ROMANCE movie "Siargao" and musical film "Ang Larawan" won big during the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal held at the Kia Theater in Cubao, Quezon City, on Wednesday, December 27.
"Siargao," directed by Paul Soriano, bagged the most major awards -- Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound, Second Best Picture, Best Theme Song, Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Jasmine Curtis-Smith) and Best Director.
The romance movie, starring Jericho Rosales, Erich Gonzales, Enchong Dee and Curtis-Smith, was set and filmed in Siargao, an island in Surigao del Norte province considered as the surfing capital of the Philippines.
On the other hand, "Ang Larawan", which was initially pulled out from cinemas, prevailed by winning Best Picture, Best Musical Score, Best Production Design, Best Actress (Joanna Ampil), Special Jury Prize (national artist Nick Joaquin), and Gatpuno J. Villegas Cultural Award.
"Ang Larawan," starring Ampil, Paulo Avelino and Rachel Alejandro, is a film adaptation of "Larawan, The Musical", which is based on Joaquin’s English play, "A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino."
Meanwhile, “Ang Panday” won the Best in Visual Effects, Children’s Choice, FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence, and Special Jury Prize (Coco Martin).
The epic movie was directed by Martin under his real name, Rodel Nacianceno. He also played the main character in the movie.
Moreover, Derek Ramsay was recognized Best Actor for his role in the movie, "All of You", which won the Best in Screenplay and Third Best Picture.
Also winners in this year's MMFF are "The Revenger Squad" (Full-Length Film - People’s Choice Award); “Anong Nangyari kay Nicanor Dante?” (Short Film – Best Picture); "Noel" (Short Film – People’s Choice Award); Edgar Allan Guzman (Best Actor in a Supporting Role, “Deadma Walking"), and Baby Baste (Best Child Performer, “Meant to Beh”).
During the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal, Derek Ramsay was named Male Star of the Night, while Erich Gonzales was chosen as the Female Star of the Night. (Precious Grace Gandia, USC AB Communications intern/SunStar Philipines)