‘Quezon’ sweep stop honors at 9th Eddys

Jericho Rosales bags the Best Actor award for his performance in the biopic film ‘Quezon’

Jericho Rosales, Maris Racal lift audiences with heartfelt speeches

Historical drama Quezon dominated the 9th Entertainment Editors’ Choice, or The Eddys, on Sunday, while best actor Jericho Rosales and best actress Maris Racal turned their acceptance speeches into heartfelt tributes to Philippine cinema and the stories they believe deserve to be told.

Television host Kuya Kim Atienza (left) and OPM singer Pop Fernandez serve as the masters of ceremony of The Eddys 

Held at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport World Resorts, the annual awards, organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), officially opened this year’s local film awards season.

Quezon emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking best picture, best director for Jerrold Tarog, best actor for Rosales, best screenplay, and best production design.

Rosales described the recognition as especially meaningful as he marks three decades in the entertainment industry.

“This year marks my 30th year in the industry, so this award is very meaningful to me,” he said, adding that he attended the ceremony to celebrate with the Quezon team after the film received 11 nominations.

“I believe in cinema, and I believe in the Filipino film industry. I believe this is part of our culture,” Rosales went on.

He said he still had “many requests” for producers, theater owners, and politicians regarding the industry but chose not to elaborate during the ceremony.

Instead, he spoke about the power of movies to inspire dreams and dedicated the award to his family, including his mother, who has Alzheimer’s disease, and thanked actress Janine Gutierrez for supporting him during difficult days on set.

He ended by paying tribute to Philippine cinema.

“Philippine cinema is a treasure. Let’s keep it forever.”

Maris Racal is named this year’s The Eddys Best Actress for her role in ‘Sunshine’ 

Racal, meanwhile, centered her speech on women’s choices, resilience, and second chances after winning best actress for Sunshine, a film that tackles abortion in the Philippines.

She recalled reading the script during the pandemic and immediately recognizing the responsibility of portraying a story that deals with one of the country’s most sensitive issues.

“When I read the script for Sunshine during the pandemic, I knew right away that this story carried a huge responsibility because it talks about abortion in the Philippines,” she said.

Racal said Sunshine’s story mirrors the struggles of many women who stumble, question themselves, and wonder whether they still deserve to pursue their dreams.

“I know what it feels like to lose everything, to ask yourself if you should just stop, if you no longer deserve your dreams. But no.”

She dedicated the award to women fighting for the right to make decisions about their own bodies.

“This award is for all the Sunshines in this world, for all the women who believe in our right to choose what happens to our own bodies, and for everyone who has fallen. You are not alone. Wipe away your tears and remember who you are.”

Aside from Racal’s acting prize, Sunshine also won best editing.

Will Ashley and Rico Blanco share victory as the 9th Eddys Best Supporting Actors

The best supporting actor award ended in a tie, with Will Ashley recognized for Bar Boys: After School and Rico Blanco for Manila’s Finest. Rochelle Pangilinan won best supporting actress for Child No. 82.

Other winners included Salvage Land for best cinematography, Manila’s Finest for best sound and best musical score, and Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins for best visual effects.

The ceremony also recognized artists and personalities through special awards.

Comedian Vice Ganda is among the recipients of the Box Office Hero award of the 9th edition of The Eddys 

Box Office Heroes awards were presented to Vice Ganda for Call Me Mother; veteran actress Maricel Soriano and the cast of Meet, Greet, & Bye, with the award accepted by Meryll Soriano; screen partners Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino for My Love Will Make You Disappear, with Attorney Nico Antonio accepting on their behalf; and Richard Gutierrez for Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins.

 

mWell president and CEO Chaye Cabal-Revilla (left) and actor Donny Pangilinan accept their Isah V. Red Award for their contributions to the community

The Isah V. Red Award was presented to Chaye Cabal Revilla and Donny Pangilinan for their contributions to community service.

Director and songwriter Joven Tan received the Joe Quirino Award, while television reporter Lhar Santiago was honored with the Manny Pichel Award for his contributions to entertainment journalism.

Seasoned actors (from left) John Arcilla, Edgar Mortiz, Rio Locsin, and Janice de Belen are honored as this year’s Movie Icons 

This year’s Movie Icons were John Arcilla, Rio Locsin, Edgar Mortiz, and Janice de Belen.

Actress Sylvia Sanchez (center) with the cast of ‘I’mPerfect,’ who also took part in the opening and closing production numbers of the film event 

Young stars Kanata (left) and Fred Moser welcome the audience with an opening number

Dingdong Dantes presents Aktor PH’s latest initiatives developed in partnership with SPEEd and Unilab at the 9th Entertainment Editors’ Choice

Hosted by Pops Fernandez and Kim Atienza, the ceremony featured performances by Fred Moser, Kanata, the cast of I’m Perfect, Isha Ponti, Jamie Rivera, Andrea Gutierrez, and David Young. Dingdong Dantes, chairman and founding president of AKTOR PH, also presented the organization’s initiatives developed in partnership with SPEEd and Unilab.

The award show was directed by Calvin Neria.

As in the previous years, auditing firm Chan Robles & Company, led by Juancho Robles, handled the vote counting and ensured tranparency in the selection process.

The 9th Entertainment Editors’ Choice was presented by Newport World Resorts, PlayTime Entertainment, and Echo Jham Productions, with Gold Sponsors Globe Telecom and Unilab Inc.; Silver Sponsors SoundCheck Inc. and Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival; and Major Sponsors Luxent Hotel, Luxxe White, Beautéderm Corporation, San Miguel Corporation, Isha Ponti, Playa Lolita Beach Resort Hotel and Restaurant, A-List & Partners, Bait Lehem, and Bambbi Fuentes.

Here’s the complete list of winners:

Best Actor – Jericho Rosales (Quezon)

Best Actress – Maris Racal (Sunshine)

Best Director – Jerrold Tarog (Quezon)

Best Picture – Quezon

Best Supporting Actor – Will Ashley (Bar Boys: After School) and Rico Blanco (Manila’s Finest)

Best Supporting Actress – Rochelle Pangilinan (Child No. 82)

Best Screenplay – Quezon

Best Production Design – Quezon

Best Cinematography – Salvage Land

Best Editing – Sunshine

Best Sound – Manila’s Finest

Best Visual Effects – Shake Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins

Best Musical Score – Manila’s Finest

Best Movie Theme Song – “Sandalan” (Manila’s Finest)

— Nickie Wang