The 51st MMFF Gabi ng Parangal ushers in a new era for Philippine cinema | News

The 51st Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal marked more than the culmination of this year’s festival: it became a celebration of evolving voices, performances, and partnerships that reflect the theme “A New Era of Philippine Cinema.”

Beyond the trophies, the evening felt like a reckoning and a reset. Philippine cinema—long known for its safe formulas and narrow archetypes—made room for stories and performances that reflected a broader, more honest spectrum of Filipino identity.

The loudest statement came when Vice Ganda won Best Actor for Call Me Mother. For a gay performer whose career has often been boxed into comedy and camp, the win marked a decisive shift: a recognition of range, vulnerability, and dramatic power long overlooked in mainstream awards spaces.

Equally historic was Krystel Go’s Best Actress win for I’mPerfect, a breakthrough not just for her performance, but for representation. As a woman with Down syndrome taking home one of the night’s highest honors, her victory embodied the festival’s promise of inclusion. It wasn’t framed as a token or a “special mention,” but as a rightful win. The film also bagged the Best Ensemble award.

The ceremony also paid tribute to the legacy that continues to shape local film. Judy Ann Santos was inducted into the Best Actress Hall of Fame, becoming its youngest member, an acknowledgment of her lasting contributions to Philippine cinema.

Meanwhile, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee presented a heartfelt tribute to the late Superstar Nora Aunor. The crowd honored her extraordinary body of work, reminding audiences of the artistry and passion that have defined generations of Filipino performers.

Supporting this celebration of film was the strong presence of PlayTime Entertainment. In partnership with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), PlayTime Entertainment was actively involved throughout the festival, from the MMFF Parade of Stars and Music Fest, to the premiere nights of this year’s featured films, and finally, the Gabi ng Parangal itself.

“Our support for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival is deeply personal and closely aligned with the direction PlayTime Entertainment is taking,” said Krizia Cortez, Director of Public Relations of PlayTime Entertainment. “The Metro Manila Film Festival has always been a platform for films that provoke thought, challenge perspectives, and inspire conversation. It invites the creative minds to push boundaries, reshape cultural narratives, and elevate Filipino artistry, ultimately transforming how we see and experience Filipino cinema. In many ways, that mirrors PlayTime Entertainment’s mission and vision as a brand.”

During the awards night, PlayTime Entertainment presented cash prizes for Best Director (P100,000) and Best Picture (P250,000), underscoring its commitment to supporting Filipino filmmakers and their creative achievements.

In the technical categories, Manila’s Finest stood out, earning multiple awards for Cinematography, Musical Score, Sound, Original Theme Song, and Production Design. Unmarry also garnered key recognitions, including Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Supporting Actor, 2nd Best Picture, and Best Director for Jeffrey Jeturian.

The evening concluded with I’mPerfect being named Best Picture, closing the night on a note that emphasized collaboration, creativity, and the kind of storytelling that resonates.

With performances, partnerships, and productions taking center stage, the 51st MMFF Gabi ng Parangal offered a glimpse into a future where Philippine cinema continues to expand—guided by inclusion, artistry, and shared celebration.