2018 MMFF hits P800-million mark, exceeds previous year's box office gross

MANILA, Philippines — The 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival box office gross has now exceeded the previous year's gross, the festival's Executive Committtee has announced. 

"Despite the rains, we are very happy to say that a large part of the Filipino audiences have gone back to the theaters again this Holiday Season; and we have exceeded the 2017 Christmas and New Year box office gross of the MMFF,” the MMFF Execom said. 

"We are looking forward to more and more people watching ALL the MMFF entries until January 7, and it is significant to note that there have been additional theaters where you can catch the films of your choice. Let’s all carry on to the P1B mark! Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino!” the group added.

According to reports from PEP.ph, the MMFF hit the P800 million mark on January 2 with Vice Ganda’s “Fantastica” being the top grosser followed by Vic Sotto, Maine Mendoza and Coco Martin’s “Jack Em Popoy,” and Anne Curtis’ “Aurora.” 

Fourth on the list is Toni and Alex Gonzaga’s “Mary, Marry Me” while “Rainbow's Sunset” is on the fifth spot. The film by Joel Lamangan about a gay elderly couple gained more viewers after it received 11 awards including Best Picture from the recently concluded MMFF 2018 Gabi ng Parangal. 

Other movies in the festival are “The Girl in the Orange Dress,” “Otlum,” and “One Great Love.”