The 45th Metro Manila Film Festival finally announced its final lineup of entries for this year. I have been a big fan of MMFF since I started blogging back in 2009 and have seen so much successes and controversies revolved around this annual tradition of celebrating Filipino movies. Last year, was indeed one of the most wonderful season when they succeeded in honoring, quality films from not so huge film outfits in the country. The films from last year were selected under these criteria:
story, audience appeal, overall impact (40%)
cinematic attributes and technical excellence (40%)
global appeal (10%)
Filipino sensibility (10%)
This year, tables have turned again with the announcement of first four entries possessing commercial viabilities and while others objected that the festival is about bringing a closer family ties through movies crafted for young audience, there are a lot of film makers and enthusiasts who think that the festival is just a money making venue for large production outfit. At the end of the day, Box
Nevertheless, here are the FINAL 8 Entries and my thoughts in winning the hearts of Filipino paying audience.
Deadma Walking a comedy film starring Joross Gamboa and Edgar Allan Guzman. Most of the pinoys love the humor and comic relief from gays and bisexual. Joross and EA proven themselves to the comedy arena and I will definitely watch this movie.
Siargao by TEN17P starring Jericho Rosales and Erich Gonzales. A different view of Siargao and I know pinoys love to travel and unravel the secret beauty of Philippine Island. This one is also for the books. And of course, this is Paul Soriano’s!
Haunted Forest, a lone horror entry starring Maris Racal, Jon Lucas, Jameson Blake and Joey Marquez. No Shake Rattle entry, this Regal Entertainment entry will surely win the heart of horror movie lovers. 
Ang Larawan, musical, starring Rachel Alejandro, Joanna Ampil, and Paulo Avelino, with Nonie Buencamino and Celeste Legaspi. I think it is exciting to see how this musical will make us love our own. No expectation but LA LA LAND made its way to be one of the most awarded films of all time.
ANG PANDAY starring Coco Martin and Directed by Coco Martin. Produced by CCM Creative Productions Inc. Its been awhile since the remake of Panday, the character we love from generations to generations will again resurrect on a big screen. With the bankability of Coco Martin and its endless primetime exposure on television, I am sure a kid would ask their parents to fall in this cinema.
ALL of YOU starring Jennylyn Mercado & Derek Ramsay. Directed by Dan Villegas & Produced by Quantum &MJM Production. Oh I love Dan Villegas so much. His film is a true reflection of unsung, unheard and unspoken pain and joy while falling in love. This is the film you would love to discuss with your officemates after watching.
THE REVENGERS starring Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla & Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach directed by Joyce Bernal and to be produced by Star Cinema and VIVA Films. With multiple box office records of Vice Ganda in MMFF plus Daniel Padilla’s roster, battalion of fans with additional Pia Wurtzbach’s charm thru ticket sales, this is undoubtedly will become the highest grossing film of 2017.
Meant to Beh #FamilyGoals from Octo Arts Films starring Vic Sotto and Dawn Zulueta. Vic Sotto has been the darling of the kids when it comes to Festival. It will go neck to neck with Star Cinema entries in Box Office. Chris Martinez is also onboard here so it will be another riot comedy film to consider.
The battle begins on December 25, 2017. But the battle to promote these films by respective movie outfits starts today. As an annual tradition, I will post all of my complete movie reviews here and will share on my social media accounts. See on this Christmas in Cinemas!