Christmas won’t be the same without the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), which, for the last 34 years, has successfully enticed the public to extend their merrymaking in the cinemas that are mandated to play only Filipino movies during Yuletide.

The 2009 MMFF’s official entries are “Ang Darling Kong Aswang” (Octoarts/M-Zet Productions/APT Entertainment), “I Love You, Goodbye” (Star Cinema), “Nobody, Nobody but Juan” (RVQ Productions/ Kaizz Films/Joe Aldeguer), “Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love” (Regal Entertainment), “Ang Panday” (GMA Films/Imus Productions), “Shake, Rattle and Roll 11” (Regal Entertainment), and “Wapakman” (Solar Entertainment Corp.).

But even before the film fest opens on Dec. 25, moviegoers are already treated to a stellar sight-seeing on Christmas Eve. Abroad colorful floats that individually represent the MMFF entries, stars of the participating movies parade around the designated areas in Manila.

This year, the traditional Parade of Stars will set off at the SMX of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay and will conclude at the Quirino Grandstand of the Rizal Park in Luneta. It will have three stops along the way where both movie stars and fans get to be entertained by performers as they take a breather.

The parade will culminate in a program at the Quirino Grandstand where stars of the seven MMFF entries – led by Comedy King Dolphy, perennial film fest box-office winner Vic Sotto, and Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla – will get the chance to promote their movies.

Come Dec. 28, the best of the lot will be honored in an awards night at the Sofitel, Philippine Plaza.

The 2009 MMFF Executive Committee is composed of Judge Oscar Inocentes (over-all chairman), Maricor Imperial (executive chairman), Rolando Josef (executive director), AGM Edenison Fainsan (chairman, finance), Angelito Vergel de Dios (executive director, TOC), Robert Nacenciano (member), Ric Camaligan (SM Cinemas), Manuel Nuqui (PMPPA), Wilson Tieng (MPDAP), Dominic Du (GMTA), Marcus Ng (MMTA), Boots Anson Roa (Mowelfund) and Leo Martinez (FAP).