ABS-CBN rules movie press awards

Christopher de Leon and Tirso Cruz lll

Although there was a smattering of Kapuso talents, Kapamilya artists ruled the winners’ list in the Star Awards for Movies, now on its 27th year.

Handed out by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), the Star Awards has always been hotly contested by the two TV networks, the Kapuso (GMA 7) and Kapamilya (ABS-CBN 2).

This year, the awards show, held at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater on Tuesday night, unfolded smoothly—if a bit behind schedule.

Doors to the theater were opened promptly at 6 p.m. to the guests who were greeted by ABS-CBN stars Gary Valenciano, Jericho Rosales, Gab Valenciano, Enchong Dee, Erich Gonzales and Maja Salvador (among others) rehearsing their numbers onstage.

Taking the lead

PMPC’s honor roll was a repeat of last December’s Metro Manila Film Festival, which was rocked by intrigues as well.

Star Cinema’s “Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na ‘To” dominated the derby—winning best picture, director (Wenn Deramas), actress (Ai Ai de las Alas), supporting actress (Eugene Domingo), editing (Marya Ignacio) and child performer (Xyriel Manabat who tied with Timothy Chan of “Here Comes the Bride”). Star Cinema is the film arm of ABS-CBN 2.

Domingo told the Inquirer: “I was away during the MMFF. This time, I was able to have a picture taken with Ai Ai and Direk Wenn at Resorts World. It was fun because my own tanging ina (mom) is aware of the Star (Awards).”

Ai-Ai delas Alas

Another Kapamilya, Coco Martin, won best actor for “Noy.” “It feels great to be recognized for our hard work,” he said. “It validates our efforts, that we were able to make a relevant film every Filipino can be proud of.”

Veteran star Tirso Cruz III, who recently appeared in a Kapuso show (“I Heart You, Pare!”), won best supporting actor for “Sigwa.” Cruz, however, just signed up with ABS-CBN, with a new soap (“Budoy”) co-starring Gerald Anderson in the works.

A Kapuso (Carla Abellana for “Shake, Rattle & Roll XII”) and a Kapamilya (Martin del Rosario for “Dagim”) won best newcomers.

Four honors

A Cinemalaya entry, “Sigwa” swept Star’s digital section—winning best digital movie, director (Joel Lamangan), cinematography (Monino Duque), editing (Bebs Gohetia), production design (Edgar Martin Littaua) and sound (Alfredo Ongleo).

The big-screen musical “Emir” won four trophies: best movie screenplay (Jerry Gracio), cinematography (Neil Daza), musical score (Josefino Toledo) and theme song (Gary Granada’s “Bakit Ako Naririto”).

Jerrold Tarog was a double winner, bringing home best screenplay and musical score for the digital film “Senior Year.”

Another Tarog film, the “Punerarya” episode of “Shake 12,” won best sound (for Lamberto Casas Jr.).

The period film “Rosario,” produced by TV5’s Studio 5 and Cinemabuhay, won best production design (Joey Luna and Miki Hahn).

“Tarima” won best digital theme song for Sherwyn Castillo’s “Napapagod Din ang Puso.”

Darling of the Press went to Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito.

The lifetime achievement honors were given to Regal Films producer Lily Monteverde and actor Christopher de Leon.

The Star Awards for Movies airs tonight on ABS-CBN 2.