Deglamorized LT conveys beauty of a mother’s love

LORNA Tolentino (seated second from left) and the cast of “Burgos”

Lorna Tolentino is at it again in Joel Lamangan’s “Burgos,” the maindie (mainstream and indie) advocacy film about respect for human rights that we at the Cinema Evaluation Board have graded “B.” LT portrays Edita Burgos, distraught mother of Jonas, who went missing six years ago. The film takes the gnawing pain in a mother’s heart into another dimension. It will be shown on Aug. 3 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theater, 9 p.m., as the closing film of the 2013 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

It’s a deglamorized LT you will see in the film. Bespectacled and sans makeup as Edita, it’s the beauty of a mother’s love that LT effectively conveys.

What convinced you to do “Burgos?”

Being a mother myself, I was moved by the story.

In what ways did the role  challenge you as an actress?

It’s a true story, so I had to keenly observe Mrs. Burgos. I studied her closely and, by grace, was able to embrace the role.

Why should the public watch “Burgos?”

It’s about faith, love and hope.

What did you learn while shooting the movie?

I was updated about forced disappearances and the plight of their loved ones. It’s an eye-opener for every Pinoy.

What was the hardest part about doing the movie?

The monologues that I needed to deliver by heart.

What was the highlight of your recent trip to France?

Our visit to Lourdes…the bath immersion.

In what ways do your sons, Rap and Renz remind you of Daboy?

I am reminded of Daboy every day, hindi lang dahil sa mga bata—halos sa lahat ng bagay.

Does Daboy make his presence felt? How?

I know he is at peace because every time I talk to him while I pray, I feel inexplicable peace.

What do you miss most about Daboy?

His laughter.

Tell us about your apo, Tori?

We are very happy because she’s so smart… and she’s Rap’s  carbon copy.

What’s  on your bucket list?

To travel to places I haven’t been to.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Waahh…overeating!

How would you like to be remembered?

As a good mother.

Gawad Tanglaw awards

LORNA Tolentino and Edita Burgos

Kudos to all the winners of  the 11th Gawad Tanglaw ng Pelikulang Pilipino. Awards rites will be on Aug. 29 at the Conrado Benitez Hall of the Philippine Women’s University. I also salute the esteemed academicians of Gawad Tanglaw for their tireless efforts in giving recognition to deserving artists. Unlike other award-giving bodies that have many sponsors, Gawad Tanglaw’s funds come from the members’ own pockets. They make the most of what they have just so they can mount the annual awarding ceremonies, all for the love of the arts.

Here are the winners:

Best Film—“REquieme!”

Best Actress—Nora Aunor (“Thy Womb”)

Best Actors—Jericho Rosales (“Alagwa”) and Dingdong Dantes (“One More Try”)

Best Supporting Actors—

Zanjoe Marudo (“One More Try”) and Allen Dizon (“Migrante”)

Best Supporting Actresses—Shamaine Buencamino (“REquieme!”) and Ria Garcia (“Melodrama Negra”)

Best Director—Loy Arcenas (“REquieme!”)

Best Screenplay—Jun Robles Lana (“Bwakaw”)

Best Editing—Raymond Red (“Kamera Obskura”)

Best Cinematography—Albert Banzon (“Kalayaan”)

Special Jury Prize for Film—“Manenaya” and “Migrante”

Student’s Choice Award for Best Film—“The Animals” by Gino Santos

Presidential Jury Award for Film—Boots Anson-Roa

Natatanging Gawad Tanglaw ng Pelikulang Pilipino

—Eddie Garcia

Gawad Tanglaw Lifetime Achievement Award for Film Excellence—Star Cinema

EDDIE Garcia