MANILA, Philippines — Five legendary artists merited the Icon Award in the seventh EDDYs of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) Sunday night at the Marriott Hotel.
To show the EDDYs’ admiration for the icons of the entertainment industry, former actress and Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado presented the awards to five veteran artists in showbiz, with the trophies handed by the Entertainment editors.
“The awards exemplify excellence in every aspect of their work,” insisted Lani. “With their careers spanning decades, they have given us some of the most iconic moments in Philippine entertainment.
“Their dedication, passion and artistry have not only entertained us but have also profoundly influenced the industry and set the standards on the silver screen. It’s an honor to present the Icon Awards to this year’s panel of prolific artists.”
The first Icon Award was given to veteran actress Eva Darren. Finally, she was recognized onstage this time. It will be remembered that she was at the center of a viral FAMAS incident last May, when she was originally scheduled to be an award presenter. She never made it to the stage after being replaced at the last minute.
This time, Eva was proud to have finally received an award onstage. “Wala akong masasabi kung hindi magpasalamat sa bumubuo ng SPEEd at Eddys at ibinabahagi ko rin po sa lahat ng mga beteranong katulad ko, hindi sa giyera, kung hindi sa teleserye at pelikula, ang napaka-gandang karangalang ito na pinagkaloob niyo sa akin,” said Eva.
“Marami pong salamat. Pahabol din ito sa birthday ko dahil nag-birthday ko din noong June 28 and I turned 78 on that day. Ibinabahagi ko itong award sa kapwa kong beterano noon at ngayon. Kung wala ‘yung noon, wala ang ngayon. Sana huwag niyo kaming pabayaan at kalimutan.”
Leo Martinez was also a recipient of the Icon Award. “Maraming, maraming salamat sa mga Entertainment editors at nabigyan niyo kami ng pagkakataon na magkita ulit kaming mga senior citizens,” Leo said. “Dapat inu-una niyo kami sa mga schedule. Low-batt na kami ‘pag gabi na.”
“Tinanong ako kung ano daw ang secret ng pagiging icon at sabi ko lang, dapat buhay ka para matanggap mo ang award mo.”
Gina Alajar was also named an Icon awardee. “Iba-iba po ang klase ng senior citizens,” she said. “Merong seniors na inaantok na ng alas-9 ng gabi, pero meron namang ibang seniors na pwede pang lumaon hanggang mamaya. Kaya pa.
“Maraming, maraming salamat sa Eddys. Iba ang pakiramdam na nakikipag-compete ka sa kapwa mo artista para sa isang trophy. Iba rin ang pakiramdam kapag ikaw ay kasama ng mga mas senior sa akin tulad nila Tita Nova (Villa), Tita Eva (Darren), kumpareng Leo Martinez at Lito Lapid.
“They honor our achievements and contributions to the movie industry. Thank you so much for honoring us. This trophy is not just for my sons — Ryan, Geoffrey and AJ at kanilang mga asawa at walo kong apo.”
Veteran actress Nova Villa was also honored with the Icon award. “Seventy years in show business,” Nova granted.
“Salamat at natapos na rin ang tsismis na may anak ako kay Fernando Poe Jr. Ang tagal ng tsismis ‘yun at ngayon ko na lang binubulgar na hindi po totoo ‘yun,” she quipped.
“Ang sarap namang tumanggap ng award. Kung ano man po ang ating nararating sa ating buhay, lahat ito ay regalo ng ating Panginoon. We are blessed. Praise the Lord. Huwag tayong maging malamig sa ating pananampalataya. Just continue praying and loving God.”
Sen. Lito Lapid also received the Icon award, which was accepted on his behalf by lawyer John Rex Lapid.
“Sen. Lito Lapid is deeply grateful for the recognition of his contributions to the Philippine film industry. Pinapa-abot din niya ang pagbati sa mga kapwa artista na nakatanggap din ng karangalan mula sa SPEEd,” he said, also citing the actor-turned-politico’s humble beginnings as an extra and stuntman before starring in movies and TV series. He currently plays the role of Supremo in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” with Coco Martin.
“This recognition is a great honor for Sen. Lito Lapid and it only proves that his dedication and love for the arts and country are truly invaluable.”
Piolo Pascual bagged the Best Actor award for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) horror-drama, “Mallari.” He was not expecting to win, although he had a speech prepared.
“Nanginginig pa rin ako. I was not expecting to win, so forgive me for shaking. I share this award to all the nominees. Romnick Sarmenta, you are my Best Actor,” Piolo said. “I hold this close to my heart because it comes from friends in the industry. Thank you so much. As we celebrate Philippine cinema, I am reminded of the task we have at hand to not just celebrate but carry on.”
Best Actress was shared by Julia Montes for “Five Breakups and a Romance” and Charlie Dizon for “Third World Romance.”
Julia said during her acceptance speech, “As someone working in our industry, just being nominated feels really good. But this award you gave me is so inspiring. It makes me want to work even harder.” Thess Gubi of ABS-CBN Star Magic, on the other hand, accepted the acting award on Charlie’s behalf.
Enchong Dee snagged the Best Supporting Actor for playing Padre Zamora in “GomBurZa.” Enchong thanked everyone for reminding him it’s not the length of the role.
“Sabi ko, bakit ganoon, I felt like my performance in the film was not enough to be noticed and recognized but now, I want to say thank you. You reminded me it is not the length but rather how much impact and how much you make your audience feel. I really really appreciate this award,” said Enchong. “I share this award to all of the people behind ‘GomBurZa’ and sa lahat ng taong nag antay ng hustisya.”
Gladys Reyes was named Best Supporting Actress for Brillante Mendoza’s “Apag.”
“About Us But Not About Us,” with Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas as lead stars, was named Best Picture, while its megman, Jun Lana, was proclaimed Best Director. The latter’s award was accepted by the film’s executive producer, Perci Intalan.
Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Kathryn Bernardo, Alden Richards and Piolo Pascual were recognized as Box Office Hero awardees.
A posthumous award was also given to comic strip creator, movie producer and director Carlo J. Caparas, which was received by his children Peach and CJ Caparas.
The Isah V. Red Award was given to Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. The latter’s father, former House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, accepted the award on the mayor’s behalf.
Korina Sanchez received the Joe Quirino Award while Ronald Constantino was given the Manny Pichel Award. Mentorque Productions, headed by Bryan Dy, was the recipient of the Rising Producer Circle Award.
Meanwhile, Eric Quizon served as director while Brightlight Productions was line producer of the awards night. In cooperation with Newport World Resorts and ALLTV, SPEEd was joined at The 7th EDDYS by Globe Telecom and iFern/Kim’s Diary as major sponsors.
Janine Gutierrez, Gabbi Garcia and Jake Ejercito hosted the Seventh EDDYs, organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors or SPEEd, which is made up of entertainment editors and tabloids circulated daily nationwide. A delayed telecast will be aired on ALLTV on July 14, 10 p.m.