Back-to-back PMPC wins for Angel, ER

ANGEL Locsin, best actress, joked about Noranian scare. RODEL ROTONI

When she found out that she’ll be up against acting titans Nora Aunor (“Thy Womb”), Gina Alajar (“Mater Dolorosa”) and Vilma Santos (“The Healing”) for best actress in the Philippine Movie Press Club’s (PMPC) 29th Star Awards for Movies, Angel Locsin was convinced that winning would be a long shot.

Much to her surprise (and that of hundreds of cheering Noranians), Angel, lead star of the adult drama “One More Try,” pulled off the upset and collected her second consecutive best actress trophy from the same award-giving body during Sunday night rites at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Theater in Quezon City.

Accepting her award, Angel rambled nervously: “Actors are some of the most insecure people—they need constant approval. This award is an inspiration for me to continue and improve my acting.” Last year, she won for “In the Name of Love.”

Wary winner

After the rites, reporters asked Angel how she felt about winning in an impressive field that also included Bea Alonzo (“The Mistress”), Jodi Sta. Maria (“Migrante”) and Angelica Panganiban (“One More Try”).

She jested: “It hasn’t sunk in. The first thing that came to mind was, ‘How am I getting out of here alive?’”

When her name was called, Angel confessed, she tried to avoid seeing the Noranians’ reaction.  “I’m glad they cheered for me as well,” she said.

Laguna governor and “El Presidente” lead star Jeorge “ER” Ejercito also took home the top acting plum from the PMPC for the second straight year. In 2012, ER won for “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story,” tying with Aga Muhlach (“In the Name of Love”).

In his speech, ER shared the award with fellow nominees Eddie Garcia (“Bwakaw”),  Coco Martin (“Sta. Niña”), Aga Muhlach (“Of All the Things”), Jericho Rosales (“Alagwa”), John Lloyd Cruz (“The Mistress”) and Dingdong Dantes (“One More Try”).

LAGUNA Gov. ER Ejercito, best actor: We got lucky again. RODEL ROTONI

ER told reporters, “We got lucky again.”

Best supporting actor and actress trophies went to Carlo Aquino for “Mater Dolorosa” and Janice de Belen for “Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles.”

Neil Coleta won best new actor for “I Do Bidoo Bidoo.” Tippy dos Santos and Kim Komatsu tied for best new actress for “I Do Bidoo Bidoo” and “Mga Mumunting Lihim,” respectively. “Alagwa’s” Bugoy Cariño won best child performer.

Big winners

The Emilio Aguinaldo biopic “El Presidente” was the runaway winner in the mainstream category with a total of eight awards, including best picture, and best director and screenplay for Mark Meily.

The indie category was dominated by “Alagwa” with five awards, including best picture, director and screenplay for Ian Loreños.

The PMPC cited Sen. Lito Lapid for contributions to the entertainment industry. He was awarded the Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award.

Veteran cinematographer Romy Vitug got a standing ovation for winning the Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula sa Likod ng Kamera Lifetime Achievement Award. Among his best-known projects are Lino Brocka’s “Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa,” Celso Ad Castillo’s “Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak” and Eddie Garcia’s “Atsay.”

Winners list

• Cinematography: Carlo Mendoza for “El Presidente” (mainstream); Odyssey Flores, “Thy Womb” (indie).

• Production design: Danny Red and Joey Bilbao for “El Presidente” (mainstream); Brillante Ma. Mendoza, “Thy Womb” (indie).

• Editing: Jason Cahapay and Ryan Orduña for “El Presidente” (mainstream); Dempster Samarista, “Alagwa” (indie).

• Musical score: Vincent de Jesus for “I Do Bidoo Bidoo” (mainstream); Von de Guzman, “Supremo” (indie).

• Sound engineering: Corinne de San Jose and Ditoy Aguila for “Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles” (mainstream); Ditoy Aguila and Mark Locsin, “Mater Dolorosa” (indie).

• Original theme song: “Aking Inang Bayan”  for “El Presidente” (mainstream); “Saan Ako Tutungo,” “Migrante” (indie).

• Darling of the Press: Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.