The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has finished evaluating and assigning classifications to all eight official entries of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
On Thursday, Dec. 11, two weeks ahead of the films’ premiere on Christmas, the agency announced that it has finalized the review and rating process for this year’s MMFF lineup.
MTRCB Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto said the timely completion of the review reflects the agency’s continued commitment to Filipino cinema by ensuring films are given appropriate age ratings.
“This is a testament to our dedication and strong support for local films by providing age-appropriate ratings. MMFF is not just a festival, it is a celebration of the creativity, heart, and value of Filipino storytelling,” said Sotto.
Sotto also urged the public to support all MMFF entries during the holiday season, noting that each film offers a unique experience that reflects the diversity and talent of Filipino filmmakers.
“Ngayong darating na pasko, mas nagiging masaya ang pagpunta sa sinehan dahil pagkakataon ito para magkasama-sama ang pamilya. I encourage everyone to support all MMFF entries and celebrate the creativity of our filmmakers. Sama-sama po nating ipagdiwang ang galing ng pelikulang Pilipino,” the MTRCB head encouraged.
Based on the board’s assessment, most of this year’s festival films are suitable for family viewing, with the majority receiving either G or PG classifications, allowing children to watch provided they are accompanied by parents or guardians.
A G rating or General Patronage is suitable for all ages, while a PG rating or Parental Guidance allows children below 13 years old to watch, but with parental supervision.
The romantic drama “I’m Perfect”, directed by Sigrid Bernardo and produced by Nathan Studios, was given a G rating. The film tells the love story of two adults with Down syndrome and is deemed appropriate for viewers of all ages.
“Bar Boys: After School”, the sequel to the 2017 hit “Bar Boys”, earned a PG rating. Directed by Kip Oebanda and produced by 901 Studios Inc., the film stars Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, and Kean Cipriano, and revisits the characters a decade after their law school journey.
Also rated PG is “Call Me Mother”, topbilled by Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre. Directed by Jun Robles Lana and produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions, The IdeaFirst Company, and Viva Communications Inc., the film revolves around a queer single parent whose plan to legally adopt his son is disrupted by the sudden appearance of the child’s biological mother.
Another PG entry is the romance “Love You So Bad”, directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar and starring Will Ashley, Dustin Yu, and Bianca De Vera. Produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions, GMA Pictures, and Regal Entertainment, the movie sets the three former Pinoy Big Brother housemates torn into a love triangle.
The crime thriller “Manila’s Finest” also received a PG rating. Directed by Raymond Red and produced by Cignal TV and MQuest Ventures, the film stars Piolo Pascual, Enrique Gil, Romnick Sarmenta, Ariel Rivera, and Joey Marquez, and is set in 1969, following the lives of Manila police officers during that period.
Family drama “Rekonek”, directed by Jade Castro under Reality MM Studios, likewise earned a PG classification. The film depicts how six families respond to a worldwide internet blackout occurring just days before Christmas. Its cast includes Gerald Anderson, Bela Padilla, Andrea Brillantes, Charlie Dizon, Zoren Legaspi, Carmina Villarroel, Cassy Legaspi, Mavy Legaspi and Gloria Diaz.
“Unmarry”, starring Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo, was also rated PG. Directed by Jeffrey Jeturian and produced by Quantum Films and Cineko Films, the movie explores how a separated couple individually deals with the breakdown of their marriage through annulment.
Lastly, the lone entry with a higher classification is the horror anthology “Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins”, which received an R-13 rating, limiting its audience to viewers aged 13 and above. Produced by Regal Entertainment, the film is the 17th installment in the long-running franchise and presents mature themes through three interconnected stories involving a malevolent fictional character.
