It’s time to take a look back on a fun-filled night as Filipino films and notable personalities in the local film industry were honored at the annual Film Ambassadors’ Night (FAN) hosted by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) last February 10 at Samsung Hall, Taguig City.

Recognition was given to different Filipino actors, filmmakers, and films for their excellence in the film industry as they brought honor to the country by winning in film festivals around the world. This includes the Camera Obscura which is the highest award given by the FDCP. This year’s awardees are Kidlat Tahimik, Bianca Balbuena, and The Hows of Us.

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Mary Liza Diño with The Hows of Us team: producer Olivia Lamasan, actress Kathryn Bernardo, and writer Carmi Raymundo

Along with her beauty and grace, Kathryn Bernardo imparted an insightful message to show her gratitude in an interview. She mentioned that each film is capable of touching different people’s lives, and it is vital for them as artists.

In addition, Olivia Lamasan, the director of The Hows of Us, also shared her sentiment for being part of this year’s Film Ambassadors’ Night. “Para sa akin, isang karangalan ‘to para sa ABS-CBN Films Star Cinema. It’s a great honor for us to be awarded for the highest-grossing movie of all time for The Hows of Us,” she mentioned. The film broke the P800 million global box office records.

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Mary Liza Diño with producer Bianca Balbuena

Another recipient of the award who was recently named as the Producer of the Year at the Asian Commissions Network is Bianca Balbuena. She acquired numerous international awards over the years with her multiple award-winning films and bridged the Philippines to the diverse filmmaking culture in the world. In addition, having Philippine cinema known to the international global scale is her dream. She hopes that her award can inspire more women filmmakers to create as only a few of them exist in the country.

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Mary Liza Diño with National Arist for Film Kidlat Tahimik

Meanwhile, with his more than four decades in the film industy, National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik was delighted to get a pat on the back as a reward for his hard work. “I will continue to endorse your ‘sariling dwende’ ng inyong special creativity ng mga indie. ‘Yun pa rin yung itutuloy kong itutulak habang tumatanda ako,” he said. Kidlat left an inspiring message by saying that he believes that the Philippines is rich with skillful storytellers, and they should believe in their indigenous capacities. In order to enhance that, they must muse over our culture filled with interesting stories and indigenous tales.

Kidlat Tahimik recently received the Prince Claus Award in Amsterdam. This honor was given to him for leading the movement for independent cinema in the country and making major contributions in visual arts and films.

To know more about the recent Film Ambassadors’ Night 2019, visit the FDCP's official Facebook page and www.fdcp.ph.