Film producer Percy Intalan of Idea First Company accepted the highest award of the night at the 7th edition of The Eddys, held on Sunday at the Ceremonial Hall of Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.
Holding the Best Picture trophy alongside actors Elijah Canlas and Romnick Sarmenta from the film About Us But Not About Us, Intalan thanked the viewers and declared that Filipino cinema is alive and well.
“It’s been a great year for Philippine cinema due to the combined dedication of the producers. I know it’s not easy to bet on this industry, but we keep fighting, and many thanks to the films that have drawn people to the theaters. It’s not an easy task. It’s a continuous climb and struggle, but there’s a ray of hope, and I don’t believe that the future of Philippine cinema is bleak,” Intalan said in his acceptance speech.
“We’ve seen it in the films released last year and the upcoming films this year. Producers should keep fighting and stay strong. It’s heartening to see the dedication of everyone involved in filmmaking, from writers and people behind the scenes to cinematographers, directors, and actors. They all give their best,” he continued.
Intalan also thanked the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), who organized the prestigious annual event.
“Thank you for the support of the entertainment editors because you tell people to appreciate our projects, which we worked hard on. It’s not true that a film is just thrown together, so the story of our hard work is spread because of you, and for that, we are very grateful.”
About Us But Not About Us was the night’s biggest winner, taking home the Best Editing plum for Lawrence S. Ang, and the Best Screenplay and Best Director awards for Jun Robles Lana.
Mentorque Productions’ Mallari emerged as the most decorated film of the night. The horror film directed by Roderick Cabrido took home the Best Actor award for Piolo Pascual, Best Musical Score for Von de Guzman, Best Cinematography for Juan Lorenzo Orendain, and Best Production Design for Mariel Hizon.
The show was hosted by Janine Gutierrez, Gabbi Garcia, and Jake Ejercito.
Award-winning singer Jed Madela, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, drag queens Rampa Reynas, and young artists Elisha Ponti and Andrea Gutierrez made the night even more memorable with their performances.
Radio and online personality Mr. Fu served as the Red Carpet host.
A highlight of the event was paying tribute to the new batch of The EDDYS Icons, considered pillars of the movie industry, including Nova Villa, Leo Martinez, Lito Lapid, Eva Darren, and Gina Alajar.
A posthumous award was also given to the late comic strip creator, movie producer, and director Carlo J. Caparas, accepted by his children Peach and CJ Caparas.
SPEEd awarded The EDDYS Box Office Heroes to Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Alden Richards, Julia Montes, Kathryn Bernardo, and Piolo Pascual for their significant roles in revitalizing cinema attendance post-pandemic.
The Isah V. Red Award, given to those who tirelessly help and inspire their fellow citizens in need, was awarded to former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. The award was accepted by her father, former Mayor Sonny Belmonte.
The Joe Quirino Award was given to veteran broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez, while veteran entertainment columnist Ronald Constantino received the Manny Pichel Award.
This year, the Rising Producer Circle Award went to Mentorque Productions, the producer of the films My Father Myself and Mallari.
Brightlight Productions was the line producer of the awards night.
In collaboration with Newport World Resorts and ALLTV, SPEEd’s partners for The 7th Eddys include Globe Telecom, iFern, and Kim’s Diary as major sponsors.
Additional partners this year were DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, Mayor Albee Benitez, Beautéderm by Rhea-Anicoche Tan, Unilab, Frontrow, Kat Corpus Atelier, Senator Chiz Escudero, Senator Bong Revilla, Rep. Camille Villar, Senator Nancy Binay, former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, Congressman Arjo Atayde, Emelette Gorospe, Rowena Gutierrez, Kamiseta, Casa Juan, and Echo Jham Entertainment Production.
Juancho Robles of Chan Robles & Company (CPAs) served as the official auditor.
The Eddys or The Entertainment Editors’ Choice is an annual film event in the Philippines that honors craftsmen, actors, writers, directors, workers, and producers in the film industry. It is organized by SPEEd, which is composed of current and former entertainment editors of leading newspapers and online sites in the Philippines.
The 7th Eddys Awards Night will air on July 14, 10:00 p.m. on AllTV.
