As early as four or perhaps five years ago, some Manunuri members – particularly the late Agustin "Hammy" Sotto – had already been suggesting Michael V.’s name as possible host of the Gawad Urian. I remember Michael V. wasn’t the major star he is today when the group realized his potential.
But for some reason, this Manunuri wish never materialized. And in the last couple of years, Michael V.’s schedule had been so hectic maybe it would have been easier for us to get Billy Crystal to host our awards presentation.
Last year, we were finally able to pin him down to participate in a production number, but we had to pre-tape his parts because he couldn’t make it to the awards night due to another commitment (that’s how busy he is.) This was the one where he spoofed Mother Lily and was made to wear that infamous red cheongsam earlier worn by Ara Mina in the party scene in the original version of Mano Po. (To this day, I still can’t figure out how he managed to squeeze into that dress.)
But tonight, we are going to have him live at the AFP Theater in Camp Aguinaldo where the Gawad Urian will be held starting at 7 (telecast is at 9 p.m. over RPN 9).
Too bad, Hammy Sotto is no longer around (he passed away in 2001) to see Michael V. do the Urian Awards. But I’m sure he’ll be watching from his lodge seat in cinematic heaven.
In the case of Janno Gibbs, the Manunuri had always believed in his talent as a performer. In fact, in 1989, we already asked him to do a solo spot number during our awards night held at the Manila Film Center (this was way back when that venue was still serviceable). We would have wanted him there when his father, Ronaldo Valdez, won his Urian (Best Supporting Actor for May Minamahal) in 1993, but I think he was doing something else that time.
Two years ago, he was back at the Urian Awards to do the opening and finale numbers (that’s how much impressed we are with him) during the group’s 25th anniversary held at the Araneta Coliseum.
Tonight, aside from hosting, Janno Gibbs is also doing the opening, and, yes, finale numbers. Like I said, we are that impressed with his talent.
The name of Pia Guanio also got the instant approval of the Manunuri members when she was mentioned as one of the awards night hosts. With those smiling eyes, she is always a refreshing sight, whether she’s hosting Eat Bulaga or dishing out showbiz news in 24 Oras- and for sure at the Gawad Urian stage tonight.
Also gracing the Gawad Urian as presenters are Rudy Fernandez, Elizabeth Oropesa, Yul Servo, Assunta de Rossi, Izza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon, Wendell Ramos, Melanie Marquez, Ronnie Ricketts, Laurice Guillen, Johnny Delgado, Lotlot de Leon, Angelu de Leon, Cogie Domingo, Baron Geisler, Diana Zubiri, Jaclyn Jose, Juliana Palermo and Dolphy.
Dolphy’s participation should be a touching moment in tonight’s presentation because he is presenting the Natatanging Gawad Urian to Ms. Gloria Romero. (Dolphy received the same award in 1998).
Dolphy and Gloria were both products of Sampaguita Pictures. In Despachadora, Gloria played the daughter of Dolphy, whose hair had to be dyed gray to look the part. (It was a screwball comedy anyway). Tonight will surely be a happy reunion for them – and we’ll all be there to witness it.
Providing entertainment numbers in tonight’s Gawad Urian are Aiza Seguerra, Jolina Magdangal, Ogie Alcasid, Jay-R, Nyoy Volante, Kyla, the SexBomb Dancers, the Street Boys and the Maharlika Dance Group.
The 27th Gawad Urian is produced by Antonio Tuviera’s APT Entertainment. Malou Choa Fagar is over-all in-charge of production, while Poochie Rivera is directing the show from the script of Noel Ferrer – with Ruel Bayani, who has to his name a string of soap operas, acting as segment producer. Herman Escueta is executive producer, Josie Tolentino is production manager and Peachy Salvador is associate producer. Elisa Matias, who handled Sharon Cuneta’s musical show for the longest time, is music producer, while Jojo Gabinete is casting director.
Major sponsors are Ariel, PLDT, Drypers, JB Lotion, Elastoseal and Pride.
Minor sponsors are Smart Buddy Set, Disudrin, Revicon, Piltel Talk n’ Text and Ceelin.