Carlo Aquino returns to his MMFF role as Atty. Erik Vicencio in Bar Boys: After School, revisiting the character ten years after leaving law school. The film follows him and the rest of the cast as they face new challenges navigating adulthood.
Compared to his 2024 MMFF entry Hold Me Close, Carlo admitted that the pressure to perform and be considered for acting awards is higher this year.
“Feeling ko naman sa lahat ng pelikula mataas ang expectations dahil Metro Manila Film Fest ito. Excited lang talaga ako dahil kasama ako dito. At saka excited ako for the FIliipinos kasi ang daming magagandang pelikula! Well every MMFF film festival naman magaganda ang pelikula,” he told the press during the 2025 MMFF Parade of Stars on December 19.
Carlo, along with returning cast members Kean Cipriano, Enzo Pineda, and Rocco Nacino, noted that the film emphasizes ensemble performance rather than solo highlights.
“Feeling ko wala eh kasi ensemble siya. So yung buong pelikula is the highlight. So iaangat namin yung isa’t isa. Pero siyempre all the scenes with Ms. Odette (Khan) talagang yun yung mga inaabangan dahil siyempre medyo senior niya si Ms. O tapos mahina na and everything, pero nakakapag-deliver pa din,” he said.
Bar Boys: After School, along with the other seven official 2025 MMFF entries, is now showing in cinemas nationwide.