The big snub rendered by the board of jurors to Christopher de Leon stands out as the biggest eyesore to the debuting Manila International Film Festival held from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1 in Los Angeles, California.

De Leon was erroneously disqualified in the best actor category at the MIFF awards ceremony Feb. 2 despite his commendable lead actor portrayal in the entry, When I Met You In Tokyo.

The veteran actor even flew to Los Angeles to represent the movie.

Line producer Redgie Magno issued a call on social media asking MIFF to explain the big snub.

In the history of the MMFF, De Leon stands out as the actor with the highest number of best actor trophies won. Such harvest has earned him the title, Drama King of Philippine Movies.

De Leon won his MMFF best actor trophies in the following films: Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? (1976), Haplos (1982), Imortal (1989), Nasaan Ang Puso? (1997), Bulaklak ng Maynila (1999), Mano Po 3: My Love (2004), and Magkaibigan (2008).

I asked De Leon what he thought of the big snub. He said it was enough that observers like us appreciate his work.

“For me, that is already a validation for me to be nominated.”

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PASSERBY: 

Is Jericho Rosales after Kathryn Bernardo? The buzz is that the two have been spotted jogging together, with another friend, certainly. Newly separated Echo sent a congratulatory message for Kath, herself newly separated, when the latter renewed her contract with Star Magic. He said, "I’ve been watching you and you’ve been doing great.”

A high-power movie starring these two best actors will be most welcome. Very interesting.

Enrique Gil has reconfirmed that he and Liza Soberano are still very much together despite the long distance that gaps them. Liza is now based in California, although she makes frequent visits to Manila. She’s busy promoting her first Hollywood film, Lisa Frankenstein.

Enrique’s first big solo starrer, Hindi Ako si Big Bird, is showing soon.

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We join the rest of the entertainment industry in mourning the passing of Dreamscape Entertainment head  Roldeo ‘Deo’ Endrinal, who died Feb. 3 of a rare form of gallbladder cancer.

The industry has lost a major creative force, the brains behind a string of ABS-CBN’s teleserye hits, the likes of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo and Ang Probinsyano, Linlang, and so many more.

Deo knew the end was near. Days earlier, he placed a call on event stylist-florist Dave Sandoval, whom he requested to make floral arrangements for his funeral.

Carla Abellana’s next TV series after the currently running Stolen Life is called Widows’ War.  GMA executives announced this the day Carla renewed her contract with the network Jan. 29.

The actress is now being represented by Triple A Management of the  Tuvieras.