The hard work of Vice Ganda and the cast of ‘Call Me Mother’ has paid off in a big way, as the film reportedly sold out in multiple cinemas nationwide on its opening day, December 25, 2025, during the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
Based on industry sources, ‘Call Me Mother’ led the MMFF 2025 box office by a wide margin on its first day of release, with earnings reportedly reaching around PHP 49 million. While the MMFF management has yet to release official figures, several reliable sources noted that the film earned three to four times more than its closest competitor, ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins’, which ranked second.
The strong opening did not come as a surprise to industry observers, given Vice Ganda’s consistent box-office track record at the MMFF. This year, however, audiences are seeing a different side of the comedian-host. While Vice Ganda’s trademark humor remains intact, ‘Call Me Mother’ explores deeper emotional territory, blending comedy with raw, family-driven drama that has resonated strongly with viewers.
The film also stars Nadine Lustre, along with several former ‘PBB Celebrity Collab Edition’ housemates and a large ensemble cast, all of whom have contributed to the movie’s strong word of mouth.
A major factor behind the film’s success is its aggressive and hands-on promotional campaign. The cast embarked on nationwide mall tours, personally selling tickets and interacting with fans. The movie was also heavily promoted on ‘It’s Showtime’, giving it massive on-air exposure across different audiences. In addition, Star Cinema’s strong partnerships with theaters ensured wide screen availability during the crucial opening days of the festival.
Despite Nadine Lustre’s absence from some promotional activities, including the MMFF float parade, the actress clarified that there was no issue behind the scenes and that there was full understanding between her and Vice Ganda. The cast has continued mall tours and cinema visits even after the film’s release, with Vice Ganda personally surprising moviegoers during screenings.
Although ‘Call Me Mother’ has received mixed reactions from some critics, it has largely been praised by fans and entertainment platforms for its fresh take on comedy and its emotionally resonant message about family, sacrifice, and the often-overlooked struggles of breadwinners. Positive reviews and strong audience reception are expected to help the film maintain its box-office lead in the coming days.
As of writing, MMFF organizers have yet to issue official opening-day figures. However, early indicators suggest that ‘Call Me Mother’ is well on its way to becoming one of the biggest MMFF hits in recent years, further cementing Vice Ganda’s reputation as one of the festival’s most bankable stars.
