The New Frontier Theater in Quezon City came alive on the night of December 27, 2023, as the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) unfolded its much-anticipated Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night). The red carpet was graced by the who’s who of the Philippine entertainment industry, setting the stage for a memorable evening of celebration and recognition.
A Stellar Lineup of Official Entries
This year’s MMFF showcased a diverse array of films that captured the hearts of audiences across the nation. Among the official entries were star-studded productions, including Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards’ heartwarming “Family of Two,” the action-packed “Penduko” featuring Matteo Guidicelli and Cristine Reyes, Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes’ nostalgic journey in “Rewind,” and the thrilling “Kampon” starring Beauty Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay.
Eugene Domingo and Pokwang’s delightful “Becky & Badette,” Christian Bables and Jaclyn Jose’s poignant “Broken Hearts Trip,” Alessandra de Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell’s mesmerizing “Firefly,” the historical epic “GomBurZa” with Dante Rivero, Cedric Juan, Enchong Dee, and Piolo Pascual, Piolo Pascual and Janella Salvador’s heartwarming “Mallari,” and the enchanting “When I Met You In Tokyo” led by Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon also graced the festival.
Triumph of Cinematic Excellence: The Winners
The spotlight shone on outstanding talents and exceptional cinematic achievements as the winners were unveiled. The prestigious Best Picture award went to “Firefly,” with “GomBurZa” and “Mallari” securing the 2nd and 3rd spots, respectively. Vilma Santos was crowned Best Actress in a Leading Role for her exceptional performance in “When I Met You in Tokyo,” while Cedrick Juan took home the Best Actor in a Leading Role award for his compelling portrayal in “GomBurZa.”
The Best Director accolade was claimed by Pepe Diokno for the remarkable direction of “GomBurZa.” Miles Ocampo’s stellar performance in “Family of Two” earned her the Best Actress in a Supporting Role, while JC Santos received the Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his role in “Mallari.” Euwenn Mikaell, the young talent from “Firefly,” was recognized as the Best Child Performer.
Behind the Scenes Excellence
The unsung heroes behind the camera were also acknowledged, with Angeli Atienza receiving the Best Screenplay award for “Firefly.” Benjamin Tolentino’s masterful editing in “Kampon” secured him the Best Editing award, while Carlo Canlas Mendoza’s cinematography in “GomBurZa” was recognized with the Best Cinematography award. Ericson Navarro’s outstanding production design in “GomBurZa” and Gaspar Mangarin’s exceptional visual effects in “Mallari” were also celebrated.
Special Awards and Recognition
In addition to the major awards, the MMFF bestowed special honors on deserving individuals and films. “GomBurZa” received the Gat Puno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award, paying tribute to its cultural significance. “When I Met You in Tokyo” was honored with the FPJ Memorial Award, while Mother Lily Yu Monteverde received the Manay Ichu Vera Perez Memorial Award.
The visually stunning float of “When I Met You In Tokyo” secured the Best Float Award, and “Becky and Badette” was lauded with the Gender Sensitivity Award.
A Night of Entertainment and Elegance
The Gabi ng Parangal was hosted with charm and wit by Giselle Sanchez and Eisel Serrano, adding a touch of humor and glamour to the evening. The event was made accessible to a wider audience through a live stream on the MMFF Facebook page and One PH on TV at 8:00 PM. For those who missed the live broadcast, TV5 provided a delayed telecast at 10:45 PM.
Box Office Front Runners
While the official announcement of the top grosser is pending, reports suggest that “Rewind,” “Mallari,” “Penduko,” “Family of Two” (A Mother and Son Story), and “Kampon” are emerging as front runners in the box office race, further highlighting the diverse tastes of the Filipino audience.
The Metro Manila Film Festival 2023’s Gabi ng Parangal was a testament to the vibrant and thriving Philippine film industry. As the curtains fell on this spectacular night, the winners, nominees, and the entire film community stood united in celebrating the magic of cinema that continues to captivate and inspire audiences nationwide.