A night of first-time winners & surprises

It was a night of first-time winners and surprises, making this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Awards Night one that will always be remembered and savored by the chosen few. A first-time director romping away with the Best Director’s Prize, a first-time Best Actor winner, and a Best Picture that proved an old story given strong and extensive technical backing could gain the nod of the jury —  these were just some of the highlights of the night.

Host Boy Abunda and MMFF chairman Bayani Fernando welcomed everyone to the SMX Convention Center, venue of this year’s awards night, and spoke of the strides the film industry has been making, the government support it enjoys, and how box-office revenues for the films this year were a sure sign of the public’s unflagging support for the festival. After a litany of technical awards (cornered by Resiklo) and minor awards that had been given earlier in the day, the nine major awards were announced.

Best Original Story went to Cesar Apolinario for Banal, while Best Screenplay had Joey Javier Reyes trooping to the stage for Katas ng Saudi. Best Supporting Actor went to Roi Vinzon for Resiklo, while Eugene Domingo gave a wonderful speech when it was announced she had won Best Supporting Actress for Bahay Kubo. Significantly, she said the award symbolized theater artists like her do have a place, and can be appreciated in the film industry. Nash Aguas romped away with Best Child Actor for his work in Shake Rattle & Roll 9.

In the Best Picture race, three films were honored. Enteng Kabisote 4 placed third, with Octo Arts bigwig Orly Ilacad and cast member Francine Prieto receiving the award for the co-prod with MZet Productions. Star Cinema’s Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo ranked second and this had director Joey Javier Reyes and Roxy Liquigan trooping to the stage. And big surprise, Imus Productions’ Resiklo bagged the top prize. Sen. Bong Revilla looked visibly excited and surprised with the outcome, and having spoken to director Mark Reyes previously about the painstaking manner in which he had put the film together, it’s great to have attention to detail and seamless integration of computer generated images and live action recognized and rewarded.
Providing a twist to this year’s festivities was a concert of Lani Misalucha after the award-giving ceremony; and she still is, hands down, one of the most exciting performers one can put onstage. Her Las Vegas exposure has only meant added professionalism, and stronger content and performance flow. Suffering from the flu, Lani proved what a trouper she is, coming out for two encores when the crowd just wouldn’t let her go. I especially liked her tribute to past MMFF movie themes, with Christian Bautista, Gian Magdangal and Ronnie Liang assisting her; and the number she had when she imitated the likes of Natalie Cole, Anita Baker, Angela Bofill and Dionne Warwick.

Maricel Soriano (Bahay Kubo) took home the Best Actress award; and it was Sen. Jinggoy Estrada (Katas ng Saudi) who finally has a Best Actor award to show off to his father. The genuine outpouring of goodwill when Jinggoy’s name was announced was a sight to see, showcasing how, at the end of the day, the industry is a fraternity and family all rolled into one.