‘Bonifacio’ producer: Robin, Vina should have won acting awards in MMFF

MANILA, Philippines - One of the producers of the movie “Bonfacio: Ang Unang Pangulo” is questioning the judging process and the results of the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night.

 

Their film “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo” was named Best Picture at the awards night on Sunday. However, other major awards such as the Best Screenplay, Best Original Story and Best Director went to the romantic comedy movie “English Only, Please.”

 

The best actor and best actress awards also went to “English Only, Please” stars Derek Ramsay and Jennylyn Mercado, besting Robin Padilla and Vina Morales of “Bonifacio.”

 

READ: Jennylyn Mercado, Derek Ramsay win big at 2014 MMFF

 

Derek’s win against Robin can be considered as an upset, as the “Bonifacio” star, who played the movie’s title character, won the best actor award last year for his role in “10,000 Hours.”

 

Rina Navarro, in a Facebook post, expressed her sentiments about the MMFF awards night results.

 

“Si robin padilla for best actor direk enzo for best director, production design and wardrobe, vina sa daming luha niyang iniyak, ang mga nanonood ay naiyak, sangkap ng isang pelikula na tinatawag na BEST picture,” she said.

 

In an interview with ABS-CBN’s “Umagang Kay Ganda” on Monday, Navarro said she feels “half-hearted” over the victory of “Bonifacio.” She questioned the exclusion of Robin, Vina and their director Enzo Williams in the winners list.

 

“Nagpapasalamat pa rin kami sa dami ng awards na aming nakuha. For me, mission accomplished kami. But I am half-hearted as a producer. Hindi ko siya ma-celebrate ng lubos dahil para sa puso ko at sa mga nanood ng ‘Bonifacio,’ si Robin Padilla, si Vina (Morales), ang aming direktor (Enzo Williams), the way we wrote our script, buong puso po nilang ginawa yun. Ang effort po nila dun ay exemplary. So half-hearted po talaga,” she said.

 

Navarro also said, “Kumbaga, in layman’s terms, kung ihahalintulad ko siya sa pagkain--masarap ang ulam, panalo siya. Pero yung mga nagluto at kasama sa nagluto, hindi panalo. Hindi ko rin po siya maintindihan.” 

 

READ: Derek Ramsay after MMFF Best Actor win: Life is good

 

“I don’t want to discredit anyone. They got the award, sport naman kami. Doon lang ako nagbabase on how I feel,” Navarro further explained. 

 

When asked if she feels Robin and Vina should have won the MMFF acting awards, Navarro answered in the affirmative. 

 

“Maganda naman ang acting,” she said of Derek and Jennylyn. “Kumbaga, I don’t want to discredit anyone. They got the awards, sport naman kami.”

 

But she added, “Doon lang ako nagbabase on how I feel naI am not happy for Robin. I cannot celebrate our director. And for Vina. Ang pagluha and pag-act na ginawa nila dito, talagang namang kakaiba kasi na Robin and Vina yun, e.

 

Meanwhile, in the same TV interview, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino explained the criteria for the MMF Best Picture.

 

IN PHOTOS: 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night

 

He said the winner for best picture is based on creativity, technical excellence, content, and Filipino, cultural or historical value. Each criterion comprises 25 percent of the score.

 

“Lahat po ng hurado, lahat ng criteria ay merong kanya-kanyang pamantayan at lahat po ito ay sinuri at sinuma ng ating independent auditing firm,” Tolentino added.

 

The jurors for the MMFF awards night include Dr. Rowena Reyes of the Far Eastern University, director Laurice Guillen, journalist Jullie Yap Daza and Miss World 2013 Megan Young, among others.