MMFF 2025 Gabi ng Parangal: When storytelling takes the spotlight
As MMFF 2025 continues its run in cinemas, the Gabi ng Parangal stood as a reminder that Filipino films are at their strongest when courage, compassion and creativity converge.
DIRECTOR Jeffrey Jeturian (left), lead star Angelica Panganiban (center) and filmmaker-celebrity lawyer Joji Alonso accept the Second Best Picture Award for ‘UnMarry.’
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF mmff
The 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal unfolded as a celebration not just of winners, but of the many ways Filipino cinema continues to deepen its voice — through empathy, bold ideas and technical excellence.
This year’s awards night reflected a festival increasingly unafraid to honor stories that challenge conventions while remaining grounded in emotional truth.
At the heart of the evening was I’m Perfect, which claimed the festival’s top honor and quickly emerged as the night’s defining triumph. More than a conventional crowd-pleaser, the film’s recognition marked a meaningful step forward for inclusive storytelling, earning admiration for its sincerity and respect to its characters. Its victories in both Best Picture and Best Ensemble affirmed the power of collective performance, while Krystel Go’s Best Actress win signaled the arrival of a compelling new talent whose work resonated deeply with audiences and jurors alike.
KRYSTEL Go, best actress for 'I'mPerfect.'
Photograph courtesy of nathan studios
“Maraming salamat po, hindi ko po ito inasahan (Many thanks, I did not expect this),” Krystel emotionally said onstage
In her acceptance speech, producer and actress Sylvia Sanchez captured the weight of the moment, declaring, “Sa persons with Down syndrome and persons with disabilities, we made history tonight!” — a statement that echoed the broader significance of the film’s success.
UnMarry, named Second Best Picture, proved equally formidable, standing out as one of the night’s most decorated entries. The film’s sharp writing and disciplined storytelling earned it Best Screenplay and Best Editing, while Tom Rodriguez and Zac Sibug were recognized for performances that balanced restraint with emotional impact. Director Jeffrey Jeturian, accepting the award, paid tribute to his lead actress, saying, “To Angelica Panganiban, you are my personal Best Actress,” a gesture that underscored the collaborative spirit behind the film. Angelica herself responded with humor backstage, joking, “Gumawa ako ng (I was preparing an) acceptance speech pero di ko nabasa (but I didn’t get the chance to read it),” after the Best Actress honor went to I’m Perfect.
