MANILA, Philippines – Angelica Panganiban may not have clinched the Best Actress award at the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), but she has still captured the hearts of netizens, trending on X and sparking discussions across social media.
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| Angelica Panganiban (UnMarry) and Krystel Go (I’mPerfect) shine at the 2025 MMFF Awards Night, earning praise from fans and critics alike. Photo Courtesy: MMFF Official |
“Ako naghanda ako ng speech pero hindi ko nasabi,” Panganiban admitted during her speech for the Second Best Picture award for UnMarry. Her candid reflection resonated with fans who felt she deserved recognition.
Netizens React
Many X users expressed disappointment, suggesting that Panganiban was “robbed” of the Best Actress award. Here are some reactions:
- adie ⭐ @eggkarchive: "Still my Best Actress, Angelica Panganiban."
- wondering gal @wondering__gal: "I can't move on from Angelica Panganiban not getting the award. Mas masakit kasi I'm sure she's aware that people expected her to win."
- Leo_30 @August_Leo1993: "Sa dami ng awards ng UnMarry + positive reviews ng moviegoers. Nakakalungkot pa rin na pinagkait nyo kay Angelica Panganiban yung Best Actress Award. Sana ni respeto sana yung craft ng artist."
- Rhadrian @iamrhadarizala: "Angelica Panganiban should have won that Best Actress award! She deserves it. A tie could have been a better result."
Panganiban’s remarks came shortly after Vice Ganda admitted he did not prepare a speech, as he didn’t expect to win. “Mas inexpect kong hindi mananalo, mas inexpect kong hindi nakikita, mas inexpect kong nagugustuhan pero hindi pinipili,” Vice shared during his historic Best Actor win.
The Award Winner
The Best Actress award went to Krystel Go for her performance in I’mPerfect, a film that explores the romantic relationship between two adults with Down syndrome. The inclusive movie also won Best Picture and Best Ensemble, making it a standout for representation and advocacy.
READ: FULL LIST: Winners, MMFF 2025 awards night
Angelica Panganiban: A Strong Contender
The Best Actress category at the MMFF is always one of the most competitive, and Panganiban has been a mainstay contender. “Mahirap masungkit ang MMFF,” she said candidly.
Reflecting on her long journey, she admitted, “Hindi ko masagot. Marami na rin akong pelikula na nagawa for MMFF. Sabi ko nga, ‘Always a nominee but never a winner.’”
UnMarry marks Panganiban’s first MMFF appearance since 2012’s One More Try. The actress revealed that many previous scripts failed to excite her: “No offense naman sa mga ibinigay sa aking script noon, pero parang wala talaga siyang lukso ng dugo. Hindi nakaka-comeback ‘yung dating niya.”
She emphasized that UnMarry was a project she couldn’t let pass. “Kailangan ko talaga ‘yung nanggigigil ako sa project. ‘Yung tipong hindi ka makakatulog. Kumbaga ‘pag pinalampas ko ito, parang manghihinayang ako. ‘Yun ang hinihintay kong project.”
Despite not taking home the award, Angelica Panganiban’s performance and dedication have earned her the admiration of fans, proving that sometimes recognition goes beyond trophies.
— The Summit Express