Manila’s Finest, UnMarry among top contenders in 51st MMFF’25 Gabi ng Parangal

Two 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entries Manila’s Finest and UnMarry dominated among six others with nearly half of the awards received during the Gabi ng Parangal at Dusit Thani Manila, Makati City on Dec. 27. 

Manila’s Finest topped the awarding, totaling the highest number of eight awards including Third Best Picture, Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, Best Cinematography, Best Original Theme Song, Best Sound, Best Musical Score, and Best Production Design.

Following them is UnMarry with seven awards being clinched including Second Best Picture, Best Director, Breakthrough Performance Award, Best Screening, Best Supporting Actor, Best Editing. 

Both Manila’s Finest and UnMarry tied for Best Float, which showed off during the Parade of Stars from Macapagal Boulevard to Circuit Makati on December 19, prior to the nationwide screening. 

Meanwhile, Call Me Mother succeeded to notch four awards including Third Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Child Performer, and Gender Sensitivity Award. 

Furthermore, I’m Perfect brought three awards including Best Picture, Best Actress, and Jury Prize for Best Ensembles. 

On the other hand, other entries also received awards like Bar Boys: After School for Fernando Poe Jr.’s Memorial Award for Excellence and Best Supporting Actress; and Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Evil Origins for Best Visual Effect. 

Alongside these award-winning movies, two other entries participated in the said film festival including Love You So Bad, and Rekonek.

With a total of eight official entries, its screening in cinemas nationwide runs from December 25, 2025 to January 11, 2026, showcasing the unique features of creativity in filming and storytelling.