“Manila's Finest", a cinematic masterpiece brought to life by the genius of director Raymond Red

MANILA, Philippines — The finest days of 1960s Manila came to life at the grand media launch of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 entry Manila’s Finest. 

Led by its star-studded cast and powerful creative team, the film is fast gaining traction for what is poised to be one of this year’s most talked-about MMFF entries – a police drama set in the gritty, changing Manila of 1969. 

Manila’s Finest is produced by MQuest Ventures – the same team that brought past MMFF headliners GomBurZa and The Kingdom – and directed by Raymond Red, the first Filipino to win the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival. 

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 (Piolo Pascual) and his trusted partner 1st Lt. Billy Ojeda (Enrique Gil) as they navigate the challenges of serving in the Manila Police District during a pivotal time. 

These officers face crimes that test their loyalty, courage, and the bonds of brotherhood that define them. More than a police drama, Manila’s Finest also explores the sacrifices made for family and friends and moral choices that shape a city struggling to hold on to its identity.

“We are proud and excited to present Manila’s Finest as MQuest Ventures’ entry to this year’s Metro 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.”

Joining Piolo and Enrique in the all-star cast of Manila’s Finest are Cedrick Juan, Rico Blanco, Ariel Rivera, Joey Marquez, Romnick Sarmenta, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Kiko Estrada, Paulo Angeles, Ashtine Olviga, Ethan David, Dylan Menor, Inday Fatima, Tyke Sanchez and Pearl Gonzales.

“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.

Piolo Pascual recounted his experience in preparing for his role as Capt. Homer Magtibay. 

“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,” he said.

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. 

Catch Manila’s Finest in cinemas nationwide this December 25, 2025—don’t miss the chance to step back in time and experience one of the FINEST stories and visuals of 1960s Manila on the big screen!