The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has summoned Viva Communications, Inc. for a dialogue following a viral incident where content creator and performer Sassa Gurl was caught on video uttering profanities against the Board during the red-carpet premiere of ‘Dreamboi’, one of the official entries at the CineSilip Film Festival 2025.
In a statement released on October 31, the MTRCB said the remarks made during the premiere were considered “disrespectful to the institution and its personnel.”
A letter dated October 23 addressed to Viva President Vincent G. Del Rosario invited the company to attend a dialogue scheduled on November 4, intended to promote “understanding, professionalism, and accountability” in the industry.
“In line with our Responsableng Panonood campaign and our vision for healthy collaborative practices with our stakeholders, we would like to invite you for a dialogue on the said report,” the MTRCB wrote. “While we respect freedom of expression, the Agency views with concern the use of language that displays disrespect toward public institutions and the standards that guide the proper classification of films.”
The agency clarified that the dialogue aims to create an open and positive space for discussion rather than impose penalties.
The controversy stemmed from Sassa Gurl’s expletive-laden outburst during the October 22 premiere of ‘Dreamboi’ at Market! Market! Cinema 3 in Taguig City, where she exclaimed: “T*ng ina niyo, MTRCB!”
She went on to question the agency’s decision to rate the film “X” twice, saying: “Bakit ire-rate X ang Dreamboi? Hindi naman ito porn! Hindi naman ako naglabas ng nota dito!”
When asked about MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto, Sassa further remarked, “Tama na siya! Malala siya! Maldita!”
Dreamboi, directed by Rodina Singh and starring EJ Jallorina, Tony Labrusca, Jenn Rosa, Migs Almendras, and Iyah Mina, won eight major awards at the CineSilip Film Festival awards night on October 27, including Best Film and Best Director.
The film was extended for additional screenings across select Ayala Malls Cinemas until November 4.
Meanwhile, Sassa Gurl is set to star and co-produce another Rodina Singh-directed film, ‘Multwoh’, one of the seven finalists at the upcoming Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026.
In a recent interview following the announcement of the new festival lineup, Sassa addressed the MTRCB issue with a calmer tone:
“Sana po, magtulungan po tayo. Sana po, hindi lang ‘yung mga pelikulang bet ninyo ang suportado. Our stories exist, our existence is important. Kailangan talaga natin siyang pag-usapan para magkaroon ng understanding.”
She added that ‘Multwoh’ will be a family-oriented film that she hopes her fans—whom she affectionately calls her “nakshies”—will enjoy.
