NEWS: 37th MMFF -- Kingpin Sweeps it All; Fair and Square

This year's Metro Manila Film Festival is throned by Tikoy Aguiluz's, Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story, bringing home almost all of the minor awards and a few majors.

37th MMFF major awardees.

I was definitely happy to learn that Asiong brought home the best cinematography award; the best theme song. The movie proves it, if you haven't watch it, might read our review first to learn what great things to expect. Director Tikoy is the Best Director for the same film. Best screenplay is also a win-win by the film, for Roi Iglesias and Rey Ventura. The Gaptuno Villegas Cultural Award is handed over to Asiong too; and John Regala grossed a major award of Best Supporting Actor (he's like the "Joker" of the Dark Knight)

The rest of the awards scatter to different stars of the different films.

Best Supporting Actress goes to Ms. Eugene Domingo for her ebullience in the film, "My House Husband (Ikaw Na!)". Genger Senstivity Award: the same film.

Best Original Story goes to: what do you know? Shake, Rattle and Roll 13. Their young, Bugoy Cariño, brings home the Best Child Actor Award. Ang Panday 2 goes home as the Best Float Awardee.

The controversial "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow" brings home the Best Actress Award via Maricel Soriano, and "Segunda Mano's" Dingdong Dantes goes Best Actor.

It is early reported that the "Best Picture" award is cancelled. Enteng Ng Ina Mo didn't receive any award.

With these line up, I have nothing to nag about. This looks fair and square, except for the disqualification of Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. It was a long story to discuss, but keeping short, they presented a heavy and stunning drama, so admission is what they deserve.

This year's festival was a blast! I'm hoping next year will be better. --A.