Icons, winners and all the big moments at the 8th EDDYS
Not only acting excellence was honored in the eighth edition of the Entertainment Editors’ Choice (EDDYS) awards, but even veteran actors and filmmakers who are rarely seen in front of the cameras, as well as the departed ones were fondly remembered.
A major highlight of this year’s EDDYS was the inspiring tribute to six movie icons whose contributions undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Philippine cinema.
Actress-film director Laurice Guillen, veteran actors Odette Khan, Pen Medina, Perla Bautista, filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik and beloved showbiz couple Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil were the icons who were honored Sunday night at the Ceremonial Hall of Marriott Hotel at the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.
“There is no one who enters this profession who does not deal with the press, which we now call media,” said Laurice. “In the beginning, it was like a marriage, they were both excited and sometimes, there were a few misunderstandings.
“The next film that you do and the box-office outcome is no good, you get a negative write-up. That’s a challenging kind of relationship. But after 50 years in the business, we are celebrating our friendship.”
Perla, however, was not able to make it. But she extended her gratitude to her fellow icons and stars who were around. Her trophy was accepted by publisher Renz Spangler.
Eddie and Rosemarie likewise failed to show up, but were represented by their grandchildren, Sid Lucero (Timmy Eigenmann) and Max Eigenmann. There were intermittent rains and the weather was a bit inclement, which was probably the reason the icons, all in their senior years, were not able to show up.
Celebrating the best in film for 2024, the EDDYS continued to champion both artistry and impact on Philippine cinema selected by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), the country’s leading alliance of entertainment editors from broadsheets, tabloids and online portals.
The latest EDDYS also honored the departed ones from showbiz. Regal Films producer Lily Monteverde was honored by Ice Seguerra who rendered the haunting Walang Hanggang Paalam.
Carla Guevarra Laforteza delivered Handog for talent manager, TV/radio host and entertainment columnist Lolit Solis.
Powerhouse tenor Arman Ferrer crooned Tanging Yaman for Gloria Romero, who played the matriarch in Laurice Guillen’s family drama (2000).
Jackielou Blanco sang Kapantay ay Langit to pay tribute to her mom Pilita Corales, famous for her distinct back-bending singing style.
Kuh Ledesma rendered a moving Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan for superstar Nora Aunor.
Director Zig Dulay’s “Green Bones” romped off with the Best Picture and Best Director awards, as well as two of the major acting trophies for lead actor Dennis Trillo and supporting actor Ruru Madrid
Foremost in Dennis’ speech after winning Best Actor was thanking the EDDYS for giving importance to the work he has done in “Green Bones.” The film snatched a total of nine nominations from the EDDYS.
“Of course, this performance will not be possible if not for the guidance of master choreographer and storyteller behind the camera, director Zig Dulay,” said Dennis, who played a man imprisoned for the murder of his sister and her daughter.
“I offer this award to him (direk Zig) and to all the others who helped complete this film, some of whom did a harder job than what we did.
“Thank you to all those who have been watching movies up to now, spending their money, lining up in the box office and buying their tickets. Thank you to my inspiration in life, my family, my commander-in-chief at home, Ms Jennylyn Mercado. Thank you to my manager, Aguila Entertainment.”
Dennis’ trophy was handed out by the director-general of the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) Paolo Villaluna and the chairperson of the Movie Workers Welfare Fund (Mowelfund) Boots Anson-Rodrigo.
“Green Bones” was bankrolled by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs. Zig directed from an original story by JC Rubio, senior documentary manager of GMA Public Affairs. It also won best cinematography for Neil Daza. Last December, “Green Bones” was an official entry in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.
Boots and Paolo also presented the Best Actress award to Marian Rivera, who dedicated her trophy to the teachers. “Kung hindi ako artista, siguro teacher ako,” said Marian, who was recognized for her role as a teacher tasked to protect the ballot box amid a heated elections in “Balota.”
Lorna Tolentino bagged the Best Supporting Actress trophy — her first acting award from the EDDYS — for playing a ghost in director Chito Roño’s “Espantaho.” Her award was presented by her co-star Mon Confiado with Max Eigenmann.
The Best Supporting Actor counterparts were Ruru Madrid for “Green Bones” and Aga Muhlach for Dan Villegas’ crime thriller, “Uninvited.”
Other non-acting awards went to “My Future You” for Best Editing (Vanessa Ubas de Leon) and Best Original Theme Song, “The Kingdom” for Best Production Design (Nestor Abrogena), “Under a Piaya Moon” for Best Screenplay (Vicente Groyon).
“Topakk” for Best Sound (John Eric Mancera), “Isang Himala” for Best Musical Score (Vincent de Jesus) and “Espantaho” for Best Visual Effects (Gaspar Mangarin and Walter Monte).
Two National Artists — Kidlat Tahimik and Ricky Lee — attended the awards’ night. Kidlat was an icon awardee while Ricky was a presenter and nominee for screenplay (“Green Bones”).
Actor-turned-sculptor Leandro Baldemor crafted the gold trophies of this year’s EDDYS awardees. Lawyer Juancho Robles tabulated the votes of the SPEEd members to announce the winners.
A delayed telecast was aired on the Kapamilya Channel and Jeepney TV, with global streaming on iWant TFC (The Filipino Channel) on July 27.
The Eddys 2025 was presented by Playtime in cooperation with Newport World Resorts and ABS-CBN. Co-presenters were Globe and Unilab. It was supported by Sen. Camille Villar, Beautederm Corporation, Luxxe White, Puregold CinePanaloFilm Festival, Kat Corpus and My Daily Collagen, with co-production by Brightlight Entertainment led by Pat-P Daza and direction anew by Eric Quizon.
SPEEd is under the leadership of Salve Asis, entertainment editor of Pilipino Star Ngayon and Pang Masa. She is joined by entertainment editors from broadsheets, tabloids and online portals.
The EDDYS remain a vital platform for elevating Philippine cinema not just as entertainment, but as art and advocacy.
The Little Ark Foundation is a non-profit organization for disadvantaged, underprivileged and sick children started by Butch Bustamante and became the beneficiary of SPEEd this year.
Actor Beaver Magtalas (“When Magic Hurts” 2024) visited the Little Art Foundation in Aurora, interacted with the children and distributed goods.
The EDDYS awards recognized achievement across 14 categories, encompassing both acting and technical excellence.
Early this July, SPEEd unveiled an early set of special awardees, underscoring its commitment to honor cinematic excellence, industry stewardship and humanitarian contributions. The award was given to individuals who uplift and serve fellow Filipinos.
GMA Pictures was honored as Producer of the Year.
Rising Producer of the Year went to Nathan Studios, with Sylvia Sanchez as producer. They have brought their films to Cannes (France), Toronto (Canada) and Locarno (Switzerland) festivals.
Entertainment journalist, digital content creator and film producer Ogie Diaz was awarded the Joe Quirino trophy.
Ogie started as a gofer for veteran movie reporter Cristy Fermin, but rose to become an entertainment reporter, TV and film actor, talent manager and film producer.
Veteran journalist and entertainment editor Crispina Martinez-Belen was given the Manny Pichel award, while actor-businessman-philanthropist RS Francisco was this year’s Isah V. Red awardee.
Accepting the Box Office Heroes for the success of their films were Vice Ganda for “And the Breadwinner Is…,” Julia Barretto for her triumphant reunion “Un/Happy for You” with Joshua Garcia, and Alden Richards for his film with Kathryn Bernardo, the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time, “Hello Love, Again.”
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