On a quiet evening in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, the sound of prayer echoes across the hills. It is in places like this—far from the glittering lights of Manila—that stories of resilience and hope are born. From these roots came ‘Mamay: A Journey to Greatness’, a biographical film that has now taken its place on the national stage with 10 nominations at the 73rd FAMAS Awards, the Philippines’ most celebrated honors in film.
The recognition feels almost poetic, a story about faith and perseverance, made with sincerity and respect, now honored by the country’s most prestigious cinematic body.
For the man whose journey inspired the film, Mayor Marcos Mamay, the recognition is deeply personal. “I am truly humbled and grateful that our story has received 10 FAMAS nominations. Even being acknowledged at this level is already a huge blessing. This recognition is not just for the film, but for the journey, the people, and the values we hold dear,” he said, his words carrying the weight of both triumph and humility.
Directed by Neal Buboy Tan, the film tells a story that is at once deeply local and universally human. Mamay’s rise was far from easy—his youth marked by hardship and a clan conflict, or rido, that scarred his community. But through faith, education, and an unwavering belief in peace, he transformed not only his own life but also the lives of those around him.
Tan recalls how challenging it was to capture the magnitude of that journey. “Shooting Mamay: A Journey to Greatness was both a challenge and a privilege. Mayor Mamay’s life story is filled with compelling moments, and filming in locations such as Nunungan, Baguio, and Dubai required care, precision, and respect for every scene. I truly believe our film deserves this recognition,” he shared.
That care shows. The film has been recognized across the board—’Best Picture’, ‘Best Director’, ‘Best Screenplay’, ‘Best Actress’ for Ara Mina, ‘Best Supporting Actor’ for Jeric Raval, ‘Best Production Design’, ‘Best Cinematography’, ‘Best Musical Score’, ‘Best Sound’, and ‘Best Song’ for ‘Hamon’ by Gerald Santos, composed by Vehnee Saturno.
At its core, the film is carried by powerful performances. Jeric Raval, often seen in action films, delivers a moving portrayal of Mamay, showing both the strength of a leader and the vulnerability of a man burdened by responsibility. Ara Mina lends warmth and grace as his steadfast partner, while Teejay Marquez captures the innocence and drive of a younger Mamay.
The ensemble cast—Polo Ravales, Ali Forbes, Victor Neri, Julio Diaz, Sabrina M, Devon Seron, Ron Angeles, and more—add texture and richness to the narrative, grounding it in community and shared humanity.
What makes the film even more striking is its respectful depiction of Muslim culture. For many of the cast, immersion in the traditions of Nunungan was eye-opening. “’Pag pamilya na talaga ang pinag-uusapan, ramdam mo ang pananampalataya nila, sobrang solemn,” said Alvin Fortuna. Dennis Coronel added, “Ang hospitality nila ay nakikita mo. Mababait at tahimik silang tao.” Actress Toni Co noted, “Madisiplina sila, at may oras talaga sa pagdarasal.”
And in true Filipino fashion, even solemn moments on set found their share of humor. Jeric Raval quipped, “Hindi ako pwede maging Muslim! Kasi apat lang ang asawa doon, pero kung Kristiyano, kahit ilan!”—a line that sent laughter rippling through the crew.
Beyond the awards, while the FAMAS nominations are a milestone, the team behind Mamay sees the film as only the beginning. Line Producer Shiela Lintan revealed that Mamay Production has a busy future planned… concerts, stage shows, a coffee table book, and two more films—’A Life to Leave’ and ‘Ang Babae sa Salamin’.
Mayor Mamay himself dreams of bringing the film to international audiences, with screenings being eyed in Indonesia, Dubai, Malaysia, and India. It is a bold vision, but fitting for a man whose life is defined by perseverance.
In a landscape where many films chase spectacle, ‘Mamay: A Journey to Greatness’ offers something quieter but more profound. It is a film about service. About holding fast to faith in the darkest times. About how one person’s determination can ripple out to touch an entire community.
Its 10 FAMAS nominations are proof that stories grounded in authenticity and hope can resonate just as powerfully as any blockbuster. But perhaps more importantly, they affirm that Filipino audiences are hungry for films that uplift, inspire, and remind us of who we are.
In the end, Mamay is not just the story of one man. It is the story of a people, of resilience, and of the belief that greatness is measured not by what one achieves for oneself, but by what one gives to others.
