LUNA AWARDS SIDELIGHTS 2
By Alex J. Socorro

Early birds in the fans’ holding area.

The fans patiently waiting in the holding area have their share of opinions. “Bakit sa best actor si Tolits, ha? Ah, supporting ba? Kahit na. Eh di kalaban niya yung mga matatandang artista? Paano siyang mananalo, sayang, sana may child actor.” Genuine resentment was evident in the tone of the sexy teenager. “Malay mo, ganyan naman sa awards, patas patas lang. Pag suwerte mananalo pag talo eh di malas,” a rejoinder offered by an old woman.

Jennylyn Mercado in the red carpet, probably reporting her loss to Hilda Koronel for Best Supporting Actress crown. We couldn’t say if it was Mark on the other end of the communication line.

A neatly dressed old woman pulled this writer’s sleeve to buy attention. “Hijo, mali yata ang ano nyo ke Jennylyn kasi best actress na yan sa… Famas… ah, sa ano, sa Urian yata. Bakit sa inyo supporting lang siya? Mali talaga, hijo, itanong mo sa mga opisyal baka nagkamali. Maniwala ka, mananalong best picture ang Blue Moon, maganda kasi talaga, nakakaiyak ba.” Before the old woman could continue with her litany, a young guy politely asked, “Sir, me pagkain ho ba sa loob?”

Together with mom, BJ Forbes holding the mini statuette for his nomination. Even though bested by Johnny Delgado in the Best SupportingActor category, Tolits was so proud of the small Luna.

BJ Forbes gamely posed for the photographers. When interviewed by the reporters, Tolits showed his enthusiasm despite losing. “Okay lang po kasi nominated naman ako,” supporting his declaration by raising the mini statuette earned by the nomination for his role in Ispiritista.

Longtime pals Phillip Salvador, Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla with Lani Mercado, finalizing their plan for a rendezvous with Daboy.

It was a sight to see Lani Mercado and Bong Revilla together with sisters Rowena and Andrea in receiving the FPJ Lifetime Achievement plaque for Ramon Revilla. A touching speech from Ramon Revilla was read by Andrea. The presentors for the said award were Jinggoy Estrada and Phillip Salvador. It was a shame that Rudy Fernandez missed the moment because he came late, right after his three friends had left. But Rudy’s driver assured us that the four musketeers will meet in a private gathering after the affair.

Joel Apuyan, president of ADPM (Assistant Directors and Production Managers), poses for a photo souvenir. Take note of the folded-up sleeves.

“Me floor director dun saka maraming P.A. (production assistant) kaso hindi nila kilala yung ibang artista,” said Joel Apuyan with a chuckle. Seeing the dire situation of panic from those in charge of the presentation, Joel lent his directing expertise. Again he laughed before concluding, “Heto, sa kagagalaw ko napunit tuloy ang manggas ng barong ko.”

Maximo Oliveros a.k.a. Nathan Lopez and Ping Medina with their mini statuette nominations.

On the way to the dining area, Maximo Oliveros himself (Nathan Lopez in real life) was exuding euphoria on the unexpected share of the limelight. Despite losing the Best Actor statuette to Marvin Agustin (for his portrayal of a psycho killer in Kutob), it was apparent that Nathan was still getting a high even with a mere nomination. “Marami na rin po kasi eh, pero nakakatuwa pa rin,” he shyly opined. With Maximo was his co-nominee Ping Medina for the Best Supporting Actor. “Anak po ako, tatay ko po yun,” Ping was referring to character actor Pen Medina.

Pictorial with Leo Martinez, Gina Alajar and Racquel Villavicencio.

People may not know but guild members and even the FAP secretariat still practice the so-called pictorial with the stars. Unfortunately, the FAP camera was disallowed in the Pagcor Grand Theater so the shots were limited to the welcoming area and inside the Maharlika Hall where the late dinner was held.

The band played on as the stars and the guests faded into the exit area of the Maharlika Hall. But the memory of the 24th Luna Awards will linger for long especially to the fans who were there to witness the affair.

FAUX PAS: In the exit area, I espied a bald guy in a black suit, with the trademark long face of Adolf Alix, one of the winners in the FAP Scriptwriting Contest (the prize was given during the Luna Awards). “Adolf,” I called out. He stopped and smiled before offering me a handshake. To spark a brief conversation, I asked, “Bakit ganun ang pagkakasulat mo sa script ng La Visa Loca?” He shook his head and said, “Hindi ako ang sumulat nun.” I mused then realized my mistake. “I mean yung ano pala, yung D’ Anothers. Di ba ikaw ang writer nun?” Again he shook his head and started to walk away, leaving me dumbfounded. Afterwards, in the dining area, I was surprised to see Adolf… with a good crop of hair this time and wearing a barong. Another thing, Adolf seemed to have grown a few inches taller in less than an hour!

Comments to this article can be sent to ajsocorro@yahoo.com