Arjo Atayde hailed best actor at Asian Academy Creative Awards 2020

Image: Instagram/@arjoatayde

Arjo Atayde has been hailed best actor in this year’s Asian Academy Creative Awards (AAAs) for his role in iWant’s political thriller “Bagman.”

In the said digital series, Atayde played Benjo, a barber-turned-“bagman” of a governor. “Bagman” debuted in March 2019 while the second season aired in November 2019.

The 30-year-old actor received the Best Actor in a Leading Role accolade yesterday, Dec. 4, at the awards show held in Singapore, which he attended online.

“I am just one of the actors here in the Philippines. There are a lot of brilliant actors, and I just hope for them to show you what we have in the country,” an emotional Atayde said in his virtual acceptance speech. “I hope this is not the first and last. I hope this is the beginning of everything.”

Atayde bested nine other nominees from China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Taiwan.

“Two days ago, we had the Asian Academy Creative Awards panel interview. [Even] before I first stepped foot into this industry, my goal has always been to represent our country in any way I can,” Atayde also posted on Instagram yesterday.

“Nine years into my work in this industry, I was finally given the chance. Even without the decision, I am extremely grateful for the appreciation and recognition of what I do. All I want to do is act and inspire. Thank you for making this dream of mine come true! Here we go,” he added.

Atayde’s girlfriend, actress and television host Maine Mendoza, meanwhile, shared her excitement after Atayde was announced as the winner.

“Waaaaahhhh well-deserved!!!!! Wooot wooot congratulations, @AtaydeArjo !!!! Biggest fan,” she posted on Twitter yesterday, sharing ABS-CBN director Nico Hernandez’s video of the announcement.

Dreamscape Entertainment, which co-produced “Bagman” with Rein Entertainment, likewise sent its congratulations to the actor via its Instagram page also yesterday.

Atayde won the national best actor accolade from the said award-giving body last October. The AAAs, now in its third year, is an annual part of the Singapore Media Festival. The festival aims to celebrate “the best of the best” in the Asian entertainment industry.  /ra

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