MANILA, Philippines - The fifth edition of the annual International Film Festival Manhattan was a huge success. Many Filipino film buffs and star-watchers had a field day watching celebrities during the four-day event in New York City.
The celebrities supported each other’s films during the screenings. Among those spotted were Louie Ignacio (Best Director-Global for Asintado); Carlos Morales (Honorable Mention for Tunnel, the film he directed); armless pilot Jessica Cox (subject of the festival’s Best Documentary winner Right Footed); Epy Quizon (Best Actor-Global for Unlucky Plaza); Albert Chan Paran (Best Actor-Short Film for Julie); and Mutya ng Pilipinas East Coast 2007 and member of Rockettes Christine Sienicki (honoree for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts for Dance Performance).
During the screening of Unlucky Plaza, several celebrities also supported Epy, including Lana Asanin (NYC resident and former Eat, Bulaga! co host); Cherie Gil; three-time Tony Award winning producer Jhett Tolentino and BB Gandanghari was stunning. Fans were just so happy to see BB who has never been attended any Filipino Community event since she moved here, though there were several sightings of her in the city from time to time.