A total of 69 honorees were recognized at the 4th Film Ambassadors’ Night (FAN) hosted by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) on February 9, Sunday, at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. These included 66 filmmakers, actors, and films that gained international accolades in 2019, plus three Philippine Cinema icons who received the highest honor from FDCP, the Camera Obscura Artistic Excellence Award.

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño, Raymund Ribay Gutierrez, and DILG Undersecretary Martin Diño

 

Nick Deocampo, Ricky Lee, and Cathy Garcia-Molina

 

Ina Raymundo, Maja Salvador, and Max Eigenmann

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño and Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo

The FAN is an annual gathering spearheaded by FDCP to pay tribute to Philippine Cinema members who brought honor to the country with their victories in international film festivals. FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño explained, “In other countries, whenever these filmmakers go out there and represent our Cinema, they’re alone. People here don’t know how much our films are appreciated abroad. This is our little way of showing them na binibigyan natin sila ng pasasalamat dahil sa ginagawa nila, to represent our stories and our country.”

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño with Bembol Roco

 

More than being a thanksgiving event for filmmakers who have served as ambassadors of Philippine Cinema in the previous year, the FAN is also a platform for industry members to plan possible collaborations. According to Diño, it was through the FAN that FDCP, which is under the Office of the President of the Philippines, was able to forge partnerships with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Presidential Legal Counsel. 

 

“All of them are seeing the importance of Philippine Cinema and how our film industry is not just a contributor to our cultural endeavors but also a contributor to the economic sector of the country,” Diño said. She mentioned FDCP’s various film incentive initiatives as well as the continuing assistance programs to film labs, project markets, and film festivals in the local, regional, and international arenas. She also brought up the landmark agreement between DOLE and FDCP on providing guidelines for the working conditions, safety, and health of audio-visual industry workers.

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño with Monsour del Rosario, Sarah Chang, and Vincent Soberano

 

Atom Araullo receives the first of two trophies for “The Atom Araullo Specials.”

 

Howie Severino

 

“We may be competing in different festivals abroad. We may be promoting Philippine Cinema in different parts of the country and the world pero kung hindi natin aalagaan ang ating workers, mamamatay po ang ating industriya,” she noted. “They’ve given their share. They've given so much, more than themselves. They live because they love this industry.” She then enjoined everyone in the film industry to band together to look after the welfare of all audio-visual workers. 

 

All-out support for PH Cinema from the government

 

Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo lauded FDCP’s passion and dedication in improving the state of Philippine Cinema. He made known President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s message for FDCP Chairperson Diño: “He is impressed with what you are doing.” Panelo also mentioned that the President and the entire Duterte Administration share in the joy of the honorees who bagged awards due to their tireless efforts and artistic geniuses.

 

Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo

 

Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, Ambassador of Germany to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel, and Instituto Cervantes de Manila Director Javier Galván

 

“The Philippines has no shortage of exceptional personalities in the movie industry. Tonight is a testament of the world-class talent of some of our filmmakers, producers, and actors in the industry. And as we give honor to them for representing the Philippines in the international stage, we also give thanks to them for doing so with dignity and passion,” stated Panelo.

 

DILG Undersecretary Martin Diño

 

He continued, “As you receive recognition, may this remind you why you have traversed the road of filmmaking and show business, and in turn, push you to make more films that will touch on the issues that you are passionate about.” He also assured filmmakers of the government’s support as they seek to create more world-class films that will carry the Filipino trademark of excellence and relevance. “In fact, that is why I’m here today. My very presence is a sign to all of you that this government is giving all-out support to FDCP,” he declared.

 

Filipinos shine on the world stage

 

Filmmakers who have won in various categories were recognized, with the A-Listers roster leading the pack with five honorees who prevailed in A-List International Film Festivals as rated by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations. “Verdict” by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez won the Special Jury Prize in the Horizons (Orizzonti) section of the Venice International Film Festival in Italy, one of the Big Three international film festivals alongside Cannes in France and Berlin in Germany. The film also won the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) Award at the Hainan Island International Film Festival in China. 

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño and DILG Undersecretary Martin Diño with the A-Listers

 

Raymund Ribay Gutierrez

 

Judy Ann Santos

 

“Sobrang suwerte natin at mayroon tayong Chair Liza ngayon dahil sobrang hands-on siya at talagang mayroon na tayong say kapag lumalabas tayo sa ibang bansa at hindi tayo parang saling-pusa lang,” Gutierrez said in his speech. “Sa ‘Verdict’ team, mula sa executive producer hanggang sa production assistant at sa utility ko, lahat sila, para sa kanila ito at hindi ko magagawa ito kung wala sila. Sa Pelikulang Pilipino, ang masasabi ko lang, magtulungan nalang tayo to each of his own cinema.”

 

“Mindanao” by Brillante Mendoza got two FAN citations for its double victory at the Cairo International Film Festival in Egypt where it won Best Artistic Contribution and Best Actress for Judy Ann Santos. “Direk Brillante, salamat dahil sinama mo ako sa pelikulang napakamakabuluhan. Ang mapabilang sa mga kasama ko dito sa Pelikulang Pilipino, sa industriyang ito, ang mapasama sa mga taong punung-puno ng talento ay napakalaking karangalan. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Mabuhay ang Pilipino. Mabuhay ang Pelikulang Pilipino. Para po sa atin ito,” stated Santos.

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño and DILG Undersecretary Martin Diño with Armi Rae Cacanindin

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño and DILG Undersecretary Martin Diño with Ferdy Lapuz

 

The documentary “Aswang” directed by Alyx Ayn Arumpac and produced by Armi Rae Cacanindin won the FIPRESCI Prize in the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) in the Netherlands. Cacanindin read the message of Arumpac who was at The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) Doc Fortnight in New York: “Sa pagkilalang ito, sana ay mas mabigyang-pansin din ang sistematikong paglabag sa karapatang-pantaong nagaganap pa rin sa paligid natin—ang pagtugis sa mga aktibista at human rights workers, ang pagsunog at pag-atake sa mga lumad at mga paaralan nila, at siyempre, ang war on drugs. Nagbibigay-pugay kami sa mga kapwa artista at sa mga pelikulang walang sawang nilalahad ang mga kuwentong ito, para sa isang mas malakas na boses.” Meanwhile, producer Ferdy Lapuz received the FAN trophy on behalf of Jun Robles Lana who was in the middle of a shoot. Lana was declared Best Director at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia. 

 

Exemplary achievements and breakthroughs

 

Another FAN highlight was the awarding of the Camera Obscura Artistic Excellence Award to three industry stalwarts: Cathy Garcia-Molina for being the highest-grossing Filipino Film director, Nick Deocampo for being the vanguard of Filipino film history and education, and Ricky Lee for being an awarded screenwriter and dedicated mentor to the next generation of screenwriters. FDCP’s highest honor was named after the Camera Obscura that allows an image to form on the wall of a dark room by means of light through a small passage.

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño with the Camera Obscura Awardees

 

 

Nick Deocampo, Ricky Lee, FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño, and Cathy Garcia-Molina

 

Since the Camera Obscura allows for sight, the award serves as a metaphor for how the awardees see and understand the world as evidenced by their contributions to Philippine Cinema. The Camera Obscura Awardees are considered to be trailblazers who have broken records, paved the way for a new era of Philippine Cinema, and helped promote the Filipino film industry around the world. Aside from the trophies, the Camera Obscura Awardees also received cash prizes.

 

Garcia-Molina, director of box office hits that have become pop culture classics such as “One More Chance,” “A Very Special Love,” “She’s Dating the Gangster,” “Four Sisters and a Wedding,” and “Seven Sundays,” holds the record of having two movies with a worldwide gross of PHP 800 million each: “The Hows of Us” headlined by Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla with PHP 800 million and “Hello, Love, Goodbye” starring Bernardo and Alden Richards with PHP 880 million, now the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time. The total gross of her 23 films has amounted to more than PHP 6.13 billion.

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño congratulates Cathy Garcia-Molina.

 

Cathy Garcia-Molina

 

“From my actors, down to my boys, my staff to my utility, to everyone in my creative team, promo team, post-production, kasama po kayo sa award na ito. Wala po ako dito kung wala po kayo. At sa lahat ng mga nanonood ng Pelikulang Pilipino, ng pelikula namin, maraming, maraming salamat po. Kayo po ang nagbigay nito sa amin and andito po kami, paulit-ulit kong sinasabi, the very reason I do films is to entertain. I am in the entertainment business and I am here para ipagpatuloy ang pag-entertain, ang pagpapasaya ng mga tao,” she said.

 

Deocampo, a renowned film scholar and historian, is also an accomplished filmmaker. For having chronicled the various eras of Philippine film history, he has received National Book Awards and a FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award, plus he was among the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines and Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World. Among his books are “Short Film: Emergence of a New Philippine Cinema,” “SineGabay: A Film Study Guide,” and “Cine: Spanish Influences on Early Cinema in the Philippines.” He continues to advocate film literacy as a University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman professor, Center for New Cinema Director, and NETPAC advisory council member. 

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño congratulates Nick Deocampo.

 

Nick Deocampo

 

He said of his 40-year career, “Medyo napakahirap po at that time that independent cinema or alternative cinema has not really been recognized. We stood up for it. It goes all the way back to our resistance towards Martial Law when there was no creative space for filmmakers and for artists. Alalahanin po natin that Philippine Cinema is not the movie industry alone. For every long film that you make, isipin niyo nalang kung ilang short films ang nagagawa in the entire archipelago of this country. Sa bawat fiction film, ilang documentaries ang nagagawa? Sa lahat ng mga film practices that we do, ilang film historians lamang ang nagsusulat ng ating kasaysayan? Kaya ina-address ko ang salinglahi, ang susunod sa atin na sila ang nararapat na pagtuunan natin ng pansin dahil marami pa ang puwede nating maibigay sa kanila at marami rin silang magagawa sa ating hinaharap.”

 

Lastly, the multi-awarded Lee has written more than 150 screenplays, including “Himala,” “Moral,” “Madrasta,” “Anak,” and “The Trial.” He has also shared his artistry as a producer, television writer, creative manager, playwright, journalist, author, and UP Diliman professor. On top of all that, he has been dedicating himself to nurturing the next generation of screenwriters by coming up with the scriptwriting manual “Trip to Quiapo” and holding scriptwriting workshops for free since 1982, producing esteemed graduates such as Jeffrey Jeturian, Jerry Lopez Sineneng, and Lav Diaz. 

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño congratulates Ricky Lee.

 

Ricky Lee

 

“Mahalaga talaga sa akin ang workshops ko, mas mahalaga pa kaysa sa mga pelikulang nagawa ko at naisulat,” admitted Lee, who had just come from the first day of his workshop that is already on its 23rd batch. He revealed that whenever he holds his free workshops, “Nauubos ang pera ko, katawan ko, ang puso ko, ang isipan ko, ang kaluluwa ko pero I never once regretted it... Napakahalaga ng karangalang ito kasi pagkilala rin ito na mahalaga na ibinabahagi natin, gaano man kaliit, ang ating talento at kaalaman sa ibang tao.” He stated that the late Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Gil Portes, Mel Chionglo, and Marilou Diaz-Abaya also strongly believed in sharing their talents with others.

 

Trumpeting Philippine artistry the world over

 

The awarding ceremony kicked off with the Short Films category, with Honorary Consul of Georgia to the Philippines Thelmo Cunanan, Jr. handing over the trophies. The honorees were Jullienne Roasa for “Elon’s Way” (Best Student Film at International Film Festival Manhattan in New York, United States), Emir Khan Bautista for “Miss Concepcion” (International Film Festival Manhattan Audience Choice Award), Mark dela Cruz for “Amor Falso” (International Film Festival Manhattan Best Short Film), and John Lanbert Rafols, Jay Condeno, and John Nico Nunag for “Yero” (Best Short Documentary at Islands International Short Film Festival in New York).

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño and Honorary Consul of Georgia to the Philippines Thelmo Cunanan, Jr. with the Short Film Awardees

 

Jullienne Roasa and Honorary Consul of Georgia to the Philippines Thelmo Cunanan, Jr.

 

Emir Khan Bautista

 

Mark dela Cruz and Honorary Consul of Georgia to the Philippines Thelmo Cunanan, Jr.

 

Other Short Films awardees were Gutierrez for “Judgement” (Gold Remi Dramatic - Original in WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival in Texas), Joji Alonso for “Last Order” (WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival Platinum Remi Award - Short Film), Louie Ignacio for “Ngiti ni Nazareno” (Jury Award at Innuendo International Film Festival in Milan, Italy), and Breech Asher Harani for “Next to Me” (JCS International Young Creatives Award at the International Emmy World Television Festival in New York).

 

John Nico Nunag, Jay Condeno, John Lanbert Rafols, and Honorary Consul of Georgia to the Philippines Thelmo Cunanan, Jr.

 

Raymund Ribay Gutierrez and Honorary Consul of Georgia to the Philippines Thelmo Cunanan, Jr.

 

Louie Ignacio

 

Arjan Rebeta was recognized for his 12 victories for several short films.  “Palabas (A Country in Moving Pictures” won the Signs Award - Short Film Section at Festival International Signs of the Night - Zeichen Der Nacht in Berlin, Germany, Best Short Film at Mini Film Festival in Sarawak, Malaysia, Best International Short Film at Short Film Festival on Cultural Diversity and Peace in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Telefon Art Category Top Prize Winner in Szczecin Film Festival in Poland. “A Boxing Country” was Best Short Film in ANPUD Short Film Competition in Bangkok, Thailand and Best Experimental Short Film in Dolgoji Experimental Shorts in Seoul, South Korea while “Wing Chair” was Best Short Documentary in LAMP International Film Festival in Russia and the Jury Award recipient at Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival Pesta10 Filmmakers’ Competition in Malaysia.

 

Arjan Rebeta and Honorary Consul of Georgia to the Philippines Thelmo Cunanan, Jr.

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño and Arjan Rebeta

 

Rebeta’s other awarded works are “Ma-Gulong Sayaw ng Buhay (The Complicated Dance to the Wheel of Life)” (Second Best Short Film at Maandeshi International Short Film Festival in India), “Viral Girl” (Maandeshi International Short Film Festival Best Child Short Film), “Viral Kids” (Festival International Signs of the Night Special Mention for the Signs Award), and “At Home” (Best Documentary Film at Asia Peace Film Festival in Pakistan).

 

Documentaries for the small and big screens

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Koji Haneda, and Ambassador of Germany to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel with the Documentary Awardees

 

"The Atom Araullo Specials" team with Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Koji Haneda and Ambassador of Germany to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel

 

Howie Severino, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Koji Haneda, and Ambassador of Germany to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel

 

The “Front Row: Pasan” team with Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Koji Haneda and Ambassador of Germany to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel

 

Eight documentaries bagged citations, six of which were made for television, one was a short documentary, while the other was a full-length. “The Atom Araullo Specials” of GMA Network won two Gold Camera Awards at the US International Film and Video Festival for “Babies for Sale” and “No Leftovers.” Other awarded GMA Network documentaries that won the US International Film and Video Festival Silver Screen Award were “Islang Walang Lupa” by the Howie Severino team of “I-Witness,” “Front Row: Pasan,” and “Investigative Documentaries: Piitan.” ABS-CBN’s “Local Legends: Karne Norte” won the Silver Dolphin in the Lifestyle Art, Music, and Culture Category at the Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards in France as well as the Bronze World Medal at the New York Festival World’s Best TV and Films.

 

The “Investigative Documentaries: Piitan” team with Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Koji Haneda and Ambassador of Germany to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel

 

The “Local Legends: Karne Norte” team with Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Koji Haneda and Ambassador of Germany to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel

 

 

Ella Mage, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Koji Haneda, and Ambassador of Germany to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel

 

“Call Her Ganda” producer Kara Magsanoc Alikpala, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Koji Haneda, and Ambassador of Germany to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel

 

One short documentary, “No Man Left Behind” directed by Ella Mage, was hailed as the International Film Festival Manhattan Best Feature Documentary while the full-length documentary “Call Her Ganda” by PJ Raval won twice at the Seattle Asian American Film Festival for the Audience Choice Award and Best Feature Film. The filmmakers behind such documentaries were awarded by Ambassador of Germany to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel and Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Koji Haneda. 

 

Technical and creative excellence

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño and Instituto Cervantes de Manila Director Javier Galván with recipients of the Technical and Creative Awards

 

Mikko Quizon and Instituto Cervantes de Manila Director Javier Galván

 

Vincent Soberano and Instituto Cervantes de Manila Director Javier Galván

 

Mac Cosico and Instituto Cervantes de Manila Director Javier Galván

 

Eric Ramos and Instituto Cervantes de Manila Director Javier Galván

 

The Philippines was able to score 11 technical awards from eight movies as decided by international jurors. Instituto Cervantes de Manila Director Javier Galván presented the trophies for the technical honorees: Mikko Quizon for “Nabubulok” (Best Sound Effects at Formosa Festival of International Filmmaker Awards in Taiwan), Vincent Soberano for “Blood Hunters: Rise of the Hybrids” (Best Visual FX at Urban Action Showcase International Action Film Festival in New York), Mac Cosico for “Musmos ng Sumibol sa Gubat ng Digma” (Best Cinematography at Festival Internacional de Cinema de Figueira da Foz in Portugal), and Eric Ramos for “Rainbow’s Sunset” (WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival Best Story Innovation).

 

Carlo Ortega Cuevas and Instituto Cervantes de Manila Director Javier Galván

 

Monsour del Rosario and Instituto Cervantes de Manila Director Javier Galván

 

Sarah Chang and Instituto Cervantes de Manila Director Javier Galván

 

Romm Burlat and Instituto Cervantes de Manila Director Javier Galván

 

Other honorees were Carlo Ortega Cuevas for “Guerrero” (International Film Festival Manhattan Best Screenplay), Monsour del Rosario for “Blood Hunters: Rise of the Hybrids” (Urban Action Showcase International Action Film Festival Best Weapons Sequence), Sarah Chang for “Blood Hunters: Rise of the Hybrids” (Urban Action Showcase International Action Film Festival Best Action Sequence), Romm Burlat for “Ama Ka ng Anak Mo” (Best Director at We Care Film Festival in India), Rody Vera for “Signal Rock” (Dhaka International Film Festival Best Script), Matthew Rosen and Maria Rowella Talusig for “Quezon’s Game” (WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival Gold Remi Best Art Direction), and Rosen for “Quezon’s Game” (WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival Gold Remi Best Director).

 

Commendable acting prowess of Filipinos

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño, Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, and Ambassador of France to the Philippines Nicolas Galey with the first batch of Acting Awardees

 

Ambassador of France to the Philippines Nicolas Galey, Barbara Miguel, and Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo

 

Ambassador of France to the Philippines Nicolas Galey, Krystle Campos, and Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo

 

Ambassador of France to the Philippines Nicolas Galey, Geraldo “Jek” Jumawan, and Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo

 

Ambassador of France to the Philippines Nicolas Galey, Maja Salvador, and Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo

 

Sixteen international acting awards were brought home to the country, thanks to independent and mainstream actors. The internationally acclaimed actors were awarded by Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo and Ambassador of France to the Philippines Nicolas Galey. The first batch of honorees were Barbara Miguel for “1-2-3” (Best Supporting Actress at ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards in Malaysia), Crisel Consunji for “Still Human” (Hong Kong Film Awards Best New Performer), Krystle Campos for “Viral Kids” (Maandeshi International Short Film Festival Best Child Actor), Geraldo “Jek” Jumawan for “Nothing Beats the Oldies” (Best Actor - Special Mention Citation at Lake City International Film Festival in India), Maja Salvador for television show “Wildflower” (Best Actress at Asian Content Awards in South Korea), Dante Rivero for “Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon” (Best Actor at Fantasporto-Oporto International Film Festival in Portugal), and Ogie Alcasid for “Kuya Wes” (International Film Festival Manhattan Best Actor) who was represented by his daughter, Leila Alcasid.

 

Ambassador of France to the Philippines Nicolas Galey, Dante Rivero, and Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo

 

Ambassador of France to the Philippines Nicolas Galey, Leila Alcasid, and Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño, Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, and Ambassador of France to the Philippines Nicolas Galey with the second batch of Acting Awardees

 

Ambassador of France to the Philippines Nicolas Galey, Angeli Bayani, and Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo

 

Ambassador of France to the Philippines Nicolas Galey, Ina Raymundo, and Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo

 

Ambassador of France to the Philippines Nicolas Galey, Max Eigenmann, and Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo

 

Ambassador of France to the Philippines Nicolas Galey, Albie Casiño, Ross Pesigan, Shido Roxas, and Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo

 

The second set of acting honorees was composed of Gloria Romero for “Rainbow’s Sunset” (International Film Festival Manhattan Best Actress), Angeli Bayani for “Bagahe” (Best Actress at Zagora International Trans-Sahara Film Festival in Morocco), Ina Raymundo for “Kuya Wes” (Fantasporto-Oporto International Film Festival Best Actress), AiAi delas Alas for “School Service” (Fantasporto-Oporto International Film Festival Best Actress), the cast of “Rainbow’s Sunset” for International Film Festival Manhattan Best Ensemble Acting (Eddie Garcia, Tony Mabesa, Gloria Romero, Tirso Cruz III, Aiko Melendez, Shido Roxas, Ross Pesigan, and Albie Casiño) represented by Roxas, Pesigan, and Casiño, and Max Eigenmann for “Verdict” (Best Actress at Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Australia).

 

Three posthumous citations

 

The final leg of the Acting Awards category paid tribute to three actors who passed away in 2019. Kristofer King was the Best Actor for “Kristo” at the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards in Malaysia and he was recognized for his Best Performance for “Verdict” at the Silver Screen Awards of the Singapore International Film Festival. 

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño with the third batch of Acting Awardees

 

“Verdict” director Gutierrez said, “Sobrang simpleng tao lang kasi niya. ‘Di mo siya mararamdaman sa set. Sobrang cooperative niya. Sobrang underrated na actor. Siguro siya ‘yung definition na artist kasi wala siyang takot gawin ‘yung mga bagay. Kaya siguro ‘yun ‘yung nakapagpalawak ng interpretation niya kapag gumaganap siya bilang aktor sa mga iba’t ibang klaseng role. So para sa kaniya ito, para sa pamilya niya ito. At mabuhay ang FDCP dahil hanggang ngayon, meron siyang ganitong klaseng parangal. Sayang nga lang hindi niya naabutan pero sigurado ako nag-e-enjoy siya ngayon sa taas.”

 

Raymund Ribay Gutierrez accepts the late Kristofer King’s FAN Acting Award.

 

Tony Mabesa was declared as the Best Actor for “Rainbow’s Sunset” at the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival. Screenwriter Ramos accepted the award, remarking, “Kilala po natin siya bilang isang higante ng Philippine Theater pero sa larangan po ng pelikula, si Sir Tony ay isang magiting na character actor. Ang Rainbow’s Sunset po ang una niyang acting award. Nanalo po siyang Best Supporting Actor sa Metro Manila Film Festival. Pero nung nanalo siya ng Best Actor sa Houston, natuwa po kami hindi lang dahil binigyan siya ng award kung hindi dahil po kinilala ang estado niya sa pelikula bilang pangunahing aktor kasama ni Tito Eddie. Ang Houston, nakita ang tunay na importansiya niya sa pelikula at kinilala siya bilang pangunahing aktor din. So, Sir Tony, wherever you are, congratulations. Bravo!”

 

Eric Ramos accepts the late Tony Mabesa’s FAN Acting Award.

 

Eddie Garcia, Mabesa’s co-actor in “Rainbow’s Sunset,” was also hailed as the Best Actor by WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival. Garcia’s lifetime partner, Lilibeth Romero, stated: “We, his family, are humbled by your sincere acknowledgement and appreciation for a career that spanned for 70 long and active years that has earned him 50 major local awards for Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor. Today, Eddie Garcia is considered the most awarded actor in the history of the Philippine Cinema industry.”

 

Lilibeth Romero, who accepted the late Eddie Garcia’s FAN Acting Award, and FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño

 

Romero also mentioned House Bill 181 or the Eddie Garcia Act, which was authored by her son, House Deputy Speaker and 1-PACMAN Rep. Michael “Mikee” Romero. The Eddie Garcia Act aims to create an occupational safety and health standards (OSHA) act for the film, television, and theater industry of the Philippines.  This was proposed in response to the on-set accident that Garcia suffered, which led to his death. “Let us all be together in rallying for the enactment of House Bill 181 into the Eddie Garcia Law, his gift to the Philippine movie industry and the legacy he leaves behind beyond curtain call. To our dearest Manoy, you will always be in our hearts. You are larger than life,” added Romero.

 

Applauded films and special citations

 

Fourteen feature films were recognized and three prominent entertainment figures were given special citations. Representatives of the feature films were awarded by Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines József Bencze and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines Thomas Wiersing. Director Dan Villegas and producer Antoinette Jadaone received the trophy for “Hintayan ng Langit” (The Golden Samaritan Lion: To The Sincere Play-Acting at Festival International Film East and West Classics and Avante-Garde in Russia), Zig Dulay was recognized for “Bagahe” (Zagora International Trans-Sahara Film Festival Critic’s Special Mention and People’s Choice Award), and Louie Ignacio was awarded for “School Service” (Fantasporto-Oporto International Film Festival Orient Express Special Jury Prize and WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival Gold Remi Foreign).

 

Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines József Bencze, Dan Villegas, Antoinette Jadaone, and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines Thomas Wiersing

 

Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines József Bencze, Zig Dulay, and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines Thomas Wiersing

 

Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines József Bencze, Ferdy Lapuz, Baby Go, Louie Ignacio, and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines Thomas Wiersing

 

Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines József Bencze, Jed Medrano, Iar Arondaing, and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines Thomas Wiersing

 

The other feature films were Matthew Rosen’s “Quezon’s Game” (WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival Special Jury Award First Feature and Best Foreign Movie of the Year), Iar Arondaing’s “Musmos ng Sumibol sa Gubat ng Digma” (Special Jury Prize at Baikal International Film Festival in Russia), Khavn dela Cruz’s “Balangiga: Howling Wilderness” (Bangkok ASEAN Film Festival Best Jury Prize), and Joel Lamangan’s “Rainbow’s Sunset” (WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival Special Jury Prize and International Film Festival Manhattan Best Feature Film).

 

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño, Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines József Bencze, and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines Thomas Wiersing with the Feature Film Awardees

 

Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines József Bencze, Carlo Catu, and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines Thomas Wiersing

 

Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines József Bencze, Vincent Soberano, and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines Thomas Wiersing

 

Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines József Bencze, Che Espiritu, and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines Thomas Wiersing

 

The second batch of feature films comprised Carlo Catu’s “Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon” (Fantasporto-Oporto International Film Festival Special Jury Prize - Directors’ Week and Audience Choice Award at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema in France), Vincent Soberano’s “Blood Hunters: Rise of the Hybrids” (Urban Action Showcase International Action Film Festival Best Action Film and Best Martial Arts Film), Che Espiritu’s “Pan de Salawal” (Best Narrative Feature at Belize International Film Festival in France), Catu’s “Aria” (Lake City International Film Festival Best Feature Film), Brillante Mendoza’s “Alpha: The Right to Kill” (Jury Prize Award at Bucharest International Film Festival in Romania and Le Prix du Jury at Festival International Du Film Policier De Beaune in France), Denise O’Hara’s “Mamang” (Dhaka International Film Festival Best Feature Film), and Chito Roño’s “Signal Rock” (ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards Best Film).

 

Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines József Bencze and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines Thomas Wiersing with Carlo Catu, Ferdy Lapuz, and the “Aria” team

 

Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines József Bencze, Carlo Valenzona, Jesthela Lizardo, and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines Thomas Wiersing

 

Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines József Bencze, Ketchup Eusebio, Denise O’Hara, Ferdy Lapuz, and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines Thomas Wiersing

 

Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines József Bencze and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines Thomas Wiersing with Ferdy Lapuz who received the Feature Film Award for “Rainbow’s Sunset” and “Signal Rock”

 

The trophies for the Special Citations category, meanwhile, were presented by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Martin Diño. Bea Alonzo received the Asian Stars Up Next Award at the International Film Festival and Awards Macao in China, Cesar Montano was the Best Actor for “Heart for Victory” and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Acting and Directing at International Film Festival Manhattan, and Joel Lamangan got two International Film Festival Manhattan nods as well: Film Festival Director Award and Lifetime Achievement Award in Directing.

 

Pinoy pride feels throughout the event

 

The feeling of Pinoy Pride resonated throughout the FAN, as the 69 honorees were given their due recognition. The FAN program directed by singer-songwriter-actor Ice Seguerra also contributed to promoting love for country. The opening number by the Novel Dance Collective featured performers in traditional costumes. Seguerra performed “Sa’yo Na” from the soundtrack of “Rainbow’s Sunset.” Lastly, Janice Javier and Frenchie Dy rocked the stage with their rendition of “Noypi” by Bamboo. A video of Filipino films that won international awards was shown onstage as Javier and Dy belted out, serving as a reminder that Philippine Cinema has been making waves internationally decades ago.

 

The Novel Dance Collective

 

Ice Seguerra

 

Frenchie Dy

 

Janice Javier

 

FAN host Kakki Teodoro

 

Attendees also joined in the celebration of Pinoy Pride as they were garbed in Filipiniana Rock outfits. They all took the time to gather at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater and applaud Filipino filmmakers for a job well done. Among the attendees were Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Philippines Jana Sediva, members of the diplomatic corps, and industry figures such as Bembol Roco, Ricky Davao, Tommy Abuel, Robert Seña, Soliman Cruz, Rolando Inocencio, TBA Studios President Vincent “Ting” Nebrida, Albert Michael Idioma, Timi Idioma, and Alemberg Ang.

 

Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Philippines Jana Sediva and Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines József Bencze

 

Ricky Davao

 

Tommy Abuel

 

Robert Seña

 

Soliman Cruz

 

Rolando Inocencio

 

Distinguished guests and members of the press took part in the Red Carpet Ceremonies and Cocktails Reception prior to the FAN program proper. An after-party took place to continue the celebration of Philippine Cinema excellence. As program host Kakki Teodoro put it, this year’s FAN was also one-of-a-kind. “This is one extra special year for the film industry as we celebrate the One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema. Isang daang taon ng pagpapasaya, pagpapatawa, pananakot, pagpapagalit, pagpapainit, at pagpapakilig. At para sa pagpapatuloy ng selebrasyon ng Sine Sandaan, we recognize the award-winning films and filmmakers of 2019 who have continued the proud tradition of Philippine Cinema and have brought not only prestige to the country, but have also raised the level of awareness to the art of filmmaking.”