The competition for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival is already starting to heat up, and leading the way are some of the biggest names in this country.

The first four official entries for the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival have been revealed, offering moviegoers a sneak preview of the films that are set to grace the country’s largest annual celebration of local films. The festival will start with a bang in San Juan and Mandaluyong with an impressive blend of comedy, drama, fantasy and horror and will be presented by some of the most celebrated actors and filmmakers of the industry.

Comedy enthusiasts have got a lot to look forward to with the much-awaited ‘The Greatest Showdown,’ which is Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda’s big screen collaboration. Two of the most successful comedy faces in Philippine entertainment go head-to-head for the first time in the film, which will be one of the biggest draws at the festival with a top-billing, as directed by Jun Robles Lana.

Another big plus is Haunted Carnival, which will be graced by the likes of John Arcilla, Maricel Soriano, James Reid, Julia Barretto and Fyang Smith. Veteran award-winning actors join younger, box-office stars for suspense and thrills during the festive season at Regal Entertainment’s production.

Meanwhile, acclaimed director Zig Dulay brings back Amir, a fantasy drama written by National Artist for Film Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza. It features the veteran actors Dennis Trillo, Glaiza de Castro, Will Ashley, and Argus Aspiras, who will be joined by emerging talents in what is hoped to be one of the festival’s most ambitious and dramatic films.

The first batch is finished in 2nd Miracle (No. 7), headed by Aga Muhlach. The follow-up resurrects one of the nation’s most popular family dramas, with the goal of making another heartfelt film for the Christmas movie season.

The number of official entries for the 52nd edition of the MMFF will be increased with the release of four more, festival organisers said.