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.
“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.
The Third Best Picture distinction was shared by two films with very different strengths. Manila’s Finest asserted itself as a masterclass in craftsmanship, dominating multiple technical categories and earning the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award for its historical and cultural value. Meanwhile, Call Me Mother connected strongly on an emotional and social level, anchored by Vice Ganda’s transformative performance and its recognition for gender sensitivity.
Vice Ganda’s Best Actor win was among the night’s most memorable moments. Walking onstage with trademark confidence, he quipped, “Ako nga!” while waving the winning envelope, before adding more earnestly, “Maraming salamat po at nakita n’yo ako (Thanks for noticing me).” The award marked a defining chapter in his career, affirming his ability to move audiences beyond comedy into deeply human territory.
Veteran excellence was also celebrated through Odette Khan’s Best Supporting Actress win for Bar Boys: After School, a performance that reaffirmed her enduring presence in Philippine cinema. The same film was further honored with the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence, recognizing its impact and integrity.
On the technical front, Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins took home Best Visual Effects, highlighting the genre’s growing ambition, while Manila’s Finest continued its strong showing with wins in sound, music, and production design — evidence of how meticulous craft elevates narrative power.
Adding youthful energy to the evening, Will Ashley and Dustin Yu were named Male Stars of the Night, with Bianca De Vera receiving Female Star of the Night honors, signaling the strong audience connection enjoyed by the festival’s emerging faces.
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 — qualities clearly reflected in this year’s celebrated works.
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