Since I was 12, I have always wanted to become a host of the Metro Manila Film Festival because, for me, it is the most prestigious awards night in the Philippines… somewhat like the Met Gala. After hosting their parade for 10 years and the red carpet for three years, I have finally attracted my dream to become the main and only host for the awards night. "Big Night" stole the evening by bagging most of the awards: best picture, best actor (Christian Bables), best supporting actor (John Arcilla), best director (Jun Lana), best screenplay (Jun Lana), best cinematography, gender-sensitivity award and best musical score. In Christian Bables acceptance speech as best actor, he shared his award to Dingdong Dantes and Daniel Padilla who were nominees of the same category as well. He also made sure he said these words in his speech, “To the people who are voiceless or who are oppressed, I may find it hard to express my opinion in my thoughts or in my words but let me fight for you through my art. Slow clap for you Bables for such strong words that stirred up even my own emotion.
"Kun Maupay Man it Panahon" bagged second best picture, best actress (Charo Santos), MMFF Jury Prize Award (Daniel Padilla), best supporting actress (Ranz Rifol), best visual effects, best production design, and the MMFF Cultural award. Charo Santos-Concio apologized for not attending the awards night, as she is in the hospital taking care of her husband.
Viva Films’ "A Hard Day" won third best picture, best editing and best sound. Actor John Arcilla was also nominated for best supporting actor for the same movie so when his name was announced as the winner of best supporting actor for the movie "Big Night," his co-actors Gary Lim and Kedebon got so excited and went up the stage to receive the award to the amusement of the audience and the producers of "Big Night." It was a good breaker for all the tension people were feeling awaiting the announcement of the winners, most especially for best picture, best actor and best actress.
The complete list of winners:
Minor awards:
*Best Float - Huwag Kang Lalabas
*Best Sound - A Hard Day
*Best Musical Score - Big Night
*Best Original Theme Song - Huling Ulan Sa Tag Araw
*Best Visual Effects - Kun Maupay Man It Panahon
*Best Production Design - Kun Maupay Man It Panahon
*Best Editing - A Hard Day
*Best Cinematography - Big Night
*Gender Sensitivity Award - Big Night
Special awards:
*MMFF Creator Jury’s Choice Award - Kandado
*Natatanging Gawad MMFF Award - Chairman Danny Lim and Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera
*Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda Memorial Award - Rosa Rosal
*Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award - Kun Maupay Man It Panahon
*Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award - A Hard Day
*Best Screenplay - Big Night
MAJOR AWARDS:
*Best Actor In A Supporting Role - John Arcilla (Big Night)
*Best Actress In A Supporting Role - Ras Rifol (Kun Maupay Man It Panahon)
*BEST Actor In A Leading Role - Christian Bables (Big Night)
*BEST Actress In A Leading Role - Charo Santos (Kun Maupay Man It Panahon)
*MMFF Jury Prize Award - Daniel Padilla (Kun Maupay Man It Panahon)
*Best Director - Jun Robles Lana (Big Night)
*3rd Best Picture - A Hard Day
*2nd Best Picture - Kun Maupay Man It
*Best Picture - Big Night