MMFF 2014 and the New Wave of Pinoy Movies

The official entries of the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival

Christmas in the Philippines is not just about giving and sharing gifts to others, eat delicious food, and thanking God for all the blessings that He has given us. It is also about watching movies with friends and families. And this is the purpose of the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) starting Christmas Day.


The MMFF has become a modern Christmas tradition in the Philippines, showcasing the best of highly engaging and world class Philippine movies highlighted by the biggest, well-known and most respected names in the Philippine entertainment industry. Last year's festival became a huge success, earning an over-all box-office gross sales of about P1B from all the mainstream movies shown. This year would be no different, as eight movies will once again shine Christmas in the Philippines throughout movie theaters.

You can expect the return of some of the most memorable and successful movies in Philippine history such as the 2nd installments of both the highest-grossing Philippine film of 2012 and the most successful horror movie of its time and the 15th installment of the longest-running movie franchise in the world today. Filipino movie buffs will also be delighted with great action flicks such as Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo, Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles, and Muslim Magnum .357. Now these are some of the movies that will be shown on every movie theater in the country.

Aside from the mainstream cinema and before the start of the main event, movie buffs shall go first to selected movie theaters in the Metro for the festival's newest category, showcasing the future of the Philippine movie industry. Movie buffs will be glued to the big screens for a great number of independent films to be shown from December 17 to 24, as part of the MMFF 2014 itinerary. It is an evident fact that Philippine-made independent films have become a breeding ground for many new actors, actresses, and directors since I first heard of it in 2005. I hope that indie films will continue to make ground in the annals of the Philippine movie scene. And since the festival is now on its 40th year, the event will honor some of the big names in Philippine cinema that contribute to its success through the years.

Now will this year's festival exceed last year's success and break box office records? I cannot tell you the answer. But all you need to do now is to know which of the eight mainstream movies are you going to watch first. I won't blame you for your choice. Remember it's not about competition, it's all about sharing the fun with your loved ones. And that is all that matters!!