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| Top (L-R): Lito Lapid, Eva Darren, Leo Martinez; Botttom (L-R): Gina Alajar, Nova Villa, Carlo J. Caparas (Image Source: Bandera - INQUIRER.net) |
The Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) is set to hold the seventh edition of its annual Eddys (Entertainment Editors’ Choice) awards on July 7, 2024 at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City. The awards show will be aired via a delayed telecast on ALLTV. A highlight of the event will be the recognition of five movie icons who have made indelible marks on the entertainment industry through their outstanding bodies of work. The late comic strip creator Carlo J. Caparas will also be honored with a posthumous award for his contributions to the Philippine movie industry.
This year’s Movie Icon Awards will be conferred upon Nova Villa, Leo Martinez, Lito Lapid, Eva Darren, and Gina Alajar. They join the ranks of previous awardees who have been recognized for their undying efforts and dedication to elevate local film artistry. A decorated actress, Nova Villa has starred in over 150 films and is a key figure in local entertainment. Some of her notable works include TV shows Chicks to Chicks (1971-1991), Home Along Da Riles (1992-2003), and Pepito Manaloto (2012-present), and films Payaso (1986), 1st Ko si 3rd (2014), and Miss Granny (2018). She’s received numerous awards including the prestigious “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal” from Pope Francis. Leo Martinez is an actor, comedian, and director, known for his roles in films like Up from the Depths (1979), Juan Tamad at Mr. Shooli: Mongolian Barbecue (1991), and On the Job 2: The Missing 8 (2021). He also served as Director General of the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP).
Actor and politician Lito Lapid gained fame from his iconic roles in the Leon Guerrero (1968-1981) and Da Best in da West (1984-1996) film series as well as notable performances in Kastilyong Buhangin (1980), Hari ng Gatilyo (1985), Lapu-Lapu (2002), and most recently in Brillante Mendoza’s Apag (2022). Eva Darren began her film career in the 1960s and won two awards for her role in Ang Pulubi (1969) and a nomination for her role in Ligaya Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin (1997). Known for her poignant portrayal of maternal characters, she made memorable appearances in the TV series Pangako Sa ‘Yo (2000) and Sineserye Presents: Patayin Sa Sindak si Barbara (2008), and in the films Ang Lalaki sa Buhay ni Selya (1997) and Ate (2018). Gina Alajar has had an illustrious career since her debut as a child actress in the 1970s. She’s starred in acclaimed films like Playgirl and Brutal. Transitioning to television in the 2000s, Alajar also directed for GMA Network dramas. Some of her notable film roles include Manila By Night and Brutal, both released in 1980. As a director, she has helmed four Shake, Rattle, & Roll titles and at least two dozens TV shows and dramas.
The Eddys has been a game-changer in Philippine movie awards since its inception in 2017, celebrating diversity and excellence in the industry. SPEEd, a non-profit organization established in 2015, consists of past and current entertainment editors from nationwide newspapers, top tabloids, and online sites, is led by its president Salve Asis of Pilipino Star Ngayon and Pang Masa. The Eddys acknowledges the achievements of actors, writers, directors, craftsmen, and producers, solidifying its status as a distinguished award-giving body in the Philippine entertainment industry.
