MMFF 2025 features largely family-friendly lineup

MANILA, Philippines — The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has completed its evaluation of all eight official Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2025 entries. Most of this year’s films were deemed family-friendly, receiving either General Patronage (G) or Parental Guidance (PG) ratings, allowing children to watch provided they are accompanied by parents or guardians.

MTRCB chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto said the timely completion of the review reflects the agency’s commitment to Filipino cinema by ensuring films are given appropriate age ratings.

“This is a testament to our dedication and strong support for local films by providing age-appropriate ratings. MMFF is not just a festival, it is a celebration of the creativity, heart, and value of Filipino storytelling,” Sotto said. She encouraged the public to support all MMFF entries during the holiday season, noting that each film offers a unique experience that reflects the diversity and talent of Filipino filmmakers.

Among the G-rated films is the romantic drama “I’m Perfect,” directed by Sigrid Bernardo and produced by Nathan Studios. It tells the love story of two adults with Down syndrome and is deemed suitable for viewers of all ages.

PG-rated entries include the legal dramedy “Bar Boys: After School,” the sequel to the 2017 hit “Bar Boys,” directed by Kip Oebanda; the family comedy-drama “Call Me Mother,” topbilled by Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre and directed by Jun Robles Lana; the romantic comedy “Love You So Bad,” directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar and starring Will Ashley, Dustin Yu and Bianca de Vera; the period crime thriller “Manila’s Finest,” directed by Raymond Red and starring Piolo Pascual, Enrique Gil, Romnick Sarmenta, Ariel Rivera, Joey Marquez and Ashtine Olviga; the holiday-themed family movie “Rekonek,” directed by Jade Castro and featuring Gerald Anderson, Bela Padilla, Andrea Brillantes, Charlie Dizon, Zoren Legaspi, Carmina Villarroel, Cassy Legaspi, Mavy Legaspi and Gloria Diaz; and the relationship/family drama “UnMarry,” starring Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo.

The lone entry with a higher classification is the horror anthology “Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins,” which received an R-13 rating, limiting its audience to viewers aged 13 and above. Produced by Regal Entertainment, it is the 17th installment in the long-running franchise and presents mature themes through three interconnected stories set in the past (“1775”), present (“2025”) and future (“2050”) involving a malevolent fictional character.

With traffic measures in place and most films suitable for family viewing, MMFF 2025 promises to bring a festive holiday entertainment to Filipinos both on the streets and in theaters. The 51st MMFF officially opens on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.