Cinemalaya X: Nora’s 1st, Janitor leads with 5 awards

MANILA, Philippines - Nora Aunor has added another trophy to her gallery of awards. This is the Cinemalaya X Best Actress (Directors Showcase) plum for the Joel Lamangan film Hustisya after winning the other night at the annual independent film festival. It’s her first balanghai, an independent award, which makes the recognition extra special for the movie icon who has won every possible mainstream award out there.

“Sa wakas nagkaroon na rin ako ng pelikula sa Cinemalaya (Finally, I had a Cinemalaya movie),” said Nora in her acceptance speech, which was met by thunderous applause from the audience. “Asahan ninyo po na habang nandyan kayo, na sumusuporta pa rin po, ay patuloy pa rin po akong gagawa ng mga pelikulang makabuluhan at kapupulutan po ng aral, lalong lalo na ng mga kabataan (You can expect that for as long as you are around, supporting me, I will do meaningful movies, where the youth can learn from. I hope my films will serve as an inspiration to them).”

Since filmmaking is a collaborative work, Nora also acknowledged the efforts of direk Joel, scriptwriter Ricky Lee and the men and women behind Hustisya, which had given her the rare opportunity to portray the foul-mouthed Biring, the runner-turned-madam with a conscience, who has tried to get away from the chains of human trafficking but fails to change the course of her life.

Nora, of course, thanked her fans, who according to her, “without you, I wouldn’t be here.” These are the people “who would line up and fight (for me and also thank you to) my friends who believed and continue to believe in me.”

Before playing Biring, Nora has essayed unforgettable roles in such movies as Ang T-Bird at Ako, The Flor Contemplacion Story, Tatlong Taon Walang Diyos, Himala, Thy Womb and Bona. Nora’s performances are marked by her quiet, subdued acting.

Also winning their first Balanghai were Eula Valdes as Best Actress (New Breed) for Dagitab; Cris Villonco (Best Supporting Actress [Directors Showcase], Hari Ng Tondo); Barbie Forteza (Best Supporting Actress [New Breed], Mariquina); and Nicco Manalo (Best Supporting Actor [Directors Showcase], The Janitor).

The performances of veteran actors such as those of Robert Arevalo (Best Actor [Directors Showcase] for Hari Ng Tondo) and Dante Rivero (Best Actor [New Breed] for 1st Ko Si 3rd) were also recognized. At that night, Miggs Cuaderno was the youngest recipient of Balanghai as Best Supporting Actor for Children’s Show (New Breed). A special citation was awarded for #Y’s Sophie Albert, Coleen Garcia, Elmo Magalona, Chynna Ortaleza, Kit Thompson and Slater Young for their ensemble acting.

Other highlights were awarding Kidlat Tahimik (Eric de Guia in real life) the Gawad Balanghai for his outstanding contribution to Philippine Independent Cinema; Kidlat giving Cinemalaya the bamboo camera token; and David Corpuz winning the special jury prize for The Ordinary Things We Do, an experimental film that somewhat pays tribute to the visual nature of films (with that wide screen shot splitting intro three frames).

Awards have been given away and Cinemalaya X is over. But the public now begins to look forward to the 11th edition or another 10 years of Cinemalaya, which has nurtured emerging and established filmmakers in presenting new storytelling styles and exploring new themes need to be told. And the way I see it, Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is now the most credible and the most prestigious award-giving body.