MANILA – Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s Ang Panday and Megastar Sharon Cuneta’s Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love were the top winners at the 35th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Both films won seven trophies each during the awards night at the SMX Convention Center held Monday, December 28, 2009.

Revilla’s action-fantasy film won best actor and best picture. According to reports on the festival’s awards, a film’s grosses represents about 40% of its merits, so it should be no surprise that Ang Panday was chosen the best film. With revenues estimated at more than P20 million (approx. $430,000 US), Revilla’s vehicle has led the Metro Manila festival’s box office in its first three days.

In his acceptance speech, Revilla dedicated his first MMFF best actor prize to the original Panday, the late Fernando Poe Jr.

In addition to its best film win, Ang Panday earned awards for best actor Revilla, best supporting actor Phillip Salvador, best child performer (Robert “Budoy” Villar), and best production design, among others. Directed by Mac Alejandre and Rico Gutierrez, the action-adventure fantasy features lots of special effects, flying monsters, medieval fortresses, and a magic sword a la Excalibur.

The 2nd best picture trophy was given to Star Cinema’s I Love You, Goodbye. Vic Sotto’s Ang Darling Kong Aswang and Cuneta’s Mano Po 6 were named 3rd best picture and 4th best picture, respectively.

Cuneta was named best actress for her portrayal of a Chinese woman out to exact revenge in Regal Films’ Mano Po 6. Like Revilla, it was Cuneta’s first MMFF best actress trophy.

Heart Evangelista (Mano Po 6) grabbed the best supporting actress prize, best director (Joel Lamangan), best music score, best screenplay, and the Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award.

I Love You, Goodbye also won the best cinematography, best film editor, and best original story awards.

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s movie Wapakman, on the other hand, was at the bottom of the race although festival officials said it is still too early to count any of the trailing entries out as the festival will run until the first week of January 2010.

Lea Salonga performed during the star-studded ceremony.

The Metro Manila Film Festival runs until Jan. 6, 2010. Until then, only the festival’s seven competing films will be screened in movie houses in Manila’s metropolitan area.

Metro Manila Film Festival Awards 2009

Best Picture: Ang Panday – GMA Films /Imus Productions
2nd Best Picture: I Love You, Goodbye – Star Cinema
3rd Best Picture: Ang Darling Kong Aswang – Octoarts
Best Director: Joel Lamangan – Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love
Best Actor: Bong Revilla – Ang Panday
Best Actress: Sharon Cuneta – Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love
Best Supporting Actress: Heart Evangelista – Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love
Best Supporting Actor: Phillip Salvador – Ang Panday
Best Screenplay: Roy Iglesias – Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love
Best Original Story: Vanessa Valdez, Kriz Gazmen, Anna Karenina Ramos – I Love You, Goodbye
Best Cinematography: Lee Briones-Meily – I Love You, Goodbye
Best Film Editor: Manet Dayrit – I Love You, Goodbye
Best Musical Score: Von De Guzman – Mano Po 6
Best Original Theme Song: Ang Panday by Ogie Alcasid – Ang Panday
Best Production Design: Ang Panday
Best Special Effects: Jay Santiago – Ang Panday
Best Sound Recording: Mike Idioma – Ang Panday
Best Make-up: Noel Flores – Shake, Rattle and Roll XI
Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love – Regal Films
Best Child Performer: Buboy Villar – Ang Panday
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dolphy

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