(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