Eugene Domingo Goes Viral during Gabi ng Parangal, MMFF ExeCom Issues Clarification
MMFF EXECOM – The Executive Committee of the Metro Manila Film Festival clarified the inclusion of Eugene Domingo in the “In Memoriam” segment.
The recent Metro Manila Film Festival sparked countless reports. Ahead of it, many Filipinos were excited who will be this year’s Best Actor and Best Actress. There were 10 official entries in this year’s film festival and they feature different stories.
This year’s Metro Manila Film Festival saw the first time that Piolo Pascual and Vic Sotto worked together in a film, the return of Judy Ann Santos in the big screen, and prove the brilliance of Dennis Trillo in acting. Here are the official entries in the MMFF 2024:
- And the Breadwinner Is…
- Himala, Isang Musikal
- Green Bones
- The Kingdom
- My Future You
- Strange Frequencies: Haunted Hospital
- Espantaho
- Topakk
- Hold Me Close
- Uninvited
Dennis Trillo was awarded as the Best Actor while Judy Ann Santos won the Best Actress award at the recent Metro Manila Film Festival. Vice Ganda received a special jury citation award at the MMFF 2024. Here is a list of the winners:
- MMFF Lifetime Achievement Award: Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada
- Best Float: Uninvited and Topakk
- Gender Sensitivity: And the Breadwinner Is…
- 3rd Best Student Short Film: PNB 12-50 (University of the Philippines Mindanao)
- 2nd Best Student Short Film: A Delivery Rider (City of Malabon University)
- Best Student Short Film: Saan Aabot ang Singkwenta Pesos Mo? (University of Makati)
- Special Jury Prize: Inang Wak-Wak (Mindanao State University-General Santos)
- Best Visual Effects: The Kingdom (Riot Inc.)
- Best Child Performer: Sienna Stevens, Green Bones
- Best Musical Score: Vincent de Jesus, Isang Himala
- Best Sound: Ditoy Aguila, Strange Frequencies, Taiwan Killer Hospital
- Best Original Theme Song: “Ang Himala Ay Nasa Puso” from Isang Himala, by Vincent de Jesus and Ricky Lee, interpreted by Juan Karlos
- Best Editing: Vanessa Ubas de Leon, My Future You
- Best Cinematography: Neil Daza, Green Bones
- Best Production Design: Nestor Abrogena, The Kingdom
- Best Supporting Actress: Kakki Teodoro, Isang Himala
- Best Supporting Actor: Ruru Madrid, Green Bones
- Breakthrough Performance Award: Seth Fedelin, My Future You
- Special Jury Citation: Vice Ganda
- Best Screenplay: Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza, Green Bones
- Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award: Topakk
- Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award: The Kingdom
- Best Actor: Dennis Trillo, Green Bones
- Best Actress: Judy Ann Santos, Espantaho
- Special Jury Prize: Topakk and Isang Himala
- Best Director: Crisanto Aquino, My Future You, and Michael Tuviera, The Kingdom
- 4th Best Picture: Isang Himala
- 3rd Best Picture: My Future You
- 2nd Best Picture: The Kingdom
- Best Picture: Green Bones
However, aside from the winners’ reactions when their names were announced during the Gabi ng Parangal, Eugene Domingo’s inclusion in the “In Memoriam” segment of the event also hooked the attention of netizens. Many people think that it is like the comedienne is one of those late actors and actresses who were honored.
The executive committee of the Metro Manila Film Festival recently issued a clarification on the issue. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, the MMFF ExeCom said that the segment is a tribute to “luminaries both living and passed” who have big contributions to the film festival.
“We’ve noted concerns regarding the video tribute featuring Ms. Eugene Domingo at the recent Gabi ng Parangal. This was intended as a tribute to luminaries both living and passed, and who have contributed to the MMFF over its 50-year history – not an In Memoriam segment,” the MMFF ExeCom said.
Based on the report, the “In Memoriam” segment also featured Christopher de Leon, Ruel Vernal, Joseph Estrada, Hilda Koronel, Amy Austria, Charo Santos,Nora Aunor, and Vilma Santos.
“We hope this clears up any misunderstandings and allows us to focus on celebrating the film industry’s achievement,” the MMFF ExeCom further noted.
Previously, Noel Ferrer, the spokesman of the MMFF, also spoke on the results of the Metro Manila Film Festival.