The cast of 'About Us But Not About Us' (Images by Juan Carlo De Vela)

Romnick Sarmenta and Gladys Reyes were the big winners in the acting category for the 1st Summer Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal held at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City last April 11.

"About Us But Not About Us," the story of a literature professor who meets his student and unravels a dark secret throughout one meal, was the festival's best picture.

The psychological drama flick also won awards for best actor and best director. Aside from that, they also received trophies for best screenplay, best sound editing, and best production design.

Gladys Reyes

'Salamat Elijah, and I just wanted to dedicate this first sa nanay ko, who's always been very supportive, sa mga anak ko and sa mahal kong si Barbara, sobra makasuporta. Mahal ko kayo," said Romnick in his acceptance speech.

(Thank you, and I just wanted to dedicate this first to my mother, who's always been very supportive, to my children, and to my beloved Barbara, who is very supportive. I love you all.)

Other actors nominated for the same category were Gerald Anderson, Elijah Canlas, Enchong Dee, Carlo Aquino, and Yoo Ming Gon.

Romnick Sarmenta

The crowd also cheered for Gladys Reyes, who won best actress for her performance in "Apag." She shared her victory with fellow nominees Kylie Padilla and Bela Padilla.

'Sa lahat po ng hurado, maraming-maraming salamat po dahil napansin niyo po ang aking pagganap sa pelikulang 'Apag,' and Direk Brillante Mendoza, thank you for rebranding me sa pelikulang ito,' Gladys said.

(To all the judges, thank you very much for noticing my performance in the movie 'Apag,' and Director Brillante Mendoza, thank you for rebranding me in this movie)

Kaladkaren

Kaladkaren was emotional in her long acceptance speech for winning the best supporting actress in the film "Here Comes The Groom." She made history as the first transgender to win an acting award. She also dedicated her recognition to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Keempee de Leon received the award for best supporting actor in the same comedy film.

Award-winning actor Elijah Canlas won a special jury prize for the film "About Us But Not About Us." The same award went to the whole cast of the movie ''Here Comes The Groom."

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Romando S. Artes poses with members of the jury, and this year's winners of 1st Summer Metro Manila Film Festival.

Award-winning actress Dolly De Leon led the 10-member jury that selected this year's winners.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Romando S. Artes said that he's hopeful the Summer MMFF will become an annual tradition.

The complete list of winners:

Best Picture: About Us But Not About Us
2nd Best Picture: Love You Long Time
3rd Best Picture: Here Comes the Groom
Best Actress: Gladys Reyes, Apag
Best Actor: Romnick Sarmenta, About Us But Not About Us
Best Director: Jun Lana Robles, About Us But Not About Us
Best Supporting Actor: Keempee de Leon, Here Comes The Groom
Best Supporting Actress: Kaladkaren, Here Comes The Groom
Best Screenplay: About Us But Not About Us
Best Cinematography: About Us But Not About Us
Best Production Design: About Us But Not About Us
Best Film Editing: About Us But Not About Us
Best Musical Score: About Us But Not About Us
Best Sound: About Us But Not About Us
Best Original Song: The theme from 'Apag' (Paralaya)