PHOTOS: Scenes from this year’s MMFF Parade of Stars

Long before the first float rolled in, Macapagal Boulevard was already buzzing with anticipation. Fans gathered early for the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Parade of Stars, unfazed by the rain that soaked the area throughout the afternoon.

Every cheer that rippled through the crowd felt louder against the sound of rain—early proof that nothing was going to stop the celebration.

The parade officially kicked off at around 3pm, with spirits remaining high as fans waved and cheered for their favorite celebrities representing this year’s official MMFF entries.

The scene reflected the festival’s theme, “A New Era for Philippine Cinema,” as the event pushed forward despite challenging weather.

One of the earliest crowd-pleasers was I’m Perfect, whose float was covered almost entirely in lush red roses accented by greenery and bright floral panels. It symbolized love, acceptance, and inclusivity, setting an uplifting tone as the cast waved back at fans braving the downpour.

Soon after came Call Me Mother, which leaned into a bold, campy flair with glittering textures, star motifs, and vibrant colors that stood out vividly against the gray sky.

As the parade continued, Rekonek rolled in with an analog/tech-inspired float built from a wall of colorful screens, keyboards, and digital graphics—visually echoing themes of online connection and modern relationships.

In contrast, Love You So Bad embraced a pop-party aesthetic, decked out in neon pinks, rainbow accents, and oversized speaker details that made it feel like a mobile dance floor.

Horror fans cheered when Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Evil Origins arrived, transforming its float into a crumbling, moss-covered ruin complete with eerie statues and weathered textures.

Meanwhile, Manila’s Finest paid tribute to local culture with a float inspired by a classic Filipino jeepney, painted in bold reds, blues, and golds and adorned with traditional patterns.

Bar Boys: After School took on a classroom-meets-law-school theme, featuring oversized notebooks, handwritten notes, and academic symbols woven into the design. The playful yet thoughtful setup reflected the film’s focus on ambition, growth, and the pressures of student life, resonating with fans along the route.

Rounding out the lineup was UnMarry, which resembled an elegant wedding venue on wheels, decked out in white lattice details, cascading florals, and soft pink accents. Its romantic design mirrored the film’s playful take on love, commitment, and modern relationships.

Adding a lighter note to the parade was the float from PlayTime Entertainment, featuring a bright red pickup truck topped by a giant maneki neko (beckoning cat) mascot cheerfully waving at rain-soaked fans. The playful visual drew smiles, waves, and plenty of photos.

PlayTime Entertainment extended the experience at its booth in Circuit Makati, where festival-goers lined up to try a claw machine stocked with tote bags, shirts, and dust bags.

The celebration carried on into the MMFF Music Fest, hosted by Enchong Dee and Kaladkaren, with performances by BGYO, River Joseph, Brent Manalo, Mika Salamanca, Angeline Quinto, and Bamboo keeping fans on their feet well into the evening.

By day’s end, the MMFF Parade of Stars once again proved its staying power—turning heavy rain into part of the experience and transforming soaked streets into a vibrant celebration of Filipino cinema, music, and community.