Dolly de Leon, Soliman Cruz, Vilma Santos conferred FDCP’s Parangal ng Sining awards

Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net

(From left) Teddy Tan Jr., Martika Escobar, Laurice Guillen, Vilma Santos, Roselle Monteverde, Dolly de Leon, Soliman Cruz, Tirso Cruz III. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net

Dolly de Leon, Soliman Cruz, Vilma Santos were among the biggest names in showbiz who were honored for their contributions to local cinema at the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ (FDCP) Parangal ng Sining on Sunday, April 23.

De Leon, Cruz, and “Leonor Will Never Die” filmmaker Martika Escobar bagged the Annual Achievement Award for their “invaluable contributions” to the local film industry, while Santos, Nick Deocampo, Lily Monteverde, and Cinemalaya represented by Laurice Guillen brought home the Lifetime Achievement Awards at the ceremony.

Also present at the ceremony were veteran actors Christopher de Leon, Maricel Soriano, and Agot Isidro, as well as seasoned filmmaker Joey Javier Reyes. The event was hosted by Robi Domingo who also expressed his support for the local film industry.

Here’s a look at the winners honored at the FDCP’s Parangal ng Sining:

Soliman Cruz — Annual Achievement Award

Soliman Cruz with Ruby Ruiz (left) and Tirso Cruz III (right). Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQURIER.net

A visibly emotional Soliman Cruz, who was hugged by seasoned actress Ruby Ruiz onstage, dedicated his award to his family and mentors in film and theater.

Martika Escobar — Annual Achievement Award

Martika Escobar receiving her Annual Achievement Award. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net

Best known for her work in the film “Leonor will Never Die,” Escobar hoped that her recent milestone would inspire aspiring filmmakers to keep moving forward with a career in the arts.

Dolly de Leon — Annual Achievement Award

Dolly de Leon after receiving her Annual Achievement Award trophy. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net

De Leon shared that she discovered her passion for acting when she was still studying in UP, where she watched her peers perform onstage while she sewed their costumes. Despite having a small role in her first play by Tony Mabesa, she considered it as a valuable experience in her dream to becoming an actress.

“I’m so happy that in all of the years I’ve struggled as an actress, all of these were worth it. It’s worth it. It is worth all the pain,” she said during her speech.

Nick Deocampo — Lifetime Achievement Award

Nick Deocampo’s nephew Teddy Tan Jr. received his Lifetime Achievement Award trophy on his behalf. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net

Nick Deocampo thanks the FDCP for his recent milestone in a video message. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net

Deocampo was represented by his nephew, Teddy Tan Jr., who claimed his Lifetime Achievement Trophy on his behalf. Despite being in Spain, he said in a video message that his award is a testament to his 40-year career as a filmmaker, film historian, and advocate of alternative cinema.

Cinemalaya — Lifetime Achievement Award

Cinemalaya Foundation director Laurice Guillen receives the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the independent film festival. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net

Cinemalaya Foundation director Laurice Guillen looked back on the earlier days of Cinemalaya in 2003 during a “critical period” in the film industry, saying the festival is a catalyst to “cultural change” and an eye-opening reminder that moviegoers can expect more than “predictable” storylines in Philippine cinema.

Lily Monteverde — Lifetime Achievement Award

Roselle Monteverde represented her mother, veteran producer Lily Monteverde, in receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award trophy. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net

Veteran producer Lily Monteverde’s award was received her daughter Roselle on her behalf. Prior to receiving the trophy, Lily’s tribute featured heartwarming messages from her “Regal babies” such as Dina Bonnevie, Gabby Concepcion, Maricel Soriano, Janice de Belen, and Albert Martinez.

Vilma Santos — Lifetime Achievement Award

Vilma Santos poses with Christopher de Leon and Tirso Cruz III. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net

Santos admitted that she’s “overwhelmed” and “speechless” upon receiving her Lifetime Achievement Award trophy, saying that she attended the award-giving ceremony as a “fan” of the film industry. “Great artists are here tonight, and malaking karangalan na iyon para sa akin,” she added.

Prior to receiving her award, Santos was seen tearing up over the tribute messages from her “anaks (or children)” Claudine Barretto and Piolo Pascual. EDV

RELATED STORIES:

Dolly De Leon, Soliman Cruz, Martika Escobar to receive FDCP’s achievement award

Vilma Santos, Lily Monteverde, Nick Deocampo among FDCP’s lifetime achievement awardees

Read more...