What a fitting and nostalgic way to recall Manila during it’s finest during the1960s was the theme of the grand media launch of Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 entry Manila’s Finest. It’s venue, the iconic and historic New Frontier Theater’s main hall was transformed into the ’60’s groove set up with live music from exciting brass band to twirling batons courtesy of smiling majorettes and dancers clad in 1960s colorful fashion.
Film posters of famous films alongside endearing actors and actresses during that era were bedecked in a museum like tableau for everyone to pay homage at on both sides of the main theater.
Led by its star-studded cast and powerful creative team, the film is fast gaining traction for what is poised to be one of this year’s most talked-about MMFF entries – a police drama set in the gritty, changing Manila of 1969.
Manila’s Finest is produced by MQuest Ventures – the same team that brought past MMFF award-winning headliners GomBurZa and The Kingdom – directed by Raymond Red, the first Filipino to win the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Penned by a team of renowned screenwriters led by Moira Lang, Michiko Yamamoto, and Sherad Sanchez, {the only writer present during the media launch} the film tells the story of Capt. Homer Magtibay (Piolo Pascual) and his trusted partner 1st Lt. Billy Ojeda (Enrique Gil) as they navigate the challenges of serving in the Manila Police District during a pivotal time.
These officers face crimes that test their loyalty, courage, and the bonds of brotherhood that define them. More than a police drama, Manila’s Finest also explores the sacrifices made for family and friends and moral choices that shape a city struggling to hold on to its identity.
“We are proud and excited to present Manila’s Finest as MQuest Ventures’ entry to this year’s Manila Film Festival,” said MQuest Ventures President Jane Jimenez-Basas. “This is a cinematic masterpiece brought to life by the genius of director Raymond Red. We are confident that Manila’s Finest will resonate deeply with Filipino moviegoers this Christmas.”
Joining Piolo and Enrique in the all-star cast of Manila’s Finest are Cedrick Juan, Ariel Rivera, Joey Marquez, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Kiko Estrada, Paulo Angeles, Ashtine Olviga, Achilles Ador, Ethan David, Dylan Menor, Inday Fatima, Tyke Sanchez, Boaz Mariano and Pearl Gonzales.
Also part of the cast but were unable to make it to the mediacon due to prior commitments were Romnick Sarmenta, Rico Blanco and returning to the big screen Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio.
“We wanted to capture Manila at a pivotal moment—beautiful, wounded, and alive. This film is about the people who kept moving, even as the city around them was changing,” director Raymond Red shared.
On his third straight MMFF film since 2023, Piolo Pascual recounted his experience in preparing for his role as Capt. Homer Magtibay. “We studied the lives of police officers in the 1960s to ground the story in truth. These characters may be fictional, but they reflect real people in the past who served with passion and heart,” he said.
Just before he was called onstage, we had a few moments with Piolo and I got to joke him that he is a “suki” with the MMFF which he laughed off. That is proof of hardwork and non-stop dedication in the part of Papa P. He simply gets busier and busier every year and the more we see him the better.
Enrique Gil, on his second MMFF appearance in a row, also shared how the film marks a new chapter in his career, particularly working with Piolo Pascual in their first-ever project together. Quen will have another film due early next year under his production company, Slingshot Studios and MQuest Ventures to which I personally wished him Good Luck and 2026 will be more exciting for The King of the Gil!
Director Raymond also indicated that since the film was set back in the ’60s is to stay authentic as possible in terms of production design, hair and make up among others. He did the cinematography too which makes the film more secure.
The mediacon was hosted by Kapatid newscaster KaladKaren. The media launch was also attended by executives from MQuest Ventures, MMDA, Cignal TV and Spring Films as distributor.
Don’t fail to watch Manila’s Finest in cinemas nationwide this December 25, 2025. Never miss the chance to step back in time and experience one of the FINEST stories and visuals of 1960s Manila on the big screen!
The Metro Manila Film Festival is celebrating it’s 51st edition from December 25, 2025 to January 7, 2026.
