Last December 5, 2025, Manila came alive with nostalgia and cinematic excitement as MQuest Ventures hosted the media conference for “Manila’s Finest,” their much-anticipated entry to the MMFF 2025. Dubbed “The Gathering of Manila’s Finest,” the event brought together some of the industry’s brightest stars, including Piolo Pascual, Enrique Gil, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Ariel Rivera, Joey Marquez, Cedrick Juan, Kiko Estrada, and rising talents like Ashtine Olviga, Dylan Menor, and Paulo Angeles.
The film, a gripping police drama set in the gritty, evolving Manila of 1969, has already captured the attention of cinephiles and critics alike, positioning itself as one of this year’s most talked-about MMFF entries.
A Nostalgic Journey to the ’60s
True to its name, the mediacon transported guests to the colorful and iconic Manila of the 1960s. The historic New Frontier Theater’s main hall was transformed into a period-inspired spectacle, complete with live brass band music, twirling batons by smiling majorettes, and dancers adorned in vibrant 1960s fashion. Attendees couldn’t help but be swept into the era, a visual and auditory homage to a bygone time in Manila’s history.
Stars Reflect on Their Roles
For Jasmine Curtis-Smith, this marks her triumphant return to the MMFF since her 2017 film Siargao. Playing the character Janette, she shared, “It is great we get to relive a little bit of nostalgia through this film. I am very honored to be part of this project, which pays tribute to a very important part of our past.”
Meanwhile, Piolo Pascual, appearing in his third consecutive MMFF entry since 2023, recounted his preparation for the role of Capt. Homer Magtibay. “We studied the lives of police officers in the 1960s to ground the story in truth. These characters may be fictional, but they reflect real people in the past who served with passion and heart,” he explained, underscoring the film’s commitment to historical authenticity.
Director’s Vision: Manila Alive on Screen
Acclaimed director Raymond Red shared insights into the film’s thematic core: “This star-studded film shows Manila at a pivotal moment—beautiful, wounded, and alive. It’s about the people who kept moving, even as the city around them was changing.” His words resonate with the meticulous attention to period detail and the vivid portrayal of Manila’s streets, neighborhoods, and social tapestry of the late ’60s.
A Media Event to Remember
The mediacon was hosted by Kapatid newscaster KaladKaren, who skillfully guided the audience through interviews, performances, and sneak previews. Industry executives from MQuest Ventures, MMDA, Cignal TV, and Spring Films were also in attendance, lending their support to this cinematic endeavor.
Catch Manila’s Finest This Christmas
Film enthusiasts and history buffs alike are encouraged to experience “Manila’s Finest” in cinemas nationwide starting December 25, 2025. Don’t miss this chance to step back in time and witness one of the most compelling portrayals of 1960s Manila—through the eyes of the city’s finest, brought to life by some of today’s brightest stars.
Connecting Brands to Manila’s Finest Talents
Beyond the excitement of the film and its star-studded cast, VCM Celebrity Source is proud to help brands build meaningful partnerships with the talents behind Manila’s Finest. From securing celebrity endorsers like Piolo Pascual and Jasmine Curtis-Smith to providing end-to-end campaign support—from talent recommendations and contract negotiations to shoot day coordination—VCM ensures that every brand engagement is seamless, impactful, and tailored to your objectives.
