The countdown to the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has begun with an exciting and diverse lineup of films. Officially announced during the grand launch at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati on July 8, these first four entries promise a mix of comedy, drama, crime, and horror, reflecting the theme “A New Era for Philippine Cinema.” Among these standout entries is “Call Me Mother,” starring Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre, directed by Jun Robles Lana—a film already generating buzz for its anticipated duo and heartfelt storytelling.
Vice Ganda and Jun Robles Lana are teaming up once again, their chemistry already proven with last year’s MMFF hit, “And The Breadwinner Is…” Now, they introduce “Call Me Mother,” a comedy-drama movie co-produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc., The IdeaFirst Company, and Viva Communications Inc.
Written by Daisy G. Cayanan, Daniel S. Saniana, and Lana himself, “Call Me Mother” stars Vice Ganda in the role of Twinkle, a fabulous and energetic single queer mom. The story revolves around her surprise trip to Disneyland for her adopted son, Angel, which hinges on a final legal hurdle—Angel’s adoption will only be finalized if no one claims him within three months. When Mara, a woman claiming to be Angel’s biological mother, appears, Twinkle’s world is turned upside down. With humor and heart, the film explores themes of love, acceptance, and what truly makes someone a mother beyond biology.
Makati Mayor Nancy Binay gave the synopsis, highlighting Twinkle’s comical and touching journey to keep her family intact. As the deadline approaches, Twinkle’s wild and hilarious attempts to prove her love, alongside Angel’s growing bond with Mara, will surely resonate with viewers, emphasizing that real motherhood is rooted in love and commitment.
Other Official Entries
Besides “Call Me Mother,” the initial lineup includes “Rekonek,” “Manila’s Finest,” and “Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins.” In total, eight films will be featured this year, each representing a different genre and story.
REKONEK
“Rekonek” is a multi-genre, multi-narrative film exploring Filipinos navigating life without the internet during Christmas in the Philippines.
Production House: Reality Studios
Directed by: Jade Castro
Writers: Jericho Aguado, Leovic Arceta, and Kat Naval
Cast: Carmina Villaroel, Gloria Diaz, Alexa Miro, Gerald Anderson, Zoren Legaspi
The film tells six stories of emotional reconnections—from families of influencers finding genuine bonds beyond their screens to strangers falling in love via landlines and a solo artist wrongly accused. The narratives blend warmth and irony to depict what truly connects us in a digital silence.
MANILA’S FINEST
“Manila’s Finest” is a throwback to a better, hopeful era of law enforcement in the Philippines.
Production House: Cignal TV, Inc.
Directed by: Rae Red
Lead Actor: Piolo Pascual
Storyline: Set in the 1970s amidst societal and political upheaval, it follows three police officers—Homer, Conrad, and Billy—collectively called “The Three Musketeers,” as they confront a series of murders targeting teenagers and troublemakers. Homer’s personal stakes deepen as his children grow close to the victims, and he begins to question authority and societal change during the First Quarter Storm. As societal injustices escalate, Homer learns to embrace change to pursue justice.
The film pays homage to police camaraderie and the hope for a better society, with Michiko Yamamoto, Moira Lang, and Sherad Anthony Sanchez as writers.
SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL: EVIL ORIGINS
“Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins” is the latest chapter in the iconic Filipino horror series, produced by Regal Entertainment, Inc. The film intertwines three stories spanning centuries, revealing the roots of evil in the Philippines.
Directors: Shugo Praico, Joey De Guzman, and Ian Loreños
Lead Cast: Ivana Alawi, Fyang Smith, Loisa Andalio, Ashley Ortega, Ysabel Ortega, Elijah Alejo, Carla Abellana, Manilyn Reynes, Janice de Belen, Francine Diaz, Kaila Estrada, Richard Gutiérrez, Ryan Bang, Seth Fedelin, JM Ibarra, and Dustin Yu.
The stories unfold across different eras: in 1775, four holy women arrive at a Spanish nunnery with a mysterious chest, unleashing a dark force; in 2025, during a Halloween party at an abandoned hotel, guests are hunted by a sinister, possibly non-human killer; and in 2050, a post-drought wasteland reveals the rise of a monstrous aswang family led by a family-linked family hunter. These tales are woven into a terrifying saga about the rise of evil, family curses, and the supernatural.
The first four entries of the 51st MMFF promise an exciting festival full of heartfelt stories, nostalgic tales, and thrilling supernatural adventures. During the announcement, the Kapamilya and Star Magic stars Ralph De Leon, Esnyr Ranollo, Brent Manalo, and River Joseph, who turned out to be four of the Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition’s Big Winners, were present.
Photos courtesy of MMDA and Star Cinema
