IN PHOTOS: Maria Ozawa sizzles at 2015 MMFF awards night

MANILA, Philippines - Here's a consolation amid the "scandal" in this year's Metro Manila Film Festival.

READ: Winners of 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival awards night

Former Japanese adult video star Maria Ozawa graced the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal at the Kia Theater in Quezon City on Sunday.

She performed a “sizzling” dance number, as show host Richard Gutierrez described it; a much-needed respite from the tension-filled event that’s marred with controversy after “Honor Thy Father” was disqualified from the Best Picture category of the Christmas film fest.

IN PHOTOS: Best moments from the 2015 MMFF awards night | READ: Amid MMFF ‘scandal,’ Erik Matti tells filmgoers: You deserve better

Ozawa’s entry in local showbiz made headlines earlier this year, and her statement that she’s open to having a Filipino boyfriend while staying in the Philippines tickled the fancy and imaginations of local movie fans and fan boys alike.

Bela Padilla, Yassi Pressman, Ronnie Liang and Mark Bautista, among others, also performed.

Check out photos from Maria Ozawa's performance in the slideshow below (Photos by Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV):