CALL Me Mother was the last movie I caught during the eight-day Metro Manila Film Festival screenings organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. From the moment I walked in, it was clear this film was set to dominate the box office.
Vice Ganda, as always, drew the biggest crowd, while former Pinoy Big Brother housemates added a magnetic energy that had the red carpet at SM Megamall Cinemas overflowing with screaming fans. Nadine Lustre’s loyal followers were there in full force, too.
This screening was the biggest of them all. Even guest stars like Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Rabin Angeles with Angela Muji, and Enchong Dee with Robi Domingo brought in their own waves of fans.
Inside the theater, the energy was contagious. Every major scene, every laugh-out-loud moment, was met with thunderous cheers. The crowd was living every second of the movie, making it an experience as much about the audience as it was about the film itself.
But the question is, is Call Me Mother the best of this year’s festival? No, it is not, but it is definitely the biggest and most commercially viable film of this edition.
The film follows Twinkle (Vice Ganda), a devoted queer single mother who has spent years building a life for his son, Angelo (Lucas Andalio). Just as their family is about to become “official” through adoption, his biological mother, Mara (Nadine Lustre), returns with her own dreams of motherhood.
The story becomes a tug-of-war that asks a powerful question: Is a mother the one who gives life or the one who stays to raise it?
Call Me Mother begins with lighthearted comedy that masks deeper tension. As it progresses, it evolves into a serious, emotional drama. While the conflict is established early, the film shines in its willingness to tackle a complex resolution with maturity.
Vice Ganda sheds his familiar comedic persona to reveal vulnerability. His performance balances humor with raw sincerity. Nadine Lustre provides the ideal counterpoint to Vice’s emotional intensity.
Young Lucas, who plays Angelo, delivers a genuinely authentic performance. His portrayal of a child torn between two mothers gives the film a strong emotional heartbeat, making him the standout revelation of the movie.
The supporting cast—including John Lapus, former Pinoy Big Brother housemates Mika Salamanca, Brent Manalo, Klarisse de Guzman, Shuvee Etrata, Esnyr, and River Joseph—adds humor and relief during the film’s heavier moments.
The film’s central message revolves around sacrifice and the choices that define motherhood. It boldly declares that being a mother is not limited by gender, distance, or circumstance, and it also highlights the power of second chances and love.
Vice Ganda’s performance reminds viewers why he remains a cultural icon. He brings families together every Christmas. His role as Twinkle, a queer mother, captures the essence of MMFF storytelling.
The film’s message is loud and clear. It celebrates motherhood in all its forms. Twinkle may not bear children, but he embodies love and care. The character honors all those who nurture, demonstrating that motherhood is not al-ways defined by biology.
