MTRCB summons Viva over content creator’s profane remarks at ‘Dreamboi’ premiere
Metro Manila, Philippines - The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has summoned Viva Communications, Inc. to a dialogue following the spread of a video showing one of its content creators uttering profane remarks directed at the agency during the premiere of “Dreamboi”, an official entry to the CineSilip Film Festival 2025.
In a letter dated Oct. 23 addressed to Viva President Vincent Del Rosario, the MTRCB said the meeting seeks to promote mutual understanding and responsible conduct in public events. The agency called the talent’s remarks “disrespectful to the institution and to the people behind the Board’s work.”
“In line with our Responsableng Panonood campaign and our vision for healthy collaborative practices with our stakeholders, we would like to invite you for a dialogue on the said report,” the letter stated.
“While we respect freedom of expression, the agency views with serious concern the use of language that undermines respect for public institutions and the standards governing film classification.”
The meeting is set for Nov. 4 and is expected to serve as a venue for discussion and to reinforce the importance of professionalism and accountability within the entertainment industry.
While the MTRCB did not identify the content creator by name, online users have linked the incident to social media personality and actress Sassa Gurl, who went viral for cursing the agency in reaction to the initial X rating given to “Dreamboi”.
Sassa, who made her acting debut last year in the political thriller “Balota,” has since taken on multiple film projects and is part of two entries in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival: “Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins” and “Bar Boys”.
Known for being outspoken about her experiences as a queer artist, Sassa expressed frustration over what she described as an unfair classification of “Dreamboi”, a film directed by Rodina Singh and written by Kip Oebanda. During an event in Pasig City on Oct. 18, she criticized the MTRCB’s decision.
“Hindi dapat i-X-rated ang kuwento ng mga LGBT. Kaya talagang ilalaban namin ito… dahil sobrang sikip na nga lang ng space na ino-occupy namin sa industry tapos tatanggalan pa kami ng MTRCB.”
[Translation: The film should not be X-rated, we will fight for our film because we are fighting for a very small space in this industry and the MTRCB is depriving us of that space]
On Oct. 20, the MTRCB issued a second X rating on ‘Dreamboi’ after it was resubmitted for reclassification. Sassa reacted on X (formerly Twitter), posting: “This is transphobia!! Free the dolls!!”
