The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2025 is set to welcome a powerful new entry with the action-drama "Manila's Finest," headlined by Piolo Pascual and Enrique Gil. Under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Raymond Red, the film promises a gripping tale set against the backdrop of 1960s Manila.
A Stellar Cast and Creative Vision
For lead actor Piolo Pascual, this project marks a significant personal milestone. "Manila's Finest" represents his third consecutive lead role in the MMFF, a feat that underscores his commitment to Filipino cinema. He expressed his honor in working with a cast and crew driven by a shared passion to create a bold and distinctly Filipino story.
Enrique Gil makes his debut under a multi-picture deal with MQuest Ventures with this film. He described the experience as special, noting the meticulous period details from costumes to set design. Gil also highlighted the privilege of working with Pascual, whom he looks up to, mirroring his character's dynamic in the film.
Immersion in 1960s Manila
The narrative plunges viewers into the late 1960s, following Captain Homer Magtibay (Pascual), a principled Manila Police Department officer. He and his trusted partner, 1st Lt. Billy Ojeda (Gil), investigate a series of brutal murders in the city's slums. Their investigation, supported by station chief Major Conrado Belarmino (Ariel Rivera), leads them into a violent gang war. However, they soon uncover a more sinister web of corruption involving businessmen, politicians, and the police themselves.
The ensemble cast features esteemed actors including Romnick Sarmenta, Joey Marquez, Soliman Cruz, Cedrick Juan, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and Rico Blanco. The film also marks the highly anticipated big-screen return of Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio and introduces new generation talents.
A Collaborative Cinematic Effort
Director Raymond Red, the first Filipino to win the Palme d'Or for Best Short Film at Cannes, leads an extraordinary creative team. The screenplay is a collaboration by notable writers Michiko Yamamoto, Moira Lang, and Sherad Anthony Sanchez. Red emphasized that the film's strength lies in the distinct contributions of each collaborator, channeled into a single, cohesive vision.
"Manila's Finest" aims to follow the legacy of award-winning MMFF entries like "Gomburza" and "The Kingdom." It seeks to blend heartfelt storytelling with thrilling action to create an immersive period piece. Audiences can witness the gritty and vibrant story unfold when "Manila's Finest" opens in cinemas nationwide on December 25, 2025, as part of the Metro Manila Film Festival.
