MTRCB celebrates 40 years with the stars

It was a star-studded evening, and rightly so. The MTRCB plays a vital role in reviewing and classifying movies, television programs and home videos, ensuring that content is appropriately rated and suitable for audiences of all ages.

Just recently, the agency launched its infomercial “Bagong Pilipino, Tara Nood Tayo,” featuring the First Family — President Bongbong Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and their sons — alongside major stakeholders from television networks, movie studios and some of the country’s top actors, actresses and filmmakers.

Senate President Tito Sotto and wife Helen Gamboa-Sotto with former ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio.

The campaign forms part of the administration’s broader effort to strengthen the creative industry, uplift arts and culture, stimulate the economy and reignite national pride. The infomercial’s messaging and execution were both impressive — another feather in the cap of MTRCB’s hardworking and dynamic chairperson, Lala Sotto-Antonio.

It came as no surprise, then, that the anniversary celebration was a resounding success. All the major television networks were represented. From ABS-CBN came Mark Lopez, Carlo Katigbak, Cory Vidanes and Charo Santos-Concio. TV5 was represented by Manny Pangilinan, Jane Basas, Guido Zaballero and Dino Laurena, while GMA sent Annette Gozon-Valdes, Joy Marcelo and Law Tan. All TV’s delegation included May Purificacion, Dandelo Gomez and Rea Jose, and from NET25 were Caesar Vallejos and lawyer Bong Teodoro.

GMA executives Annette Gozon-Valdes, Joy Marcelo and Gigi Lara-Santiago attend the event.

The movie industry was also well represented, with Roselle Monteverde of Regal Films, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairperson Joey Reyes with nephew direk Mark Reyes, Malou Santos and Olive Lamasan of Star Cinema and direk Carlitos Siguion-Reyna with wife Bibeth Orteza in attendance.

Adding a touching note of history, Carlitos’ mother, the late Armida Siguion-Reyna, once served as MTRCB chairperson from 1998 to 2001.

Representing ABS-CBN are bosses Carlo Katigbak, Cory Vidanes and Mark Lopez. They are joined by Malou Santos and Olive Lamasan of Star Cinema (second and fourth from left, respectively).

Naturally, the MTRCB Board Members were present in full force — among them lawyer Jojo Salomon, lawyer Gabby Concepcion, lawyer Cesar Pareja, lawyer Yen Abella, lawyer Pedro Cesar Solidum, lawyer Mynoa Refazo Sto. Domingo, Wilma Galvante, JoAnn Bañaga, Rocky Cruz, Lilian Gui, Keats Musngi, Jan Marini Alano, Trin Ebarle, Eloisa Matias, Almira Muhlach, Cherry Espion, Antonio Reyes, Bobby Andrews, Joey Alberto, Fernando Prieto, Glenn Patricio, Gello Jamias, Johnny Revilla, Jerry Talavera, Richard Reynoso, Neal del Rosario, Val Sotto, Al Mendoza, Mark Andaya and past board member Manet Dayrit.

Among the big stars who graced the occasion were Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, John Estrada and his beautiful daughter Kaila Estrada, Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, Ara Mina, Cherry Pie Picache and “Batang Quiapo” lead star and director Coco Martin, who came with Julia Montes.

Among the celebrity guests and TV personalities seen at the event are (clockwise, from bottom right) Vic Sotto, Coco Martin, Rico Hizon, Pops Fernandez, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, John Estrada, Cherry Pie Picache and Joey de Leon.

The Sotto family came in full force, led by Senate president Tito Sotto and Helen Gamboa, with their children Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and wife Joy, Apples and Ciara Sotto, along with Vic and wife Pauleen Sotto. The rest of the “Eat Bulaga” cast were there, too — Joey de Leon, Jose Manalo, Allan K, Wally Bayola and Ryzza Mae Dizon.

At around 8 p.m., the lights dimmed and the program began, hosted by Pops Fernandez and Rico Hizon. The evening opened with welcome remarks from chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio, who honored the agency’s four decades of “integrity, responsibility and service to the Filipino viewing public.” She also thanked all the stakeholders for their invaluable and unwavering support. A congratulatory message from Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin followed immediately.

Guests were treated to beautiful production numbers featuring well-loved local, international, and animated movie theme songs performed by Sam Concepcion, Jan Marini, Bugoy Drilon, Zephanie Dimaranan, Ysabel Ortega, Carmel Lozano, Lara Maigue, Gian Magdangal, Kit Inciong, Dylan Menor, Jona, Aicelle Santos, Poppert Bernadas, Rita Daniela and Richard Reynoso.

A touching video tribute honored former employees and those who have passed on, lovingly researched and presented as a heartfelt remembrance of their invaluable service to the agency.

One of the highlights of the night was seeing former MTRCB chairpersons on stage — Sen. Grace Poe, Toto Villareal, Rep. Rachel Arenas, Jeremiah Jaro and Consoliza Laguardia — each receiving a plaque of appreciation for their contributions to the agency’s continuing legacy.

Before the evening drew to a close, Rep. Javi Benitez, chair of the House Special Committee on Creative Industries, delivered a thoughtful and forward-looking message recognizing the MTRCB not just as a regulator but as “an educator and protector of Filipino families.”

Drawing from his experience as Mayor of Victorias City, Benitez shared how the MTRCB’s Responsableng Panonood program made a tangible impact on his community. After partnering with the Board in 2023, local schools observed a decline in bullying and aggression among students — proof, he said, that responsible media habits foster empathy and emotional well-being.

It was truly a night to remember — one that celebrated not only four decades of the MTRCB but also the enduring brilliance of Philippine cinema and television.

Congratulations, MTRCB, on your 40th anniversary!