MANILA, Philippines - Angeli Bayani still feels surreal about winning the Best Actress award at the 37th Gawad Urian for the film "Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan."
She edged out veteran actressesNora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Rustica Carpio, Cherie Gil, Agot Isidro, and Eugene Domingo.
"Sa totoo lang, to be nominated is an honor itself kasi...feeling ko lalagnatin ako!" She said with a laugh in an interview Tuesday night. "Kasi no’n una silang maglabas ng nominations, naloka na ko, e, kasing parang really this is happening? So hindi ko siya in-expect, Nora, Vilma, Cherie Gil, Rustica Carpio for heaven’s sake— hindi mo inaasahan, e!"
Besides being recognized for her performance, she said the film is also special because she was personally picked by Lav Diaz for the role.
"Siguro dahil na rin sa content mismo ng pelikula na ‘yon nga, ‘yong sinasabi niya na statement tungkol sa lipunan natin," she said. "Alam ko rin na di biro ‘yong paglaban ni Lav para sa akin, na oo siya nga ang director at marami ang gusto maging bahagi ng pelikula. Kaya sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa kanya na nagtiwala siya sa akin."
After winning the acting award, Angeli believes that it will also help other theater actors and boost the independent film industry.
" I mean, it’s recognized internationally, dito hindi masyado, e," she explained. "Parang selected few lang ang nakakaalam or nakaka-appreciate ng mga gawa niya. Kaya nang manomina ako para dito sapat na sa akin ‘yon, e. Nalagay kami sa mapa ng mainstream, sabihin na natin parang gano'n.
"Kaya of that I am sure that more people will ask about Lav Diaz, more people will ask about independent films, more people will ask about actresses like me."
Asked if she plans to try the mainstream film industry, Angeli replied, "oo naiisip ko naman rin. Siyempre may mga kasamahan ako na iyon din naman ang ginagawa nila at oo bakit hindi di ba?"