Vilma Santos delivering her acceptance speech in Batangas. —VILMA SANTOS/ INSTAGRAM
Vilma Santos, who won the best actress award (for “When I Met You in Tokyo”) at the recently concluded 1st Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), dedicated the trophy to her “Bru,” Christopher de Leon, who was also her leading man and associate director.
“Bru, para sa atin ’to. Andito si Bruha…” (Bru, this is for us. Your Bruha is here), said Vilma, referring to the terms of endearment of the characters they played in the film that was codirected by Rado Peru and Rommel Penesa.
Vilma was not present during the awards ceremony held on Feb. 3 (Manila time) in Los Angeles, California, and so her longtime screen partner accepted the recognition on her behalf. In a video, which she also posted on Instagram, the veteran actress said she was celebrating her victory with her family in Lipa, Batangas.
This was Vilma’s second recognition for her role as Azon. She bagged the same award in December from the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival, where “When I Met You in Tokyo” was also an official entry.
Meanwhile, Dingdong Dantes (“Rewind”) and Piolo Pascual (“Mallari”) shared the MIFF best actor trophy.
Sold-out
The festival, which ran from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, was organized to showcase Philippine-made films to Filipino communities in the United States. The awards show, held at the Directors Guild of America Theater Complex on Sunset Boulevard, was also attended by other Manila-based personalities whose films also participated in the festival.
Vilma thanked her directors, colleagues and producers, Rowena Jamaji and Rajan Gidwani of JG Productions, and the LA-based audience. “I learned that we got sold-out there. I’m glad you liked our movie,” she said.
“When I Met You in Tokyo” is set to have international screenings in Italy on Feb. 11 (12 noon) at The Space Moderno Cinema in Rome, and on Feb. 18 at Citylife Anteo in Milan. In the United States, the film will be screened in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 17 at Carco Theater in Renton, and on Feb. 18 at Bremerton HS Performing Arts.
The following also won awards: “Firefly,” best picture; “GomBurZa,” second best picture; “Becky and Badette,” Special Jury Prize; Zig Dulay (“Firefly”), best director; Alessandra de Rossi (“Firefly”), best supporting actress; Pepe Herrera (“Rewind”), best supporting actor; Angeli Atienza (“Firefly”), best screenplay; Carlo Mendoza (“GomBurZa”), best cinematography; Hilda Koronel, Lifetime Achievement award; and “GomBurZa,” Audience Choice award. INQ