Marietta “Pokwang” Subong and Ruby Ruiz shared the Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
The two actresses received the top acting honor at the country’s biggest independent film festival, held Monday night, August 17, at Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City.
Ruiz won for her performance in “Status: Rejected,” directed by Vahn Leinard Pascual, while Pokwang was recognized for her role in “2 Valid IDs,” directed by Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan and Abet Pagdagdagan Raz.
Pokwang, who was credited under her real name Marietta Subong, portrayed Sylvia, a poor farmer who is unable to claim a remittance because she lacks the required identification documents.
In her acceptance speech, Pokwang thanked her parents, the Cinemalaya team, the filmmakers behind “2 Valid IDs,” and audiences who continue to support Filipino films despite the difficulties of everyday life.
She also delivered a message of hope to people like her character Sylvia and to Filipinos facing hardships.
“Don’t lose hope, keep fighting,” Pokwang said.
Ruiz, meanwhile, said the Balanghay trophy was especially meaningful to her as it represented the hard work of filmmakers and actors.
She jokingly marked her win by saying, “Status: Accepted!”
Aside from the Best Actress award, “2 Valid IDs” also won the Audience Choice Award and the Special Jury Prize, “Status: Rejected,” meanwhile, received the NETPAC Jury Award.
For Best Performance of a Leading Actor, Martin Del Rosario won for his role in “Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam.”
