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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider JM De Guzman, Rita Daniela win top acting honors at 7th Sinag Maynila

JM De Guzman, Rita Daniela win top acting honors at 7th Sinag Maynila

Published Sep 28, 2025 09:57 pm
JM De Guzman and Rita Daniela
JM De Guzman and Rita Daniela

Rita Daniela and JM De Guzman won top acting honors at the 7th Sinag Maynila Awards Night held at the Gateway in Araneta City on Sept. 28.

However, the night's big winner was "Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-Asa," which won the Best Film award. Other awards for the film were Rita Daniela, Best Actress; Jay Custodio, Best Production Design; Eric Ramos, Best Screenplay; and Von De Guzman, Best Musical Score. 

Rita was praised for her role as a dedicated teacher in "Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-Asa." She dedicated her victory to her son, Uno, and Direk Joel in her acceptance speech.

'Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-Asa' wins best film at 7th Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival.
'Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-Asa' wins best film at 7th Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival.

"I am also dedicating this award to my son, Uno. If you watch this film one day, I hope Nanay makes you proud. I want to dedicate this award to one of my mentors and directors, Direk Joel Lamangan.

"He's also one of my fathers in show business who has been guiding me since I was 14 years old. I'm so grateful that we're still here, working together. Thank you so much for making me the best actress tonight," she said.

JM, meanwhile, offered his victory to God after he won Best Actor for his role in "Selda Tres." In the past, JM admitted he would go home depressed whenever he lost in the acting categories of award-giving bodies. But now he's thrilled to win another acting award.

Topel Lee receives the award for best director
Topel Lee receives the award for best director

Director Topel Lee was named the best director for his horror-thriller flick "Jeongbu." He shared his victory with two staff members, Alf Alacapa and Crishel Desuasido, who passed away.

"Mga bata pa ito at sila talaga yung laging masaya sa project na ito. (These are young people, and they are the ones who are always happy with this project)," said Topel. 

Eric Ramos, Best Screenplay, for 'Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-asa'
Eric Ramos, Best Screenplay, for 'Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-asa'

He stated that he does not believe there was a curse on the set, despite the deaths of two staff members during production.

"Jeongbu," which tells a story about how secrets and betrayals manifest as hauntings, also won Best Sound, Nerikka Salim, and Immanuel Verona; Best Cinematography, AB Garcia; and Best Editing, Crishel Desuasido.
The People's Choice Award went to "Selda Tres" by GB Sampedro.

Sinag Maynila 2025 official winners:

Feature Film Category

Best Film - Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-asa by Joel Lamangan

Best Director – Topel Lee (Jeongbu)

Best Actor – JM De Guzman (Selda Tres)

Best Actress – Rita Daniela (Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-asa)

Best Screenplay – Eric Ramos (Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-asa)

Best Cinematography – AB Garcia (Jeongbu)

Best Editing – Crishel Desuasido, RIP (Jeongbu)

Best Music – Von De Guzman (Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-asa)

Best Production Design – Jay Custodio (Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-asa)

Best Sound – Fatima Nerikka Salim and  Immanuel Verona (Jeongbu)

People's Choice Award – Selda Tres by GB Sampedro

Documentary Films

Best Documentary - Oscar’s Recipe by Giovanni Piolo Rayla

Jury Prize - Mga Bayaning Ayta by Donnie Sacueza

Documentary Films - Student Category

Best Documentary – Sa Wakas, Kasama (Janno Pelias) 

2nd Best Documentary -- Pendiyente (Kyle Dexter Millave)

3rd Best Documentary -- Romeo and Julie (Kyle Dexter Millave)

Special Citation -- Daungan ng mga Naghihintay (Kaila Arvi Ariston)

Short Films - Open Category

Best Short Film – Ang Gadya Sang Suba (The Tale of the River Monster) by Daniel Dela Cruz

Jury Prize for Animation – Nagahanaw Na Mga Aninipot (Vanishing Fireflies) by JP Corton

Special Citation for Best Performance - Precious Paula Nicole (winner of Drag Race Philippines Season 1) for “Lip Sync Assassin”

Short Films - Student Category

Best Student Short Film -- Taga-taga (Praying Mantis) by Trinie Archie Garcia

Jury Prize for Student Short Film -- Walahanon (Left) by Kristal Kaye Tagle

Special Citation for Best Performance -- Phillip Altejos for “Boi”

The three jury members for full-length films at documentaries are Direk Zig Dulay, Direk Baby Ruth Villarama, at Tito Valiente, while jury members for short films are Rica Arevalo, Dr. Kei Tan, at Juvy Ann Clarito.

The Selection Committee was composed of Tito Valiente, Ryanne Murcia, Juliet Cuizon Licaros.

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