Yasser Marta wins Best Supporting Actor at 8th Sinag Maynila

Yasser Marta bagged the Best Supporting Actor at the 8th Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival.

The Kapuso actor was recognized for his role in the indie film “Desperada,” directed by Louie Ignacio.

Here is the complete list of the winners: 

Feature Film Awards

• Best Film — “Pinikas”
• Best Screenplay — Cris Fuego, “Pinikas”
• Best Actress — Angela Villarin, “Pinikas”
• Best Actor — Jade Makawili, “Pinikas”
• Best Supporting Actor — Yasser Marta, “Desperada”
• Best Supporting Actress — Mercedes Cabral, “Ang Bangkay”
• Best Director — Cris Fuego, “Pinikas”
• Best Sound — Alex Tomboc, “Sweet Escape”
• Best Musical Score — Marie-Luise Calvero, “Pinikas”
• Best Cinematography — Manuel Pandoy Abanto, “Ang Bangkay”
• Best Editing — Jay Hernandez, “Pinikas”
• Best Production Design — Cyrus Khan, “Ang Bangkay”
• People's Choice - “Ang Bangkay”

Short Film (Student)

• Jury Prize — “Duros,” Harvey Gozado
• Best Short Film — “Lugud,” Jarno Malonzo
• 2nd Best Short Film — “Mag Unsa Na Lang Ta Ani?”, Keith Nemenzo
• 3rd Best Short Film — “Mga Ulol,” Vince Ivan Vesiete

Documentary (Student)

• Best Documentary — “Di Lalim, Di Lalum,” Nicole Reyes
• 2nd Best Documentary — “Shalom,” Kiah Resurreccion
• 3rd Best Documentary — “Cemento,” Justine Borlagdan

Short Film (Open)

• Best Short Film — “Paon,” Seb Valdez
• 2nd Best Short Film — “Hoy! Pili ka na!” Banjo Hinolan
• 3rd Best Short Film — “Kaon,” Miguel Dimaiwat

Documentary (Open)

• Best Documentary — “Del Mundo,” Rommel Tolentino
• Jury Prize — “Mga Muni Muni sa Gitna ng Ambon,” Gio Gonzalves

“Desperada,” which also stars actress Robb Guinto, follows a deeply traumatized young woman rescued from the streets. She is brought to a shelter for the mentally ill, where—amid broken souls and painful pasts—she discovers healing and unexpected love that proves even the most damaged hearts can still hope.

The film was screened at the 2026 Sinag Maynila Festival from March 23 to 29.

Yasser has previously appeared in the Kapuso shows “Lolong: Pangil ng Maynila,” “My Ilonggo Girl,” "Lovers & Liars," and “Forever Young,” among others. 

Sinag Maynila, launched in 2015, is a film festival that promotes local films, supports emerging filmmakers, and showcases culturally relevant stories through full-length films, documentaries, and short films by both new and veteran directors.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News