MANILA, PHILIPPINES—It was a night of celebration with music, visuals, and warm company among the local film industry as the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) held its Film Ambassadors’ Night last February 10 at Samsung Hall, Taguig City.
Started off by a networking hour before the main program for awarding the honorees who brought honor to the country by winning in film festivals around the world, the Film Ambasssadors’ Night brought together eighty-nine (89) films, filmmakers, and artists of the industry with special guests and movers of Philippine cinema.
FDCP honored films that garnered awards from A-list film festivals, including Shireen Seno‘s Nervous Transation, Treb Monteras II‘s Respeto, and Brillante Mendoza‘s Alpha, The Right to Kill.
FDCP Chairperson and CEO Mary Liza Diño handed the trophies to the recipients of the Camera Obscura Artistic Excellence award, the highest recognition given by FDCP to exceptional members of the local film industry. National Artist Kidlat Tahimik, award-winning film producer Bianca Balbuena, box office queen Kathryn Bernardo. The Hows of Us producer Olivia Lamasan, director Cathy Garcia-Molina, and screenwriter Carmi Raymundo graced the event with their presence to personally receive their award.
Honorees celebrated one another’s victories as they enjoyed an experiential concert featuring songs from films that were recognized that night, including “Nasaan Na Ang Anak ng Bayan” from Ang Panahon ng Halimaw performed by Bituin Escalante, “Kay Saya ng Buhay Nu’ng Araw” from Ang Larawan sang by Celeste Legaspi and Rachel Alejandro, and a song from Respeto rapped by Abra. Kai Honasan and Bayang Barrios entertained the guests with their captivating voices. Meanwhile, Nar Cabico, Kyla, Juris, Yumi, and Air Dance performed the Sandaan Medley to showcase iconic music from various Filipino movies throughout the 100 years of Philippine cinema.
The Film Ambassadors’ Night was directed by actor and singer-songwriter Ice Seguerra. This event officially launched the “Sandaan”, the celebration of the 100 years of Philippine cinema.
Samsung Hall was the venue partner sponsored by Globe #PlayItRight, Fullhouse Asia Production Studios, Inc., Fire and Ice Productions, HEA Watches, and Sinag Maynila.
