First Lady Liza Marcos honored for supporting Filipino films at MIFF 2025
First Lady Liza Marcos and MIFF Chairman Omen Ortiz with Filipino American first responders at the MIFF in Los Angeles. Photo by Sthanlee B. Mirador
BEVERLY HILLS – First Lady Liza Marcos has received the Visionary Award for championing Philippine cinema at the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), which recently capped its second edition with a star-studded closing night and awards gala at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif.
“(Marcos) is actively working on a bright future for Philippine cinema, especially on the world stage,” the MIFF organizers said in a press release. “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, First Lady Liza Marcos 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.”
First Lady Liza Marcos at the MIFF gala in Los Angeles Photo from GR Rodis/Facebook
In glamorous, glittering rites on March 7, the MIFF, which was 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.).
Rachel Alejandro receives the MIFF Best Supporting Actress award for her role in ‘Song of the Fireflies.’ Photo by Steven Lam
“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).
Seth Fedelin wins the MIFF Best Actor award. Photo by Steven Lam
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.
‘Hello, Love, Again,’ starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, is honored as a Worldwide Box Office Hit Trailblazer. Photo by Steven Lam
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 US and a significant touchstone in Fil-Am history.
The evening also paid tribute to the late veteran actress Gloria Romero, hailed as the Queen of Philippine cinema.
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.”
Reggie Lee presents the Fil-Am first responders on stage. Photo by Steven Lam
Grammy-nominated singer Deborah Cox serenaded the Fil-Am responders, including Officers Edward Acedillo, Dexter Barras, Mariko Jackson, Eric Payumo, Arleen Rojas and Marlowe Viray; Fire Captains Allan Anolin, Arnold Anolin, Russell Arcebido, David Dantic, Jimmy de los Santos and Eddie Diaz; Sergeants Jonathan De Vera and Christian Ventura; and Battalion Chief Ramon Valdoria.
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.
Sofronio Vasquez and Deborah Cox perform a duet. Photo by Steven Lam
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.
Some of the MIFF 2025 award winners with several members of the festival team members. Photo by Katie Ortiz and Tony Garcia
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 Janet R. Nepales (Media Relations). The key team is composed of Leo Dela Cruz (Chief Financial Officer), Ron Ramores (Coordinator), Meriden Angeles (Coordinating Producer) and Erickson Ilog (Coordinator).
