Lou Veloso, who recently copped the top acting plum at the 36th Brussels International Independent Film Festival, won best actor anew at the 22nd Aliw Awards for Live Entertainment on Nov. 17.

He was cited for his outstanding performance as Huse, one of the lead characters in Rene Villanueva’s play on the elderly, “Hiblang Abo,” which Bulwagang Gantimpala staged last year.

In his acceptance speech, Veloso recalled to Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online that he paid tribute to Hall of Fame inductees led by actress Boots Anson Roa by comparing them to fine wine that gets even better in time.

He also presented the awards for best child performer and best new male and female artists to Gabby Bautista, Gab Valenciano, and Christine Love, respectively.

In Brussels, however, Veloso wasn’t able to personally accept his award for his remarkable performance in “Colorum” in a ceremony held on Nov. 8.

He said he wasn’t able to get a sponsorship that’s why he failed to make the trip to the Belgian capital.

“Nabalitaan na lang namin [dahil] itinawag sa amin,” he shared on how he got the news of his victory. “S’yempre excited, honored. Filipino na naman ang nanalo.”

Yul Servo won last year for “Torotot” as well as in 2004 for “Naglalayag” and in 2001 for “Batang Westside.”

Other past winners include Dolphy, Eric Quizon, and Epi Quizon for their collective works in “Markova,” Sharon Cuneta for “Caregiver,” Vilma Santos for “Dekada ‘70,” and Nora Aunor for “Naglalayag.”

Prior to Brussels, Veloso was adjudged best actor at the 5th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival last July at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, where “Colorum” premiered.

Directed by Jon Steffan Ballesteros, “Colorum” is about the unlikely friendship that developed between an ex-convict searching for his son (Veloso) and a cop moonlighting as an FX driver (Alfred Vargas) as they travel from Manila to Ormoc City in Leyte.

“Nagulat din ako,” Veloso said on the overwhelmingly positive reaction to his performance. “Ang feeling ko kasi na-underplay ko ang character. Nasanay ako sa stage na big movement [ang ginagamit] pero tama lang pala ang acting ko.”

He added that his role in “Colorum” is the biggest he’s done so far for an indie movie.

“No’ng una nga ang sabi ko sa director, ‘Direk, support ba ako dito kay Alfred?’ Sabi n’ya, ‘Hindi, kayong dalawa [ang bida].’ Naka 16 shooting days kami. Nahirapan talaga ako physically,” shared the actor who gained mainstream popularity in the ‘80s through his sitcom character, Mr. Truman.

Veloso is currently seen on ABS-CBN’s weekly series, “Pepeng Agimat” and is also a councilor of the 6th district of Manila.