The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Immediately after winning Lifetime Achievement Award and Best Actor, respectively, at the recently concluded 19th Asian Film Festival in Rome, Italy, Brillante Ma. Mendoza and Vince Rillon treated themselves to a hearty summer treat at the Balesin Island off Quezon Province.
Vince thanked film and television producer Wilson Tieng for hosting them at the captivating island which the latter replied back: “It was an honor to have you and Direk Dante with us. Hosting two internationally acclaimed artists. Wow!”
Brillante was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Roman fest for his contribution to Philippine new wave. Mendoza was invited to the annual event by its Festival Director, Antonio Termenini.
Meanwhile, Vince, together with fellow Filipino young thespian Christian Bables were awarded the Best Actor plums for their performances in films “Resbak” and “Big Night” directed by Dante Mendoza and Jun Robles Lana, respectively.
According to the Asian Film Festival news, the award for best actor, chosen by the jury presided by Elena Bindi and composed by Inti Carboni and Fabia Bettini were given with the following motivations:
“Christian Bables has been extraordinary in interpreting the character of ‘Dharna,’ a gay beautician whose name is mistakenly included in the checklist in the war on drugs. Dhama will have to prove her innocence in the flash of a night. Magnificent Bables, who with his comic interpretation even when the situation is dramatic, makes the character lovable in the eyes of the beholder, for his sensitivity and desire for justice towards people op Press (sic).
“Vince Rillon has managed to play the difficult role of a boy who has to survive in an environment dominated by violence, corruption, and continuous prevarication.”
Mendoza and Rillon went to Rome to participate in the festival where other Filipino films were screened like Daniel Palacio’s “The Brokers,” Mendoza’s “Gensan Punch” and Erik Matti’s “On the Job: The Missing 8” which bagged the Best Film award.
“Back to normal. Happy travelling again!” exclaimed Vince in his Instagram.