FROM METROPOLIS TO MANILA, SUPERMAN TOUCHES DOWN TO STEAL PINOY HEARTS

DC Got It Right. Kicking off the global tour of "Superman" right here in the Philippines wasn't just a bold choice, it was a brilliant one.

- MJ MARFORI

In a country where fandoms run deep, passion never wavers and heroism is lived out in everyday resilience, the Man of Steel couldn't have found a more meaningful launchpad.

This wasn't just a red-carpet event; it was a cultural moment that throws back to the deep love of the Filipinos for Superman. The best part is it was one that placed Filipino fans front and center of a global cinematic reboot.

With director-writer James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran, and stars David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan gracing the Mall of Asia red carpet, the message was clear: Manila matters. And more than that, we get Superman. His immigrant roots, his quiet strength, his dual identity—we've been living versions of that narrative for decades.

I was in awe of all the super fans who lined up since the wee hours of the morning hoping to see the Man of Steel. I don't blame them.

Filipinos have always seen a part of themselves in Superman. Like him, many of us live double lives, balancing dreams with duty, family with ambition. Clark Kent's story as an outsider trying to belong, with unwavering hope and moral compass, resonates deeply in a country built on resilience and heart.