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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Pokwang proves she's more than a comedienne with best actress win at Cinemalaya

Pokwang proves she's more than a comedienne with best actress win at Cinemalaya

Published Aug 18, 2026 10:21 am

At A Glance

  • Pokwang proves her dramatic acting chops as she wins Best Actress at the 22nd Cinemalaya for "2 Valid IDs," sharing the honor with veteran actress Ruby Ruiz.

A vindication for Pokwang.

For much of her career, she has been known as a comedienne, with her colorful personal life and outspoken nature often making as many headlines as her work. But at the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, Pokwang offered a reminder of what she is, at her core: an actress.

She won Best Actress for her performance in "2 Valid IDs," sharing the honor with veteran actress Ruby Ruiz, who was recognized for "Status: Rejected."

For Pokwang, the award is a significant recognition of her dramatic chops, a validation that she is more than the comic persona, the sharp-tongued celebrity or the controversial figure often seen in the headlines. She is an actress, and now, an awarded one.
"2 Valid IDs" also showed just how strong Pokwang’s audience draw remains, with the film attracting a string of sold-out screenings before winning the Audience Choice Award in the Full-Length Feature category.

In accepting her award, Pokwang looked back on her decade-long journey with the festival.

“After 10 years, yung una ko sa Cinemalaya, ito na ako. Nagpapasalamat ako sa Cinemalaya, sa co-actors ko,” she said.

She thanked those who supported the film despite difficult times: “Sa lahat ng nanood, alam ko mahirap ang buhay ngayon pero sinupportahan niyo.”

Then she turned her message toward the industry and those going through their own struggles.

“Bangon, industriya! Kaya natin ’to! Kaya ng Pilipino. Sa lahat ng may pinagdadaanan, huwag kayo mawalan ng pag-asa. Laban lang.”

After years of being known mainly for comedy, Pokwang now has a best actress award that gives her dramatic work the recognition it deserves.

Related Tags

Pokwang Marietta Subong Pokwang Best Actress Pokwang Cinemalaya Cinemalaya 2026 22nd Cinemalaya 2 Valid IDs
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