By Caesar Vallejos
EBC Correspondent
“Just focus, keep on believing and be patient.”
Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Jacklyn Jose, the first South East Asian to be recognized with such honor, shared this advise during the Excellence in Visual Media (EVM) Awards along with the observation that among this new crop of talents may be the future winner of the prestigious Oscars and Cannes film festivals.
Jacklyn Jose presented the Best Actress trophy at the regional EVM Awards (Southern Luzon and Metro Manila Districts) of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) INCinema Productions at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at the ResortsWorld last June 5, 2016, 5pm.
“Ipagpatuloy lang ang pag-arte. It’s never too late. The more mature I become, the more that I’m into it,” Jacklyn Jose said. With her age, “it seems that I am running out of time, pero nakakuha pa,” she explained on getting the Cannes best actress award.
“Winning more awards for EVM awardees from world-class award-giving bodies is not far-fetched,” EVM Awards show director Robert Capistrano said.
He highlighted that through the auspices of the INC Executive Minister, Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo, the INC INCinema Productions has won the London International Film Festival Award for best director in a foreign film; the Platinum World Award for “World Newcomer Filmmaker of the year” and Golden World Award for “International Film” at the World Film Awards in Jakarta, Indonesia for the film, “Walang Take Two” and its director Carlo Jay Cuevas.
It is also nominated at the Madrid International Film Festival for Best Film, Best Director and Best Cinematography in a Foreign Language Film. Winners have yet to be announced on July 2.
Meaningful change
The EVM Awards is a major contribution to Philippine arts and cinema. “ Every exercise like this including our movie Ma’rosa is an opportunity to give people a glimpse to what’s really happening in the society,” Jacklyn Jose noted.
She cited that the theme on poverty includes crime, drugs and corruption.
“Hindi mo na maaalis yan. Nakadikit na sa mga mahihirap yan, hindi dahil sa gusto nila kundi dahil wala na silang magagawa. They are left with no choice but to deal with it kahit ayaw nila para mabuhay nila ang kanilang pamilya,” Jacklyn Jose said.
“It is not only happening in the Philippines but around the world. So we are hoping that our film will give spotlight to the people of the society who are experiencing poverty,” Jacklyn highlighted. The INC earlier called for a “multisectoral, cross-religious effort to combat poverty” including those from the indigenous groups in the country. It is aggressively embarking on sustainable livelihood for poor communities and establishing resettlement sites with eco-farming areas.
Formula for a fabulous performance
Veteran actress Gladys Reyes-Sommereux who presented the Best in Promoting Christian Values award with husband Christopher Roxas shared the formula to a fabulous performance.
“It’s passion, sincerity and preparation,” Gladys Reyes said.
But she noted that one has to look at the totality of the material.
“Hindi mabubuo ang isang materyal kung walang collaboration ng actors at film makers. How they will help each other to develop and execute the story in a film is a challenge,” Gladys explained.
“It is really inspiring to work with upcoming filmmakers and writers, and the new independent short film producers, who this time are highlighting the capability of INC artists. I look forward to their creativity,” she added.
Gladys Reyes credited NET 25/Eagle Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) for her transformation as a stereotyped character actress to a versatile host. When EBC offered me to host the show, “that was my unforgettable moment,” she said. ‘Moments’ is a show that she is both writing and co-producing at NET25.
Not a typical award show
The EVM Awards is not your regular award-giving body. Noting that film is a very powerful medium, the INCinema project was launched by Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo to provide motivation and inspirational nourishment not only to members of Christian Family Organizations (CFO) but as a launching pad to the creativity and excellence of budding artists in the field of movie-making. The project has been under the stewardship of CFO overseer Bro. Angelo Erano V. Manalo.
The recognition of excellence will continue in the regions of Pangasinan, Cebu and General Santos. An EVM Awards world tour is in the works covering California, USA, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Australia and Japan.
Full List of Winners
The full list of winners in the INCinema 2016 at the EVM Awards are as follows:
Metro Manila Region
| CATEGORY | DISTRICT (Film Title) | WINNER |
| BEST SCRIPTWRITER | METRO MANILA WEST (Out of Focus) | Rav Allen Dionisio |
| BEST FILM EDITOR | METRO MANILA WEST (Out of Focus) | Rav Allen Dionisio |
| BEST MUSICAL SCORER | METRO MANILA SOUTH (Sabi Lang Nila ‘Yun) | Cris Anthony Peñaranda |
| BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER | METRO MANILA WEST (Out of Focus) | Rav Allen Dionisio |
| BEST PRODUCTION DESIGNER | METRO MANILA SOUTH (Sabi Lang Nila ‘Yun) | Princess Dianne Manuba |
| BEST IN COSTUME DESIGNER | METRO MANILA SOUTH (Sabi Lang Nila ‘Yun) | Camille Carla Bongat |
| BEST DIRECTOR | METRO MANILA WEST (Out of Focus) | Rav Allen Dionisio |
| BEST IN PROMOTING VALUES | METRO MANILA SOUTH (Sabi Lang Nila ‘Yun) | |
| BEST CHILD PERFORMER | QUEZON CITY (Kuwento ng Isang Napakagandang Kapalaran) | Sairalyn Unay |
| BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS | METRO MANILA WEST (Out of Focus) | Cheryldee Julian |
| BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR | QUEZON CITY (Kuwento ng Isang Napakagandang Kapalaran) | Carlos Relucio |
| BEST LEAD ACTRESS | METRO MANILA EAST (I Am One with Him) | Chelina Talavera |
| BEST LEAD ACTOR | METRO MANILA WEST (Out of Focus) | Paolo Aseniero |
| BEST FILM | METRO MANILA WEST (Out of Focus) |
Southern Luzon Region
| CATEGORY | DISTRICT (Film Title) | NAMES |
| BEST SCRIPTWRITER | QUEZON WEST (Hugis “J”) | Shaina Abanto |
| BEST FILM EDITOR | QUEZON WEST (Hugis “J”) | Monique Villanoa |
| BEST MUSICAL SCORER | BATANGAS (House Specialty: Unli Pag-ibig) | Norman Perez |
| BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER | QUEZON WEST (Hugis “J”) | Mark Laborte |
| BEST PRODUCTION DESIGNER | QUEZON WEST (Hugis “J”) | Jemelle Jabrica |
| BEST IN COSTUME DESIGNER | QUEZON WEST (Hugis “J”) | Arriane Dacpano |
| BEST DIRECTOR | QUEZON WEST (Hugis “J”) | Jemelle Jabrica |
| BEST IN PROMOTING VALUES | CAVITE NORTH (Sa Dulo ng Pag-asa) | |
| BEST CHILD PERFORMER | CAMARINES NORTE (Hindi Ko Ipagpapalit) | Allyra Krissa Perez |
| BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS | CAVITE NORTH (Sa Dulo ng Pag-asa) | Maggie Monton |
| BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR | QUEZON WEST (Hugis “J”) | Joshua Recalde |
| BEST LEAD ACTRESS | QUEZON WEST (Hugis “J”) | Sarah Mendoza |
| BEST LEAD ACTOR | QUEZON WEST (Hugis “J”) | John Alpher Paden |
| BEST FILM | QUEZON WEST (Hugis “J”) |
