Featured art by Glacianne Lacerna. With images courtesy of MQuest Ventures.
MANILA, Philippines — Following industry buzz upon news of two major Philippine actors joining onboard the project, MQ Ventures is setting the stage for its gritty portrait of the finest days of 1960s Manila with the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 entry Manila’s Finest. Led by its powerhouse cast of veteran and emerging actors and a decorated creative team, the film is fast gaining traction for what is poised to be one of this year’s most talked-about entries.
Manila’s Finest is a police drama set in the changing Manila of 1969 produced by the same team that brought past MMFF headliners GomBurZa and The Kingdom.
With filmmaker Raymond Red at the helm, the first Filipino to win the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival, and penned by a team of renowned screenwriters led by Moira Lang, Michiko Yamamoto, and Sherad Sanchez, the film tells the story of Capt. Homer Magtibay, played by Piolo Pascual and his trusted partner 1st Lt. Billy Ojeda, portrayed by Enrique Gil, where they navigate the challenges of serving in the Manila Police District in a pivotal time.
Character posters courtesy of MQuest Ventures.
The protagonists face crimes that test their loyalty, courage, and the bonds that build and define their brotherhood. Beyond a police drama, Manila’s Finest seeks to explore the sacrifices made for these characters’ family and friends, along with the moral choices that shape a city struggling to hold on to its identity, in a tumultuous time.
Piolo Pascual recounted his experience in preparing for his role, “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.”
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.
Joining the two top-caliber actors in the all-star cast of are multi-awarded actor Cedrick Juan, musician and actor Rico Blanco, Ariel Rivera in his return to films, Joey Marquez, Romnick Sarmenta, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and new faces Kiko Estrada, Paulo Angeles, Ashtine Olviga, Ethan David, Dylan Menor, Inday Fatima, and Pearl Gonzales.
The cast of Manila’s Finest at the grand media conference held at the New Frontier Theater. Image courtesy of MQuest Ventures.
“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 of what he proudly declared as his first MMFF movie.
“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.”
Manila’s Finest screens in cinemas nationwide this December 25, 2025, among one of the eight entries to the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival.
Don't Miss
