Angel Aquino wins her first 'Gawad Urian' award

MANILA, Philippines- Angel Aquino feels very blessed to win her first Gawad Urian award.

She was even nominated twice: one for the film “Ang Huling Chacha ni Anita” and the other is “Porno.”

But she was awarded Best Supporting Actress for the film “Ang Huling Chacha ni Anita,” winning against Mitch Smith (“Porno), Ruby Ruiz (“Ekstra”), Jasmine Curtis-Smith (“Transit”), and Raquel Villavicencio (“Dukit”).

Related: Angeli Bayani edges out Vilma Santos, Nora Aunor at 2014 Gawad Urian

“I'm one of the happiest people on Earth kasama ang iba pang mga nanalo ngayon,” she said with a big smile in an interview Tuesday night at the 37th Gawad Urian awards night. “I cannot explain how happy I am. Kanina pag-upo ko sa upuan ang tagal niya nag-settle in my system. It was overwhelming.”

The actress-host believes that she was recognized in this film because of its “honesty.”

“Matapang siya, e, it tackles women issues but in a very light manner,” she explained. “That's what I liked about the movie, na kahit mabibigat 'yong issues na pinag-uusapan lahat tumatawa, parang walang nangyayari, pero ang dami-dami nilang pinagdadaanan.”

Meanwhile, Angel gives a “kudos” to all independent film makers who are brave enough to defy commercialism in making their films.

“I think for this season, mas umangat pa ang mga independently produced movies, kakaunti lang ang nominadong movies from mainstream,” she comments. “So that means that a lot of independently produced movies are being done very well, written, produced, directed very well and that is being seen.

“Kasi lalong lalo na dito sa Urian, they're being recognized, hindi lang may sari-sariling venues kung saan...parang magkakaroon ng parangal para sa independent films at usually nakahiwalay sila. Pero dito kasama sila ng kahit anong pelikula. So they just have to keep on doing what they're doing.”