GMA Pictures’ Green Bones, the gripping prison drama directed by Zig Dulay, swept the awards at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), winning Best Picture and driving an overwhelming demand that led to a dramatic rise in screenings — jumping from 60 cinemas before the Gabi ng Parangal on December 27 to an impressive 180 cinemas to date.
This historic win marks history repeating itself for GMA Pictures, securing a back-to-back Best Picture victory following Firefly’s triumph in 2023. It harks back to the studio’s legendary feat 25 years ago, when Jose Rizal (1998) and Muro-Ami (1999) claimed consecutive MMFF top honors.
At the Gabi ng Parangal held at Solaire Resort, Green Bones clinched multiple prestigious awards:
Best Actor: Dennis Trillo
Best Supporting Actor: Ruru Madrid
Best Child Performer: Sienna Stevens
Best Screenplay: Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza
Best Cinematography: Neil Daza
Although Green Bones was the biggest winner at the 2024 MMFF, GMA Network Senior Vice President and GMA Films President Annette Gozon-Valdes shared the film’s coveted Best Picture award with the other nine movies in the festival. She recognized the dedication and passion everyone put in, stating, “To make a film, it takes blood, sweat, and tears, and resources. And talagang we really risked it all because we want to tell a story and I hope that people listen to all these wonderful, outstanding stories of these movies.”
The rousing success of Green Bones is a testament to GMA Pictures Executive Vice President Nessa Valdellon’s vision of showcasing the network’s homegrown talent on the big screen. While acting legend Dennis Trillo’s involvement is inevitable, Ruru Madrid’s casting was a risk. Despite years in television, Green Bones is the Sparkle star’s first major film role — a gamble that hugely paid off. Ruru’s skillful, heartfelt performance earned him Best Supporting Actor.
Critics and audiences alike have rallied behind Green Bones. The Manila Feed described it as an “MMFF 2024 Best Picture frontrunner” and “a film that moves the soul and reminds us of what truly matters,” with a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. LionhearTV and My Movie World echoed the same score, praising its story, direction, performances, and visuals. Influencer account Lakwatsera Lovers even gave it an 11/10, raving about its writing, cast, and director Zig Dulay.
The film was lauded by Manila Bulletin as a moving, timely story about “doing the right thing and the perseverance needed to be a good, righteous member of the human race,” while Rappler deemed it “raw yet controlled [...] a movie that will make you think, feel, and maybe even cry a little (or a lot).” The Manila Times has called it a masterpiece and an emotional tour de force, being “one of the finest films to grace the Metro Manila Film Festival in recent years […] an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.”
PhilStar highlighted Dennis Trillo’s “high-wire act” as the convicted killer Dom Zamora and his ability to bring complex roles to life with “pathos, clarity, and gravitas,” and commended Ruru Madrid, who played the hard-line, traumatized prison guard Xavier Gonzaga, for having “held his own” against his co-star and industry veterans, delivering a performance that made his role unforgettable and one he can truly take pride in.
Child actor Sienna Stevens, who learned sign language for her key role with Dennis Trillo, garnered praise for her strong chemistry with him and her effective, dialogue-free performance, which won her the Best Child Performer award. Her fellow Sparkle artists Royce Cabrera and Mikoy Morales also received recognition for their convincing portrayals of incarcerated gay lovers, despite having limited screen time.
Audience members were captured in tears during screenings of Green Bones, unable to contain their emotions. Social media is flooded with glowing reactions. The popular Facebook page Mubi Rebyu, which ranked the film #1, described it as “may kabuluhan at di makakalimutan.” Screenwriter and National Artist Ricky Lee is receiving widespread praise for his enduring brilliance, with some even calling for the icon’s immortalization, and many agree that Zig Dulay deserves laurels for his consistent cinematic excellence.
With Green Bones, GMA Pictures once again proves that powerful, poignant stories — and daring casting choices — resonate deeply with audiences, solidifying its place as a force to reckon with in Philippine cinema.
From red carpets to viral TikToks, Box Office Queen Jennylyn Mercado and MMFF50 Best Actor Dennis Trillo make their much-anticipated return to the big screen in CreaZion Studios' Everything About My Wife. This marks their first romantic comedy together as a married couple and also reunites Jennylyn with co-star Sam Milby.
Today, social media netizens are treated to a sneak peek from award-winning director Real S. Florido (1st Ko Si 3rd & Will You Be My Ex). The teaser introduces Dom (Dennis Trillo) and Imo (Jennylyn Mercado), whose journey takes them from lovers to marriage. However, after seven years, Dom finds himself unhappily married and wanting to escape. In a moment of desperation, we
see him seek for help from notorious womanizer, Miguel (Sam Milby), to seduce his wife.
As Miguel and Imo grow closer, Dom realizes he has made the gravest mistake of his life when Miguel unexpectedly falls in love with Imo. Despite Miguel’s growing affection and friendship, Imo learns about the scheme and feels betrayed by her husband.
Heartbroken, she decides to give Dom what he wants—an end to their marriage. Yet, as they part ways, their love becomes undeniable.
Will Imo forgive Dom? The answer awaits when Everything About My Wife premieres on February 26, 2025. This heartfelt film delves into the complexities of marriage and romantic relationships, exploring how love endures not just through life’s hardships but also through the small, everyday moments we often take for granted.
This rom-com is a collaboration of powerhouse production companies CreaZion Studios & GMA Pictures together with Glimmer Studio. Filipinos will definitely get a dose of much-needed hearty laughter and love this season of Feb-ibig!
For updates, follow CreaZion Studios on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok or visit https://creazionstudios.com/
On Christmas Day, moviegoers will get to experience a reimagined Philippines that has never been touched by colonization and a strong monarchy that continues to rule the land. Rated PG by the MTRCB and opening in cinemas nationwide on December 25 as one of the official entries to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF 2024), The Kingdom promises an immersive cinematic journey that will make Filipinos prouder of their rich cultural heritage.
Directed by Mike Tuviera, DGPI and produced by MQuest Ventures Inc, M-ZET TV Productions, and APT Entertainment Inc, The Kingdom boasts of a compelling narrative, stunning cinematography, and a powerhouse cast that complete the cinematic masterpiece.
Leading the ensemble is Vic Sotto, taking on the transformative role of Lakan Makisig, a monarch caught between the weight of his legacy and the challenges of fatherhood. As the Kingdom of Kalayaan’s ruler, he grapples with the dilemma of to whom he will entrust the throne – a decision that could shape the future of his people. This marks a rare departure from Vic’s signature comedic roles, showcasing his depth and versatility.
Joining him for the first time is Piolo Pascual, who delivers another milestone performance as the outcast farmer Sulo. Shunned by society, Sulo’s destiny changes as he meets the Lakan and becomes entangled in the fierce struggle for power within the Kingdom of Kalayaan.
Part of the stellar cast are Cristine Reyes and Sue Ramirez as the princesses Dayang Matimyas and Dayang Lualhati, and Sid Lucero as Magat Bagwis, whose aspirations and conflicts drive the kingdom’s intense power struggle. Ruby Ruiz shines as the Babaylan, the spiritual heart of the realm, while Cedrick Juan’s portrayal of a young Lakan Makisig unveils the monarchy's turbulent history. Supporting performances by Zion Cruz, Iza Calzado, Art Acuña, Giovanni Baldisseri, and Nico Antonio further enrich the film’s intricate narrative.
The Kingdom combines high-stakes family drama with a richly imagined alternate world, offering a cinematic experience like no other. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the film invites viewers of all ages to lose themselves in the captivating world of Kalayaan.
Don’t miss this extraordinary tale of power, loyalty, and redemption. The Kingdom reigns in theaters nationwide starting December 25, 2024 — the perfect film for a memorable holiday experience.
In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize financial inclusion in the country, senatorial candidate Luis “Chavit” Singson will officially launch the VBank app in Quezon City on Sunday.
The innovative digital banking platform promises to bring convenient and secure financial services to Filipinos nationwide, marking a significant step toward empowering underserved communities.
VBank enables users to open a bank account entirely through the app, eliminating the need for tedious paperwork and long queues. Users can send money to all banks and digital wallets, pay bills, and even purchase mobile loads.
With over 6,000 cash-in outlets nationwide—including Tambunting Pawnshops, Puregold, and Alfamart—VBank ensures seamless transactions even for those in remote areas.
During his provincial sorties, Manong Chavit gave the audience a public demonstration of how the VBank app works, “This is not just about banking; it’s about giving every Filipino the tools to participate in our economy,” he said. “VBank makes it possible for anyone, regardless of location, to access essential financial services.”
The launch will start at 3:30 P.M. at the Bridgetowne Destination Estate along Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Avenue during the Blackout Festival.
Manong Chavit will be assisted by celebrity guest Ai Ai delas Alas. A press conference will follow at the exclusive VBank lounge.
Adding excitement to the launch, Singson announced the 58 Days Pa-Raffle ni Manong Chavit, a campaign aimed at engaging users and spreading awareness of VBank’s convenient features.
From the day of the launch, 58 winners will take home ₱5,800 culminating with one winner of ₱58,000 daily, and a grand prize of ₱580,000 awaiting one lucky user on the 58th day.
To join, users simply need to download the VBank app, create an account, and follow Singson’s official Facebook page for updates.
VBank’s launch reflects its commitment to addressing the challenges faced by unbanked and underserved communities.
According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, nearly 77 percent of Filipinos remain unbanked, relying on informal and often unreliable financial systems. VBank aims to bridge this gap by providing a secure, user-friendly platform tailored to the needs of everyday Filipinos.
The app’s features are designed to cater to individuals and small businesses alike, fostering economic activity and resilience. Users can manage their finances, access loans, transfer funds and connect to a broader network of financial opportunities without stepping into a physical bank branch.
Manong Chavit’s vision for VBank extends beyond just a banking app.
“This is the future of financial empowerment in the Philippines,” he said. “We’re not just launching a product; we’re creating growth opportunities, especially in areas like Pangasinan, where access to financial services is limited.”
Listed as No. 58 on the Senate ballot, Singson is running under the slogan, “May Isang Salita,” embodying his dedication to integrity, dependability, and fulfilling his commitments. -30- By Nuel Sanchez
The grand launch of Isang Himala, an adaptation of the iconic 1982 film and 2003 musical, was an unforgettable celebration filled with heartwarming stories, soul-stirring musical performances, and an outpouring of love from its stars and supporters. As one of the official entries to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the film promises to deliver an emotional and visually stunning experience for audiences this Christmas season.
The event gathered the film’s cast and crew, including Aicelle Santos, who steps into the iconic role of Elsa. Directed by MMFF Best Director Pepe Diokno and written by National Artist Ricky Lee, the writer of the original masterpiece, Isang Himala breathes new life into the beloved story. The launch also welcomed cast members who included Bituin Escalante, Kakki Teodoro, and David Ezra among others.
The trailer premiere offered a breathtaking glimpse into the world of Baryo Cupang, showcasing its rich visuals, emotionally charged scenes, musical direction and songs by Vincent A. De Jesus, and ended with a moving moment as the voice of National Artist Nora Aunor, the original Elsa, echoed through the room, giving everyone goosebumps.
During the discussion with the press, National Artist Ricky Lee reflected on the enduring relevance of the story, sharing his inspiration for revisiting the material in today’s context, explaining how Isang Himala remains a powerful narrative in today’s world, where people continue to search for hope and faith. “Para sa akin itong ginagawa namin ngayon ay isang tribute sa pelikulang nagawa noong 1982. Mula noong ipalabas ito noon, matapos ay naging musikal sa entablado at ngayon naman ay naging pelikula base sa musical. Sa palagay ko patuloy itong magkakaroon ng iba’t ibang bersyon at magpapatuloy pa ang pagkukwento natin ng tungkol sa himala”, Lee quips. He emphasized the importance of revisiting the material and presenting it in a way that resonates with modern audiences while maintaining its timeless essence.
Meanwhile, Director Pepe Diokno, who won MMFF’s Best Director last year for Gomburza, revealed his passion for this adaptation and emphasizing that the heart of the movie lies in its emotional depth, focusing on the raw struggles and conflicts faced by the characters. The film delves into the complexities of faith, human desires, and the darker sides of hope, creating an emotionally moving narrative that invites viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and the choices they make.
Aicelle Santos delivered one of the event’s most memorable moments when she performed the signature song Gawin Mo Akong Sining. Tears streamed down her face as she sang with raw emotion, drawing the audience into Elsa’s world of faith and struggle. Aicelle also shared how stepping into such an iconic role challenged her as an artist and inspired her to give her all to honor the original while making it her own. She focused on bringing her own interpretation to the role, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of Elsa’s journey.
Presented by CreaZion Studios in partnership with Unitel, Straightshooter, Kapitol Films, and CMB Production, Isang Himala is a bold creative undertaking. Bituin Escalante, who plays Elsa’s mother, expressed her gratitude to the producers for championing such meaningful stories and recognized the importance of telling such meaningful stories that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. CreaZion Studios producers are known for celebrated works like Iska, Patay na Si Hesus, 1st Ko Si 3rd, as well as MMFF entries Kabiseraand Deadma Walking.The event concluded with the ensemble cast performing the film’s iconic song, Ang Himala ay Nasa Puso, leaving the audience in awe of the film’s emotional resonance.
Dubbed as a “modern masterpiece that will awaken faith and touch hearts,” Isang Himala premieres nationwide on December 25 as part of the 50th MMFF.
