Just a few minutes before the mid-night of January 6, Teresa received what was probably the most meaningful text message in her journey as a mother who had an unconditional belief in her son, long before his talent was recognized by fans and studio executives. The message was a simple three-letter-word that spelled "Ako!" (Me). It was from a real Cinderella man, Marvin Agustin heralding to his mother that he is the latest addition in the roster of best actor winners in the 31-year old Metro Manila Film Festival.
Agustin pulled an upset over veteran thespians like Eddie Garcia, Christopher de Leon and Ricky Davao for his role as a maniacal killer in the thriller "Kutob" by Canary Films, at the 31st Metro Manila Film Festival awards ceremonies held at the Aliw Theater.
"All I want is to entertain people, and I don’t quite expect that this medium of entertaining will bring me this great happiness in return," he said in his acceptance speech. He also dedicated the award to his sons, Santiago and Sebastian. The recognition is sort of an early birthday gift for the actor who will turn 27 this January 29.
"Kutob’s winning streak has surprised many, including its own producer, Orly Ilacad. This writer overheard him summoning his staff to leave, after getting the Best Theme Song award for "Kutob", and recognizing the fact that as the award ceremonies went on, the honors were shared by only two films, "Blue Moon" of Regal Entertainment Inc. and "Exodus" by Imus Productions.
Ilacad was visibly thrilled when his film was announced the winner of the Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award, and even before he was seated back, was again called as the winner of the Third Best Picture award. Kutob’s luck continued as it garnered honors for directing and acting categories. The producer was so over-the-moon and wasn’t even listening when the best director award was announced. He only realized that his director, Jose Javier Reyes had won when a colleague caught his attention. Among others, Kutob also got the honors for editing and musical scoring.
The other big winner at the MMFF was "Blue Moon" which garnered the top plum as Best Picture. It also won Best Story and Best Screenplay trophies but failed to notch the Best Director award for Joel Lamangan.
"Blue Moon" was also adjudged the Best Picture in the People’s Choice award, based on texters votes. Mark Herras won as Best Actor while erstwhile real and reel love interest, Jennilyn Mercado was the Best Actress. A bonus was its recognition as the Most Gender-Sensitive Film.
Zsazsa Padilla won as Best Actress in her foray into serious comedy in the film Ako, Legal Wife of Regal Entertainment. "Di man ako ang comedy queen, mayroon naman akong comedy king," (I may not be the comedy queen but I have the comedy king.) she said, referring to Dolphy who escorted her up the stage, which was well-received by the audience. Afterall, Dolphy is the last of the movie kings.
ZsaZsa was also credited for rendering the finest performance of the night with her soulful rendition of a Michel Legrand medley. She literally owned the stage as she sashayed in a green gown ala Scarlett OHara, with her soothing voice, minimal make-up and a set of diamonds for accessories.
"Ako, Legal Wife" also brought the Best Supporting Actress trophy to Cherry Pie Picache.
Octo-Arts Films’ "Enteng Kabisote 2" won the battle at the tills but not at the awards derby, where it got but one, the first Best Supporting Actor trophy for Jose Manalo.
Surprisingly, GMA Films’ Mulawin, the only film that was graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board did not win any. Its whole cast staged a walk- out even before the announcement of the major awards. Its only accolade that night was the Best Director prize for Dominic Zapata and Mark Reyes from People’s Choice.
The most meaningful speech came from Senator Bong Revilla, while accepting the 2nd Best Picture prize for "Exodus." Like a true statesman, he said, "There is one thing that is more important than this award, and that is the fact that the local movies have earned back the trust of the movie- going public." For the record, as announced by MMDF Chairman Bayani Fernando, the festival grossed some 321 million pesos in its two-week run.
"Exodus" also won for Cinematography, Make- Up, Production Design, Visual Effects and Sound Recording.
Regal Entertainment’s "Shake Rattle and Roll" won for Paul Salas his Best Child Actor award.
Atty. Manny de Leon, founder of LVN Pictures, received a posthumous award for his contributions in the industry while mega-mart mogul Henry Sy of SM got his Lifetime Achievement Award.
The affair was graced by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who gave one million pesos to each of the producers of the ten films that participated in the festival.
The show stretched up to hours after midnight but the hitch was well compensated by its excellent hosts Pops Fernandez, Paolo Bediones and Ai-Ai delas Alas whose costume change was a little performance in itself.
Glitter and Chaos
Easily, the most elegant was Lani Mercado in her white tailored gown by Paul Cabral, while the most daring was Angelica Jones who rivaled the belly dancers in her tummy and bosom-revealing gown by Rusty Lopez. Different but prim was Mariz Ricketts in her new cropped hair that perfectly matched her rust-colored suit by Dobie Aranda. Aubrey Miles was also in rust-colored gown but many agreed that brown is definitely not her color.
Pops Fernandez is back to her true sexy form in her two body-hugging gowns, one in yellow and the other in sky blue, by Larry Espinosa. But she almost lost her poise when co-host Ai-Ai teased her about rumored paramour Jomari Yllana. Ara Mina, who was seated with Ruffa Mae Quinto wasn’t looking and obviously not thrilled based on her sullen expression as the banter was exchanged.
It was Iya Villania however who won the nod as the Female Star of the Night with her Grecian white gown, accentuated by an interesting neckpiece, also by Larry Espinosa. Richard Guttierez in a formal black coat was proclaimed the Male Star of the Night.
The show notched a new record as having the most uninspired and irrelevant numbers in an award giving body. There was this chaotic number by Jose Manalo. Ruby Rodriguez and Wilma Doesnt that tried painfully to be to be funny and failed. Then, another by Jet Pangan, Wency Cornejo and company that delighted no one, and another ho-hum number by Barbie et. al. The dismal performances made the people wonder why such dirty-looking rock stars and glitter-less starlets were summoned to perform instead of the many bigger stars who were just made to seat among the audience.
The scene stealer of the night is Ai-Ai delas Alas, who first appeared as a sea goddess with a miniature mermaid blowing tiny bubbles atop her coiffed head. Then, she came ala Cruella de Ville with a matching stuffed dalmatian puppy. And just before the show is over, the audience saw her as a stylized geisha. Now, that’s entertainment.
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