BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

2023 is almost upon us and the year brought highs and lows for the Philippines movie industry. Fortunately, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is successful in bringing back moviegoers to the cinemas post-pandemic.

Pep.ph reported unofficial box office results as of December 28, 2022, with Partners in Crime leading at Php86M, followed by this year’s Best Picture winner, Deleter, at PhP58M. 

Here are the 5 unforgettable moments of the MMFF 2022 Gabi ng Parangal held at the New Frontier Theater last December 27:

1. Nadine Lustre’s Acceptance Speech

“Sobrang unexpected po na andito yung Team Deleter ngayon kasi hindi namin inexpect na makakasama yung Deleter sa MMFF,” said the actress who won as Best Actress for the role of Lyra, a content moderator, in Deleter. However, the best part of her speech was when she managed to draw sighs from the crowd after thanking “Chris”, with a smile so sweet it would have drawn ants to her right there and there. “Chris” is Christopher Bariou, Nadine’s French businessman boyfriend whom she met in Siargao last July via a mutual friend.

2. Ian Veneracion Getting Mobbed Every Intermission and Upon Exiting the Venue

When the babyfaced actor and the rest of the cast of Nanahimik ang Gabi arrived at the red carpet, apparently, many of the attendees are already seated waiting for the show to start, so most of the people who came up to them were entertainment scribes. However, as the show went on, during intermission, when people can stand and walk around briefly without interrupting the TV coverage, more and more people, mostly women, came up to the former child actor and matinee idol, so they can take their photos with him.

It was a sight to behold when Ian and the team got up after the awarding proper was done, and there’re already close to a hundred people surrounding him. Even though some of the theater staff helped them regain their pace in walking swiftly outside, there was no stopping people outside the theater, so he ended up being surrounded. However, looking at his face, one would not only notice his handsome features, but also his very welcoming attitude. There was no hint of annoyance in his face. Eventually, a number of MMDA personnel had to form a human barricade to help them get across the street to where their car is parked.

3. The Two Firsts for Ian Veneracion and Mon Confiado

I don’t know why it didn’t make the headlines, but as Mon Confiado was about to thank his co-actors onstage after he won as Best Supporting Actor for Nanahimik ang Gabi, Ian Veneracion suddenly entered and quickly made his way to the podium, planting a kiss on the former’s cheek and hugging him tight. “Thank you Chief! Thank you Baby,” Mon said as Ian exited, referencing Ian and Heaven’s characters’ names in the film. Aside from first time a BL-like (boys love) scenario occuring on the MMFF Awards Night stage, this was the first time the actor-businessman won an award in the MMFF, though Mon Confiado already won twice at the FAMAS Awards for Movies. 

As for Ian Veneracion who’s about 7 years his junior, he is thankful for his very first Best Actor award locally in the film category, since he’s been in the industry for 40 years. “Thanks to the genius of Shugo Praico, my writer and director, this fictional movie has many layers of truth underneath,” went part of his speech.

For those who watched Nanahimik ang Gabi, you’d remember the scene were the Intruder (Mon) and Chief (Ian) had prostethics. Ian confirmed both took hours to make. “Pareho. Sobrang kumplikado ng porsthetics namin. I’m surprised nga walang Best Makeup kasi yung makeup, ang hirap gawin.” When asked about his win, he smiled and said “Sarap”. 

“Well, siyempre, very thankful. Sobrang pasasalamat. Mahalaga sa’min ang award na ito, sa team namin,” said Mon regarding his win. Heaven Peralejo who’s seated beside him, chimed in and said: “Nakakaproud. The best si Kuya Mon talaga.”

4. No Intermission Numbers, No Problem

For some unknown reason, there were zero performances during the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal 2022. However, most people did not even notice and the few who did, didn’t seem to mind. After all, who’d wanna sit through a three to four hour awards show? Excluding the waiting time and the gaps in-between, it’s safe to say the show wrapped up in less than two hours. No wonder almost all the celebrities present arrived on time.

5. Bb. Gandanghari Arrives in a White Sportscar as One of the Hosts

Clad in a shimmering royal blue gown, the Filipino-American entertainer didn’t even reach the red carpet yet when she was surrounded by entertainment reporters. “I am very very excited seeing my mom again, my brothers and sisters. Alam mo naman, simpleng tao tayo sa America. This is new to me again,” she exclaimed. She teased that we better expect to see more of her this 2023. She did confirm that there are ongoing negotiations for a film and a TV series.

For those who missed it, here is the complete of winners: 

Best Float:  My Father, Myself

Best Child Performer:  Shawn Niño Gabriel, My Father, Myself

Best Sound:  Deleter

Best Musical Score:  Greg Rodriguez III, Nanahimik ang Gabi

Best Original Theme Song:  “Ang Aking Mahal”, Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told

Best Visual Effects:  Deleter

Best Production Design:  Nanahimik ang Gabi

Best Editing: Nikolas Red, Deleter

Best Cinematography:  Deleter

Gender Sensitivity:  My Teacher

Stars of the Night: Ian Veneracion, Nadine Lustre

Marichu Vera-Perez Memorial Award:  Vilma Santos-Recto

Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award:  Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told

Best Screenplay:  Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told

Best Supporting Actress:  Dimples Romana, My Father, Myself

Best Supporting Actor:  Mon Confiado, Nanahimik ang Gabi

Best Director:  Mikhail Red, Deleter

Best Actor:  Ian Veneracion, Nanahimik ang Gabi

Best Actress:  Nadine Lustre, Deleter

3rd Best Picture: Nanahimik ang Gabi

2nd Best Picture:  Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told

Best Picture:  Deleter

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo taken by Showbiz Beat Media