The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in partnership with the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines officially launched the first Metro Manila Summer Film Festival. The eight films included in the festival are Apag starring Coco Martin, Lito Lapid, Jaclyn Jose and Gladys Reyes; Singlebells starring Aljur Abrenica, Alex Gonzaga and Angeline Quinto; About Us but not About Us starring Romnick Sarmienta and Elijah Canlas; Kahit Maputi na Ang Buhok Ko starring RK Bagatsing and Meg Imperial; Unravel: A Swiss Side Story starring Gerald Anderson and Kylie Padilla; Here Comes the Groom starring Enchong Dee, Maris Racal and Kaladkaren; Yung Libro sa Napanuod Ko starring Yoo Min-Gon and Bela Padilla; and Love You Long Time starring Carlo Aquino and Eisel Serrano.
The eight entries were announced by the MMFF Executive Committee announced last February 24. All movies will be available in all cinemas nationwide from April 8 to 18.
Meanwhile, on April 11 the 2023 Metro Manila Summer Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night) takes place at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City with Dolly de Leon led 10 jury members.
Winners of the 2023 Metro Manila Summer Film Festival are in bold and red.
Best Picture: About Us But Not About Us
2nd Placer: Love You Long Time
3rd Placer: Here Comes the Groom
Best Director
- Chris Martinez – Here Comes the Groom
- JP Habac – Love You Long Time
- Jun Robles Lana – About Us But Not About Us
Best Actress in a Leading Role
- Bela Padilla – Yung Libro sa Napanuod Ko
- Gladys Reyes – Apag
- Kylie Padilla – Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story
Best Actor in a Leading Role
- Carlo Aquino – Love You Long Time
- Elijah Canlas – About Us But Not About Us
- Romnick Sarmenta – About Us But Not About Us
- Enchong Dee – Here Comes the Groom
- Gerald Anderson – Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story
- Yoo Min-Gon – Yung Libro sa Napanuod Ko
Best Production Design
- About Us But Not About Us
- Here Comes the Groom
- Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story
- Yung Libro sa Napanuod Ko
Best Musical Score
- About Us But Not About Us
- Love You Long Time
- Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story
- Yung Libro sa Napanuod Ko
Best Float
- About Us But Not About Us
- Apag
- Here Comes the Groom
- Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko
- Love You Long Time
- Singlebells
- Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story
- Yung Libro sa Napanuod Ko
Best Editing
- About Us But Not About Us
- Here Comes the Groom
- Love You Long Time
- Yung Libro sa Napanuod Ko
Best Original Theme Song
- Apag – “Paralaya” by Andy Alviz
Best Sound
- About Us But Not About Us
- Here Comes the Groom
- Love You Long Time
- Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story
- Yung Libro sa Napanuod Ko
Best Cinematography
- About Us But Not About Us
- Love You Long Time
- Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
- Ana Abad Santos – Love You Long Time
- Kaladkaren – Here Comes the Groom
- Maris Racal – Here Comes the Groom
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
- Aljur Abrenica – Singlebells
- Ariel Rivera – Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko
- Keempee de Leon – Here Comes the Groom
- Nico Antonio – Here Comes the Groom
- Xilhouete – Here Comes the Groom
Best Screenplay
- About Us But Not About Us
- Here Comes the Groom
- Love You Long Time
- Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story
Aside from the acting and technical awards, the jury gave recognition to the production team of Here Comes the Groom and Elijah Canlas (About Us But Not About Us).
