RPG Metanoia (2010)

RPG Metanoia is a 2010 Filipino animated epic comedy-drama film directed by Luis C. Suárez in his directorial debut, from a story solely written and screenplay co-written with Jade Castro and Tey Clamor. Produced by Ambient Media, Thaumatrope Animation and Star Cinema, RPG Metanoia is the first feature-length Philippine animated film presented entirely in 3D CGI (as of 2025, the only film to do so). With a budget of ₱100 million, it became the most expensive Philippine animated film to date until Zsazsa Zaturnnah. The film blends elements of science fantasy and action-adventure genres, traditional culture, and online role-playing video games, along with certain themes of friendship and resentment. The film follows Nico (voiced by Zaijan Jaranilla in his film acting debut), an introverted boy who is obsessed with playing an MMORPG game along with his friends when a virus starts infecting the game and spreads into the real world, and Nico and his gang are tasked to stop the infection and save their world. The film features an ensemble cast including Eugene Domingo, Aga Muhlach, Mika dela Cruz, Jairus Aquino, Basty Alcances, and Ketchup Eusebio. RPG Metanoia premiered in Philippine cinemas on December 25, 2010, as an official entry at the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival, which received twelve nominations (the most of any animated films at the festival) and won four awards including the title for 3rd Best Picture, Best Sound Recording and Best Original Theme Song, as well as the Quezon City's special citation for animation in Most Gender-Sensitive Film. Despite its critical success at the film festival's awards night, the film was a box-office disappointment with a total of ₱33 million against a ₱100 million budget.