Trading floats for boats: MMFF 2021 kicks off first-ever fluvial Parade of Stars
The 2021 edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is taking a different route this year. Instead of gathering actors on floats like it usually does for the Parade of Stars, this year, the processions happened on boats over the Pasig River.
On Dec. 19, eight ferry boats sailed along the river representing each entry in this year's lineup. Stars of flicks such as Rita Daniela and Ken Chan of Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw, Christian Bables of Big Night, and Raymond Bagatsing of Neila were onboard.
The event was delayed due to the rain, but spectators still tuned in for the boat show which started at the Guadalupe Ferry Station and ended at Circuit Makati.
After the parade, a program was held where celebrities greeted fans and introduced their entries. Alex and Toni Gonzaga jumped on stage to serenade fans as they promoted their movie Exorsis. Kim Chiu also made an appearance with the cast of Huwag Kang Lalabas at Circuit Makati.
This year marks the first time the MMFF's festivities are happening in-person again after going online in 2020 due to the pandemic. The eight entries will hit cinemas from Dec. 25 to Jan. 8, 2022 and the awards ceremony will be held in person on Dec. 27.
Here are the eight movies you can catch during the film festival:
- A Hard Day starring Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla, directed by Lawrence Fajardo
- Big Night starring Christian Bables and John Arcilla, directed by Jun Robles Lana
- Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw starring Rita Daniela and Ken Chan, directed by Louie Ignacio
- Huwag Kang Lalabas starring Kim Chiu, Jameson Blake, Beauty Gonzalez, and Aiko Melendez, directed by Adolf Alix Jr.
- Kun Maupay Man It Panahon starring Charos Santos-Concio, Daniel Padilla, and Rans Rifol, directed by carlo Francisco Manatad
- Love at First Stream starring Kaori Oinuma, Jeremiah Lisbo, Daniela Stranner, and Anthony
- Nelia starring Winwyn Marquez and Raymond Bagatsing, directed by Lester Dimaranan
- The Exorsis starring Toni Gonzaga and Alex Gonzaga, directed by Fifth Solomon
The Metro Manila Development Authority said minimum public health protocols will be followed in cinemas to ensure viewers' safety.
