Months ahead of the traditional “Ber” season that signals the start of Christmas festivities in the Philippines, early speculation is already mounting over potential entries to the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
According to industry sources and a report from the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP), one of the most talked-about possibilities is a comeback project from real-life and on-screen couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera. The pair last headlined the 2023 MMFF entry Rewind, a family drama that grossed more than ₱900 million at the box office.
Another highly anticipated prospect is a first-ever collaboration between noontime heavyweights Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda. The rumored project is said to involve major production outfits ABS-CBN Film Productions, M-Zet Productions, and APT Entertainment.
Both stars have consistently dominated the MMFF box office—Sotto through his long-running Enteng Kabisote franchise, and Vice Ganda with blockbuster hits such as Praybeyt Benjamin, Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy, and Beauty and the Bestie.
Sotto’s most recent MMFF appearance was in 2024 with the historical drama The Kingdom, while Vice Ganda starred in Call Me Mother in 2025 alongside Nadine Lustre, earning his first Best Actor award at the festival.
Meanwhile, major studios including VIVA Films, Regal Entertainment, and MQuest Ventures are also reportedly gearing up their own entries for the 2026 edition.
The MMFF announced through its official social media channels that it will begin accepting letters of intent on May 15. Script submissions are due by June 15, while completed films must be delivered no later than September 30.