Photo credit: MMDA

In a vibrant celebration of Filipino cinema, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and iAcademy have joined forces to transform EDSA into a nostalgic art gallery. The two organizations recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create murals featuring iconic films from the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), marking the festival’s 50th anniversary in a big way.

This collaboration is more than just a beautification project; it's a trip down memory lane. Under the partnership, talented iAcademy students will paint murals showcasing some of the most memorable MMFF movie posters from the past five decades. Imagine driving along EDSA and being greeted by hand-painted masterpieces that remind you of classic films that have shaped Filipino culture.

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, who spearheaded the MOU signing on Thursday afternoon, expressed his heartfelt thanks to iAcademy for their enthusiastic support. “We will make EDSA nostalgic through murals of hand-painted movie posters to celebrate the rich history of MMFF,” said Artes. He also hinted at a collaboration with professional hand-painted movie poster artists, who will work alongside iAcademy students to bring this vision to life.

One of the proposed mural locations is a stretch of EDSA from Buendia to Ayala, spanning approximately 653 meters. It’s a sizable canvas that will undoubtedly catch the eyes of commuters and pedestrians alike.

iAcademy’s Chief Operating Officer Raquel Wong shared her excitement about the project, emphasizing how it symbolizes a shared commitment to enhancing public spaces through creativity. “The artworks of our students will showcase not only their skills but also the essence of Filipino life, community, and creativity,” Wong said. She added that these murals are more than just art—they’re a reminder of the power of creative collaboration in shaping our urban environment.

The signing ceremony was a lively affair, with MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations Asec. David Angelo Vargas, MMDA directors, and iAcademy officials and students in attendance. This isn’t the first time MMDA and iAcademy have teamed up; they previously collaborated with Boysen on a mural project centered around road safety, which is a key advocacy of the MMDA.

As the MMFF gears up for its 50th edition under the theme “Sine-Sigla sa Singkwenta,” these murals will serve as a colorful tribute to the festival's rich history and a celebration of Filipino artistry. So, keep your eyes peeled as EDSA gets a cinematic makeover that’s sure to add a splash of color and nostalgia to your daily commute.