MOVIE REVIEW | Reel Royalty: Ranking the Best MMFF Pictures of Their Respective Years

MMFF, inaugurated in 1975, marked the epoch when luminaries such as Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos ascended to the status of national icons as fervent fandoms burgeoned. The zenith of competition unfolded in 1978, a night etched in history for its fiercely contested awards, notably featuring the iconic duel between Nora and Vilma. This rivalry transcended the realms of accolades and box office triumphs, spilling over into the palpable tension of physical altercations among their ardent supporters in cinema lobbies.

The ensuing decade, the 1980s, witnessed a more audacious and experimental cinematic landscape, epitomized by groundbreaking films like "Himala" and "Bulaklak sa City Jail." Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos continued their enthralling rivalry, captivating award ceremonies with their formidable films. A noteworthy clash occurred in 1981, with Nora Aunor ("Rock and Roll") and Vilma Santos ("Karma") standing as the sole nominees for Best Actress; ultimately, Vilma Santos emerged victorious. The following year, Nora Aunor clinched the Best Actress accolade for "Himala."

The 1990s ushered in a wave of socially relevant films, delving into authentic narratives of personal struggles and portraying historical luminaries such as Jose Rizal. In the 2000s, the cinematic landscape shifted towards mass appeal, with films eschewing social commentary in favor of humor and fantasy, catering to a broader audience.

Here's our curated selection of the finest MMFF pictures, each declared winners in their respective year, meticulously ranked

MOVIE REVIEW | Metro Manila 2023 Winner Forecast: Mallari, Rewind and Firefly Vie for Awarding Supremacy

The 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival features a diverse lineup of contenders vying for top honors. As the annual Awards Night approaches on December 27th, speculation mounts over which films will take home the coveted prizes. This year's ceremony, to be held at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, caps off an exciting festival showcasing the range of Philippine cinema. Leading up to the big event, festival organizers inaugurated a new 152-seat MMFF Auditorium at the MMDA Building in Pasig on December 14th. This intimate venue will host special screenings and events during the festival and in the future.  

With so much talent represented across multiple categories, competition is fierce. In this blog, we’ll analyze the frontrunners and predict the likely winners of this year’s major awards. From ambitious dramas to genre-bending independent films, many impressive works have a shot at being recognized by the festival’s jury. Stay tuned as we break down the top contenders vying for glory at this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

MOVIE REVIEW | What Are The Top Gay Films You Need To See In 2023?

Below is a compilation of essential gay films to watch in 2023. While not exclusively consisting of films produced in 2023, this list includes a diverse range of titles that hold relevance for the year. Our selection spans from 1999 to 2023 across the world (Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Macedonia, Spain, and USA) representing a modest yet carefully curated assortment, in my humble opinion. Recently, there has been an abundant selection of films that not only provide entertainment but also carry powerful messages of hope and redemption. These films serve as mirrors reflecting the diversity and progress of our times, and I'm delighted that many of them now conclude on a hopeful rather than tragic note. Don't you think so?

Now, let me share my recommended gay films for 2023.

MOVIES | Free Online Movie Streaming Sites That Are Safe

Where to watch free movies online?

I do a lot of film reviews for academic and personal purposes, so finding the safest online resources is of utmost importance. Surfing the Internet always poses risks, and there is no escaping them such as malwares and virus. So I try to stick to websites which I trust. Here is a quick list of where to watch free movies online, without downloading any applications or signing up to register.