First responders honored at the star-studded 2nd Manila International Film Festival

The real stars of the night at the 2nd Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) tribute gala held last March 7 at The Beverly Hilton were the first responders – the firemen and policemen who put their lives at risk and helped during the Southern California wildfires.

In one of the night's stirring moments, MIFF saluted some of the Filipino American first responders who represent the numerous men and women who battled Los Angeles' recent wildfires. Actor and presenter Reggie Lee said on stage, "Tonight, we honor their heroism and say thank you. Maraming, maraming salamat for your tireless and selfless work and for the many sacrifices you and your families have made for service to others, to us."

The first responders who were honored included Officer Edward Acedillo, Fire Captain Allan Anolin, Fire Captain Arnold Anolin, Fire Captain Russell Arcebido, Officer Dexter Barras, Fire Captain David Dantic, Sgt. Jonathan De Vera, Fire Captain Jimmy de los Santos, Fire Captain Eddie Diaz, Officer Mariko Jackson, Officer Eric Payumo, Officer Arleen Rojas, Battalion Chief Ramon Valdoria, Sgt. Christian Ventura, and Officer Marlowe Viray.

Grammy-nominated singer Deborah Cox serenaded the FilAm responders and was accompanied on the keyboards by musical director Troy Laureta.

In glamorous, glittering rites, the MIFF, which is sponsored by BingoPlus and Megaworld, presented Audience Favorite Awards, Lifetime Achievement, Visionary, Trailblazer and Special Awards, and honored Filipino American first responders in the Southern California wildfires.

King Palisoc's "Song of the Fireflies," a dramatization of the true story of the rise of the Loboc Children's Choir from its small-town roots in Loboc, Bohol to worldwide acclaim, won four of the six Audience Awards, voted on by MIFF goers. The drama-musical, written by Sarge Lacuesta and produced by Culturtain Musical Productions, MQuest, Hartman, and CMB Film Services, Inc., bagged Best Picture, Best Actress (Morissette), Best Supporting Actress (Rachel Alejandro) and Best Supporting Actor (Noel Comia Jr.).

"Song of the Fireflies," as the Audience Best Picture winner, received a $150,000 coproduction package deal from Birns & Sawyer, one of the oldest film equipment rental companies in Hollywood, run by CEO, FilAm Mari Acevedo.

"Song of the Fireflies" also won a Special Award for promoting Philippine music, arts, and culture through the inspiring story of the Loboc Children's Choir.

"My Future You," a comedy-fantasy-romance about two people who meet on a dating app, but it turns out that they live in two different timelines, bagged Best Director (Crisanto B. Aquino) and Best Actor (Seth Fedelin).

Regina Aquino's documentary, "Faith Healers," nabbed a Special Award for spotlighting early Filipino healthcare professionals in America while touching on the history of Filipino migration and the Philippines.

Cathy Garcia-Sampana's "Hello, Love, Again," starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, was honored as a Worldwide Box Office Hit Trailblazer for being the first Filipino film to gross over P1 billion at the box office and the first Filipino movie to break into the US box office top 10.

Louise Araneta-Marcos, the Philippines' First Lady who led the special guests in the exciting ceremonies at the International Ballroom, received the Visionary Award for championing Philippine cinema. Araneta-Marcos is actively working on a bright future for Philippine cinema, especially on the world stage. Through CineGang Inc., a groundbreaking initiative towards boosting the Philippine movie industry, the First Lady seeks opportunities to continue uplifting local films.

In her message, the First Lady said, "What a truly proud moment to witness our Filipino and Filipino American film luminaries coming together, side by side. Seeing our countrymen – regardless of where they are in the world – unite in creativity and passion is a testament to the boundless potential we can achieve when we work together. May this be the beginning of many more meaningful collaborations that will allow us to showcase the very best of our talents to the world."

Honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their outstanding contributions to Philippine cinema were Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, actress and film industry worker advocate; Ricky Lee, venerable scriptwriter and mentor to generations of filmmakers and the Philippines' National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts; the late Lily Monteverde, the producer popularly known as Mother Lily, who gave breaks to many filmmakers, actors, and actresses; and Vilma Santos, regarded as the Star for All Seasons, who has won numerous accolades in her career that spans over six decades.

Cited as Trailblazer Awardees for helping pave the way for Filipinos in Hollywood were Tia Carrere, an accomplished film and television actress, and a two-time Grammy award-winning musical artist; Nico Santos, best known for portraying Mateo on "Superstore," which ran for six seasons on NBC, Oliver T'sien in the film "Crazy Rich Asians" and Recorder Theel in Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"; and Gene Cajayon's "The Debut," celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025 as the first Filipino American film to be released theatrically nationwide in the U.S. and a significant touchstone in FilAm history.

The evening also paid tribute to the late veteran actress Gloria Romero, hailed as the Queen of Philippine cinema.

Sofronio Vasquez, the first Filipino and Asian winner of NBC's "The Voice," Rachel Alejandro, Morissette, Deborah Cox, Immaculate Heart of Mary Children's Choir and St. Genevieve Valiant Voices (both under choir director Pete Avendaño), with musical director Troy Laureta, delivered powerhouse musical performances.

Star presenters included Tia Carrere, Mark Dacascos, Reggie Lee, Liza Soberano, Carlin James, Apl.de.Ap, Anna Perez De Tagle-Kline, California's first Filipina assembly member Jessica Caloza, Dingdong Dantes, Krista Arrieta Kleiner, KaladKaren (Jervi Wrightson) and MJ Lastimosa.

The MIFF screened 16 films, including entries to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, world premieres, and select additional films.

Launched in 2024, the MIFF is headed by cofounders Omen Ortiz (Chairman), Ebradu Udarbe (President), Lisa Lew (Executive Producer), Celia Abaya Dy (Coordinator), Ruben V. Nepales (Media Relations) and this writer. The key team is composed of Leo Dela Cruz (Chief Financial Officer), Ron Ramores (Coordinator), Meriden Angeles (Coordinating Producer), and Erickson Ilog (Coordinator).

—MGP, GMA Integrated News