National Artist Ricky Lee with MMDA Chair Don Artes and representatives from Philippine cinema and iAcademy at yesterday’s unveiling of the film icons mural along Edsa

In celebration of the 50th year of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), a mural featuring some of the biggest stars in the history of Philippine cinema was unveiled in Makati yesterday.

For a limited time, commuters along Edsa near Orense in Makati will be greeted by the faces of acting legends, including National Artists Fernando Poe Jr. and Nora Aunor, former President Joseph Estrada, “Comedy King” Dolphy, “Star for All Seasons” Vilma Santos, Eddie Garcia, Christopher de Leon, Maricel Soriano, Cesar Montano, Gloria Romero, Amy Austria, Anthony Alonzo, Vice Ganda, Dingdong Dantes, and Marian Rivera.

The unveiling was led by Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Don Artes, who was joined by National Artist Ricky Lee, MOWELFUND and MMFF Executive Committee head Boots Anson-Rodrigo, Film Academy of the Philippines Chair Paulo Villaluna, Vicki Dantes of Aktor, actor Joel Saracho, and other notable guests.

“We are proud to unveil the ‘Sine Sigla sa Singkwenta’ mural along Edsa, featuring hand-painted posters of our most iconic MMFF films and the stars who have graced the big screen over the past 50 years,” said Artes.

“This mural stands as a reminder of the timeless stories that have captured the hearts of generations and will continue to inspire future ones. It also serves as a tribute to the filmmakers, actors, artists, and writers who have shaped the MMFF throughout the years,” he added.

Artes also recognized National Artist Ricky Lee as an “MMFF baby,” commending him for his shared passion for Filipino cinema and their mutual vision of encouraging audiences to revisit and rediscover the nation’s cinematic heritage

The mural, located near the MMDA office on Orense St., is the first in a series of similar artworks that will eventually span the length of Edsa. The project is a collaboration between the educational institution iAcademy, with Phonsie Castaneda overseeing creative direction, and the mural artists from Art Atak, led by AG Sano and Sim Tolentino, who brought the stars’ faces to life.

In addition to the mural, SineSigla sa Singkwenta will showcase a curated display of classic MMFF posters from the past five decades, a workshop for student filmmakers, and screenings of 50 of the finest MMFF entries across the country’s top cinemas for just P50 per ticket.

“We will bring some of the most memorable MMFF films back to the big screen for just P50 entrance fee, allowing both new and long-time fans to experience the magic once again. These films represent the best of what MMFF offers over the past five decades,” Artes said.