Cover Leo Dela Cruz, Harry Hartman, Ron Ramores, King Palisoc, Girlie Rodis, Celia Abaya Dy, Morissette Amon, Ebradu Udarbe, Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo and Rachel Alejandro at the MIFF
Leo Dela Cruz, Harry Hartman, Ron Ramores, King Palisoc, Girlie Rodis, Celia Abaya Dy, Morissette Amon, Ebradu Udarbe, Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo and Rachel Alejandro at the MIFF
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MIFF in Hollywood celebrated the best of Filipino cinema, honouring achievements and global impact
In a night of glitz and glamour at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, Filipino stars shone brighter than ever during the highly anticipated Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) last March 7. Originally planned to take place from January 20 to February 2, the event—already in its second edition—was rescheduled due to the devastating wildfires in some parts of Los Angeles. Nevertheless, the night was a success as the Philippine film industry was celebrated in Hollywood.
The MIFF’s mission is to elevate Philippine cinema on the global stage, and the event was a testament to the growing impact and enduring beauty of Filipino storytelling. As the actors gathered to honour their recent films, several awards were given to cement their great talents—Audience Favorite Awards, Lifetime Achievement, Visionary, Trailblazer and Special Awards. Filipino-American first responders in the Southern California wildfires were also saluted for their sacrifices and service to others.
Sixteen films were screened for the MIFF, including entries from the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, world premieres and select additional films.
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First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos at the MIFF
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Bagging several awards at the MIFF was King Palisoc’s Song of the Fireflies, which tells the story of the Bohol-based Loboc Children’s Choir and their rise to global stardom. The film secured four of the six Audience Awards—Best Picture, Best Actress for Morissette Amon, Best Supporting Actress for Rachel Alejandro and Best Supporting Actor for Noel Comia Jr. It also received a US$150,000 coproduction package from Birns & Sawyer, one of the oldest film equipment rental companies in Hollywood, under CEO and Filipino-American Mari Acevedo.
My Future You is another film that was spotlighted at the event. This romantic-comedy centres on two individuals who meet on a dating app, only to later find out that they live in two different timelines. The movie won two awards—Best Director for Crisanto B Aquino and Best Actor for Seth Fedelin.
All eyes were likewise on Regina Aquino’s documentary, Faith Healers, as it nabbed a Special Award for highlighting early Filipino healthcare professionals in America, while spotlighting the history of Filipino migration.
The biggest honour of the night went to Cathy Garcia-Sampana’s Hello, Love, Again, which won the Worldwide Box Office Hit Trailblazer for being the first Filipino film to gross over PHP1 billion at the box office. As the first Filipino movie to break into the US box office top 10, this film marked a historic moment for Filipino cinema’s global presence.
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The Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) was held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California
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The event rightly celebrated the giants of Philippine cinema. Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to: actors and film industry worker/advocate Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo; the Philippines’ National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee; the late Lily Monteverde, a producer more popularly known as “Mother Lily”; and the “Star for All Seasons” actor Vilma Santos. Each honouree has shaped the landscape of the film industry in the Philippines, leaving a lasting mark on future generations.
The Trailblazer Awards, meanwhile, celebrated those forging paths in Hollywood: actor and two-time Grammy award-winning musical artist Tia Carrere; iconic actor Nico Santos, known for his roles in Superstore and Crazy Rich Asians; and Gene Cajayon, whose The Debut remains a groundbreaking achievement. A tribute to the late Gloria Romero, the Queen of Philippine cinema, created a touching moment for everyone in the room.
Filipino-American first responders in the Southern California wildfires were recognised at the MIFF
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At the heart of it all was First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, who received a well-deserved Visionary Award for her unwavering dedication and support to elevate and promote Philippine cinema.
“What a truly proud moment it is to witness our Filipino and Filipino-American film luminaries coming together, side by side. Seeing our countrymen—regardless of where they are in the world—unite in creativity and passion is a testament to the boundless potential we can achieve when we work together. May this be the beginning of many more meaningful collaborations that will allow us to showcase the very best of our talents to the world,” First Lady Araneta-Marcos said.
The night was further elevated by Sofronio Vasquez, the first Filipino and Asian winner of NBC’s The Voice; also performing were Rachel Alejandro, Morissette, Deborah Cox, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Children’s Choir and St Genevieve Valiant Voices. Musical director Troy Laureta assured they all delivered powerful performances.
As the festival solidifies its role in the film industry, Filipino talents will only continue to grow in their crafts to ensure that Philippine cinema maintains its momentum in rooting itself in the international scene. This night proved that Filipino films are not just here to make waves—but to create a tidal force.
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