Nora, Eddie winners in Asian Film Awards

HONG KONG – Two of the Philippines’ most durable actors, Eddie Garcia and Nora Aunor, won the top awards at the 7th Asian Film Awards (AFA) held here the other night.

Garcia was named Best Actor for the movie “Bwakaw” and Aunor Best Actress for “Thy Womb.”

They competed against actors from Afghanistan, China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan.

A teary-eyed Aunor dedicated her award
to her fans and to film
director Brillante Mendoza.

Aunor won against South Korea’s Cho Min-soo, who was nominated for the movie “Pieta;” Afghanistan’s Golshifteh Farahani for “The Patience Stone;” Taiwan’s Gwei Lun-Mei, “GF*BF;” and China’s Hao Lei for the movie “Mystery.”

Garcia bested Taiwan’s Joseph Chang, who was nominated for the movie “GF*BF;” South Korea’s Choi Min-sik, “Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time;” Hong Kong’s Tony Leung Ka-fai, “Cold War;” and Hong Kong/ China’s Liu Ye for the movie “The Last Supper.”

In an interview, Garcia said his cinematic journey entails everyday learning.

“I’ve been in cinema for the past 64 years,” he said. “I started in 1949. So all those years I’ve been honing my skill because you have to learn acting everyday. Even if you’ve been doing it for a long time, there’s always room for learning.”

Garcia also won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Actor.

The award was presented by Eugene Domingo, who won the award last year for the movie “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank.”

Garcia shared words of wisdom with the younger generation of actors.

“The best advice I can offer is be prompt,” he said.

“Don’t be a prima donna. Know your role very well. When you get hold of a script, read it over and over again. Be punctual. Have rapport with your co-stars. And have a good relationship with the press. Don’t believe that publicity - whether good or bad - is publicity. Always go for good publicity.

“In terms of acting, especially for newcomers, give it your best shot because it will be the best recommendation for your next project. Casting directors will search you if you did a good job for a film.”

Inaugurated in 2007, the Asian Film Awards recognizes filmmakers with outstanding achievements in the field of Asian cinema.

It brings together the best cinematic talents of Asia.

The AFA Presentation Ceremony is a core event of the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong.