Bacolod City is gearing up for a historic December as it steps into the national spotlight as one of the official hosts of the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival. This marks a monumental first for the festival, breaking traditional boundaries by bringing its official host activities outside Metro Manila.
Mayor Greg Gasataya shared the news recently, following the official MMFF 2026 launch. Bacolod was chosen along with San Juan and Mandaluyong to anchor this year’s edition, expanding the reach of the annual film festival to regional audiences.
The festivities are slated to arrive in Bacolod around mid-December, with the city pushing for a December 11 kickoff. This date aims to initiate two weeks of star-studded events seamlessly, avoiding a scheduling conflict with the opening of the 2026 Batang Pinoy National Championships, which Bacolod is hosting on December 12.
Bacolodnons can look forward to a celebrity motorcade hitting the streets of Bacolod, synchronized with the main festival launch in Metro Manila. Filipino actors, directors, and filmmakers will visit the city to engage with local cinema fans as part of the MMFF delegation. Beyond the glitz and glamour, organizers are also hosting training workshops and mentorship programs designed specifically for local creators.
The MMFF committee’s decision to select Bacolod as one of this year’s co-hosts was reportedly influenced by the city’s box-office track record and movie ticket sales. In addition, Bacolod has a deeply rooted, self-sustaining love for cinema.
The city is preparing for the third edition of its very own Bacolod Film Festival, an initiative started under Rep. Albee Benitez. The local government has also invested in its creative economy, recently opening the Bacolod G-Hive, a specialized hub that grants local filmmakers and artists free access to top-tier equipment and resources.
Final scheduling and logistical arrangements are currently being ironed out between city officials and the MMFF organizers. Bacolod is prepared to roll out the red carpet, proving that the heart of Philippine cinema beats just as strongly in the provinces.
