MMFF 2014: ‘Bonifacio,’ ‘English Only’ win most awards; top-earners, zero

MANILA, Philippines - (UPDATE 3) Following the 8 major films' first day in theaters, organizers announced the jurors' critical bet at the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) awards show held Saturday, December 27, at the PICC plenary hall in Pasay City.

Biopic "Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo" and romantic-comedy film "English Only, Please" won most of the major awards with a total of nine and seven, respectively. "Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles," meanwhile, bagged six awards.

However, trophies seemed elusive for the early top-earners this year: "Praybeyt Benjamin 2" and "Feng Shui 2" didn't win a single award; while "My Big Bossing" bagged one, thanks to Best Child Performer Ryzza Mae Dizon.

Jason Paul Laxamana's "Magkakabaung" won three major awards under New Wave category, including Best Picture.

Here's the complete list of winners:

• New Wave Student Short Film Special Jury:  Kalaw by Asia Pacific Institute

• Best Float Award: Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo

• Best New Wave Film Director: Jason Paul Laxamana, Magkakabaung

• New Wave Best Supporting Actress: Gloria Sevilla, M: Mother’s Maiden Name

• New Wave Best Supporting Actor: Kristoffer King

• New Wave Best Actress: Zsa Zsa Padilla, M: Mother's Maiden Name

• New Wave Best Actor: Allen Dizon, Magkakabaung

• New Wave Special Jury Prize: M: Mothers Maiden Name

• New Wave Best Picture: Magkakabaung

• Best Child Performer: Ryzza Mae Dizon, My Big Bossing

• Best Festival Sound Engineer: Wild Sound, Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo

• Best Musical Score: Juan de Guzman, Bonifacio Ang Unang Pangulo

• Best Original Theme Song: Von de Guzman, Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo

• Best Make-up: Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles

• Best Visual Effects: Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles

• Best Production Design: Ericson Navarro, Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles

• Best Editing: Marya Ignacio, English Only, Please

• Best Cinematography: Carlo Mendoza, Bonifacio Ang Unang Pangulo

• FPJ Memorial Award for Film Excellence: Bonifacio Ang Unang Pangulo

• Youth Choice Award: Bonifacio Ang Unang Pangulo

• Best Story: Antoinette Jadaone and Dan Villegas, English Only, Please

• Best Screenplay: Antoinette Jadaone, English Only, Please

• Best Director: Dan Villegas, English Only, Please

• Best Supporting Actor: Joey Marquez, Kubot the Aswang Chronicles

• Best Supporting Actress: Lotlot de Leon, Kubot the Aswang Chronicles

• Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: Bonifacio Ang Unang Pangulo

• 3rd Best Picture: Kubot the Aswang Chronicles

• 2nd Best Picture: English Only, Please

• Best Picture: Bonifacio Ang Unang Pangulo

• Best Actor: Derek Ramsay, English Only, Please

• Best Actress: Jennylyn Mercado, English Only, Please