The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) proudly presents this year’s “Parangal ng Sining,” an annual tribute honoring outstanding Filipino artists, scholars, and organizations for their remarkable contributions to the advancement of Philippine cinema. The awarding ceremony is scheduled to take place on April 19, 2024, at Seda Vertis North in Quezon City.
Through “Parangal ng Sining” (“Honor of the Arts”), the FDCP endeavors to unite the creative minds and stakeholders of the Philippine film industry in celebrating cinema’s profound role in reflecting the nation’s cultural heritage. Furthermore, it seeks to inspire Filipino artists, educators, and film institutions to persist in their pursuit of excellence.
“Parangal ng Sining” will evoke the glamour of the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema with a theme inspired by Old Hollywood. Recalling the elegance of classic Filipino films and the sophisticated gatherings hosted at Sampaguita Studios, attendees and honorees will attire themselves in black and white ensembles, while the main stage will be adorned with vibrant technicolor accents.
Parangal ng Sining: Lifetime Achievement Awards
• Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo
Renowned actress Maria Elisa Anson Rodrigo, better known as Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, boasts an illustrious career spanning Philippine film, television, and radio broadcasting. Her journey commenced in 1968 when she embarked on her acting career with Sampaguita Pictures, gracing the silver screen alongside Filipino luminaries such as Fernando Poe, Jr., and Dante Rivero.
Notably, Anson-Roa held the esteemed position of President at the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (MOWELFUND), Inc. for 18 years. Throughout her tenure, she demonstrated unwavering dedication to MOWELFUND’s mission of safeguarding and assisting marginalized workers within the local film industry.
• Dr. Nicanor Tiongson
Dr. Nicanor Tiongson is hailed as an esteemed figure in the Philippine film landscape, recognized for his multifaceted roles as a film critic, writer, educator, and scholar. As a founding member of Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino and Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines (UP) Film Institute, he has made indelible contributions to the field.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Tiongson has held key positions in various institutions, including vice president and artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), chair of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), and co-founder of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.
Dr. Tiongson’s scholarly works, such as “The Urian Anthology” and “The Cinema of Manuel Conde,” have played a pivotal role in documenting the rich history of Philippine cinema. Through his writings, he has fostered a deeper appreciation and understanding of Filipino films and cultural heritage among enthusiasts and scholars alike.
• Clodualdo “Doy” del Mundo, Jr.
Recognized as a significant figure in the Philippine film industry, Clodualdo “Doy” del Mundo, Jr. stands as a prominent filmmaker, screenwriter, and educator. His illustrious career includes penning the screenplays for revered Filipino classics such as Lino Brocka’s “Maynila, sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag” and Mike De Leon’s “Kisapmata” and “Batch ‘81.” Additionally, he has directed notable films like “Pepot Superstar” and “Paglipad ng Anghel.”
Del Mundo played a pivotal role as a founding member and former chairman of Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, an esteemed film critic organization bestowing the annual Gawad Urian Awards to outstanding Filipino films. He currently holds the title of President Emeritus at the Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (SOFIA) and is a steadfast advocate for film archiving. Del Mundo firmly believes that the preservation of Filipino films is integral to safeguarding Philippine culture and history.
• Armando “Bing” Lao
Armando “Bing” Lao is a celebrated filmmaker and accomplished screenwriter, renowned for his contributions to Philippine cinema. He has penned the screenplays for acclaimed films such as Jeffrey Jeturian’s “Kubrador” and Brillante Mendoza’s Cannes Film Festival contenders “Kinatay” and “Serbis.” Lao’s exceptional talent has garnered him numerous Gawad Urian Awards for Best Screenplay, including recognitions for Chito S. Roño’s “Itanong mo sa Buwan” and “La Vida Rosa.”
Beyond his impressive body of work, Lao is recognized for his pioneering “Found Story” screenwriting workshops. These workshops serve as a platform for nurturing aspiring screenwriters, encouraging them to craft original screenplays that authentically capture the diverse experiences of Filipinos. Additionally, Lao has provided invaluable mentorship and creative guidance to emerging Filipino filmmakers, contributing significantly to the growth of Philippine independent cinema.
• Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (SOFIA)
Established in 1993, the Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (SOFIA) comprises individuals from diverse professional backgrounds united by a common goal: the preservation of the Philippines’ cinematic legacy.
For three decades, SOFIA has been steadfast in its commitment to film archiving. True to its mission, the organization diligently preserves Filipino films and educates the public about our vibrant cinematic history.
SOFIA’s members are the unsung heroes of modern times—dedicated film archivists, restorers, and preservationists—working tirelessly to safeguard our cultural heritage for generations to come.
• ABS-CBN Film Restoration (Sagip Pelikula)
Under the leadership of Leo Katigbak from the ABS-CBN Film Archives, the ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project, also known as Sagip Pelikula, has been actively engaged since 2011 in digitizing and restoring over a hundred Filipino films. Among these are iconic works such as National Artist for Film Ishmael Bernal’s “Himala,” Peque Gallaga’s “Oro, Plata, Mata,” and Carlos Vander Tolosa’s “Giliw Ko,” the maiden production of LVN Pictures.
The ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project has played a pivotal role in reintroducing beloved Filipino classics to audiences, especially the younger generation. It remains steadfast in its mission to preserve the nation’s cinematic heritage for the benefit of future Filipino generations.
• Gloria Romero
Renowned as the “Queen of Philippine Cinema,” Gloria Romero stands as an award-winning veteran actress revered for her stellar performances. She rose to prominence starring in iconic films produced by Sampaguita Pictures, including “Dalagang Ilocana” and “Cofradia.” Transitioning seamlessly into matriarch roles, she delivered unforgettable performances in acclaimed movies such as “Tanging Yaman,” “Magnifico,” and “Rainbow’s Sunset.”
Romero’s illustrious career spans the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema, earning her a distinguished reputation for her sophisticated image and enduring talent. With a career spanning over 70 years, she continues to inspire new generations of Filipino actors with her remarkable legacy.
Parangal ng Sining: Posthumous Award
• Teddy Co
The FDCP will posthumously honor film curator and archivist Teddy Co with an award recognizing his invaluable contributions to the preservation, advancement, and archiving of the Philippines’ cinematic heritage.
Co, celebrated for his advocacy of Philippine independent and regional cinema, played a pivotal role in promoting cultural diversity and broader recognition of regional films within the country. His influence extended beyond curating and archiving, as he also held positions such as Head of the National Committee on Cinema and Commissioner for the Arts at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), cementing his legacy in the local film industry.
Parangal ng Sining: Honorary Distinction
• Jaclyn Jose
The FDCP fondly remembers the late legendary actress Jaclyn Jose, who recently passed away. Jose made history as the first Southeast Asian actress to win the prestigious Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for her remarkable performance in Brillante Mendoza’s film, “Ma’ Rosa.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Jose received numerous accolades for her roles in iconic films such as Lino Brocka’s “White Slavery,” Chito Roño’s “Private Show,” and Joel Lamangan’s “The Flor Contemplacion Story.” Her versatility shone through in independent films, television series, and theater, solidifying her status as one of the most respected actresses in the Philippine entertainment industry.
In Memoriam
Furthermore, “Parangal ng Sining” will honor the memory of the following Filipino artists:
• Mario Dumaual, Veteran Broadcaster and Reporter (July 5, 2023)
• Willie Nepomuceno, Satirist and Impersonator (July 26, 2023)
• Robert Arevalo, Veteran Actor (August 10, 2023)
• Angie Ferro, Veteran Actress (August 17, 2023)
• Mike Enriquez, Veteran Broadcaster (August 29, 2023)
• Ethel Ramos, Veteran Talent Manager and Entertainment Columnist (September 10, 2023)
• Leo Bukas, Entertainment Writer and Publicist (November 6, 2023)
• Jun Urbano, Comedian and Director (December 2, 2023)
• Gil Soriano, Veteran Television Director (December 6, 2023)
• Ronaldo Valdez, Veteran Actor (December 17, 2023)
• Mario Bautista, Veteran Entertainment Journalist (January 13, 2024)
• Tony Tantay, Jr., Veteran Photographer (January 18, 2024)
• Romy Vitug, Cinematographer (January 18, 2024)
• Deo Endrinal, Dreamscape Entertainment Head (February 3, 2024)
• Joe Gruta, Veteran Theater and Film Actor (March 10, 2024)
Through this year’s “Parangal ng Sining,” the FDCP honors the rich history of Philippine cinema and its influence on the future of Filipino films. The awarding ceremony will beattended by esteemed guests along with a special lineup of hosts and performers which will be announced soon.
For more news and updates, follow FDCP on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
