A dazzling December afternoon unfolded in Manila on the 21st as the city streets lit up with the glimmer of stardom and celebration. Fans thronged the Kartilya ng Katipunan, eagerly awaiting the start of the grand parade of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Leading the charge were the stars of the festival’s 10 official entries, each perched atop elaborately designed floats that captured the imagination of the crowd.

The floats rolled out in a vibrant procession, showcasing the entries in this order: The Kingdom, Topakk, Uninvited, Isang Himala, Hold Me Close, Espantaho, My Future You, And the Breadwinner Is…, Green Bones and Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital.

Each float was a moving canvas, painted with themes and characters from the films, enchanting the audience as they passed by. Starting at 2 p.m., the parade snaked through the heart of Manila, traversing historic streets and landmarks.

The route began at Natividad Lopez Street and wove its way through P. Burgos, Jones Bridge and Recto Avenue, culminating in a jubilant finale at the Manila Central Post Office. Along the way, the floats brought smiles to countless faces, rekindling a festive spirit rooted in tradition and artistry.

At a special media tent, MMFF chairman Romando Artes addressed the press, shedding light on the allocation of theaters for the festival’s entries.

“What began as a Metro Manila-exclusive festival has grown to a nationwide celebration,” Artes explained. He acknowledged challenges with theaters outside the metro requesting exemption from the raffle system for film screenings, which caused some logistical discrepancies.

For the stars, filmmakers and organizers, the parade wasn’t just a spectacle — it was an invitation. They called on Filipino families to reignite the cherished tradition of watching MMFF films together during the holiday season, a custom steeped in joy and togetherness.