Anne Curtis won Best Actress, "Baler" big winner in the 34th Metro Manila Film Festival (2008) awards night

The historical film "Baler" that Department of Education recommend bagged 10 awards in the 34th Metro Manila Film Festival (2008) awards night held at the Sofitel Hotel in Manila.

The period film "Baler" which also has a grade A rating from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB) was chosen Best Picture and Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award with its educational value.

The beautiful Anne Curtis won her first acting award as Best Actress for her performance in Baler. Co-star Phillip Salvador was named Best Supporting Actor while their director, Mark Meily, won Best Director.

Another movie who has an "A" rating in CEB was recognized, One of the lead star of the film "Magkaibigan," Christopher De Leon took home Best Actor recognition.

Here's the list of winners:

Best Picture: Baler (Viva Films)
2nd Best Picture: Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat (Star Cinema)
3rd Best Picture: Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After (OctoArts Films/M-ZET Productions/APT Entertainment)

Best Festival Actor: Christopher de Leon (Magkaibigan)
Best Festival Actress: Anne Curtis (Baler)
Best Supporting Actor: Phillip Salvador (Baler)
Best Supporting Actress: Manilyn Reynes (One Night Only)
Best Festival Director: Mark Meily (Baler)
Best Festival Child Performer: Robert Villar (Shake, Rattle & Roll X) Best Festival

Best Festival Screenplay: Roy Iglesias (Baler)
Best Festival Original Story: Jose Javier Reyes (One Night Only)
Best Festival Cinematography: Baler
Best Festival Sound Recording: Dayo
Best Festival Editor: Baler

Musical Score: Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia
Best Festival Movie Theme Song: "Lipad" (Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia)

Best Festival Makeup: Desperadas 2
Best Festival Visual Effects: Dayo
Best Festival Production Design: Baler

Gender Sensitive Award (for promoting equality of men and women through film): Baler
Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: Baler

[photo courtesy of Girlie Rodis]