THE 2012 METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS NIGHT: "ONE MORE TRY" BEST PICTURE; NORA AUNOR, BEST ACTRESS; DINGDONG DANTES, BEST ACTOR

“One More Try” was named Best Picture during the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival Awards night held at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas, Pasig City on Thursday, December 27. The movie won a total of six awards, including the inaugural Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence and the Best Actor trophy for Dingdong Dantes.

Nora Aunor won the Best Actress for her role in “Thy Womb.”

“Thy Womb,” meanwhile, was also awarded the Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award and the Best Director award for Brilliante Mendoza. Mendoza urged moviegoers to support his film, which stars Nora Aunor and Bembol Roco.

“Showing pa po kami. Sana po makatulong yung award. At sana wag po kayong mag-pull out,” he said during his award acceptance speech.

His statement comes after it was reported that several cinemas were already pulling out the film from their line-up due to its poor box office performance. As of the latest report, “Thy Womb” is in last place in terms of box office results among the eight MMFF entries this year.

Cesar Montano won as Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film “El Presidente” and the Best Supporting Actress went to Wilma Doesnt of “Sisterakas.”

The glittering rites was hosted by Kris Aquino and KC Concepcion.

Director Ruel Bayani accepting the Best Picture award for "One More Try." With him are Angel Locsin, Zanjoe Marudo and child star Miguel Vergara.

 Nora Aunor for Best Actress in "Thy Womb" 

Dingdong Dantes as Best Actor for "One More Try"

Brilliante Mendoza as Best Director for "Thy Womb"

(Photos above courtesy of Yahoo! OMG!)

Here’s the list of Winners of MMFF 2012

MAINSTREAM SECTION

Best Picture: One More Try

2nd Best Picture: El Presidente

3rd Best Picture: Sisterakas

Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Awardee: Thy Womb

Best Actress: Nora Aunor “Thy Womb”

Best Actor: Dingdong Dantes “One More Try” (2nd consecutive win)

Best Supporting Actress: Wilma Doesn’t “Sisterakas“

Best Supporting Actor: Cesar Montano “El Presidente“

Best Director: Brillante Mendoza “Thy Womb“

Best Child Performer: Miguel Vergara “One More Try“

Best Screenplay: Anna Karenina, Jay Gazmin “One more Try“

Best Float: El Presidente

Best Sound Engineering: Albert Michael Idioma “El Presidente“

Best Theme Song: Apl de Ap & Jamir Garcia “El Presidente”

Best Musical Sore: Jessie Lazatin “El Presidente”

Best Original Story: Henry Burgos “Thy Womb”

Best Production Design: Thy Womb

Best Editing: One More Try

Best Make-up: Warren Munar, Benny Batoctoy & Virgina Apolinario “El Presidente“

Best Visual Effects: Shake, Rattle and Roll 14

Best Cinematographer: Odyssey Flores “Thy Womb”

Youth Choice Award: El Presidente

Most Gender-Sensitive Award (Mainstream): Thy Womb

First FPJ Memorial Award: One More Try

Female Star of the Night: Nora Aunor

Male Star of the Night: Joseph Estrada

SMDC Female Celebrity of the Night: Bianca King

SMDC Male Celebrity of the Night: Zanjoe Marudo

SHORT FILM SECTION

Best Student’s Short Film Award: Pukpok (DLSU)

Most Gender-Sensitive Award Short Film: Maribela (FEU)

Special Jury Prize: “Tagad” (USC)

NEW WAVE  SECTION

Best New Wave Full-Length Film: The Grave Bandits

New Wave Best Actress: Liza Dino “In Nomine Matris”

New Wave Best Actor: Allan Paule “Gayak”

New Wave Films Best Director: Tyrone Ancierto “The Grave Bandits”

New Wave Most Gender-Sensitive Award: In Nomine Matris

Special Jury Prize: Daniel Bautista from University of San Carlos

Special Jury Prize Award (New Wave Film Category): Quantum Films

Special Jury Prize Award (Full-Length Film): Ad Ignorantiam

"One More Try" (2012)
Star Cinema
Direction Ruel S. Bayani
Cast Angelica Panganiban, Dingdong Dantes, Zanjoe Marudo and Angel Locsin/ with Carmina Villarroel, Agot Isidro and Ms. Gina Pareno

"El Presidente (General Emilio Aguinaldo and the First Philippine Republic)" (2012)

Scenema Concept International

Direction by Mark Meily

Cast Nora Aunor, Christopher de Leon, Cesar Montano, Christine Reyes and Jeorge E.R. Ejercito (in the title role) plus an all- star cast

"Sisterakas" (2012)
Star Cinema/ Viva Films
Direction Wenn Deramas
Cast Vice Ganda, Kris Aquino and AiAi delas Alas/ with Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Xyriel Manabat, Tirso Cruz III, DJ Durano, Epi Quizon & Gloria Diaz

"Thy Womb" (2012)

Center Stage Productions

Direction Brillante Mendoza

Cast Nora Aunor, Lovi Poe, Mercedes Cabral and Bembol Roco

THE 2012 METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL ENTRIES/ A PREVIEW

Here's the eight entries to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival slated to open on Christmas Day. Take your pick...

"Thy Womb" (2012)

Center Stage Productions

Direction Brillante Mendoza

Cast Nora Aunor, Lovi Poe, Mercedes Cabral and Bembol Roco

"El Presidente (General Emilio Aguinaldo and the First Philippine Republic)" (2012)

Scenema Concept International

Direction by Mark Meily

Cast Nora Aunor, Christopher de Leon, Cesar Montano, Christine Reyes and Jeorge E.R. Ejercito (in the title role) plus an all- star cast

"Sisterakas" (2012)
Star Cinema/ Viva Films
Direction Wenn Deramas
Cast Vice Ganda, Kris Aquino and AiAi delas Alas/ with Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Xyriel Manabat, Tirso Cruz III, DJ Durano, Epi Quizon & Gloria Diaz

"One More Try" (2012)
Star Cinema
Direction Ruel S. Bayani
Cast Angelica Panganiban, Dingdong Dantes, Zanjoe Marudo and Angel Locsin/ with Carmina Villarroel, Agot Isidro & Ms. Gina Pareno

"Shake, Rattle & Roll 14 (The Invasion)"

Regal Films

Three Episodes "Ang Pamana", "The Unwanted" and "Lost Command"

Direction Chito S. Rono

Cast Dennis Trillo, Lovi Poe, Janice de Belen, Herbert Bautista, Paolo Avelino, Martin Escudero and Vhong Navarro

"Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at si Ako" (2012)
Octoarts Films, M-Zet, APT, Imus & GMA Films
Direction Tony Y. Reyes
Cast Vic Sotto, Judy Ann Santos and Ramon 'Bong' Revilla, Jr./ with Gwen Zamora, Sam Pinto, Jolo Revilla, Oyo Sotto, John Lapus, Aiza Seguerra, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Mikylla Ramirez, Amy Perez, Ryzza Mae Dizon

"Sosy Problems" (2012)
GMA Films
Direction Andoy Ranay
Cast Heart Evangelista, Solenn Heussaff, Bianca King and Rhian Ramos with Aljur Abrenica & Ruffa Gutierrez

"The Strangers" (2012)
Quantum Films
Direction Lawrence Fajardo
Cast Julia Montes, Enrique Gil, JM de Guzman and Enchong Dee/ with Cherry Pie Picache, Jaime Fabregas, Johnny Revilla, Spanky Manikan, Art Acuna, Tanya Gomez, Nico Antonio and Janice de Belen

Sources: articles- Yes Magazine/ December 2012 issue; Movie ads- Various internet sites; trailers- You Tube

DIREK CELSO AD. CASTILLO, 69

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino filmmaker Celso Ad. Castillo passed away, at 2 a.m. on Monday in his home in Siniloan, Pampanga.He was 69. 

Wife Ophelia Lopez-Castillo told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that her husband complained of chest pains late Monday night. “He was tired. He just came from the printing press to check on his book,” his wife recalled. Entitled “Celso Ad. Castillo: An Autobiography and His Craft,” the book was set to be released soon, according to the filmmaker’s Facebook account. “He kept revising the last few chapters,” his wife related. “He wanted it to have a beautiful ending.” 

Castillo got his wish, as tributes keep pouring in from colleagues from the entertainment industry. 

Batangas Governor and actress Vilma Santos hailed him “as brilliant.” “I had the privilege of working with him in films like ‘Burlesk Queen’ and ‘Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak,” Santos said. She recalled that her staff had been texting Castillo two days ago. “He was coordinating with us. We sent him pictures for his book.” 

Actress Maria Isabel Lopez, who starred in “Isla,” said Castillo was “a passionate artist. He was able to ‘physicalize’ the movie in his mind.” 

Fellow filmmaker Elwood Perez described him as a “true maverick”, while another filmmaker Peque Gallaga praised him as one of the “three great Filipino directors,” along with the late National Artists Gerry de Leon and Ishmael Bernal. 

Cannes-winning director Brillante Ma. Mendoza, who worked as production designer under Castillo, called him a “genius. I learned a lot from him.” 

He was dubbed the “Messiah of Philippine cinema,” for creating hit movies that broke new ground in the 1970s: from the action flick “Asedillo” (starring Fernando Poe Jr.) to the erotic drama “Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa” (Gloria Diaz), from the horror film “Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara” (Susan Roces) to the masterpiece on the dying days of bodabil “Burlesk Queen” (Vilma Santos). 

Indie filmmake Ron Bryant, who made a documentary on Castillo, said that the acclaimed director was “a vanguard of the indie spirit.” 

British critic and distributor Pete Tombs told the Inquirer that Castillo was “an original and visionary filmmaker.” Tomb’s Boum/Mondo Macabro released Castillo’s 1984 bold film “Snake Sisters” on DVD in the United States four years ago. 

Apart from his autobiography, he was also working on a film on Laguna that was to be included in the masters’ edition of the Sineng Pambansa, scheduled next year by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). 

“His demise is a great loss to Philippine cinema,” said Santos, chair of the FDCP. 

His body lies in his residence in Siniloan, Laguna. 

By Bayani San Diego
Philippine Daily Inquirer
http://entertainment.inquirer.net/69205/director-celso-ad-castillo-passes-away

HIGHLIGHTS IN CELSO AD CASTILLO'S CAREER:

• Celso Ad Castillo is ranked along with Directors Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Marilou Diaz-Abaya and Mike de Leon for bringing about the Philippine cinema’s so-called Second Golden Age in the 70s.

• Celso was only 21 when he did his first film, Misyong Mapanganib (1965), which signaled his independent filmmaking years. The movie gave Tito Galla, brother of Gloria Romero, his first starring role opposite Helen Gamboa.

• At 27, he directed Fernando Poe Jr. in Asedillo (1971), a biographical sketch of one of the more charismatic local dissident leaders in Southern Tagalog which gave the action star a Famas best actor award. Celso went on to direct FPJ in other films: Ang Alamat (1971), Sto. Domingo (1972) and Esteban (1973).

• Castillo was also known for such classic as Nympha, an erotic film ahead of its time; Celso Ad Castillo made his mark in local movies by creating a stir in the early '70s, with his sex flicks which were once even condemned as "pornography." His original Nympha was hailed as one of the best movies of the decade, along with his Asedillo. Nympha became the second Filipino movie that qualified for competition category in the 1971 Venice Film Festival, after Manuel Conde's Genghis Khan. Nympha was shot in black and white and starred a relative newcomer whom Celso simply christened as Rizza (Estrella Fabian in real life). The film earned for Celso his first Famas nomination as best director, up against Gerry de Leon's "Lilet," which starred Celia Rodriguez.

• Celso further reinforced his reputation as director of sex flicks with "The Virgin" which again starred Rizza, "Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa" with Gloria Diaz in the original version and Ruffa Gutierrez in the remake, "Ang Madugong Daigdig ni Salvacion with Pilar Pilapil, "Virgin People" with Pepsi Paloma, Janet Bordon and Myrna Castillo, "Isla" with Maria Isabel Lopez, "Brown Emmanuelle" with Myrna Castillo and "Paradise Inn" with Lolita Rodriguez and Vivian Velez.

• Celso, however, tried in hand in other film genres. He wrote and directed even horror flicks like the Susan Roces-Rosanna Ortiz classic, Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara in 1974 and Susan Roces award-winning movie, Maligno in 1977.

• Pagputi ng Uwak Pagitim ng Tagak (1976), a love story interwoven with the Hukbalahap Movement in the country, established Celso's identity as a filmmaker.

• Burlesk Queen (1997), which starred Vilma Santos, gave Celso his first best director award, besting other film greats such as Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Mike de Leon, Eddie Romero and Augusto Buenaventura

• Celso also directed Christopher de Leon in Ang Alamat ni Julian Makabayan, Dante Rivero and Hilda Koronel in Ang Gangster at ang Birhen, Jay Ilagan in Ato Ti Bondying, Elizabeth Oropesa in Uhaw na Dagat, Lito Lapid in Pedro Tunasan (1983), Dina Bonnevie and Gary Estrada in Tag-araw, Tag-ulan, German Moreno in Payaso, Gloria Diaz in Ang Daigdig ay Isang Butil na Luha, Sunshine Cruz in Lihim ni Madonna and Ramon Zamora in Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig ni Pedro Penduko (1973) and Return of the Dragon (1974).

Excerpts from the article, "Celso Remains a 'Kid' at Heart"
by Leah Salterio /Philippine Daily Inquirer

Misyong Mapanganib (1965) - Celso's first film / Stars Tito Galla and Helen Gamboa

Zebra (1965) - Stars Tito Galla, Stella Suarez and Ruby Regala in the title role

Mansanas sa Paraiso (1965)- Stars Stella Suarez in her first starring role

Nympha (1971) - released during the 'Bomba" era/ Stars Rizza

Asedillo (1971)- Stars Fernando Poe, Jr. and Barbara Perez

Ang Alamat (1971) - Stars Fernando Poe, Jr. and Pilar Pilapil

Sto. Domingo (1972) - Stars Fernando Poe, Jr. and Boots Anson-Roa

Esteban (1973) - Stars Fernando Poe, Jr., Alona Alegre and Boots Anson-Roa

Return of the Dragon (1974)- Stars Ramon Zamora and Lotis Key

Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa (1974)- stars Gloria Diaz, Elizabeth Oropesa and Vic Vargas in a very special role. It started the so-called 'wet look' in local cinema.

Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara (1974) - Stars Susan Roces, Dante Rivero and Rosanna Ortiz

Ang Madugong Daigdig ni Salvacion (1975)- Stars Ricky Belmonte, Pilar Pilapil and Leila Hermosa

Daluyong at Habagat (1976) - Stars Vic Vargas, Ricky Belmonte, Alma Moreno and Pinky de Leon

Burlesk Queen (1977) - Stars Vilma Santos

Maligno (1977) - Stars Susan Roces, Dante Rivero, Celia Rodriguez and Eddie Garcia

Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak (1978) - Stars Vilma Santos and Bembol Roco


Aliw-iw (1979)- Stars Rio Locsin

Totoy Boogie (1980) - Stars Lloyd Samartino

Pedro Tunasan (1983_ - Stars Lito Lapid and Tina Revilla

Paradise Inn (1984) - Stars Lolita Rodriguez and Vivian Velez

SUSAN ROCES VISITS VIDEO 48

Ms. Susan Roces at Video 48,  October 27, 2012                                 

  

 SR viewing FPJ collage poster

SR signing "Perlas ng Silangan" theatrical poster

Me and SR