‘Green Bones’ Triumphs at the 50th MMFF Awards Night: A Celebration of Cinematic Excellence

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Awards Night was a star-studded affair celebrating the finest in Philippine cinema, with the prison drama ‘Green Bones’ emerging as the night’s biggest winner. Held in grand fashion, the milestone edition of the MMFF highlighted powerful performances, exceptional storytelling, and technical brilliance, cementing the festival's legacy as a cornerstone of Filipino filmmaking.

‘Green Bones’ Dominates the Spotlight

Directed by acclaimed filmmakers Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza, ‘Green Bones’ took home five major awards, including the coveted Best Picture trophy. Dennis Trillo delivered a masterful performance, earning him the Best Actor award, while Ruru Madrid shone in his supporting role, securing Best Supporting Actor. Rising star Sienna Stevens claimed the Best Child Performer title, adding to the film's impressive haul. Additionally, the film's screenplay, crafted by Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza, won Best Screenplay, highlighting the gripping narrative that captivated audiences and critics alike.

‘The Kingdom’ Shines Bright with Multiple Accolades

Following closely behind was ‘The Kingdom,’ which earned the 2nd Best Picture award and a well-deserved Best Director win for Michael Tuviera. The film also bagged Best Production Design, Best Visual Effects, and the prestigious Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, recognizing its cultural significance and artistic impact.

Judy Ann Santos Steals Hearts with ‘Espantaho’

Veteran actress Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo once again proved her acting prowess, taking home the Best Actress award for her riveting performance in ‘Espantaho.’ Her portrayal brought emotional depth and authenticity to the film, earning her the admiration of audiences and critics alike.

Vice Ganda and Seth Fedelin: Special Recognitions or Pampalubag Loob Awards

Comedian and box-office star Vice Ganda received the Gender Sensitivity Award and a Special Jury Citation for the thought-provoking film ‘And the Breadwinner Is…’ Meanwhile, young actor Seth Fedelin had his moment of glory with the Breakthrough Performance Award for his role in ‘My Future You,’ a film that also secured 3rd Best Picture, Best Editing, and a shared Best Director award with Michael Tuviera.

‘Isang Himala’ Celebrates Musical and Dramatic Excellence

The poignant drama ‘Isang Himala’ took home five awards, including 4th Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for Kakki Teodoro, Best Musical Score for Vincent de Jesus, Best Original Theme Song, and a Special Jury Prize. The film’s emotional weight and musical brilliance resonated deeply with the audience.

Technical Excellence and Special Mentions

Best Sound went to Ditoy Aguila for ‘Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital.’

Best Float was awarded to ‘Topakk’ and ‘Uninvited.’

‘Topakk’ also earned a Special Jury Prize and the FPJ Memorial Award for its outstanding contribution to Philippine action cinema.

Student Short Films Take Center Stage

The festival also spotlighted young talent with awards for Student Short Films:

Best Student Short Film: ‘Saan Aabot ang 50 Pesos Mo?’ (University of Makati)

2nd Best Student Short Film: University of Malabon

3rd Best Student Short Film: University of the Philippines Mindanao

A Golden Milestone for Philippine Cinema

The 50th MMFF Awards Night not only honored the best films of the year but also showcased the creativity, passion, and resilience of the Filipino film industry. From socially relevant narratives to groundbreaking technical achievements, this year’s festival proved once again why the MMFF remains a pillar of Philippine culture.

As the curtains closed on the night of glitz, glamour, and heartfelt celebration, ‘Green Bones’ stood tall as a symbol of excellence, reminding us all of the power of storytelling in shaping hearts and minds.

Complete List of Winners:

Best Picture: ‘Green Bones’

2nd Best Picture: ‘The Kingdom’

3rd Best Picture: ‘My Future You’

4th Best Picture: ‘Isang Himala’

Best Director: Crisanto Aquino (‘My Future You’), Michael Tuviera (‘The Kingdom’)

Best Actor: Dennis Trillo (‘Green Bones’)

Best Actress: Judy Ann Santos (‘Espantaho’)

Best Supporting Actor: Ruru Madrid (‘Green Bones’)

Best Supporting Actress: Kakki Teodoro (‘Isang Himala’)

Best Child Performer: Sienna Stevens (‘Green Bones’)

Breakthrough Performance: Seth Fedelin (‘My Future You’)

Special Jury Prize: ‘Topakk’ and ‘Isang Himala’

Gender Sensitivity Award: ‘And the Breadwinner Is…’

Best Screenplay: Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza (‘Green Bones’)

Best Musical Score: Vincent de Jesus (‘Isang Himala’)

Best Sound: Ditoy Aguila (‘Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital’)

Best Original Theme Song: ‘Ang Himala ay Nasa Puso’ (‘Isang Himala’)

Best Editing: Vanessa Ubas de Leon (‘My Future You’)

Best Cinematography: Neil Daza (‘Green Bones’)

Best Production Design: Nestor Abrogena (‘The Kingdom’)

Best Visual Effects: Riot Inc (‘The Kingdom’)

Best Float: ‘Topakk’ and ‘Uninvited’

FPJ Memorial Award: ‘Topakk’

Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award: ‘The Kingdom’

As we look ahead, the future of Philippine cinema shines brighter than ever, with stories like ‘Green Bones’ setting a new standard for excellence.

Is National Book Store Rebranding or Closing Down Soon?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Is National Book Store closing down soon because physical books are no longer necessities with the emergence of digital sources in the Internet and e-books?

As of December 2024, there is no public information indicating that National Book Store, a leading bookstore chain in the Philippines, plans to close its physical stores. While the rise of digital sources and e-books has impacted the global book industry, many brick-and-mortar bookstores continue to operate by adapting to changing consumer preferences. Physical bookstores offer unique experiences, such as the tactile pleasure of browsing books and personalized customer service, which many readers still value. 

Additionally, some independent bookstores have seen a resurgence by focusing on niche markets and quality selections. 

 Therefore, while digital media presents challenges, physical bookstores like National Book Store continue to play a significant role in the literary ecosystem.

Then why is National Book Store renames it's branch into National Everyday as seen in the cover photo above?

National Book Store has introduced a new store format called National Everyday. These stores offer a curated selection of books and essential items in easily accessible commercial locations, aiming to provide customers with convenient access to affordable products. 

Currently, there are two National Everyday stores: one at SM Hypermarket FTI and another at Waltermart Bacoor. This initiative reflects National Book Store's strategy to adapt to changing consumer needs and shopping behaviors by diversifying its retail formats. 

It's important to note that National Book Store continues to operate its traditional branches nationwide, with over 230 locations. 

The introduction of National Everyday stores complements their existing operations, aiming to enhance customer experience and accessibility.

In addition to National Everyday, National Book Store has launched other store formats, such as the Superbranch. The first Superbranch, located in the Mall of Asia, offers an expanded shopping experience with more product categories, including K-Pop and travel items that appeal specifically to young adults and students. This store will soon feature a café for customers to enjoy. 

These developments demonstrate National Book Store's commitment to evolving with market trends and consumer preferences, ensuring they continue to meet the needs of their diverse customer base.

Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Unite: A Historic Merger to Challenge Global Automotive Giants

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a bold move set to reshape the global automotive landscape, Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi have announced plans to merge under a single holding company by August 2026. This strategic alliance aims to propel the trio to become the world's third-largest automaker, directly challenging industry leaders in the electric vehicle (EV) and autonomous driving sectors.

The partnership, revealed in a joint statement by Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe and Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida, marks a significant milestone in the evolving automotive industry. With a shared vision for sustainable mobility, zero-emission vehicles, and cutting-edge autonomous technology, the alliance seeks to create a powerful synergy capable of driving innovation on a global scale.

The Road to Collaboration

Honda and Nissan have already been working together on various initiatives, including zero-emission technology and autonomous driving systems. This new holding company structure will formalize and expand those efforts, enabling streamlined resource-sharing, reduced production costs, and accelerated technological advancements.

However, the impact on Mitsubishi's role within this alliance remains somewhat ambiguous. Toshihiro Mibe acknowledged that discussions are still in the early stages, but he emphasized the potential for significant growth and transformation.

Leadership Perspectives: Confidence in Innovation

Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida expressed confidence in the alliance's ability to deliver groundbreaking products, stating:

"This partnership is more than just a business decision—it's a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and meeting the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide."

The combined expertise of these three automotive powerhouses will focus heavily on developing next-generation electric vehicles, improving battery technology, and advancing autonomous driving capabilities.

Can They Compete with Tesla and BYD?

While the merger positions Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi as a formidable force, they face stiff competition from industry disruptors like Tesla and BYD. Both companies currently dominate the EV market, with Tesla leading in innovation and BYD excelling in affordability and production efficiency.

To succeed, the alliance will need to deliver not only technologically superior vehicles but also an exceptional customer experience, competitive pricing, and global availability.

What This Means for the Future of Mobility

This alliance could signal a new era of collaboration in the automotive industry, where shared resources and expertise become essential for survival and success. If executed effectively, the Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi partnership could lead to:

Faster deployment of EV charging infrastructure

Improved battery performance and lifespan

Enhanced autonomous driving features

Cost-effective vehicle production

The Road Ahead

As the world shifts towards greener and smarter mobility solutions, this partnership has the potential to become a global leader in sustainable automotive technology. However, the true test lies in execution, innovation, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing market demands.

For now, the industry and consumers alike will be watching closely as Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi embark on this ambitious journey.

Will this alliance revolutionize the automotive industry, or will it struggle to keep pace with Tesla and BYD? Only time will tell.