MANILA – (UPDATED) The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) executive committee released on Tuesday the last four films to complete its “Magic 8” for 2018.

The entries, which were selected from 16 finished film submissions, include:

* “Rainbow Sunset” by Heavens Entertainment; directed by Joel Lamangan and stars Gloria Romero, Eddie Garcia, and Tony Mabesa

* “One Great Love” by Regal Entertainment; directed by Enrico Quizon and stars Kim Chiu, Dennis Trillo and JC de Vera

* “Mary, Mary Me” by TEN17; directed by RC Delos Reyes and stars Toni Gonzaga, Alex Gonzaga, and Sam Milby

* “Otlum” by Horseshoe Productions; directed by Jovinor Tan and stars Ricci Rivero, Jerome Ponce, and John Estrada

“Nabigla, pero masayang-masaya,” said Tan, when asked how he feels that “Otlum” made the cut. “Siguro sinuwerte, nabalanse ng judges talaga ‘yung mga entry. Basta masaya lang [kami].”

Delos Reyes, who directs “Mary, Mary Me,” similarly feels lucky to be able to join this year’s MMFF. This is the second time that their production company, TEN17P, will be part of the festival.

“This is another milestone for us,” he said. “This is my first directorial movie. The last time, I was the supervisor of ‘Siargao’ last year.”

Screenplay writer Gina Marissa Tagasa, who represented “One Great Love” during the announcement of MMFF entries, is likewise ecstatic: “First time ko po itong sumali sa Metro Manila Film Festival. I am overwhelmed.”

“Parang di ko ma-describe ‘yung feeling ko. It’s all for my mom (the late Miss Tapia) hindi dahil sa nanalo or nakapasok, pero dahil this is very precious to me. Ito ang dream ng mommy ko,” she added.

Eric Ramos, who wrote the screenplay for “Rainbow Sunset,” meanwhile, expressed confidence that people will support their movie, which is about family values.

“Confident ako na pang-Pasko ang pelikula namin at maa-appreciate ng buong pamilya. Kukurot sa puso ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.

The first four of the “Magic 8,” which were chosen from script submissions, were announced last June.

These are Vice Ganda’s “Fantastica: The Princess, The Prince, and the Perya”; Coco Martin, Maine Mendoza and Vic Sotto’s action comedy “Popo En Jack: The Puliscredibles”; Anne Curtis’ solo effort “Aurora”; and “Girl in the Orange Dress,” which stars Jessy Mendiola and Jericho Rosales.

The MMFF, which opens every Christmas Day, aims to promote local films and bring families closer during the holidays. -- Report from Kiko Escuadro, ABS-CBN News