The 51st MMFF reflects a changing Philippine cinema landscape, as a viral “Annie Batungbakal Lagare Award” honors Donna Cariaga and Soliman Cruz for appearing in three festival films each.
The 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal, held on December 27 in Makati City, reflected a shifting tide in Philippine cinema. This year’s awards night favored films that leaned into social relevance, daring narratives, and strong technical execution, signaling a festival increasingly open to evolution and risk.
Yet beyond the trophies handed out onstage, another conversation captured public attention online.
A viral post by blogger @nikowl (Nicole Andrew Latayan) on X introduced an alternative way of looking at MMFF 2025. Presented as a “new decade” MMFF scorecard, the post didn’t focus on winners or box-office numbers. Instead, it highlighted something often overlooked: the sheer workload behind the festival. Its most buzzworthy distinction was a fictional but strikingly relatable citation, the Annie Batungbakal Lagare Award.
The tongue-in-cheek honor went to Donna Cariaga and Soliman Cruz, who stood out as the most visible and busiest actors of this year’s MMFF. Both appeared in three different festival entries, a feat that quickly resonated with audiences familiar with the demanding realities of film production.
The Scorecard: Donna Cariaga vs. Soliman Cruz
| Actor | Film Entry 1 | Film Entry 2 | Film Entry 3 |
| Donna Cariaga | Rekonek | Unmarry | Bar Boys: After School |
| Soliman Cruz | Call Me Mother | Rekonek | Manila’s Finest |
Donna starred in “Rekonek,” “Unmarry,” and “Bar Boys: After School,” while Soliman appeared in “Call Me Mother,” “Rekonek,” and “Manila’s Finest.” Their repeated presence across multiple films made them fitting symbols of the award’s intent.
Deeply rooted in Pinoy culture, “Annie Batungbakal” calls to mind the everyday hero who keeps going despite exhaustion and responsibility. “Lagare,” meanwhile, reflects the nonstop act of moving from one job to another with barely any pause. Together, the Annie Batungbakal Lagare Award serves as a witty yet pointed tribute to artists who endure relentless schedules to remain active, visible, and dependable in their craft.
For Donna Cariaga, the recognition though unofficial, felt meaningful.
“Tatlo po yung MMFF entries na kasali ako. Nauna po akong naisama sa ‘Unmarry” then “Bar Boys: After School” nung time na ginagawa sila ay ina-aim pa lang talagang makapasok sa MMFF. Yung ‘Rekonek’ naman, alam na naming MMFF entry siya dahil kabilang siya sa first four selections,” she shared in a message sent to radar Entertainment.
She clarified that the heavy MMFF presence did not come from overlapping shoots.
“Hindi naman po sabay-sabay ang shooting schedules ng tatlong projects nagkataon lang talaga na nagsama-sama sila sa iisang festival,” she explained.
Despite having limited screen time in each film, Donna emphasized the value of every role.
The actor’s perspective: range over screen time
“Limited lang po ang screentime ko sa bawat film, pero bilang actor, sobrang grateful ako sa exposure at visibility, at sana kahit papaano ay nakapagpakita tayo ng range,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation for the people who continue to give her opportunities.
“Lagi po akong thankful sa mga producers, directors at teams na patuloy na nagca-cast sa akin gaano man kahaba ang screen time, opportunity pa rin po siya for me,” she added.
While the Annie Batungbakal Lagare Award exists only online, its impact lies in how closely it mirrors real-life experiences in the local film industry. Beyond official awards and commercial success, it acknowledges perseverance and the unseen labor that keeps productions moving and stories alive.
As MMFF entries continue their nationwide cinema run, this year’s festival stands as a balance of spectacle and substance. Between bold storytelling on screen and the quiet grind behind it, MMFF 2025 underscores that Philippine cinema’s new era is being built not only by big wins, but by artists who show up again and again and keep going.
The tongue-in-cheek honor went to Donna Cariaga and Soliman Cruz, who stood out as the most visible and busiest actors of this year’s MMFF.
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