who continue to invest when it would be easier to pull back. Films made by directors, writers, actors, and crews who refuse to give up on Philippine cinema even when the odds are stacked against them," he also said. "That alone deserves recognition."

John Bryan also said that it was an honor to be with fellow jurors. "It was an honor to sit with individuals who deeply care about craft, culture, and the future of Filipino storytelling. The diversity of perspectives in the room strengthened the process and enriched the decisions we made together."