Post-MMFF gripes and rumor-mongers

CEBU, Philippines - We received a text message on Monday, December 30 from this number 09499367650 which says: “Maricel to return trophy to MMDA tomorrow for KC, Kathryn, and Eugene who are lead actresses in their respective movies.”

Of course, the one who sent us the text message was referring to Maricel Soriano who was adjudged Best Actress of the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival for her work as the loving mother of  the quadruplets in Star Cinema and Viva Films’ comedy “Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy.” We sent a text message to talent manager Shirley Kuan who was assigned by Viva Films to handle the Diamond Star’s career. She texted back, saying it wasn’t true.

We posted the text message in our Facebook account, hoping to get a response from the person who sent us the message. We didn’t know who sent us the message but what we got was a response from Ms. Shirley Kuan who posted a reaction in response to our post. Here’s what she wrote on Dec. 31 at 12:42 p.m.:

“Happy New Year na lang sa umaasa na isoli ni Maricel ang award. May nangangarap talaga ng second hand award? Maricel won Best Actress fair and square and deservedly so. Watch her performance first. Ayoko sana patulan pero sige pagbibigyan ko kayo para happy kayo sa New Year. Kawawa naman kayo eh. Push!”

The jurors have made their decision and this ought to be respected, even if we don’t agree with their choices. While others may have their own opinion as to who they think should win, making a story or a rumor that Maricel is returning the award smacks of being a poor loser. Even if some people believe that Maricel is undeserving of the award, she did not ask for it. It was given to her because the jurors believe she deserves it.

The same thing goes for Robin Padilla who won Best Actor for “10,000 Hours.” Some are saying that Vice Ganda deserves it more because he played four characters in “Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy.” Same thing goes for Aiza Seguerra who won Best Supporting Actress for “My Little Bossings.”

As with any contest, there will be winners and losers. You cannot please everybody. Each one of us has our own preferences. What may be good for us may not be excellent for the others. Better luck next time for those who failed to win in the festival awards.

The awards season will soon be upon us. This will give other film stars the chance to win awards for their performances and be acknowledged if their good work may have been overlooked. But for now, let us leave the filmfest winners to savor their victories. They were chosen by the jurors.

It would not help to foment intrigue that a star is going to return her trophy. She won it fair and square. Besides, no one is asking her to do so. (FREEMAN)