The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Fe P. Koons
Hollywood, CA— Three fairly recent Filipino films made it to the third annual 2026 Manila International Film Festival held September 3-6, this city.
The films were shown at the TCL Theater in downtown Hollywood.
Manila’s Finest, directed by Raymond Red, won best picture and best cinematography. Ashtine Ortega from the same film won the best actress trophy.
Diego Ricio’s production design (Manila’s Finest) excels and brings us to a vintage and sepia look in 1969.
Red said that the film about policemen prior to the imposition of martial law is very personal. He added that the cast are very disciplined. The film addressed the struggle of the students, their families and society. The strong performances of Piolo Pascual and Enrique Gil are very realistic.
Manila’s Finest is quite relevant today. The existence of nepotism and political dynasty in the Philippines as portrayed in the film is still in the system. In reality, the country needs to change and absolutely implement sociopolitical justice.
Quezon, a sort of biopic about Manuel L. Quezon is directed by Jerrold Tarog. The film shows the true personality of Quezon as ambitious and politically manipulative. He calls himself “ I am the Philippines.” Like Manila’s Finest, we see the corruption in the system.
Jericho Rosales is outstanding in his acting the role of Quezon. Through the journalist Joven Hernando, we see the political fight between Emilio Aguinaldo (Mon Confiado) and Quezon. Although Karylle ( Aurora Quezon) does not have a lot of dialogue, she conveys the erosion of her husband’s idealism through her eyes. Jericho Rosales deserves his portrayal of Quezon. The film reminds us that power will breed corruption
KAPPA-TIRAN starring Ejay Falcon, Sheryl Cruz,Aljur Abrenica Patricia Javier and Bembol Roco focuses on the violence and brutality of hazing in fraternities. It is about the world of fraternities and sororities where students will dare join to be accepted. The film questions the legality of joining fraternities just to be part of brotherhood.
The films and documentaries of the 2026 Manila International Film Festival definitely show the creativity and talents of the Filipinos not only in acting but most importantly in portraying history, social values, culture and identity of the people. We learn from the past as well as change the sociopolitical system in the Philippines which oppresses the community.
Thank you to Lisa Lew, the MIFF director, Meriden Angeles, Winston Emano, and the many volunteers who continue to sustain the film festival!