In the Philippines, the holiday season isn’t just about the grandest feasts, Simbang Gabi, and all sorts of merrymaking. It is also about celebrating the local film industry through the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). After days of screening in cinemas nationwide, the MMFF honors the creatives behind this year’s roster of films through its Gabi ng Parangal.
Held at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City on Dec. 27, the awards night gathered the biggest names and notable personalities in the Filipino film industry, one of which was “Firefly” film star Alessandra De Rossi. The actress was nominated for the Best Supporting Actress category. For the event, she donned a custom piece by fashion designer Kim Gan. The midnight blue dress features a halter neckline, a low back, and Swarovski crystal embellishment, mimicking a night sky with twinkling lights courtesy of fireflies.
“Alessandra and I decided on a midnight blue color for the awards night. I embellished it with Swarovski crystals for the glitter effect since the movie is ‘Firefly,’” Kim told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “She has been a muse since then, we've been friends for quite some time. She’s easy to work with—very natural, kind, and, of course, very beautiful!”
During the Gabi ng Parangal, “Firefly” took home three awards—Best Picture, Best Screenplay, and Best Child Performer—while the “GomBurZa” film won six awards. The MMFF 2023 films are showing in cinemas until Jan. 7, 2024.
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