By Primi Jun Haresco
“Ang Special Batsoy ni Iloy,” S7GRAB’S Best Short Film and other awards such as Best OST, Best Musical Scoring, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, and Best Director for Geelyn Hortillo.
Iloilo City, Philippines – Sigrab 2024, the prestigious film festival celebrating Ilonggo filmmaking, concluded with a night of glitz and glamour, showcasing the best of local talent and creativity. The event, held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium in Central Philippine University held last March 26, 2024, highlighted not only the exceptional films but also Iloilo’s rich gastronomic culture, as one of the winners hailed the event as the “City of Gastronomy.”
“Ang Special Batsoy ni Iloy,” a film that captured the hearts of the audience and judges alike, emerged as the biggest winner of the night, taking home awards in multiple categories including Best OST, Best Musical Scoring, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, and Best Director for Geelyn Hortillo.
The lead actress of the film “Amo gid na ya”, Regimika Malunda, was awarded Best Actress for her outstanding performance as Mikay, while Neil Joseph Tinasas won Best Actor for his portrayal of Naldo in “Praning.”
The film “Magbulobalikid” made a significant impact, winning the Best Social Impact award, highlighting its relevance and contribution to society. “Amo Gid Na Ya” received the Jury Prize, recognizing its exceptional storytelling and execution.
Awarding of S7GRAB 2024 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium last March 26, 2024.
In addition to the film awards, the event also recognized other aspects of filmmaking, with “Palanublion” winning Best Poster, “Amo Gid Na Ya” winning Best Editing, and “Kalan sa Kalbaryo” receiving a Special Award for Best VFX.
The supporting cast was also celebrated, with Wayne Jacob Cajilig winning Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Praning” and Francine Borines winning Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “Ang Special Batsoy Ni Iloy.”
The festival’s focus on Ilonggo filmmaking and culture was evident throughout the event, with several films showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of the region. As the winners took to the stage to accept their awards, they not only celebrated their achievements but also highlighted the importance of storytelling in preserving and promoting local heritage.
Sigrab 2024 not only showcased the talent of Ilonggo filmmakers but also highlighted the rich cultural heritage and gastronomic delights of Iloilo City, solidifying its reputation as a hub of creativity and culinary excellence.