HIGHLIGHTS AND SIDELIGHTS OF THE 2ND MANILA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – TRIBUTE GALA
By Oliver Carnay
Receiving the Best Actor Award, Seth Fedelin delivered his speech in tagalog — “Ang lalabas po sa bibig ko ay galing sa puso ko at yun ang mahalaga …” He mentioned fellow actors who are also in the audience .. “maraming magagaling na artista po nandito na iniidolo ko .. andyan si Kuya Arjo (Atayde), (ang nanay ko, ang nag-iisang) Janice de Belen, at syempre si Tita Ibyang– Sylvia Sanchez na hindi lamang sa Pilipinas umabot ang talento, kundi sa buong mundo at dapat makilala maging sa buong mundo.” Fedelin also thanked the First Lady, Regal Entertainment – for taking care of him and his loveteam Francine Diaz, and ABS-CBN — “ang bahay namin.”
The ceremony opened with the Philippine National Anthem, and was immediately followed by a solo performance from SOFRONIO VASQUEZ. He also later performed a duet with DEBORAH COX, singing “Magkasuyo Buong Gabi,” and for the finale, with RACHEL ALEJANDRO and MORISSETTE for “The Greatest Show.”
First in the program to receive the Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Award was Mother LILY MONTEVERDE, and was accepted by daughter Roselle Monteverde.
Liza Soberano presented the Trailblazer Award to NICO SANTOS, who wasn’t able to make it. Nico Santos played Oliver T’sien in “Crazy Rich Asians” as well as Mateo in the hit tv series “Superstore” (NBC) which ran for six seasons. His other credits include the new series “The Z Suite,” the Netflix film “Happiness for Beginners” and Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (as Recorder Theel).
On her MM Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Dingdong Dantes (Chairman of AKTOR, League of Filipino Actors), MS. BOOTS ANSON ROA-RODRIGO accepted the award with a heartfelt speech, “One of the best gifts I’ve received upon turning 80-years old is to have received the recognition from a body as distinguished as the MIFF. I was one of the delegates here for the first MMFF last year. Thank you Lisa, Omen, Ebradu, and the leaders of the organization for giving me a modest but meaningful birthday gift right at the midst of MIFF.” She also acknowledged and thankful that she is receiving an award alongside and in the presence of the First Lady of the Philippines, Mrs. LOUISE (LIZA) ARANETA MARCOS, who later, was given the Visionary Award for Championing Philippine Cinema. Mrs. Liza Marcos created the CineGang, Inc. to boost and seek opportunities for the Philippine industry, to open doors where Filipino film creatives can turn their cinematic ideas into a reality, push Filipino cinema talents into the global arena, supporting projects and celebrate Pinoy motion pictures, including the Manila International Film Festival.
One of the highlights of the evening was when Filipino firefighter first responders during the Los Angeles wildfire were called onstage and had them serenaded by iconic singer Deborah Cox with the song “Hero” by Mariah Carey. Onstage, MIFF salute the following first responder heroes: Officer Edward Acedillo, Fire Captain Allan Anolin, Fire Captain Arnold Anolin, Fire Captain Russell Arcebido, Officer Dexter Barras, Fire Captain David Dantic, Sergeant Jonathan De Vera, Fire Captain Jimmy de los Santos, Fire Captain Eddie Diaz, Officer Mariko Jackson, Officer Eric Payumo, Officer Arleen Rojas, Battalion Chief Ramon Caldoria, Sargeant Cristian Ventura, and Officer Marlow Viray.
Last to be given a tribute as this year’s recipient of the Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Award was none other than Vilma Santos-Recto whose career spans over six decades. Dubbed as “Star for All Seasons,” she started her career as a child actress at age 9 in the film “Trudis Liit.” She received multiple awards in different award-giving bodies in the Philippines and abroad. She had crossed over from being an entertainer to being a politician, spending public service to her constituents in Lipa, Batangas. She has served both three consecutive terms as a Governor and a Mayor. Her vibrant and illustrious career were shown via a clip, preceded by the video clip of “Ate Vi” (as she’s fondly called) accepting her award.
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