BACOLOD CITY, Philippines (Jul 2026) — The 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is heading to Bacolod this December, marking the first time in the event’s history that it will hold official host activities outside the capital.
Bacolod is gearing up for a historic month as it steps into the national spotlight as one of the official hosts for the festival. Mayor Greg Gasataya shared the update following the official MMFF 2026 launch, noting that the city was chosen alongside San Juan and Mandaluyong to anchor this year’s edition. This move is designed to expand the reach of the annual film festival to regional audiences.
Stars, motorcades, and mentorship
The festivities are expected to arrive in Bacolod around mid-December. Local officials are pushing for a Dec. 11 kickoff to ensure the two weeks of star-studded events begin before the opening of the 2026 Batang Pinoy National Championships, which the city is also hosting on Dec. 12.
Pinoys in Bacolod can look forward to a celebrity motorcade hitting the streets, synchronized with the main festival launch in Metro Manila. A delegation of actors, directors, and filmmakers will visit the city to engage with local cinema fans.
The festival is bringing more than just celebrity sightings. Organizers are also planning training workshops and mentorship programs specifically for local creators.
Why the festival chose Bacolod
The MMFF committee decided to select Bacolod as a co-host because of the city’s strong box-office track record and movie ticket sales. The city also has a deep, self-sustaining love for cinema, already preparing for the third edition of its own Bacolod Film Festival.
The local government has invested in the creative economy through the Bacolod G-Hive, a specialized hub that gives local filmmakers and artists free access to top-tier equipment. Final scheduling and logistical details are currently being finalized between city officials and the MMFF organizers.
