Martin del Rosario, Pokwang savor big wins at 22nd Cinemalaya Film Festival
Around GMA
Around GMA
LIST: Canceled flights on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 due to bad weather Mayor: ADZU shooter under pressure over grades Rex Orange County is coming to Manila on August 20Article Inside Page
Showbiz News
Sparkle talents Martin del Rosario and Pokwang took home the Best Actor and Best Actress awards, respectively, at the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
The whole Sparkle family is extremely proud of the amazing achievements of Martin del Rosario and Pokwang in the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Martin bagged the Best Actor trophy for his performance in the queer film Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam.
Meanwhile, versatile comedian Pokwang received the Best Actress trophy for her portrayal of Sylvia in Two Valid IDs. The actress shares the award with Ruby Ruiz, who also won in the same category for her role in Status: Rejected.
During his acceptance speech, Martin del Rosario used the opportunity to voice out his support to end the stigma against the LGBTQIA+ community and those people suffering from HIV.
“Ngayon, marami na nagbago. Sabi nga nila, 'malayo na, pero malayo pa'” The Sparkle actor said.
“Marami pa tayo puwede gawin. So. let's end the stigma towards LGBT, end the stigma now sa HIV.”
He told 24 Oras, “Nakakakaba pala siya kahit, alam mo 'yun every awards night ganun naman talaga 'yung nararamdaman. Pero, masaya at the end of the day. Naka-apat [na awards] kami ng Balangay. Tsaka, alam mo manalo o matalo, alam naming nakagawa kami ng maganda, e.”
In Pokwang's speech, the Sparkle comedienne shared this powerful message to everyone who see themselves in her role as Sylvia. “Sa lahat ng Sylvia, sa lahat ng mga Pilipino... huwag po kayo mawalan ng pag-asa. Laban lang!”
Pokwang has been pretty busy lately because aside from her Cinemalaya entry, she also made her theatrical debut via Tulog Na: The Musical.
Talking about this project, Pokwang told Chika Minute, “Pangarap ko naman talaga mag-theater talaga noon pa. Kasi si Eugene Domingo talagang idol ko. Nag-message nga sa akin si Uge, 'Happy ako sa nangyayari sa 'yo, sis, sa buhay, sa movies, sa teatro.'”
“Sabi ko, panalo tayo both, ang industriya natin sa teatro, (at sa) sa pelikula. Nakakatuwa.”
Video courtesy of GMA News (YT)
RELATED CONTENT: TRIVIA: Fun facts about comedy star Pokwang
