December 28 ------ Coming-of-age road-trip drama “Firefly" was named Best Picture at the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal held at the New Frontier in Araneta City. ''Firefly', directed by Zig Dulay, also received awards for Best Child Performer and Best Screenplay. The historical film "Gomburza" was also a big winner, receiving seven awards, including 2nd Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director.
Star For All Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto, of the movie "When I Met You In Tokyo," and stage actor Cedric Juan, who played the role of a martyred priest in "GomBurZa," were named best actress and best actor, respectively. Vilma shared her award with fellow nominees Sharon Cuneta, Marian Rivera, Pokwang, and Eugene Domingo. "Ang adbokasiya po talaga namin sa pelikulang ito ay hindi para manalo ng awards, kundi tulungan ang ating industriya na pabalikin muli ang mga tao sa sinehan," said Vilma, also known as Ate Vi. "Sana magtuloy-tuloy na ito. Sana po ay kumita rin ang pelikula namin para matulungan natin ang mga first-time producers at makagawa muli sila ng maraming pelikula at makapagbigay ng trabaho sa ating industriya."
Cedric was surprised when his name was announced as Best Actor, beating popular nominees Christopher de Leon, Alden Richards, Piolo Pascual, and Dingdong Dantes. "Maraming salamat Direk Pepe Diokno sa tiwala sa akin. Sino ba naman ako? Nagpapasalamat din ako sa FEU at UP na siyang humubog sa akin sa teatro, Inaalay ko po ang parangal na ito sa mga taong hindi nakakakuha ng tamang hustisya," said Cedric, who also shared his victory to fellow theater actor JC Santos, who won Best Supporting Actor for the movie "Mallari." Miles Ocampo won Best Supporting Actress for the movie "A Family of Two." During the announcement of the nominees for Best Supporting Actress via video, the names of Miles and Agot Isidro were not mentioned. After apologizing for the mistake, the organizers announced the complete nominees for Best Supporting Actress. "Lord, ang daming nangyari sa akin ngayong taon, pero maraming salamat po sa award na ito," said Miles. Eugene Domingo, of Becky and Badette, couldn't believe the movie's theme song, Finggah Lickin, was awarded Best Original Theme Song. "Nagulat po ako dahil sa totoo lang, sanay po akong tumanggap ng award o ma-nominate bilang artista pero never po sa best song. Nakakaloka!" said Eugene.
This year's MMFF was one of the most successful editions in terms of star power. Organizers promised a bigger edition of the MMFF, which will celebrate its 50th year in 2024.
Source: mb.com.ph
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