By Eric Borromeo
Starmaker Entertainment Production made a memorable mark in the industry with its first Awards Night, held on January 4 at Emdees Events Place in Marilao, Bulacan. The evening was a simple yet profound celebration of talents steadily making waves in the entertainment world.
The event not only highlighted the stellar achievements of its rising stars but also paid tribute to their dedication and hard work. The awards were presented to a remarkable group of artists, each deserving of the recognition.
Rob Sy, took home the Best Actor award for his touching performance in Paskong Panalo, while Editha N. Bascuna won Best Actress for her role in Dear San(t)a. The Best Supporting Child Performers were Gabriel Bernadette Gloria for Bisperas and Yexel Blake Ferrales for Karoling, while Best Child Actor went to Zach Gabriel Gumawit for his role in Bisperas. The night also saw the talented Keithlyn Ongayo and Maria Letizia Silva winning Best Child Actress for Karoling and Dear San(t)a, respectively.
The prestigious Best Director award went to Michael Pangcoy for Paskong Panalo, which was also honored with the title of Best Short Film. The Best Short Story award was presented to Tatay Jesus, which also produced the Most Promising Actress, Patricia Villanueva, and Most Promising Actor, Gerald Lava Gamboa.
The evening continued with more emerging stars receiving accolades, including the Most Promising Child Performers: Juan Lucas Matteo Morales from Dear San(t)a, Euna Sandy Dela Cueva from Paskong Panalo, and Akeena Cristel Sagum, also from Paskong Panalo.
A fan favorite, Bisperas, not only won Best Short Film but also claimed the Viewer’s Choice Award, a testament to its impact on the audience.
In addition to the rising stars, the evening also celebrated the special participations of renowned actors Ramon Christopher, Pekto Nacua, and Rob Sy, who appeared in all the short films, contributing their craft and experience to the success of each project.
In a heartfelt statement, Starmaker CEO Maria Villanueva shared her deep commitment to her talents: “Gagawin ko ang lahat, hindi ako susuko hangga’t hindi kayo nakikilala.” Her passion to help and elevate young talent is evident in every project she embarks on, and her dedication continues to shape the future of these emerging stars.
Director Neal “Buboy” Tan, who played a vital role in shaping the company’s creative vision, offered words of wisdom to the young performers. “Don’t stop learning, pursue your dreams bilang actor. Hindi naging madali para sa isang Coco Martin… Bea Alonzo para sumikat sila. Nagdaan din sila bilang maliit (na aktor); pagbutihin nyo lang ang mga pangarap nyo.” His message resonated deeply with the artists, encouraging them to persevere and hone their craft despite the challenges.
The night was more than just a celebration of talent; it was an intimate, emotional gathering that reflected the tight-knit family that Starmaker has cultivated. With heartfelt speeches, touching moments, and the promise of even brighter futures ahead, the inaugural Starmaker Awards set the stage for many more talented individuals to emerge into the spotlight.
Congratulations to all the winners, and here’s to the next generation of stars lighting up the entertainment industry!
Here is the list of all the winners:
- Best Actor – Rob Sy (Paskong Panalo)
- Best Actress – Editha N. Bascuna (Dear San[t]a)
- Best Supporting Child Performer – Gabriel Bernadette Gloria (Bisperas)
- Best Supporting Child Performer – Yexel Blake Ferrales (Karoling)
- Best Child Actor – Zach Gabriel Gumawit (Bisperas)
- Best Director – Michael Pangcoy (Paskong Panalo)
- Best Child Actress – Keithlyn Ongayo (Karoling)
- Best Child Actress – Maria Letizia Silva (Dear San[t]a)
- Best Short Film – Bisperas
- Best Short Story – Tatay Jesus
- Most Promising Actress – Patricia Villanueva (Tatay Jesus)
- Most Promising Actor – Gerald Lava Gamboa (Tatay Jesus)
- Most Promising Child Performer – Juan Lucas Matteo Morales (Dear San[t]a)
- Most Promising Child Performer – Euna Sandy Dela Cueva (Paskong Panalo)
- Most Promising Child Performer – Akeena Cristel Sagum (Paskong Panalo)
- Viewer’s Choice Awards Bisperas
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