Bar Boys: After School
DirectorKip Oebanda
Writer
Producer
  • Leo Liban
  • Carlos Ortiz
  • Jon Galvez
Starring
MusicEmerzon Texon
EditingChuck Gutierrez
CinematographyAlbert Banzon
Studio901 Studios
Runtime126 minutes
ReleasedDecember 25, 2025
CountryPhilippines
Language
  • Filipino
  • English
Gross[1]

Bar Boys: After School is a 2025 Philippine comedy-drama film directed by Kip Oebanda from a screenplay he co-wrote with Carlo E. Catu and Zig Dulay. A direct sequel to the 2017 film Bar Boys, the film stars Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, and Kean Cipriano, who reprised their roles from the first film.

Synopsis

The story, which is set ten years after the events of the first film, examines how time affects organizations, relationships, and people. It tells a moving but motivational tale about the unseen price of following one's aspirations.

Cast

Main cast

Supporting cast

Additional cast

Production

Pre-production

In 2024, Oebanda revealed that he was developing the script for the film.[15] Oebanda cited two main inspirations for the second film: a lawyer affiliated with PISTON who had viewed the first installment, and the death of his and Dulay's mentor, screenwriter Bing Lao.[16]

Casting

In August 2025, Aquino,[2] Nacino,[3] Pineda,[4] and Cipriano[5][17] confirmed that they would reprise their roles in the sequel.[18][10] Reflecting on the sequel's development, Nacino noted that the story pitch made the cast realize how much the original had resonated with audiences, particularly law students anticipating the follow-up.[19]

Sassa Gurl trained in acting, English, logic, public speaking, and rhetoric to prepare for her role, which was inspired by a class valedictorian from a prestigious law school.[8] She described her character Trish, as a tribute to the resilience of transgender and gay students who made it through law school. "This character pays respect to those who didn't hide their identity, who took up space and pushed through despite the ridicule," she said.[9] Separately, Malvar was offered the role of CJ during the premiere night of Balota, when Oebanda publicly announced her casting in front of the audience. Oebanda later explained to her that the character was inspired by Leni Robredo, which prompted her to accept the role.[9]

During his stint on Pinoy Big Brother (PBB), Ashley was announced as part of the cast.[6] Reportedly, he auditioned for the role two weeks before joining the reality show.[20] He started his acting workshops just two days after finishing his PBB stint.[21] Subsequently, Daez was cast as Ziggy following an audition process that spanned several months and involved more than 70 candidates.[12] Preparatory workshops with Daez commenced in early July.[22]

Filming began on June 29,[10][23] along with the announcement of Cabrera joining the cast.[13]

Marketing

The first official teaser for Bar Boys: After School was released on September 1, 2025, through digital platforms under Cinema Bravo.[24] The 56-second teaser was shared across Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, introducing Ashley's character Arvin— a working law student balancing his studies and job. The teaser opens with Arvin venting to Torran, played by Nacino, a character from the original film.[25][26]

Release

The film was released on December 25, 2025, as part of the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival.[27] It was rated PG by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).[28][29]

Reception

The film received generally positive reviews from critics. Fred Hawson of ABS-CBN News praised the film for revisiting themes of integrity and friendship, noting the ensemble cast's performances as a highlight.[30] Hannah Mallorca of Philippine Daily Inquirer described the film as a heartwarming reality check, singling out its emotional moments and character-driven storytelling.[31]

In a review for PEP, Mark Angelo Ching noted that while the screenplay had some limitations, the cast delivered solid performances.[32] Philbert Dy of Spot commented that the film occasionally relied on florid or soapy touches in depicting real-life situations, particularly in sequences featuring extended monologues, but also noted that the ensemble cast remained strong, with new additions Sassa Gurl, Therese Malvar, and Will Ashley contributing notable performances.[33]

Stephanie Mayo of Daily Tribune wrote that the film was well-acted but occasionally weighed down by repetition and didactic sequences.[34] LionhearTV noted that the sequel adopted a more reflective and mature tone than the original, blending humor and warmth while exploring themes of adulthood, justice, and moral challenges.[35]

Accolades

Award ceremonyDateCategoryRecipient(s)Result
2025 Metro Manila Film FestivalDecember 27, 2025Best DirectorKip Oebanda[36]
Best ActorCarlo Aquino
Best Supporting ActorWill Ashley
Best Supporting ActressOdette Khan
Best ScreenplayKip Oebanda, Carlo Catu, Zig Dulay
Best EditingChuck Gutierrez
Best Visual EffectsJohn Kenneth Paclibar
Best FloatBar Boys: After School
Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence
Most Gender-Sensitivity Award
Platinum Stallion National Media AwardsFebruary 3, 2026Film of the Year[37]
Director of the YearKip Oebanda
Best Film ActorWill Ashley
Breakthrough Artist of the YearSassa Gurl
TAG Victorious Awards ChicagoApril 4, 2026Best Supporting Actor – FilmWill Ashley[38]

References

  1. ^ "Star Cinema dominated the top 3 of the top 10 films of 2025". Philippine Box Office. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
  2. ^ Laurena, Adam (2025-07-01). "Carlo Aquino to reprise role as Erik in 'Bar Boys' sequel". Pika Pika. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  3. ^ Mariano, Dianne (2025-06-03). "Rocco Nacino returns as Torran in 'Bar Boys: After School'". GMA Network. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  4. ^ Yap, Jade Veronique (2025-06-23). "Enzo Pineda to return as Chris in 'Bar Boys' sequel". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  5. ^ Yap, Jade Veronique (2025-06-05). "Kean Cipriano to return as Joshua in 'Bar Boys: After School'". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
  6. ^ "Will Ashley to star in 'Bar Boys' sequel". GMA News Online. 2025-06-29. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  7. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (2025-05-28). "Glaiza de Castro joins 'Bar Boys: After School' cast". Inquirer. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  8. ^ Yap, Jade Veronique (2025-06-30). "Sassa Gurl joins cast of 'Bar Boys' sequel". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  9. ^ Cruz, Marinel (2025-09-04). "Meet the new power players of 'Bar Boys 2': Sassa Gurl and Therese Malvar". Inquirer. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
  10. ^ Ferrer, Noel; Olea, Jerry; Rula, Gorgy (2025-06-30). "Original cast ng Bar Boys, ire-reprise ang roles sa sequel na Bar Boys: After School" (in Tagalog). PEP. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  11. ^ Acebuche, Yoniel (2025-07-18). "Klarisse de Guzman joins cast of 'Bar Boys' sequel". The Philippine Star Life. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  12. ^ "Emilio Daez joins Will Ashley, Klarisse de Guzman in 'Bar Boys: After School'". GMA News Online. 2025-08-12. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  13. ^ Yap, Jade Veronique (2025-06-29). "Royce Cabrera joins 'Bar Boys' sequel". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  14. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (2025-05-22). "Benedix Ramos cast in upcoming film 'Bar Boys' sequel". Inquirer. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  15. ^ Cerezo, Anna (2024-08-04). "Kip Oebanda reveals sequel of 'Bar Boys' in the works". ABS-CBN. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  16. ^ Gallaga, Wanggo (2025-08-21). "On the set of 'Bar Boys 2:' Director Kip Oebanda talks about mentors and hope". Lifestyle Inquirer. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  17. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (2025-06-05). "Rocco Nacino, Kean Cipriano to reprise roles in 'Bar Boys' sequel". Inquirer. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  18. ^ Wang, Mel (2025-06-30). "'Bar Boys' is Getting A Sequel: Here's What We Know So Far". Rolling Stone Philippines. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
  19. ^ Cruz, Marinel (2025-08-23). "Back after school: Kean, Rocco, Enzo and Carlo return for 'Bar Boys' sequel". Inquirer. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
  20. ^ Villanueva, Angelica (2025-07-01). "Will Ashley joins 'Bar Boys: After School' as struggling law student". Manila Standard. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
  21. ^ Yap, Jade Veronique (2025-07-07). "Will Ashley starts acting workshop for 'Bar Boys: After School'". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
  22. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (2025-08-13). "Emilio Daez joins cast of 'Bar Boys' sequel". Inquirer. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
  23. ^ Yap, Jade Veronique (2025-07-01). "'Bar Boys: After School' starts filming". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
  24. ^ Wang, Mel (2025-09-01). "'Bar Boys: After School' Teaser Spotlights Will Ashley". Rolling Stone Philippines. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  25. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (2025-09-01). "Will Ashley bares struggles of a working student in 'Bar Boys: After School' teaser". Inquirer. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  26. ^ Villanueva, Angelica (2025-09-02). "Will Ashley pays tribute to working students in 'Bar Boys: After School' teaser". Manila Standard. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  27. ^ Felipe, MJ (October 10, 2025). "MMFF announces final four entries, completes 2025 lineup". ABS-CBN. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
  28. ^ Iglesias, Iza (2025-12-17). "MTRCB finishes classification of 2025 MMFF films". The Manila Times. Retrieved 2025-12-31.
  29. ^ Tinsay, Gideon (2025-12-17). "MTRCB gives final ratings for 2025 MMFF entries". The Philippine Star Life. Retrieved 2025-12-31.
  30. ^ Hawson, Fred (2025-12-26). "MMFF review: 10 years later, 'Bar Boys: After School' puts integrity back on trial". ABS-CBN. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
  31. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (2025-12-26). "MMFF movie 'Bar Boys: After School' is a heartwarming reality check". Inquirer. Retrieved 2025-12-31.
  32. ^ Ching, Mark Angelo (2025-12-30). "REVIEW: Bar Boys: After School is a reunion worth attending". PEP. Retrieved 2025-12-31.
  33. ^ Dy, Philbert (2025-12-27). "From Bar Boys to Shake, Rattle and Roll: All The MMFF 2025 Movies Reviewed". Spot. Retrieved 2025-12-31.
  34. ^ Mayo, Stephanie (2025-12-28). "MMFF REVIEW: 'Bar Boys: After School' is a passable sequel". Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
  35. ^ "Movie Review: 'Bar Boys: After School,' learning doesn't end after graduation". LionhearTV. Retrieved 2025-12-31.
  36. ^ Requintina, Robert (December 27, 2025). "2025 Metro Manila Film Festival: List of winners at Gabi ng Parangal". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved December 28, 2025.
  37. ^ Carreon, Mark Joseph (February 4, 2026). "Will Ashley, wagi bilang 'Best Actor' sa Platinum Stallion National Media Awards 2026" (in Tagalog). GMA Network. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  38. ^ Carreon, Mark Joseph (April 7, 2026). "Kapuso stars dominate 6th TAG Victorious Awards Chicago". GMA Network. Retrieved April 8, 2026.