60 years with the FAMAS

MANILA, Philippines - The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) is celebrating its 60th (Diamond Jubilee) anniversary tonight with its Gabi Ng Parangal at the Fiesta Pavillion of the Manila Hotel.

The word FAMAS was coined by movie legends Rogelio dela Rosa and Rosa Rosal. It was also Rosa who posed as model for the FAMAS statuette, designed by Manuel Barreiro, featuring a woman dressed in balintawak and raising a film reel on a black pedestal.

Trivia on the first winner and recent winner in the FAMAS major categories:

•Best Picture: Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo (Premiere Productions, 1952) and Ang Tanging Ina Mo: Last Na’To (Star Cinema, 2010). Hall of Fame: Premiere Productions and JE/Emar Productions.

•Best Director: Gerardo de Leon (Bagong Umaga, 1952) and Albert Martinez (Rosario, 1952). Hall of Fame: Gerardo de Leon, Eddie Garcia and Lino Brocka.

•Best Actor: Ben Perez (Bagong Umaga, 1952) and John Lloyd Cruz (Miss You Like Crazy, 2010). Hall of Fame: Joseph Estrada, Fernando Jr., Christopher de Leon and Eddie Garcia.

•Best Actress: Alicia Vergel (Basahang Ginto, 1952) and Ai-Ai delas Alas (Ang Tanging Ina Mo: Last Na’To, 2010).

•Best Supporting Actor: Gil de Leon (Korea, 1952) and Allen Dizon (Sigwa, 2010). Hall of Fame: Eddie Garcia.

•Best Supporting Actress: Nida Blanca (Korea, 1952) and Eugene Domingo (Here Comes The Bride).