Star Awards can’t decide on the better network

ANDREA Brillantes

It was a tie. Rival networks ABS-CBN and GMA 7 were both declared best television station at the 27th Philippine Movie Press Club’s (PMPC) Star Awards for Television held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Theater on Sunday.

Out of 56 categories, however, the Kapamilya network won in 30; the Kapuso network, in 24. Most of the awards were split between the top two station’s talents. Marian Rivera took home the best drama actress trophy for her GMA 7 teleserye  “Temptation of Wife,” besting seven rivals including Judy Ann Santos, Janice de Belen and Nora Aunor.

Booster

She is vying for best actress for the same show in the 18th Asian Television Awards (ATA) in Singapore next month. The win was a confidence-booster, Marian said, but added that she would attend the ATA with no expectations. “The nomination is an achievement in itself,” she told entertainment writers after the rites.

Competing against Marian at the ATA is Lorna Tolentino, for “Pahiram ng Sandali.” They will be up against actresses from Taiwan, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Marian said Sunday’s triumph inspired her to further hone her craft: “Recognition for your work makes all the stress worth it.”

LUIS Manzano

Another tie

ABS-CBN talents Coco Martin (“Juan de la Cruz”) and Richard Yap (“Be Careful with My Heart”) tied for best drama actor. “This is an early Christmas present,” said Coco, who was considering a short break from television shows to focus on movies. The actor was also hailed “Star of the Night” with Kim Chiu. Richard was a no-show; he had a commercial  shoot abroad.

It was an emotional night for the winners of supporting acting awards.

KC CONCEPCION

For Mega
Catching her breath, best supporting drama actress KC Concepcion (“Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala”) dedicated her victory to her inspiration and mom Sharon Cuneta. “Ma, look! Meron na akong bitbit,” KC squealed like a child, adding, “Nakakakilig! This is such a big blessing—an answer to my prayers since I was young. Maybe it’s really in the blood… I thought I was justgoing to be hosting!”

“Dugong Buhay’s” Arjo Atayde was best drama supporting actor. He fought back tears as he received his trophy and thanked his “frenemy and mentor” mom, character actress Sylvia Sanchez. “I credit her for my talent. She’s a great actress and inspires me to work even harder,” he told the Inquirer later. Arjo tied with Arron Villaflor of “Juan de la Cruz” for the award.

KIM CHIU

Arjo and Arron were up against Carlo Aquino, Ronaldo Valdez and Tirso Cruz III. “I thought there was no way I would win,” Arjo said.

Business as usual

Nikki Gil beamed after winning the single performance by an actress award for the “Ilog” episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya.”

“Sabi ni Lord, ‘[Pambawi sa] sakit, eto ang reward!’” she said, laughing, no sign of pain over her recent breakup with Billy Crawford. “Hard work pays off. I’m thankful for everything that’s happening in my life… It’s business as usual for me.”

MARIAN Rivera

The best single performance by an actor award went to Carlo Aquino for the “Pulang Laso” episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya.”

TV5 bagged trophies in three categories: best children’s show (“Batibot”), best talent search (“Talentadong Pinoy Worldwide”) and best female show biz oriented talk show host (Cristy Fermin). Net 25’s “Convergence” won best lifestyle show.

Special awards

COCO Martin

Three special awards were given: to German Moreno for his continuing efforts at discovering new talents after 50 years in show biz; the Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award to television director and producer Kitchie Benedicto; and excellence in broadcasting award to journalist Rey Langit.

Award list

Other awards: primetime drama series, “Juan de la Cruz,” ABS-CBN; daytime drama series, “Be Careful with My Heart,” ABS-CBN; drama anthology, “Magpakailanman,” GMA 7; gag show, “Bubble Gang,” GMA 7 and “Banana Split,” ABS-CBN;

Comedy show, “Pepito Manaloto,” GMA 7; musical variety show, “ASAP 18,” ABS-CBN; variety show, “It’s Showtime,” ABS-CBN; public service program, “Imbestigador,” GMA 7; horror-fantasy program, “Wansapanataym,” ABS-CBN; and reality competition program, “Extra Challenge,” GMA 7;

ROBI Domingo

Game show, “Celebrity Bluff,” GMA 7; youth-oriented program, “Luv U,” ABS-CBN; educational program, “Born to Be Wild,” GMA 7; celebrity talk show, “Kris TV,” ABS-CBN; documentary, “I-Witness,” GMA 7; magazine show, “I-Juander,” GMA News TV;

News program, “State of the Nation,” GMA News TV; morning show, “Umagang Kay Ganda,” ABS-CBN; public affairs program, “Bottomline,” ABS-CBN; showbiz-oriented talk show, “Startalk,” GMA 7; and travel show, “Biyahe ni Drew,” GMA News TV.

Child performer, Andrea Brillantes for “Annaliza,” ABS-CBN; new male TV personality, Ruru Madrid for “Maynila,” GMA 7; and new female TV personality, Janella Salvador for “Be Careful with My Heart,” ABS-CBN.