Renowned talent manager and comedian Ogie Diaz recently sparked online debate after posting on social media about the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal Awards Night. In his post, Diaz asked whether the event was a “cooking show” or if the winners genuinely deserved their accolades. His remarks ignited mixed reactions from netizens, with some questioning the legitimacy of the results and others defending the winners.
This year’s MMFF awards night recognized the outstanding performances of prominent actors, including Vice Ganda, Judy Ann Santos, and Dennis Trillo. Among the awardees, Dennis Trillo bagged Best Actor for his role in Green Bones, while Judy Ann Santos won Best Actress for her performance in Espantaho. Ruru Madrid earned the Best Supporting Actor award for his portrayal in Green Bones. Meanwhile, Vice Ganda was surprised to receive the Special Jury Citation, marking his first-ever MMFF recognition after years of participation in the festival.
While the winners were celebrated, controversies emerged, particularly surrounding Eugene Domingo’s lack of recognition despite her much-praised performance. Domingo, widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile actresses in Philippine cinema, failed to secure an award, leaving many netizens perplexed. On the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), fans expressed disappointment, highlighting her exceptional acting and questioning why she was overlooked.
Eugene Domingo not being nominated in any award is beyond ridiculous. Honestly baffling how they can completely overlook someone as TALENTED, and as GROUNDBREAKING as her. Disrespecting someone like THE EUGENE DOMINGO is a blatant disregard for true artistry.#MMFF50GabiNgParangal pic.twitter.com/cGqdGiyJkt
— justin movie geek 🎬 (@jstvwvk) December 27, 2024
The discussion grew even more heated when some netizens sided with Diaz’s sentiment, hinting at possible biases in the awarding process. However, others came to the defense of the festival, emphasizing that the winners deserved their trophies based on their exceptional performances.
“Dennis and Judy Ann truly gave stellar performances in their respective films, and Vice’s recognition is long overdue,” one supporter commented. Another chimed in, “Awards cannot please everyone, but it doesn’t mean they are cooked.”
As the debates rage on, the MMFF’s organizing committee has yet to release a statement addressing these concerns. The annual festival has always been a hotbed for controversies, but it remains a significant platform for celebrating Filipino talent and artistry.
Whether viewed as a “cooking show” or a fair recognition of talent, the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal has once again captured the nation’s attention, proving the enduring relevance of Filipino cinema in stirring conversation and passion.