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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider MOVIEGOER: What to expect in MMFF 2026

MOVIEGOER: What to expect in MMFF 2026

Published Jul 17, 2026 10:24 am
The official entries for Metro Manila Film Festival 2026
The official entries for Metro Manila Film Festival 2026
A quick run-through of the first four accepted entries to points to the following observations.
Looks like the December filmfest, anticipated by many, has a winner on its hands. This early, all eyes are on a landmark comedic encounter in one film between Vice Ganda versus Vic Sotto.
Vice Ganda vs his own ‘It’s Showtime’ protegee, child actor Argus Aspiras.
Aga Muhlach vs Dennis Trillo.
Comedy film (The Greatest Showdown) vs horror film (‘The Haunted Carnival’) vs fantasy-drama (‘Amir’) vs family drama, ‘2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7.’
Movie fans can expect heated rivalry between and among actors and their entries representing various genres as the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) executive committee unveiled the first batch of official entries for this year’s festival during its July 7 launch at GH Mall in San Juan. Selected based on script quality, the initial lineup includes four films chosen from 24 submissions. The festival will feature a total of eight entries.
Diorella Maria “Lala” Sotto-Antonio, Chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB)
Diorella Maria “Lala” Sotto-Antonio, Chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB)
The first four official entries, announced in no particular order, are “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7,” a family drama from Viva Communications led by Aga Muhlach, directed by Nuel Naval, and written by Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario as the sequel to the 2019 Filipino adaptation of the hit Korean drama; “Amir,” a fantasy drama from GMA Pictures directed by Zig Dulay and written by Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza, starring Argus Aspiras, Dennis Trillo, Will Ashley, and Glaiza De Castro; “The Haunted Carnival,” a horror-thriller from Regal Entertainment, Inc. directed by Joey De Guzman, written by Allan Tijamo, and starring John Arcilla, James Reid, Julia Barretto, Fyang Smith, and Maricel Soriano; and “The Greatest Showdown,” a comedy produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. (AFPI) and The IdeaFirst Company, directed by Jun Robles Lana, written by Jumbo Albano, and starring Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda.
MMFF also announced that ticket prices will not exceed ₱299, with provincial tickets targeted at around ₱200–₱250 to make the festival more accessible to wider audiences.
This year, the cities of San Juan and Mandaluyong have been chosen as hosts of MMFF. For the first time, a provincial city, Bacolod, will also host the festival simultaneously.
Dennis Trillo and Argus Aspiras for Amir
Dennis Trillo and Argus Aspiras for Amir
Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos stressed the significance of Philippine cinema, describing it as a reflection of society. She said cinema is not merely entertainment but also an art form and an important facet of the country’s culture.
Abalos said movie theaters have become homes for stories that bring families together, while films serve as powerful instruments that preserve history and contribute to society.
She also emphasized the importance of purposeful storytelling: “Mga kuwentong may puso, may dangal, at may layuning magbigay liwanag.”
San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora and Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya also voiced their support for the local film industry. Gasataya assured MMFF of Bacolod City’s continued support, saying films offer people in the provinces an escape from everyday problems and challenges.
Julia Barreto, Maricel Soriano and Fyang Smith for Haunted Carnival
Julia Barreto, Maricel Soriano and Fyang Smith for Haunted Carnival
Gasataya shared that a creative hub was launched recently in Bacolod in support of local artists and creatives. The art shelter offers artists free use of film equipment.
He added that MMFF does more than showcase movies; it also inspires the Philippine creative industry.
The event also recognized several award-winning films from the 51st MMFF, including “Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins,” “Bar Boys: After School,” “Manila’s Finest,” “Call Me Mother,” “UnMarry,” and “I’mPerfect.” “Call Me Mother” received the Gender Sensitivity Award, while “I’mPerfect” will represent the Philippines at the 2026 Lucania Film Festival to be held in Pisticci, Italy.
The 52nd MMFF is presented by PlayTime Entertainment and produced by Toplex Media and Entertainment.

Related Tags

Metro Manila Film Festival Dennis Trillo Maricel Soriano Fyang Smith Julia Barretto Vice Ganda Vic Sotto
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