All-Star Ensemble, Powerhouse Creatives Come Together to Bring MQuest Ventures’ ‘Manila’s Finest’

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Featured image courtesy of MQuest Ventures.

MANILA, Philippines — Following a celebrated announcement, MQuest Ventures now brings yet another cinematic undertaking to the culture-shaping Metro Manila Film Festival with the much-anticipated action-drama Manila’s Finest. Led by Piolo Pascual and an ensemble cast of some of the finest Philippine actors of today, the film promises a bold fusion of powerhouse performances and a story that immerses viewers in the gritty yet vibrant streets of Manila.

Manila’s Finest marks Pascual’s third consecutive MMFF lead role, a milestone that reflects his passion for meaningful Filipino stories. “To be part of the MMFF for three years in a row is truly special,” he shares in a statement. “To also work with a cast and team of this caliber is an honor. The chemistry on set was incredible, everyone was driven by the same passion to create something that feels big, bold, and deeply Filipino.”

For Enrique Gil, Manila’s Finest marks his first film under his multi-picture deal with MQuest Ventures. “Being part of Manila’s Finest as my first film project under MQuest Ventures is really special. The whole experience — from the costumes to the set design — felt like stepping into another time. Everyone on set was so passionate about bringing that era to life, and it made me appreciate how meaningful this project is,” he shares. He added that working alongside Pascual, and to many of his contemporaries, is an honor. “Billy looks up to Capt. Homer like an older brother, and I think that mirrors how I see Piolo in real life. I’ve always dreamed of working with him,” Gil says.

Under the direction of Raymond Red, the first Filipino filmmaker to win Palme d’Or for Best Short Film at the Cannes Film Festival, Manila’s Finest unites an extraordinary creative team whose artistry is redefining the modern Filipino epic. The screenplay is written by notable Filipino screenwriters Michiko Yamamoto, Moira Lang, and Sherad Anthony Sanchez.

“What makes Manila’s Finest special is the collaboration. You have some of the best actors and storytellers of this generation coming together — everyone brought something distinct to the table,” Red writes. “The challenge was to channel all that energy into one cohesive vision, and that’s what makes the film feel so alive.”

Film poster courtesy of MQuest Ventures

Set in the late 1960s, Manila’s Finest follows Capt. Homer Magtibay (Pascual), a principled officer of the Manila Police Department, as he investigates a string of brutal murders in the city’s rapidly expanding slums. With his trusted partner, 1st Lt. Billy Ojeda (Gil), and their station chief, Major Conrado Belarmino (Ariel Rivera), Magtibay traces the killings to a violent turf war between two rival gangs entangled in illegal gambling, theft, and prostitution. But as he digs deeper, he uncovers a darker truth: powerful businessmen, corrupt politicians, and even the police are all playing a part in the unstoppable decay of the city.

Joining Piolo, Enrique, and Ariel are some of the industry’s esteemed actors: Romnick Sarmenta, Joey Marquez, Soliman Cruz, Cedrick Juan, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Rico Blanco, Kiko Estrada, and Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio in her much-awaited acting big-screen return. The film also stars emerging young actors Ashtine Olviga (as Magtibay’s daughter), Ethan David, Dylan Menor, Paulo Angeles, Inday Fatima, and Pearl Gonzales.

Produced by MQuest Ventures and Cignal TV, Manila’s Finest follows the legacy established by award-winning MMFF entries Gomburza and The Kingdom. The movie evokes heartfelt storytelling to create a period film that is both thrilling and immersive. With the collective brilliance of its cast and filmmakers, Manila’s Finest stands out as one of this year’s most anticipated and talked-about festival entries.