Reality MM Studios and CCM Film Productions have officially announced their partnership for two major upcoming films: “On The Job: Maghari” and “May Pag-asa: The Battles of Andres Bonifacio.” The announcement event was attended by Reality MM Studios co-founders Direk Erik Matti and Dondon Monteverde, alongside acclaimed actor-director-producer Coco Martin, signaling a powerhouse collaboration in Philippine cinema.
“On The Job: Maghari” is a spin-off of the critically acclaimed “On The Job” franchise, centering on the origin story of Tatang Mario Maghari, portrayed by Joel Torre. Set in the 1990s, the film will delve into the character’s journey as he seeks to protect his family, eventually leading to his imprisonment. The movie is slated for release in 2026 and promises to expand the gripping OTJ cinematic universe.
Meanwhile, “May Pag-asa: The Battles of Andres Bonifacio” offers a fresh, modern retelling of the life of the Father of the Philippine Revolution. Scheduled for release in 2027, this ambitious project aims to bring Bonifacio’s story to contemporary audiences, blending period elements with modern influences such as rock music. The film seeks to highlight the continuing relevance of Bonifacio’s struggles in today’s society.
Director Erik Matti shared insights into how these projects came to life, revealing that the original meeting with Coco Martin began with a different set of film ideas. “We brought with us several ideas, but none of them were these ones. Eventually, after a long lunch and a lot of discussion, we ended up deciding on these two titles instead,” Matti explained. Both parties agreed that the scale of the partnership warranted bigger, more impactful projects.
Matti discussed the challenges and excitement surrounding “May Pag-asa: The Battles of Andres Bonifacio.” He acknowledged the complexity of creating a historical biopic, given the varied perspectives and expectations from historians and the Filipino public. However, he expressed enthusiasm about focusing on Bonifacio’s compelling story and its relevance to current national issues, updating the narrative for modern times.
Coco Martin, for his part, described his reaction to being offered the collaboration as a dream come true. He recounted how he admired the original “On The Job” and “Buybust” films, even requiring his production staff to watch them. “I waited and hoped that one day they would notice me. When I finally got the chance to meet Direk Erik and Sir Dondon, I was overwhelmed,” Martin said.
Martin also expressed his admiration for past historical epics like “Heneral Luna,” noting how proud he is to be part of projects that showcase Filipino talent and stories to the world. The weekly creative meetings that followed cemented his excitement and commitment to the films. He believes these projects will highlight the depth and skill of Filipino actors on an international stage.
As anticipation builds for “On The Job: Maghari” and “May Pag-asa: The Battles of Andres Bonifacio,” this collaboration between Reality MM Studios and CCM Film Productions marks a significant moment for Philippine cinema. Both films promise to captivate audiences with their powerful storytelling, fresh perspectives, and world-class production values.
