Metro Manila Film Festival 2024: Celebrating 50 Years of Filipino Cinema Excellence

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) returns this year with even more excitement, glitz, and cinematic brilliance as it celebrates its 50th edition. This golden milestone marks half a century of showcasing Filipino talent, creativity, and storytelling prowess, cementing MMFF as one of the most awaited cultural events in the country every holiday season.

A Star-Studded Parade of Stars in Manila

The festivities officially kicked off with the Parade of Stars on December 21, 2024, hosted in the vibrant streets of Manila. Thousands of movie enthusiasts gathered to witness the dazzling floats carrying some of the biggest names in Philippine cinema.

Leading the grand celebration were Manila Mayor Dra. Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, joined by MMDA Chairman Romando Artes and members of the MMFF Executive Committee. The parade was not just a visual spectacle but also a heartfelt invitation from the stars themselves, urging fans to support local films hitting cinemas starting December 25, 2024.

The MMFF 2024 Film Lineup: A Blend of Drama, Comedy, Horror, and Action

This year’s MMFF showcases a diverse lineup of ten exceptional films, divided into two batches, offering a wide array of genres and narratives.

First Batch of MMFF Entries:

"And the Breadwinner is..."

Cast: Vice Ganda, Eugene Domingo, Gladys Reyes, Jhong Hilario

A family comedy filled with humor, heart, and relatable struggles of breadwinners in every Filipino household.

"Green Bones"

Cast: Dennis Trillo, Ruru Madrid

An action-packed film exploring loyalty, redemption, and survival.

"Isang Himala"

Cast: Aicelle Santos, Bituin Escalante

A musical drama inspired by faith, miracles, and undying hope.

"The Kingdom"

Cast: Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual

A fantasy adventure promising laughs, thrills, and family-friendly fun.

"Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital"

Cast: Enrique Gil, Jane De Leon, Alexa Miro

A gripping thriller that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Second Batch of MMFF Entries:

"Espantaho"

Cast: Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino

A horror masterpiece that delves into chilling folklore and spine-tingling suspense.

"Hold Me Close"

Cast: Carlo Aquino, Julia Barretto

A romantic drama exploring love, heartbreak, and second chances.

"My Future You"

Cast: Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin

A youthful romance set against a backdrop of dreams and destiny.

"Topakk"

Cast: Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Sid Lucero, Enchong Dee, Kokoy de Santos

An action thriller packed with intense sequences and compelling drama.

"Uninvited"

Cast: Vilma Santos, Nadine Lustre, Aga Muhlach, Tirso Cruz III

A psychological thriller unraveling secrets and unexpected twists.

A Legacy of Filipino Storytelling

The 50th MMFF is not just about entertainment—it’s a celebration of Filipino culture and identity. Over the years, MMFF has become a powerful platform for filmmakers, actors, and creatives to share their stories with audiences nationwide. This year’s entries promise to captivate hearts, provoke thoughts, and provide unforgettable cinematic experiences.

Supporting Local Cinema

As the festival opens on December 25, Filipino moviegoers are encouraged to flock to cinemas and support these remarkable films. By doing so, we’re not just enjoying quality entertainment but also contributing to the growth and sustainability of the local film industry.

See You at the Movies!

Are you ready to laugh, cry, scream, and be inspired? The Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 is here to make this holiday season extra special. Gather your family and friends, grab some popcorn, and celebrate 50 years of cinematic excellence—a golden milestone that showcases the best of Filipino creativity.

See you at the cinemas this December 25!

1SAMBAYAN Raises Alarm Over Proposed 2025 National Budget: A Call for Transparency and Fairness

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

1SAMBAYAN raises concerns about the proposed 2025 General Appropriations Act, highlighting reduced budgets for education, healthcare, and defense, while increasing allocations for infrastructure and Congress. They call for a review to address these issues and ensure transparency and fairness in the national budget.

In a strongly worded statement, 1SAMBAYAN has expressed deep concern over glaring anomalies in the proposed 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) approved by the Bicameral Conference of Congress. The coalition highlights critical budget allocations that not only raise constitutional questions but also pose serious risks to key sectors essential for national development: education, healthcare, and defense.

Education Takes a Backseat Despite Constitutional Mandate

The Philippine Constitution explicitly states that education should receive the highest budgetary priority. However, the proposed 2025 GAA allocates a staggering ₱1.1 trillion to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) while giving only ₱737 billion to the Department of Education (DepEd). The ₱363 billion difference raises eyebrows, especially given the urgent need for investments in the country’s education system, which continues to grapple with overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources, and deteriorating facilities.

Additionally, the proposed budget reduces DepEd’s allocation by ₱12 billion from what was originally recommended by the President. This cut threatens to further undermine efforts to improve education quality and accessibility nationwide.

PhilHealth Budget Reduced to Zero: A Dire Health Crisis Looms

Equally alarming is the complete absence of any budgetary allocation for PhilHealth in the proposed 2025 GAA. The Constitution mandates prioritizing the healthcare needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, and vulnerable populations. Despite this, the ₱74.43 billion initially proposed for PhilHealth has been reduced to zero. Furthermore, PhilHealth will not even receive its share from Sin Taxes, which, by law, must be automatically remitted to the agency.

This decision raises serious concerns about how the government plans to address the country’s healthcare challenges, including the need for accessible and affordable medical services, particularly for marginalized sectors.

Ballooning Congressional Budget Amid Cuts to Defense and Social Services

While critical sectors face significant budget cuts, the proposed 2025 GAA increases the budget for the House of Representatives by ₱17.37 billion and the Senate by ₱1.1 billion. These increases stand in stark contrast to the reduction of ₱15 billion from the AFP Modernization Program, which is essential for national security, particularly in defending the West Philippine Sea.

Infrastructure Overdrive: A Breeding Ground for Corruption?

The budget for DPWH sees an increase of ₱213 billion, intended for projects such as flood control, road repairs, and reflectorized signs. However, 1SAMBAYAN warns that such allocations have historically been breeding grounds for graft and corruption, often referred to as “pork barrel projects.” Allegations of commissions reaching up to 60% of project costs highlight the urgent need for transparency and oversight.

A Call to Action: Revisiting the 2025 Budget

1SAMBAYAN urges President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to reconvene the Bicameral Conference of Congress and address these glaring inconsistencies. The coalition stresses that without corrective measures, the 2025 GAA risks becoming one of the most corrupt national budgets in Philippine history.

Ensuring a People-Centered Budget

As the debate continues, the call for a transparent, equitable, and people-centered national budget grows louder. Education, healthcare, and national defense are non-negotiable pillars of national progress. It is imperative that the 2025 GAA reflects these priorities and safeguards the welfare of every Filipino.

The nation watches closely as stakeholders, advocates, and citizens demand accountability and meaningful reforms in the budget approval process.

ARTA applauds the advancement of the National Government Rightsizing Program to the Senate

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As a prospective member of the Rightsizing Committee, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) applauded the Senate's advancement of the National Government Rightsizing Program (NGRP) after Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero sponsored the Bill with Senator Joel Villanueva as a co-sponsor on 18 December 2024 during Senate 40th Plenary Session. 

Senate Bill No. 890, entitled "Rightsizing the National Government Act," seeks to establish a lean, efficient, and responsive government workforce by streamlining agency operations, optimizing organizational structures and staffing levels, enhancing interoperability among government agencies, and eliminating redundant, overlapping, or obsolete functions, programs, and projects. 

As an agency tasked with enhancing government efficiency and advancing regulatory reforms, ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez expressed optimism and full support for the passing of the bill.

"The National Rightsizing Program is one of President Marcos administration's top priorities, and we in ARTA are here to support it as best we can," the ARTA Chief said. 

"In its core, NGRP aligns with [ARTA’s] mandate to streamline and improve government efficiency, mas lalo nating papaigihin ang mga proseso sa gobyerno," he added. 

ARTA Secretary Perez personally attended its sponsorship in the Senate together with Better Regulations Office (BRO) Director Marbida L. Marbida and representatives from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Civil Service Commission (CSC).