BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

The name of renowned artist Eva Darren resounded after the awards night for the 72nd Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards last Sunday, May 26. In a Facebook post by her son Fernando de la Pena on Monday, May 27, he shared the alleged disrespect shown by officials of the said award-giving body towards Eva.

According to him, there was a sudden change in the program flow on the actual awards night. Instead of Eva being brought up on stage, a young singer allegedly accompanied Tirso Cruz III to serve as awards presenter. However, on the same day, FAMAS released an apology statement explaining their side regarding what happened.

Showbiz-related group Aktor – League of Filipino Actors also supported Darren and released a statement about it. 

“An awards night is a moment of celebration, extending beyond mere victory and trophies. It serves as a gathering for the entire community, offering a chance to unite and acknowledge the talents and artistry of each member,” they said. 

“It is ironic that the event last Sunday, which was supposed to honor the iconic pillars of the country, was marred by an unfortunate incident that happened to one of our respected and beloved peers during a celebration with industry members at one of the oldest award-giving bodies. We are deeply saddened by the seeming.lapse in the management of the program.”

“Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to safeguard and honor the Filipino film industry, restoring both respect and authenticity to its events.”

But who exactly was Eva before she was enveloped in controversy?

In the early 1960s, Eva began her career as a minor player at Sampaguita Pictures. By the latter half of the decade, she gained significant opportunities as a leading actress in action films alongside Tony Ferrer and other prominent action stars of that era.

The actress first showcased her unique talent in acting when she portrayed “Linda” in the soap opera “Hiwaga sa Bahay na Bato” in 1963. This is said to be one of the earliest soap operas or called-now teleserye aired in the Philippines.

Due to her undeniable skill in acting, Eva clinched the Best Supporting Actress award at FAMAS and the Metro Manila Film Festival for her performance in the film “Ang Pulubi” in 1969 directed by Luis Nepomuceno, alongside co-veteran actresses Charita Solis, Anita Linda, and Gloria Sevilla. She played Charito’s lesbian lover here. 

In the same year, she also garnered another Best Supporting Actress accolade from the Manila Film Festival for her role in the said movie.

But even before that, Eva had already received nominations at FAMAS for Best Supporting Actress for the films “Ang Langit Sa Lupa” in 1967 and “Igorota” in 1968. Meanwhile, in 1998, she was also nominated for the same award at the Gawad Urian in the movie “Ligaya Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin” top billed by that time,  sexy star Rosanna Roces. 

Some of the teleseryes and films she starred in over the years include: “Brides of Blood” (1968), “Mila” (2000), “Pangako Sa ‘yo” (2000), “The Rich Man’s Daughter” (2015), “Wish I May” (2016), and “Maalaala Mo Kaya: Picture Frame” (2019).

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo: Facebook/Fernando de la Pena