Catu’s ‘Dapithapon’ named best picture in Cinemalaya 2018

Xeph Suarez, best director for short film (“Si Astri Maki Si Tambulah”), and Che Espiritu, best director (“Pan de Salawal”), pose with Cinemalay officials on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018. (Photo by MARINEL R. CRUZ)

Carlo Enciso Catu’s “Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon,” a lesson on forgiveness and moving on from a lady in her twilight years, bagged the best picture award in this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival awards show on Sunday.

“Dapithapon,” which stars Perla Bautista, Dante Rivero and Meggie Cubarubias, also brought home a cash prize of P350,000. It bagged four more awards, which include best screenplay for John Carlo Pacala and best production design for Marielle Hizon.

Neil Daza copped the best cinematography trophy, also for “Dapithapon,” which also bagged the Netpac (Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema) award for the full-length film category.

Another big winner this year is Che Espiritu, who brought home the best director trophy for her “Pan de Salawal.”

The film also won the Special Jury award and a cash prize of P100,000. It also won the best original music score honor for Len Calvo.

Eddie Garcia won his third Cinemalaya trophy, this time, for his performance as a retired Metrocom colonel with dementia in Benedict Mique Jr.’s “ML.” His two other acting citations were from “ICU Bed #7” and “Bwakaw.”

Aiai delas Alas was heralded best actress for portraying Rita, the leader of syndicate of street urchins in Louie Ignacio’s gritty drama “School Service.”

Therese Malvar won the best supporting actress honor for her performances in two films, “School Service” and Perci Intalan’s drama “Distance.”

Meanwhile, Ketchup Eusebio brought home the best supporting actor trophy for Denise O’Hara’s “Mamang.”

A special award for child actors was shared by Miel Espinosa (“Pan de Salawal”), JM Salvado (“Musmos na Sumibol sa Gubat ng Digma”) amd Kenken Nuyda (“Liway” and “School Service”).

Iar Lionel Arondaing’s “Musmos na Sumibol sa Gubat ng Digma” won the best sound honor for Wild Sound, while the best editing award was given to Mikael Pestano for “ML.”

Kip Oebanda’s “Liway” received a Special Jury Commendation. It also won the Audience Choice award and a cash prize of P75,000.

Jojo Driz’s “Kiko” was voted winner of the Audience Choice award for the short film category, while the best film honor was given to “Jodilerks dela Cruz: Employee of the Month” by Carlo Manatad. The latter also received a cash prize of P150,000.

This year’s best director for short films is Xeph Suarez for his work in “Si Astri Maki Si Tambulah,” which also won the Special Jury award and a cash prize of P50,000.

The Netpac award for shorts was handed to Christian Candelaria’s “Sa Saiyang Isla,” which also won him the best screenplay trophy.

The Nespresso awards for vertical shorts were handed to “Ako” by Jonel Revistual (2nd runner-up, P20,000); “Braveheart” by Kevin Tuason (P1st runner-up, P30,000) and “SLN” by Bryan Spencer Reyes (best picture, P50,000).

The 14th edition of the Cinemalaya ran from Aug. 3 to 12.

The awards show, hosted by Sandino Martin and Cris Villonco, was held at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Sunday night. /atm

Eddie Garcia got his third Cinemalaya trophy for his performance as a retired Metrocom colonel with dementia in Benedict Mique Jr.’s “ML.” (Photo by MARINEL R. CRUZ / Inquirer Entertainment)

Ketchup Eusebio brought home the best supporting actor trophy for Denise O’Hara’s “Mamang.”

Therese Malvar won the best supporting actress honor for her performances in two films, “School Service” and Perci Intalan’s drama “Distance.” (Photo by MARINEL R. CRUZ / Inquirer Entertainment)