On 3 December, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) held its inaugural Celebrity Golf Tournament at the prestigious Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in San Juan City. This marks one of the many activities leading to the highly anticipated holiday film festival, now celebrating its 50th year.
Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (MOWELFUND) and a non-profit organization founded by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, which aims to promote Filipino films on the global stage.
MMFF concurrent chairman Romando Artes described the tournament as both a promotional effort for the festival and a fundraising event to further support the local film industry.
“The tournament is part of the promotional activities of the MMFF’s 50th edition and, at the same time, a fundraising event. Proceeds will go to MOWELFUND and a non-profit organization that showcases and promotes Filipino films internationally,” Artes said.
MOWELFUND president Boots Anson-Roa highlighted the importance of the donations, revealing that they would fund medical services for film workers as part of the foundation’s 50th-anniversary projects.
“We are dedicating the proceeds to enhancing medical services for our members. We’ve partnered with Capitol Medical Center, Pharmacare, PhilHealth, and Unilab, and we’re planning to establish our own clinic,” Anson-Roa said.
The tournament attracted a mix of prominent business figures and celebrities, including Derek Ramsay, Cesar Montano, Epi Quizon, Christian Bautista, and Cristine Reyes. Reyes stars in the MMFF finalist action-adventure film The Kingdom. Ramsay, a seasoned golfer, played in the afternoon game and wore apparel from his own golf line, BooYa.
“I took a break this year, but I’m all in for supporting MMFF,” Ramsay shared. “We get to enjoy the sun, nature, and friends, all while helping others. Can you have a better day than that?”
The ceremonial tee-off was led by Artes and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, joined by Caloocan Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan, Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian, and Wack Wack Golf President Lawrence Tan. The day’s activities included music from the Reo Brothers band, raffle games, and an awards ceremony for the tournament winners.
Artes expressed optimism about this year’s festival lineup, hoping it could surpass 2023’s record-breaking gross of P1.069 billion. The 2023 festival was extended until 14 January 2024, due to public demand.
“We’re confident that the quality of this year’s films will resonate with audiences. Hopefully, we can exceed last year’s earnings,” Artes said.
The 50th edition of MMFF promises a diverse and compelling slate of 10 films, including works from acclaimed filmmakers Kerwin Go (Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital), Dan Villegas, (Uninvited, starring Vilma Santos), Chris Martinez (Espantaho), Pepe Diokno (Isang Himala), and 2023 MMFF Best Director Zig Dulay (Green Bones).
Artes also highlighted MMFF’s efforts to elevate Filipino films to the global stage, including aspirations for Oscar contention.
The MMFF officially kicks off on 25 December and will run until 7 January 2025.