MMFF 2025 Celebrates Powerful Storytelling at the Gabi ng Parangal

The 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) once again proved why it remains the country’s most anticipated celebration of Filipino cinema, as the industry gathered for the Gabi ng Parangal on Saturday evening, December 27, 2025, at the grand ballroom of Dusit Thani, Makati City. The night honored outstanding performances, visionary filmmaking, and stories that resonated deeply with audiences—both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Leading the evening’s most memorable moments were Vice Ganda and Krystel Go, who emerged as the top awardees of the night, marking significant milestones not only in their careers but also in the evolving landscape of Philippine cinema.

Breakthrough Wins and Defining Performances

In a historic and deeply moving moment, Krystel Go, an actress with Down syndrome, won Best Actress for her powerful performance in I’mPerfect. Her win was met with a standing ovation, celebrated as a landmark achievement for representation, inclusivity, and authentic storytelling in local film. I’mPerfect ultimately took home Best Picture, solidifying its place as one of the most important films of the festival. Meanwhile, Vice Ganda earned Best Actor honors for Call Me Mother, showcasing a compelling dramatic turn that highlighted his growth beyond comedy. The award marked another defining chapter in his career, reaffirming his versatility and emotional depth as an actor.

A Night of Wins for MMFF’s Standout Films

Five major film entries dominated the awards night—each leaving a distinct mark through storytelling, craft, and cultural impact.

• I’mPerfect
  The festival’s biggest winner of the night, I’mPerfect claimed Best Picture, Best Actress, and Jury Prize for Best Ensemble, celebrating a film that champions empathy, humanity, and inclusive narratives.
• UnMarry
  Taking home Second Best Picture, UnMarry also earned Best Director for Jeffrey Jeturian, alongside wins for Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Tom Rodriguez), Breakthrough Performance Award (Zack Sibug), Best Editing, and Best Float, totaling seven awards.
• Manila’s Finest
  A visually striking and culturally rich police drama set in 1969, Manila’s Finest emerged as one of the night’s strongest technical winners. The film received Third Best Picture and the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, while also sweeping major craft categories including Best Cinematography, Best Original Theme Song, Best Sound, Best Musical Score, Best Production Design, and Best Float—bringing its total to eight trophies, the highest count of the evening.
• Call Me Mother
  Beyond Vice Ganda’s Best Actor win, the film also received Third Best Picture, Best Child Performer (Lucas Andalio), and the Gender Sensitivity Award, affirming its emotional resonance and socially relevant storytelling.
• Bar Boys: After School
  The much-loved sequel earned the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence and Best Supporting Actress for Odette Khan, continuing the franchise’s legacy of heartfelt, relatable narratives.
  Completing the list of winners, Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins took home Best Visual Effects, recognizing technical excellence in the horror genre.

MMFF 2025: Full List of Winners

• • Best Picture — I’mPerfect
  • Second Best Picture — UnMarry
  • Third Best Picture — Manila’s Finest, Call Me Mother
  • Best Director — Jeffrey Jeturian (UnMarry)
  • Best Actor — Vice Ganda (Call Me Mother)
  • Best Actress — Krystel Go (I’mPerfect)
  • Jury Prize: Best Ensemble — I’mPerfect
  • Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award — Manila’s Finest
  • Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence — Bar Boys: After School
  • Breakthrough Performance Award — Zack Sibug (UnMarry)
  • Best Screenplay — Chris Martinez & Therese Cayaba (UnMarry)
  • Best Supporting Actor — Tom Rodriguez (UnMarry)
  • Best Supporting Actress — Odette Khan (Bar Boys: After School)
  • Best Child Performer — Lucas Andalio (Call Me Mother)
  • Best Cinematography — Raymond Red (Manila’s Finest)
  • Best Original Theme Song — “Sandalan” by Vehnee Saturno (Manila’s Finest)
  • Best Sound — Roy Santos (Manila’s Finest)
  • Best Musical Score — Frederik Sandoval & Emerzon Texon (Manila’s Finest)
  • Best Editing — Benjo Ferrer (UnMarry)
  • Best Production Design — Digo Ricio (Manila’s Finest)
  • Best Visual Effects — Santelmo Inc. (Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins)
  • Gender Sensitivity Award — Call Me Mother
  • Best Float — UnMarry, Manila’s Finest

A Celebration of Filipino Cinema

All in all, Manila’s Finest, starring Piolo Pascual, emerged as the biggest winner of the night with eight awards. Meanwhile, UnMarry, led by Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo, followed closely with seven wins. On the other hand, Call Me Mother secured four awards, while I’mPerfect earned three. Additionally, Bar Boys: After School took home two trophies, and finally, Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins rounded out the list with one win.

Adding a touch of youthful sparkle to the evening, Bianca de Vera, Will Ashley, and Dustin Yu of Love You So Bad were named Montessa Stars of the Night, closing the celebration on a bright and celebratory note.

The MMFF 2025 Gabi ng Parangal was not just a night of trophies—it was a celebration of stories that matter, performances that inspire, and a film industry that continues to evolve, embrace diversity, and reflect the many faces of the Filipino experience.

Vidanes Celebrity Marketing (VCM) proudly supports Filipino cinema and remains committed to championing its growth, empowerment, and continued excellence—actively helping elevate the Philippine film industry in every way possible.