Actress Gloria Romero, 85, made film history Friday by being the oldest woman to win the Best Actress Award at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for her role in the gay-themed Joel Lamangan feature “Rainbow’s Sunset.”
Receiving her award during the Gabi ng Parangal, Gloria expressed her surprise, “Nanginginig ako. What a pleasant surprise. Alam niyo napaka-gandang regalo nito, pamasko ko na ito. Salamat po.”
(I was shaking. What a pleasant surprise. You know, this is such a beautiful Christmas gift, thank you.)
She continued, “Hindi ko akalain sa edad kong 85 years old, makakatanggap pa ako ng ganitong award.”
(I didn’t think that at 85 years old, I’d be receiving this kind of award.)
This was the second time the MMFF recognized Romero for her acting talent. The first time was for the 2000 Star Cinema film “Tanging Yaman.”
Romero’s illustrious acting career, which spans six-and-a-half decades, also includes award-winning performances in the films “Nagbabagang Luha” (1989) and “Dalagang Ilocana” (1955). “Rainbow’s Sunset,” which is the most decorated film entry at the MMFF 2018, is her 182nd film.
“Rainbow’s Sunset” tackles the story of an 84-year-old retired senator (played by Eddie Garcia) who leaves his wife (Romero) of six decades to take care of his best friend (Tony Mabesa) who is dying of cancer.
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He has his wife’s blessings, but his three children feel scandalized by their father’s move. Nonetheless, the old man defies their collective protest.
The film bagged the Best Picture including the Best Director trophy for Lamangan, Best Supporting Actress for Aiko Melendez and Best Supporting Actor for Mabesa.
It also won Best Production Design, Best Original Theme Song, Best Screenplay and three special awards, including both Special Jury Prizes for Max Collins and Garcia, and the Gat Puno Villegas Cultural Award.
The 2nd Best Picture went to Viva Films’ Aurora, which also won Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, Best Visual Effects, and Best Child Performer for Phoebe Villamor.
The award for 3rd Best Picture was handed to Regal Entertainment’s One True Love. The romantic drama took home the Best Actor honor for Dennis Trillo and the trophy for Best Musical Score.
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Vic Sotto, Maine Mendoza, and Coco Martin’s Jack Em Popoy was awarded Best Float, Best Editing, and the FPJ Memorial Award.
This year’s top grosser Fantastica, starring comedian Vice Ganda, the romantic comedies Mary, Marry Me and The Girl in the Orange Dress, and the horror Otlum, went home empty-handed.
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Best Short Student Film went to Kasilyas, an entry from Bulacan State University.
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