A Shower of Stars at the Golden Screen Awards

The brightest and the biggest stars converged at the Zirkoh Comedy Bar on Timog Avenue, Quezon City last November 30 when the 2nd Golden Screen [Entertainment TV] Awards handed out the trophies to the winners. The affair is a project of the Entertainment Press Society of which this columnist is a member.

The event was hosted by Maverick Realova and Ariel Villasanta a.k.a. Maverick and Ariel of ABC 5's "Wala Yan Sa Lolo Ko and Totoo TV" with Sherilyn Reyes who did a good job in keeping the crowd entertained. All three of them, incidentally, are awardees in the Golden Screen ETV Awards.

Sherilyn won as Outstanding Supporting Actress in Comedy for the sitcom "Bahay Mo Ba 'To" on GMA 7 while Maverick and Ariel won Outstanding Comedy Gag Show for "The Misadventures of Maverick and Ariel" which recently its stint on TV.

Sherilyn had a kilometric speech and she nearly shed tears even if she knew she had won. She had been in showbiz for 10 years but it was only now that her talent was recognized.

The cast of "Bahay Mo Ba 'To" came in full force since the show was the big winner with six trophies in the comedy category of the Golden Screen Awards. The show won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Ronaldo Valdez (a tie with Sen. Bong Revilla for "Idol Ko Si Kap'), a first-time winner in the field of comedy.

Ms. Tessie Tomas (Outstanding Lead Actress in Comedy) who will be celebrating 25 years in showbiz next year, had always been nominated for comedy, but this is her first victory as a comedienne. "I am truly honored and I will treasure this because this is the first time I've been recognized for my comic talent."

Keempee de Leon was in Singapore for "Eat Bulaga" so his award as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series was accepted by his mom, Ms. Daria Ramirez. "Bahay Mo Ba 'To" also won as Outstanding Comedy Series and garnered for Al Quinn the award as Outstanding Director for a Comedy Series.

Also coming in full force was the cast of "Encantadia" which won awards as Outstanding Drama Series; Outstanding Director in a Drama Series (Mark Reyes and Gil Tejada), and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Sunshine Dizon.

Even if Sunshine already knew she won, she was still trembling and her hands were so cold after accepting her trophy. "Iba pa rin ang feeling pag hawak mo na ang trophy," said Sunshine after we escorted her to her seat.

Sen. Bong Revilla was among the early comers in the awards night as he really wanted to be the one to accept his trophy. This is his second best actor award in a comedy and he said that he should probably shift gears from being an action star into a comedian.

Amy Austria and Tirso Cruz III were quite emotional in their speeches. Amy, winner as Outstanding Supporting Actress for "Mulawin," hasn't attended an awards night for a long time and it's also her first award for a TV role.

Pip is happy that he continues to be given good roles on TV, like the one he plays on "Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin" for which he won as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Ariel Rivera was not around to receive his award as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for "Forever in My Heart" since he was taping for "Sugo."

In the drama special category, Cherry Pie Picache and Lester Llansang who both won for the Bestida episode of "Maalaala Mo Kaya" as Outstanding Lead Actress and Outstanding Supporting Actor respectively. The beautiful story of "Bestida" inspired them to give excellent performances.

Camille Prats was every inch a winner as she accepted her trophy as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Special for the Kuwintas episode of "Maalaala Mo Kaya."

John Lloyd Cruz was unable to attend and receive his award as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Special. He was not allowed to leave the taping, of which the location was quite near where the awards night was held.

Among the special awardees, Coney Reyes and Bibeth Orteza were present to receive the Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is meaningful for the two because of their close ties with the late Helen Vela. The other awardee, Tina Monzon Palma, was not able to attend because she had a late night radio show but sent her thanks to ENPRESS for bestowing to her the Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award.

Other winners present include Boy Abunda, Paolo Bediones, and Ogie Alcasid. Guest performers were sexy singer Mocha, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Erik Santos (who accepted the award for "ASAP 05"), Viva Hotmen, Faith Cuneta, Jan Marini, Ara Mina, Angelica Jones, Starr Struck Dancers, the cast of "Bilog/Circles," The Raging Divas. Ogie Alcasid and Faith Cuneta performed the finale.

But the scene-stealer of the night was the duet of Rufa Mae Quinto and Duncan Ramos of South Border. It seems Rufa Mae and Duncan no longer hide their relationship. They were very sweet to each other.