“In a year marked by big changes in the MMFF, we are proud to say that our full support for the premiere movie festival in the country has remained the same,” said Jane Cruz-Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager. “We welcome another year of partnership with the Metro Manila Film Festival, and we are proud to be part of the festival as it takes brave new steps in focusing on quality films, fresh casting choices and new approaches to filmmaking.”
In his speech, Metro Manila Development Authority Thomas Orbos said, “We are gathered here together not only to seek change but also to look back to the original theme of the MMFF which is to be a festival that celebrates Filipino artistic excellence. Change is never easy, it is a difficult path, but thanks to the MMFF Executive Committee we are here today amidst change. We believe that what we did with the MMFF this year may not be recognized now, but it will be appreciated by future generations. It is not about the money, it is about what we can give to our children later on by promoting quality films in the Philippines.”
42nd MMFF Winners and Stars of the Night
The 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal was held December 29, 2016 at the Kia Theater in Cubao, Quezon City. The big winner was Erik Matti’s Seklusyon which brought home 8 awards including Best Director for Erik Matti; Best Supporting Actress Phoebe Walker; Special Jury Prize Rhed Bustamante; Best Screenplay; Best Sound; Best Production Design; Best Cinematography and Best Theme Song for Dominus Miserere.
Irma Adlawan won the coveted Best Actress category for the movie Oro, while Paolo Ballesteros was chosen as Best Actor for his performance in Die Beautiful. Newcomer Christian Bables got the most cheers after being named Best Supporting Actor for his role as Barbs in Die Beautiful.
HOOQ also gave its own set of awards for the Short Films category including Best Screenplay: Mitatang; Best Director: Jarell Serencio Mga Bituin sa Siyudad; Special Jury Prize for Manila Scream; and Best Picture for EJK.
Ronnie Alonte and Rhian Ramos meanwhile, were recognized as the HOOQ Male and Female Celebrities of the Night for their stunning looks at the red carpet.
Home of the MMFF Winners
I love HOOQ because it doesn’t only showcase foreign films. I believe they have the largest collection of Pinoy movies and TV series, including the old classic ones that are probably span 50 decades or more. I noticed some of the past winners and finalists of the Metro Manila Film Festival such as “Baler”, “Tanging Yaman”, “Muro Ami”, “Imortal”, the beloved franchises such as “Mano Po”, “Tanging Ina” “Shake, Rattle and Roll” and many more. New additions on HOOQ from the MMFF past entries include 2013’s “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay”, “Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy” as well as the 2015 finalist “Haunted Mansion”.
Jeffrey Remigio, HOOQ Philippines Director of Content and Programming, shared that they are adding more past MMFF winners to HOOQ’s carefully curated library of Filipino titles. This means that we’re likely to see all the 42nd MMFF entries on this platform soon. I have to be honest that because of all the Christmas rush, I haven’t watched any.
New Platform for the Next Gen Filmmakers
MMFF and HOOQ are also collaborating to encourage the next generation of movie makers through the HOOQ Short Films category. During the 42nd MMFF Awards Night, HOOQ awarded a host of Short Film prizes including the Special Jury Prize and the Best Short Film. Each HOOQ Short Film was partnered with a long-form finalist and were screened during the MMFF regular theater run from December 25 to January 3. Each film runs under 5 minutes and most will be available on HOOQ shortly after conclusion of the Metro Manila Film Festival.
“Last year, we saw a lot of very interesting entries that surprised us with their quick narratives and creative storytelling techniques,” Remigio said. “HOOQ believes in nurturing these next generation of film makers by providing them a platform where more audiences can view their movies.” “The world has begun to take notice of the best content Philippine cinema can offer, by supporting these young filmmakers, HOOQ is also investing in the future of entertainment,” adds Remigio.
Winners of the 42nd MMFF Awards Night co-presented by HOOQ.
- Best Picture – Sunday Beauty Queen
- Best Director – Erik Matti (Seklusyon)
- Best Actress – Irma Adlawan (Oro)
- Best Actor – Paolo Ballesteros (Die Beautiful)
- Best Supporting Actress – Phoebe Walker (Seklusyon)
- Best Supporting Actor – Christian Balbes (Die Beautiful)
- Children’s Choice – Saving Sally, Sunday Beauty Queen and Vince & Kath & James
- People’s Choice – (voted online) Die Beautiful
- Best Cast Ensemble – Oro
- Special Jury Prize – Rhed Bustamante (Seklusyon)
- Best Screenplay – Seklusyon
- Best Sound – Seklusyon
- Best Musical Score – Saving Sally
- Best Theme Song – Dominus Miserere (Francis De Veyra) Seklusyon
- Best Production Design – Seklusyon
- Best Editing – Sunday Beauty Queen
- Best Cinematography – Seklusyon
- FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence – Oro
- Gatpuno Antonio J Villegas Cultural Award – Sunday Beauty Queen
- Best Float – Die Beautiful
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