Quo Vadis, LEAF Awards?

by Boy Villasanta

After three years of intermittent awarding, is Philippine LEAF (Live Entertainment, Arts and Festivals) Awards breaking away?

The organization which is associated with artists, television, movie and theater practitioners is reportedly on the brink of collapse or is it already falling apart?

According to entertainment writer Art Tapalla, the internal conflict started when writer, stage luminary and multimedia practitioner Sonny O. Valencia, one of the active officers of the group staged the LEAF Awards in Porac, Pampanga last month sans the knowledge of other officers and members of the body.  

Through all these, Valencia issued an official statement about the founding and ownership of the org which runs as follows: “The Philippine LEAF Awards would like respectfully clarify that there is only one legitimate LEAF Awards organization, founded by Mr. Luciano “Sonny” O. Valencia.

“Over the years, many individuals have contributed their time, talent, and support to the organization, and these efforts are sincerely appreciated. However, collaboration and participation should not be confused with the founding and ownership of the institution itself…

“…Despite recent statements and personal decisions by former members and collaborators, the organization remains committed to its purpose and continues to move forward with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the artistic community.

“We believe that truth, history, and proper acknowledgement matter. At this point, we choose to focus our energy on strengthening the organization, supporting artists, and continuing the legacy of the Philippine LEAF Awards. Thank you everyone who continues to believe in and support our mission.”

Frank Rivera, a popular TV, film and theater artist and a pivotal leader of LEAF of issued his reaction to his friend Sonny’s statement:      

“My dear Sonny Sonny Valencia’s ‘Official Statement’ on his stand on the Philippine LEAF Awards issues gave me a smile with my usual raised eyebrows, and wouldn’t impact us nor leave us in a conundrum.

“The abovementioned Official Statement is moot and academic since it is already clear to us—me, CJ Andaluz and the rest of the members of Pixelartmeia Recharged Production Company including Krista Ann Taclan-Fuchs, Marce Gi, Erwin Villega Aton, Cynthia Aguas Malabunga, and Atty. Elba S. Cruz, our Legal Counsel, that we have already relinquished whatever interest or stakes we had on the LEAF Organization. Moreover, the surreptitious LEAF event in PORAC PAMPANGA left us in a state of apathy and indifference, so whatever happens is inconsequential nor relevant. The former heads and members of the committees during the first and second LEAF Awards at RCBC & the Manila Metropolitan Theater like Rene Sanchez Napenas, Lordinio Vergara, Phil Panganiban, Ibarra Mateo, Dennis Ladaw, Rique Cabaya, Armando Giron, have also withdrawn all support to above LEAF.

“LEAF is all yours, dear SONNY. You can even claim it as its FOUNDER. Although the truth is I founded LEAF (that name I even coined!) in late 2016 when I bolted out of ALIW Awards where you clung until they unceremoniously kicked you out of ALIW (instigated by NJEL DE MESA and NELSON MENDOZA, remember?). It was me and JN Nombres, who recruited you to ALIW in the early millennium (remember that too?), it was you who recruited Nelson to ALIW, what happened? However, it was only after you were kicked out of ALIW that you joined me in LEAF, where I made you CO-Founder since it was you who processed the SEC registration.

“As to your petulant claims I would not dignify with further action. I, and those behind me have no interest to be a party to such an acrimonious organization. I’m actually relieved, punctuated by sense of satisfaction in being free from such a burden. I REST MY CASE.”

LEAF is a prestigious award-giving body founded in 2017 to celebrate outstanding achievements in Philippine arts, theater, dance, music, fashion, and festivals. The awards recognize both emerging talents and seasoned cultural advocates shaping the national heritage landscape.