PRoducer Girlie Rodis (center) receives the Best Picture Award for “Larawan”
DESPITE the pull out of several theaters across the country due to its poor showing at the tills, the widely praised musical Ang Larawan” was the big winner at the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal.
The film—directed by Loy Arcenas based on the play “The Portrait of an Artist as Filipino” by National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin—took home a total of five awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress for its lead star, Joanna Ampil.
“Ang Larawan” was also honored with the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, Best Musical Score for Ryan Cayabyab, and Best Production Design for
Gino Gonzales. The MMMF also gave a Special Jury Prize to Joaquin.
The film’s official Facebook page yesterday extended its gratitude to all the people who supported the film.
“Umaapaw ang aming mga puso sa kasiyahan! Maraming salamat sa mga parangal, Metro Manila Film Festival,” the post reads.
Set during pre-World War II Intramuros, “Ang Larawan” is about Marasigan sisters Candida (Ampil) and Paula played by Rachel Alejandro, who struggle to keep their family’s ancestral home despite several odds.
It stars some of the country’s seasoned performers including Ampil, Alejandro, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Nonie Buencamino, Dulce, Celeste Legaspi, Jaime Fabregas, Nanette Inventor, Noel Trinidad, among others.
Meanwhile, the film “Siargao” went home with the most number of awards.
These include Second Best Picture, Best Director for Paul Soriano, Best Supporting Actress for Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Best Cinematography (Odyssey Flores), Best Sound, Best Theme Song (Alon by Hale), and Best Editing.
The film’s lead actress Erich Gonzales was named Star of the Night (Female).
Coco Martin’s “Ang Panday” brought home Fernado Poe Jr. Memorial Award, Best Visual Effects, and Children’s Choice Award. A Special Jury Prize was also given to Martin, who is also the film’s lead star, producer and director.
Derek Ramsay, lead actor of the film “All of You,” was named Best Actor and was also Star of the Night (Male).
“All of You,” which also received the third Best Picture award, is the reunion film of Ramsay with Kapuso actress Jennylyn Mercado who starred in the 2014 MMFF entry, “English Only Please.” Ramsay was also the festival’s Best Actor for that year.
Ramsay, on his Instagram account said, “Thank you to MMFF for this prestigious award. I’m so proud that my son witnessed this unforgettable experience. @dan_villegas thank you for guiding me and helping me bring life to Gab. Thanks to @mercadojenny for being such a great leading lady.”
Edgar Allan Guzman of the comedy “Deadma Walking” received the Best Supporting Actor award. He plays the role of Mark, the bestfriend of John (Joross Gamboa) in the film.
“Deadma Walking” also received the Best Float award.
Five-year-old Baeby Sebastian Benedict “Baste” Arumpac was named Best Child Performer.
Baste plays the role of Riley, the youngest of three children of Vic Sotto and Dawn Zuluete in the film, “Meant to Beh.”
Baeby Baste on his Instagram account managed by his parents, Shiela and Sol, said, “Lord first time nako ni, I offer this to You. Sa akong Mama She, Papa Sol, Samsam ug sa akong family sa Gensan para sa inyo ni tanan. Kay Mam Jenny, Bossing, EB Family, whole cast sa Meant to Beh, kay Direk Chris, sa mga ga love sakoa, part mo ani na award kay kamo ang akong support system. Thank you po sa inyong patience.”
Vice Ganda’s “Gandarrapido: The Revenger Squad” got the People’s Choice Award.