alden Richards with the award for “Alaala”
GMA Network’s “Alaala,” a documentary drama about Martial Law, took home the Silver World Medal during the New York Festivals TV and Film Awards held yesterday at the Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
“Alaala takes home a Silver Medal! Starring @aldenrichards02 as screenwriter Bonifacio Ilagan and in commemoration of the 45th anniversary of President Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law, @gmanetwork made a film within a film of a dark period in Philippine story,” the New York Film TV and Film Awards’ official Twitter account announced.
Headlined by Alden Richards, who personally received the award, the docudrama was directed by Adolfo Alix Jr.
“Thank you to the New York Festivals for this great recognition. Congratulations to Team Alaala for the win! To GOD be the glory! #humbled,” Richards said on his Instagram post.
Aired last year, “Alaala” was about the life and struggles of screenwriter Bonifacio “Boni” Ilagan, a Martial Law survivor.
Aside from Richards, the drama also starred Rocco Nacino, Bianca Umali, Angelina Kanapi and Gina Alajar.
On his Instagram account, Alix shared photos of Richards holding the award and thanked Ilagan, the actors, the GMA bosses, staff and crew for their hard work and support.
“Sir Boni Ilagan, your story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Filipino. Thank you for sharing your plight so we may understand history
better,” he said.
He also had nothing but praise for lead actor, Richards.
“To @aldenrichards02, it is always a joy to collaborate with you and your hunger for challenges is always a good take-off for projects like this,” Alix added.
He also thanked the rest of the cast—Alajar, Kanapi, Nacino and Umali.
“Your performances helped shape the power of Sir Boni’s experiences,” he said.
Alix said he looks forward to doing more programs like “Alaala” in the future.
“Let us continue to be vigilant and may we learn from the lessons of history,” he said, adding the hashtag #NeverAgain.
Aside from “Alaala,” GMA Network brought home seven other medals and four finalist certificates. The haul included a gold medal for GMA News TV’s Reel Time for its episode entitled, “Hawla (The Untold Story of the Village Monster),” which was about Nene, a woman kept in a cage because of her psychological condition.
New York Festivals World’s Best TV and Film Awards “honors content in all lengths and forms around the world
dedicated to both television and film industries with fairness and integrity.”
LIST OF WINNERS FROM THE PHILIPPINES (Source: newyorkfestivals.com)
GMA
1. Real Time Hawla (The Untold Story of the Village Monster)
Category: Documentary
Award: Gold World Medal
2. Alaala (Remember): A Martial Law Special
Category: Documentary
Award: Silver World Medal
3. Reel Time: Gutom (Starved)
Category: Documentary
Award: Silver World Medal
4. EDSA 31st Anniversary Spot
Category: Craft Promotion/ Open and ID
Award: Bronze World Medal
5. Brigada (The Brigade): Combat Camera Team
Category: Documentary
Award: Bronze World Medal
6. Reporter’s Notebook: Yapak sa
Pusod ng Dagat (Footsteps on the Seabed)
Category: Documentary
Award: Bronze World Medal
7. Front Row: Batang Bomba (Bomb Pickers)
Category: Program
Award: Bronze World Medal
8. Jessica Soho
Category: Program
Award: Bronze World Medal
ABS-CBN
1. “Di Ka Pasisiil” (Never Shall Be Conquered)
Category: Reports/Features
Award: Gold World Medal
2. Local Legends: Bandurria
Category: Films/Productionsls
Award: Silver World Medal
3. To Love and To Serve
Category: Promotion/ Open and IDs
Award: Bronze World Medal
BG PRODUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL
1. Area
Category: Craft Films / Productiona
Award: Bronze World Medal