Inquirer Indie Bravo! Awards—an anticipated reunion of artists who win abroad

Sid Lucero, Liza Diño and Rafa Siguion-Reyna

Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chair Liza Diño opted to forgo her 9 p.m. flight to Singapore on Dec. 8 just so she could attend the 2016 Indie Bravo! Awards show. Liza had a speaking engagement in the Lion City on Friday morning.

Liza had sent word only a few hours before the Inquirer event that she would be able to attend. “My flight was moved to 6 a.m… I have a plus-one—Aiza.” Liza was referring to her partner, National Youth Commission chair Aiza Seguerra, who gamely took photos of her as she assisted in presenting the awards to Indie Bravo! honorees.

Actress Lotlot de Leon, who was one of this year’s awardees, said she got lost and had trouble locating the Inquirer building. It was good that she got to the right venue just before the event began at 7:30 p.m.

Another awardee, Jaclyn Jose, had a similar experience. The consummate pro was befuddled because she was told by a bystander that there were three Inquirer buildings in the area. “So, I decided to bring him along to take me to the right venue,” she quipped.

Writer and producer Lilit Reyes described the Indie Bravo! show as “a family reunion among dreamers.”

Lilit said he made sure to attend the event each year, because he liked the idea of “celebrating the filmmakers who bring honor to our country. It’s an evening that I always look forward to. It always becomes a year-end uplifting event, despite the uncertainty of the times.”

“Imbisibol” director Lawrence Fajardo, who was also among the honorees this year, agreed by saying: “It’s an anticipated event for artists who win abroad. It’s exciting to go out and party with people you admire.”

Lotlot de Leon and Paolo Ballesteros

Actress Sue Prado, who was present this year on behalf of her “The Sister” director, honoree Joseph Israel Laban, said the Indie Bravo! show was “honest and well-meaning.”

She added: “At the gathering, it feels like you’re with close friends. You discuss issues about culture and the arts, get updated with each other’s lives, and all things in between.”

Writer-filmmaker Zig Dulay, also an awardee, said he enjoyed the event because “people go there not to compete, but to feel more inspired, because they’re already among other winners.” Zig arrived with child actor Micko Laurente, who is also an honoree for “Bambanti.”

Jaclyn Jose (left) with Inquirer’s Imee Alcantara

“Imbisibol” producer Krisma Maclang said she regretted not joining the event this year, because of an earlier commitment. Krisma, however, said she appreciated that the Inquirer has been paying tribute to indie films. “Of course I feel proud that our work is being noticed locally,” she pointed out.

Producer Alemberg Ang said he has attended the Indie Bravo! show since its first year. Sadly, he didn’t know that the 7th edition was last Thursday.

“The support that the Inquirer gives to the independent film community is simply amazing,” he declared.
“Being able to bring everyone in one room, in one event, provides some sort of reunion for the industry. It’s a great way to catch up with everyone, as well as honor each other’s work,” he added.

Mitch Valdes

Producer Madonna Tarrayo said she has been attending the Indie Bravo! show every year because “I respect what it stands for—that is, celebrating outstanding films and the people behind it. As far as I know, the Inquirer is the only publication which has championed this kind of celebration. It’s also a good way to get to know others in the film circle because of its intimate setup.”

Ronald Arguelles of Cinema One