It was an award-winning night for “Firefly” at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 Gabi ng Parangal at the New Frontier Theatre as it bagged home three major awards: Best Child Performer, Best Screenplay, and the most coveted Best Picture. 

“Firefly” is a fantasy-journey film directed by Zig Dulay, the official entry of GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs to the 49th MMFF.

It stars Sparkle child star Euwenn Mikaell and veteran actress Alessandra de Rossi, together with Kapuso real-life couple Miguel Tanfelix and Ysabelle Ortega, Epy Quizon, Yayo Aguila, Cherry Pie Picache, and Kokoy Santos. Dingdong Dantes also plays a special cameo role. 

Director Zig Dulay received the Best Picture trophy and was joined by the entire Firefly team in attendance headed by GMA Films and GMA Worldwide President Annette Gozon-Valdez, GMA Public Affairs Senior Vice President Nessa Valdellon, and GMA Public Affairs Vice President Angeli Atienza. 

"Iniaalay namin ang pelikulang ito sa lahat ng naniniwala sa kapangyarihan ng pangarap, kapangyarihan ng pag-ibig, kapangyarihan ng sining," said Dulay, who promised to continue making more excellent films that are meaningful and sincere.

"Nagbabalik na po ang GMA Pictures at GMA Public Affairs. Sa pamamagitan ng Firefly, nagbibigay sila ng pangako na magpapatuloy sa paggawa ng pelikulang may puso, dekalidad, at may kabuluhan,” he added. 

“Firefly” also won the Best Screenplay plum, received duly by GMA executive and writer Angeli Atienza. 

“Para po akong si Tonton sa pelikula namin, hindi ako makapaniwalang nangyari sa akin ito,” remarked Atienza before proceeding to her message of gratitude. 

"Sana po lahat tayo ay mahanap natin ang ilaw sa ating mga sarili," she concluded.

To top it all off, the coming-of-age fantasy film headlined by the role of Tonton (portrayed by Euwenn Mikael) got the Sparkle child star a Best Child Performer recognition, completing an award-winning night for “Firefly.”