Tirso Cruz III

MANILA, Philippines — If only for the many awards it has received, the indie movie “Sigwa” is indeed worth watching. Consider the following awards: Best Supporting Actor/Actress awards for Tirso Cruz, III and Zsa Zsa Padilla, respectively, at the 6th Cinemalaya Film Festival; Digital Movie Director of the Year (Joel Lamangan) Original Screenplay (Boni Ilagan), Movie Editor of the Year (Bebs Gohestia), Production Designer of the Year (Edgar Martin Litua), Cinematographer of the Year (Monino S. Duque), and Sound Engineer of the Year (Alfredo Ongleo).

“Sigwa” also won the Gawad Tanglaw Best Picture and Best Director Awards.

And now, at the 59th FAMAS Awards Night to be held tonight at the NCCA Theater in Intramuros, “Sigwa” is up for 13 nominations, including Best Picture.

“Sigwa” is produced by Ms. Pelita Peralta-Uy of Beginnings at Twenty Plus, Inc., and Carmela Honrado of Star Express.

“The film is a tribute to the First Quarter Storm of 1970, that brief but defining moment of my generation,” said award-winning scriptwriter Boni Ilagan. In the film, he employs history to dramatize a sense of social consciousness and political commitment that “we badly need in these confounding times.”

Ms. Uy said she is very proud of “Sigwa” which marked her debut as a movie producer. “I waited for the right project for an advocacy movie and when Joel Lamangan offered the project to me, I said to myself, ‘Ito na ang hinihintay kong film project.’” “Sigwa” has also been successfully screened abroad.

“Sigwa” is currently showing at SM Digital Cinemas: SM North EDSA, SM Fairview, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Marikina, SM Cebu, and SM Iloilo.

Angel enjoys ‘Toda Max’

In a recent presscon to announce that she is now an official member of the cast of “Toda Max” Angel Locsin revealed comedy is not her territory. “But it’s something challenging, naiiba so I’m doing my best, and every time we tape, tumataas ang level ng self-confidence ko,” she said. She is now enjoying it alongside Robin Padilla, Vhong Navarro and Pokwang.

But didn’t she mind having a not so nice-sounding name as Isabel Padaudos in the sitcom? “Oo nga it’s so funny the name but it’s a sitcom naman so it doesn’t matter.”

“Toda Max” is aired every Saturday (after “MMK”). The sitcom earned 23 percent TV rating recently.

Jovit vs Marcelito, a showdown

It’s going to be a real talent showdown when Jovit Baldivino and Marcelito Pomoy share the stage tonight (Dec. 10) at the SM Sky Dome, SM North EDSA.

“Jovit vs Marcelito: A Talent Showdown” is presented by MJM Productions in cooperation with Star Magic. Guest performers include Enrique Gil, Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes and “PGT Season 3’s” Maasinhon Trio and Khalil Ramos.

Jovit, after winning “PGT’s” first season almost two years ago, has already entertained people all over the world. In fact, a day before the presscon for the concert, he just arrived from another performance in Europe with Yeng Constantino.

“PGT Season 2” winner Marcelito released first album, “Duet With Me,” after winning the talent show last June.

Tickets to the show are available in all SM Ticketnet outlets.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 10, go to Elizabeth L.C. Chan, Conchita Razon, Lydia Veneracion, Aristides J. Baluyot, Ramon Valencia, Gil Baltazar, Sabina Dacer, Betty Francisco, Eboy Tengco, Teddy Gordoncillo, Lota Reyes, Lui Villaruz, and Johanna Villeta... Happy wedding anniversary to Mayor Lando and Evelyn Salvador of Baliuag, Bulacan...