Off to a rousing start

The cat has been out of the bag for quite some time now. But an official proclamation before millions of Filipinos still beats everything else.

In sharp contrast to her flat denials and evasiveness some time ago, Golden Screen Best Actress Ara Mina made no bones about it this time. She’s in love with Jomari Yllana, Aiko Melendez’s ex-husband.

He was first on her thank you list the other night as she dedicated her trophy to him.

"Trophy ka na nga sa akin. Binigyan pa ako ng trophy ni Lord," she turned to Jomari standing right behind her.

She even implored, "Hon, tulungan mo nga ako." And cooed, "Thank you for always making me special. Hon, I love you."

The First Golden Screen Awards was also memorable in that it gave separate awards for outstanding performance in a musical/comedy and drama. A rousing first, indeed!

The Honor Roll

Best Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role (Drama) – Ara Mina (Huling Birhen sa Lupa)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role (Musical or Comedy) – Cherry Pie Picache (Bridal Shower)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role (Drama) – Albert Martinez (Magnifico)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role (Musical or Comedy) – Aga Muhlach (Kung Ako na Lang Sana)

Best Motion Picture (Drama) – Magnifico

Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) – Bridal Shower

Gawad Lino Brocka Lifetime Achievement Award – Dolphy

Best Director – Maryo J. delos Reyes (Magnifico)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role – Judy Ann Santos (Mano Po 2)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role – Tirso Cruz III (The Debut)

Breakthrough Performance by an Actress – Juliana Palermo (www.xxx.com)

Breakthrough Performance by an Actor – Alfred Vargas (Bridal Shower)

Best Original Screenplay – Michiko Yamamoto (Magnifico)

Best Original Song – Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka, composed by Ogie Alcasid and interpreted by Regine Velasquez (Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka)

Best Cinematography – Odessy Flores (Magnifico)

Best Production Design – Gerry Santos (Magnifico)

Best Editing – Manet Dayrit (Magnifico)

Best Musical Score – Lutgardo Labad (Magnifico)

Best Sound – John Davis (The Debut)

Best Visual Effects – Dodge Ledesma (Malikmata)