MMFF 2025 Gabi ng Parangal: Films of heart, craft, and courage take center stage

The 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal delivered a night defined by purpose-driven storytelling, standout performances, and a renewed celebration of Filipino cinema’s emotional and cultural depth. From socially conscious narratives to technically accomplished productions, this year’s winners reflected a festival that continues to evolve—embracing inclusivity, artistic risk, and audience connection.

Leading the night was I’m Perfect, which emerged as Best Picture, marking a powerful milestone for a film centered on pure love, dignity, and representation. Its win was further reinforced by multiple accolades, including Best Actress for first-time performer Krystel Go and Best Ensemble, underscoring the strength of its collective storytelling and performances.

Close behind was UnMarry, named Second Best Picture and one of the most decorated films of the evening. The film dominated key creative categories, with wins for Best Screenplay and Best Editing, while also earning acting honors for Tom Rodriguez as Best Supporting Actor and Zac Sibug as Breakthrough Performance Awardee. Its recognition highlighted the film’s emotional honesty and narrative precision.

The Third Best Picture honor was shared by Manila’s Finest and Call Me Mother, two films that made their mark in distinct ways. Manila’s Finest stood out for technical excellence and cultural value, sweeping multiple craft awards and receiving the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award. Call Me Mother, meanwhile, resonated deeply with audiences and jurors alike, anchored by Vice Ganda’s award-winning performance and its recognition for gender sensitivity.

Vice Ganda’s Best Actor win for Call Me Mother was among the most talked-about moments of the night, signaling a career-defining recognition for a performance praised for its emotional restraint and depth. On the other hand, Odette Khan’s Best Supporting Actress win for Bar Boys: After School honored a veteran whose craft continues to shine across generations, while the same film also received the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence.

Technical categories further showcased the growing sophistication of Filipino filmmaking. Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins claimed Best Visual Effects, reflecting the genre’s expanding ambition, while Manila’s Finest dominated sound, music, and design—proof that strong craftsmanship remains central to impactful storytelling.

Beyond trophies, the evening was energized by strong fan support and star power, with Will Ashley and Dustin Yu named Male Stars of the Night, and Bianca De Vera taking Female Star of the Night honors—highlighting the new generation of performers capturing audience attention.

As the MMFF 2025 continues its theatrical run, the Gabi ng Parangal served as a powerful reminder that Filipino cinema thrives when it blends heart, skill, and social relevance—qualities clearly embodied by this year’s most celebrated films and artists.

MMFF 2025 Gabi ng Parangal – Complete list of winners

• Best Picture: I’m Perfect
• Second Best Picture: UnMarry
• Third Best Picture: Manila’s Finest and Call Me Mother
• Best Actor: Vice Ganda – Call Me Mother
• Best Actress: Krystel Go – I’m Perfect
• Best Supporting Actress: Odette Khan – Bar Boys: After School
• Best Supporting Actor: Tom Rodriguez – UnMarry
• Breakthrough Performance Award: Zac Sibug – UnMarry
• Best Ensemble Award: I’m Perfect
• Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award: Manila’s Finest
• Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence: Bar Boys: After School
• Best Screenplay: UnMarry
• Best Visual Effects: Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins
• Best Production Design: Manila’s Finest
• Best Editing: UnMarry
• Best Musical Score: Manila’s Finest
• Best Sound: Manila’s Finest
• Best Float: UnMarry and Manila’s Finest
• Gender Sensitivity Award: Call Me Mother
• Male Star of the Night: Will Ashley and Dustin Yu
• Female Star of the Night: Bianca De Vera