story coverage on the 3rd TOFARM film festival: when one gay character steals the show...

(photo credits: inquirer.net) the winners of the 3rd TOFARM

the 3 most important people behind the 3rd tofarm film festival: from left to right, LIZA DINO-SEGUERRA, DR. MILAGROS HOW AND MS. BIBETH ORTEZA

The moment one blogger entered the RIZAL BALLROOM of the Makati Shangri-la, as the ushers and usherettes were signalled-upon that the guests could start entering it- oh, my- that one blogger who was the very first person to enter the room, was indeed so enthralled and got fascinated.

Yes, we repeat, it was us- blogger Robert Manuguid Silverio, who was the very first person to enter the venue, to watch the Awarding Night & the Awarding Ceremonies of the Third Tofarm Film Festival.

The very spacious Rizal Ballroom, with three giant movie screens on the left, middle and the far right fronting front and beside the stage were illuminated by a great production design, most of all, the Main Stage, wherein crystal balls shone like stars on the screen.

Being there was a rare opportunity and events like this one lasted forever. Why? Because Makati Shang is, Makati Shang! And Tofarm is Tofarm- into which, we could say by now, the most prestigious and glamorous festivity ever in any kinds and forms of a film fest EVENT. Agree or disgaree, Mr. Mell T. Navarro and Ms. Bibeth Orteza? Agree!

There was not much hysterics, fan-invading moments, ego-tripping manners, and scene-stealing scenes- but mostly, it was a night of honoring films and farmers- and paying back the to respect to Mrs. Milagros How, the Chief Advocate of the Tofarm Film Festival.

But anyway, one blogger's list of those people and celebrities who managed to be looked upon again and again and again by the V.I.P. guests, media people, film artists and by all those involved in all the six film entries, were THESE:

Mr. Richard Quan with his very Filipino kind of handsomeness because the more he smiled, the more that heads would turn on him, Ms. Ina Feleo in her black but very beautiful evening outfit also stole glances, Ms. Bibeth Orteza, of course, because she's the Festival Director and a lot of people were looking at her simple Barong Tagalog dress that's so feminine to look at, Ms. Agnes Valencia (the Supervising Producer of Tofarm) in her Edwin Rosas Visda (the fashion stylist) creation of a beautiful exotic coat and skirt, the two handsome newcomers of the film Tabanata's Wife (who got nine awards in this year's fest) who both wore head dresses of an Ifugao tribe, Dr. Milagros How herself in a very elegant Filipiniana wear, director Keith Sicat who looked so handsome in his black Tuxedo, Ms. Moira Lang (a film producer) who was also a LOOKER that night, looking so poised and lovely, and of course, Ms. Racquel Villavicencio who always seemed to look so classy every time she attended a film event.

Kudos to Ms. Dulce for her lullaby Filipiniana song as she sang it beside the Special Awardee of the Night- Mr. Robert Arevalo. Her voice never faltered and that moment offered so much sentiments.

But of course, many media people (including Ronald Rafer, Pilar Mateo, Noel Asinas and Ms. Mercy Lejarde) were on the verge of tears upon hearing one great female singer (sorry, we forgot her name-- rs*) singing  the Tribute Song to director Maryo J. delos Reyes (R.I.P.), the original Festival Director of Tofarm.

Those parts of the program, alongside with its fast-paced sequencing of numbers and speeches, were indeed delightful. Never corny. Never pretentious.

And yes! the sole HOST of the Awarding Night, in person of one gay character in a Doble Cara costume and dual personalities (one male, one female), was really funny to look and hear, most of all, when he committed numerous mistakes which were parts of the script and was made intentional. That gay host named PHILIPA, acted great, and silent laughs all around were felt as he acted in crazy delights.

By now, winners of the 3rd TOFARM FILM FESTIVAL could have invaded the viral world and tabloid headlines, and the winners were truly deserving. 

If farmers could offer such a warm film event like TOFARM, one blogger thought that outsiders of the Philippine Cinema were the ones who truly cared.

Because sometimes, the ruler was never accepted at all on his own land- he had to conquer other lands and there, people would see his great IMPORTANCE.

Just like in Philippine Cinema, wherein 'Mainstream People' tend to overlook the true meaning, 'look' and message of what an ARTISTIC FILM EVENT was all about.

Kudos, TOFARM FILM FESTIVAL AND DR. MILAGROS HOW!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR ON  THE 4TH TOFARM FILM FEST!!!!!!

(list of winners at the 3rd Tofarm Filmfest below):

Best Picture: 
"Tanabata's Wife"

Second Best Picture: 
"1957"

Third Best Picture: 
"Alimuom"

Best Director: 
Choy Pangilinan, Lito Casaje and Charlson Ong, "Tanabata's Wife" 

Best Actor: 
Miyuki Kamimura, "Tanabata's Wife"

Best Actress: 
Mai Fanglayan, "Tanabata's Wife"

Best Supporting Actor: 
Richard Quan, "1957"

Best Supporting Actress: 
Bayang Barrios, "Kauyagan" and Gilleth Sandico, "Sol Searching" 

Best Story: 
Hubert Tibi, "1957"

Audience Choice: 
"Sol Searching"

Best Screenplay: 
Charlson Ong, Mao Talas, Choy Pangilinan and Juan Carlo Tarobal, "Tanabata's Wife"

Best Cinematography: 
Nap Jamir, "Tanabata's Wife"

Best Editing: 
May-i Padilla. "Tanabata's Wife"

Best Sound: 
Immanuel Verona," Mga Anak Ng Kamote"

Best Production Design: 
Martin Masadao. "Tanabata's Wife"

Best Short Film: 
"Panginoong May Lupa"

Second Best Short Film: 
"Kaluguran Da Ka, Ma"

Third Best Short Film: 
"Tahanan Ng Isang Magsasaka"

(written by robert manuguid silverio)