She was snubbed by all local award giving bodies, some of whose choices for best actress that year (2013) were just ludicrous and can’t even hold a candle to Cherie’s finely nuanced performance. So her award in Kuching is a clear vindication for her. She has won best supporting actress awards for “God… Save Me”, “Imortal” and “Sugatang Puso”. This is the first time she bagged a best actress plum and it’s in an international filmfest at that. “Sonata” was an entry in the 2013 Film Development Council of the Philippines. This is also an advanced birthday gift for Cherie as she’s turning 52 on May 12.
Nora Aunor was also honored at Kuching with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The actress who last received this before her was Michelle Yeoh, who was present in the awards night and Ate Guy has a photo with her.
Chinese superstar Jackie Chan was also given the Asian Spirit Award as recognition for his achievements and Ate Guy also had her picture taken with him.
Other Pinoys who won awards in the AIFF are Benjamin Tolentino for best film editing for “Bendor,” the movie “Purok 7” for Asian Spirit Award and Joseph Laban as best director for “Nuwebe”. “Bendor” is a Cinema One Originals entry, while “Purok 7” and “Nuwebe” are both Cinemalaya entries.
