Maricel Soriano, Jinggoy Estrada bag top acting awards at MMFF

Unlike in past years, the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night finished in a record-breaking less than one-hour presentation held last January 5, at the SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia. The winners were immediately announced without mentioning the nominees. This was to give way to Lani Misalucha's concert afterwards. Imus Productions' Resiklo bagged the Best Picture trophy, while Star Cinema's Sakal Sakali Saklolo and M-ZET/Octo Arts Films' Enteng Kabisote 4 were adjudged 2nd and 3rd Best Pictures, respectively. Senator Jinggoy Estrada won as Best Actor for his comeback vehicle, Katas ng Saudi. Bahay Kubo's Maricel Soriano was adjudged Best Actress, but the Diamond Star was not able to accept her trophy because she is in the United States right now with her two sons. In a surprise victory, first-time director and GMA News reporter Cesar Apolinario beat Joey Reyes and Joel Lamangan for the Best Director award for his debut film Banal. Bahay Kubo's Eugene Domingo and Resiklo's Roi Vinzon were awarded Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor, respectively. Here are the other winners: Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award - (tie) Bahay Kubo and Katas ng Saudi Gender Sensitivity Award - Desperadas Best Child Performer - Nash Aguas (Shake, Rattle & Roll 9) Best Screenplay - Joey Reyes (Katas ng Saudi) Best Editing - Resiklo Best Cinematography - Resiklo Best Music - Bahay Kubo - Philippine Entertainment Portal