Why Chinese New Year is important for Filipinos

IT’S A FESTIVE FUSION

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Feb 9, 2024 12:31 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Food plays a central role in any Filipino celebration, and Chinese New Year is no exception. The culinary fusion during this time is a gastronomic delight that transcends cultural boundaries. 

By JACQUELINE LUCERO

In the vibrant history of Philippine culture, the celebration of Chinese New Year stands out as a captivating blend of tradition, festivity, and a harmonious fusion of two rich cultural heritages.
 

The annual event, also known as “Lunar New Year” or “Spring Festival,” brings together Filipino and Chinese communities in a colorful and joyous celebration that spans generations.

The cultural melting pot

At the heart of this festive amalgamation lies the undeniable influence of Chinese culture in the Philippines. Historical ties dating back centuries have woven the threads of tradition into the fabric of Filipino society. The influx of
Chinese immigrants over the years has not only shaped the demographics but has also left an indelible mark on the country’s customs and celebrations.
 

As January comes to an end, the anticipation for Chinese New Year starts to build across the archipelago. Streets adorned with red lanterns and vibrant decorations signal the impending arrival of the auspicious
occasion. The atmosphere becomes charged with excitement as Filipino-Chinese communities prepare for a festival that symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and good fortune. 

One cannot help but be mesmerized by the sea of red and gold that dominates the scenery during Chinese New Year. These colors, symbolizing luck and wealth, paint the towns and cities in a lively hue, creating a visual spectacle that captivates locals and visitors alike. From traditional clothing to intricate decorations, the vibrant palette sets the stage for a celebration like no other.

 

A gesture of goodwill

The tradition of giving Ang Pao, red envelopes containing money, is a cherished custom during Chinese New Year. In the Philippines, this practice has evolved to embrace the Filipino value of generosity. It’s not just limited to family members but extends to friends and even strangers, reflecting the warmth and hospitality ingrained in Filipino culture. What makes Chinese New Year in the Philippines even more fascinating is the inclusive nature of the celebrations. Filipinos from various religious backgrounds participate in the festivities, transcending cultural and religious boundaries. It is a testament to the country’s unique
ability to weave diverse strands into a harmonious tapestry of
celebration.

Beyond the revelry, Chinese New Year in the Philippines is also a time for reflection and setting positive intentions for the coming year. Families visit
temples and engage in spiritual practices, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness. It is a moment of introspection, where individuals strive to let go of the past and embrace new opportunities with open hearts.  

A feast for the senses

Food plays a central role in any Filipino celebration, and Chinese New Year is no exception. The culinary fusion during this time is a gastronomic delight that transcends cultural boundaries. Tables are adorned with a variety of dishes, each bearing the distinct flavors of both Filipino and Chinese cuisines. From the iconic tikoy (a sweet sticky rice cake) to savory dumplings, the feast is a culinary journey that reflects the diversity of the communities celebrating together. 

 

The rhythmic beating of drums and the clashing of cymbals fill the air as dragon and lion dances take center stage. These traditional performances, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck, are a mesmerizing display of skill and coordination. Communities come alive as the vibrant dragons and lions dance through the streets, accompanied by the enthusiastic cheers of onlookers.
 

The sky erupts into a kaleidoscope of colors as firecrackers and fireworks light up the night. The explosive display is not only a visual spectacle but also a symbol of driving away negative energy and welcoming the new year with a bang. The cacophony of sounds that accompanies the display adds to the sensory overload, creating an unforgettable experience for all.
 

While Chinese New Year celebrations in the Philippines stay true to many traditional practices, there is a distinctly Filipino flair that adds charm to the festivities. Families gather for reunions, exchanging gifts and sharing laughter. The spirit of bayanihan, or community cooperation, is palpable as neighbors come together to ensure everyone has a joyful celebration.

 

Bridging generations

Chinese New Year serves as a bridge between generations, fostering a sense of continuity and cultural pride. Grandparents share stories of old traditions
with wide-eyed grandchildren, passing down customs that have been upheld for centuries. The intergenerational exchange creates a profound connection to heritage, ensuring that the essence of the celebration endures through time.
In the Philippines, Chinese New Year is more than just a calendar event; it’s a celebration of diversity, unity, and the rich tapestry of cultural influences that define the nation. The fusion of Filipino and Chinese traditions creates a symphony of colors, tastes, and sounds that resonates with the spirit of a nation proud of its multicultural identity.
 

As the lanterns sway gently in the evening breeze and the echoes of dragon dances linger in the air, Chinese New Year in the Philippines stands as a testament to the beauty of cultural harmony. It is a celebration that transcends borders, bringing together communities in a shared embrace of tradition, joy, and the hopeful promise of a new beginning. In the heart of this festival, amidst the laughter and the feasting, one finds the essence of a nation that treasures its past while eagerly stepping into a future illuminated by the vibrant glow of unity.

No matter how you say “Happy New Year” in your own dialects and mother tongues, here is wishing everyone an abundance of blessings of health, wealth, and happiness!

Bong Revilla shares love advice: Don't let simple jealousy ruin the relationship

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Feb 9, 2024 11:37 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Bong hinted at shooting two movies to be shot this year, including a project with Kapuso young star Jillian Ward. 

Sen. Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr.

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. has been in the entertainment industry for over 50 years, and he considers himself to have played numerous memorable roles.

Asked about dream roles, Bong said: "Nagawa ko na halos lahat ng roles. Gay role na lang yata ang hindi."

Bong, 57, stated that he is willing to accept any role as long as it aligns with his image.

"Binabagayan din ang mga role. Hindi porke't hindi ko pa nagawa, kailangan gawin na natin. Kung ano ang bagay sa image natin, gagawin ko," said Bong during a lunch in Quezon City recently.

Bong said that he's excited to celebrate Valentine's Day with his family.

“Mayroon nang inihahanda ang aking maybahay, si Lani, with the whole family, doon kami. ‘Yung mga kapatid ko, ‘yung mga anak ko, mga asawa-asawa nila. Sama-sama kami sa bahay lang. Mag-iihaw-ihaw kami doon,” the senator said.

Bong, who currently stars in season 2 of the action-comedy series "Walang Matigas Na Pulis Sa Matinik na Misis" on the GMA network, expressed disappointment over the recent series of breakups in showbiz.  “Nakapanghihinayang siyempre. Nag-invest sila ng oras para sa relasyon na ‘yun, taon, minsan 10 years, 20 years, tapos masasayang lang, magbe-break lang sila. Sayang naman ‘yung panahon.

(It's regrettable, of course. They invested time in that relationship, years, sometimes 10 years, sometimes 20 years, and then it's just wasted. They just break up. It's a waste of time.)

“Ang importante kasi sa relasyon, pagkatiwalaan ‘yung isa’t isa. Huwag ‘yung simpleng selos ay hahayaan mo nang masira ‘yung relasyon. Bigyan ng pagkakataon ang bawat isa, importante ‘yung tiwala.

(The important thing in a relationship is trust. Don't let simple jealousy ruin the relationship. Give each other a chance; trust is important.)

“Hangga’t maaari, kung may problema, pag-usapan, huwag tulugan, tapusin n’yo the same night,” Bong also said.

(As much as possible, if there is a problem, talk about it, don't sleep, finish it the same night.)

Bong hinted at shooting two movies to be shot this year, including a project with Kapuso young star Jillian Ward. "Basta hanggang d'yan lang muna. Para sa next presscon na yung iba."

The hunk politician said that he would be very next year as he sought reelection in the Senate.

The Stands - An INQUIRER SPORTS NEWSLETTER

 

Thy

February 9, 2024

Calvin Abueva (13) has been warned. (AUGUST DELA CRUZ)

Hey there sports fan, Before anything else, do you know how many players the Games and Amusements Board has suspended since 2021 because of game-fixing? The answer is at the end of this newsletter. Or you could go ahead and read the story here.   The number is quite astounding, never mind if the names, according to one senator, were not really big ones. Elsewhere, consipracy theories also abound. But some, like in the NFL, are quite absurd.  But you don't need a wild imagination to stir up controversies. In the PBA, Calvin Abueva pretty much jumped into one after losing track of his manners in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup. The tireless Magnolia forward, nicknamed "The Beast" because of his tenacity on the court, was recently fined for his antics, some of which bordered on an utter lack of class.  He got away with a warning from Commissioner Willie Marcial, who reminded him about not too long ago when he was slapped with an indefinite suspension that lasted 16 months, a league record. The Abueva Incident was a distraction from the Finals, which started out as a showcase of San Miguel Beer's depth. Somehow, though, coach Chito Victolero and the Hotshots managed to squeeze out a Game 3 win and get themselves back into the series. It's up to Abueva to keep himself in check and help Magnolia on the court and minimize the distractions off it.

The Adamson Lady Falcons have reason to keep their hopes up.  (CONTRIBUTED)

Meanwhile... There are two resons for volleyball fans to get excited. The UAAP women's volleyball tournament is just around to corner with teams like Adamson thriving​ in pocket tournaments to show their readiness for the competition. Also, there is the Premier Volleyball League, which will kick off later this month even as a busy offseason already has the league's ardent followers gasping breathlessly. Much of that excitement has been dampened by injuries old​ and new​, but you can sense that fans are ready to troop to arenas to cheer on their favorites—and soon-to-be idols​. Teams have been competing in pocket tournaments​ to likewise prepare for the new season. These matches provide PVL squads with an inkling of what they need to do​ to be in the best position to succeed in the looming season.  What we're up to next: Keep it here for more updates on the coming Inquirer Sports Awards, which will be held in March. Also, we will bring you stories and features from the UAAP and PVL to further whet up your apptite for their coming tournaments (like you need more prodding t Number of the Week: 60 Points scored by Steph Curry in a loss by the Warriors to the Atlanta Hawks. Currey is just the second player after the late Kobe Bryant to get 60 points after the age of 35.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “For coach Pat and the program, I will always be there—and that will never change” —Jack Animam, on always being ready to play for the national team and for Gilas Women program director Pat Aquino.

For more sports updates, join our Viber community, which features a weekly sports quiz every Friday.  Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read. Have a great and safe Holidays! See you next Friday. Francis Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).

BREEDING ABOUT FUTURE

Some feelings of worry can be healthy, pushing us to find solutions to real and present problems. However, chronic worry, even about things out of our control, can severely impact our mental health.

The German poet Rainer Maria Rilke put it well: “Life is not even close to being as logically consistent as our worries; it has many more unexpected ideas and many more facts than we do.” Worrying is pointless not only because it rarely makes things better, but also because you’re rarely ever worried about the right thing!

We hardly count our blessings. We enjoy counting our crosses. Instead of gains, we count our losses. We don’t have to do all that counting – computers do it for us. Information is easily had.

Facebook to and fro, back and forth, there and back – how many posts and comments have been posted already with sadness, loneliness, boredom strikes, problems, worries … .

Just remember this: Opportunity doesn’t just knock – it jiggles the door-knob. and “your social media online-friend” – the warrior is with you day and night, at every corner, following your every step. Complaining and grumbling are good excuses, right?

Seniors may experience more anxiety-inducing situations than younger adults, and they may not have as many resources for support. Some people may notice that their anxious thoughts get stronger or more frequent with age, but anxiety is a treatable mental health disorder.

Is social media bad for us? Four billion people, around 50% of the world’s population, use online social media – and we’re spending an average of two hours every day sharing, liking, tweeting and updating on these platforms, according to some reports. That breaks down to around half a million tweets and Snapchat photos shared every minute. Stress, mood, anxiety, depression, sleep (or better non-sleep), self-esteem – Overall, social media’s effects on well-being are ambiguous, according to a paper written last year by researchers from the Netherlands. However, they suggested there is clearer evidence for the impact on one group of people: social media has a more negative effect on the well-being of those who are more socially isolated.

The whole world is an awful place filled with dreadful and horrible negativism. Yes, I confess, I’m also surrounded by many worriers who put their fears into me. Politicians, i.e., many times love to search for some grave alarm that will cause individuals to abandon their separate concerns and act in concert, so that politicians can wield the baton. Calls to fatal struggles and fights are forever being sounded.

The overbearing person, who tyrannizes the weak, who wants to domineer and to bluster, is simply nothing else than a worrier, who claims to be a friend. But he isn’t. Really not! The bullying of fellow citizens by means of dread and fright has been going on since Paleolithic times. The night wolf is eating the moon. Give me silver and I’ll make him spit out.

Well, when will we start counting our courage and not our fears, or enjoy instead of our woe? Worrying itself is pointless.Of course, no society has achieved perfect rules of law, never-ending education or unique responsible governments. Let’s seek out the worries but avoid the warriors, because they try to avoid liberty.

Worry, that sense of insecurity, unease, and fear over what negative events may happen – as unrealistic as these concerns may be – is one of the most unpleasant emotions that you can experience as a human being. It is also one of the most common. While everyone has worried at some point, many people suffer from chronic worrying in the form of anxiety. In Australia alone, 2 million people will suffer from anxiety in any one year.

If you worry often, you’re far from alone. In fact, it may comfort you to know that many of us tend to worry about the same issues. All of those anxieties and stressors that may plague your life also affect a huge chunk of the rest of the world as well.

Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D., is a practicing psychologist, author, speaker, and life/business coach, with more than 20 years of experience as a clinician, professor, and researcher. She says:” One of the most helpful things you can do instead of worrying is problem-solving. Problem-solving means defining the problem in a way that you can do something about it (e.g., “How do I prepare for a possible loss of income?” or “How can I learn to accept that my ex has moved on?”). Once you have a defined problem, you can generate some possible solutions and think through the likely consequences of each (e.g., “What is most likely to happen if I do X?”). Finally, you can implement your favorite solution, whether it involves taking action, discussing the situation, finding out more information, or working to accept something you cannot change”.

If you are still worrying right now about something, try to read Jeremiah 29:10-14 or Revelation 21:1-8, just to mention these two. It works.

Juan Ponce Enrile, magdiriwang ng kanyang 100th birthday

Philippine Fairy Tales (XIX) - Philippinische Märchen (XIX): The Adventures of Juan - Juan's Abenteuer

The Adventures of Juan

Mabel Cook ColeJune 28, 2015

Juan was always getting into trouble. He was a lazy boy, and more than that, he did not have good sense. When he tried to do things, he made such dreadful mistakes that he might better not have tried.

His family grew very impatient with him, scolding and beating him whenever he did anything wrong. One day his mother, who was almost discouraged with him, gave him a bolo and sent him to the forest, for she thought he could at least cut firewood. Juan walked leisurely along, contemplating some means of escape. At last he came to a tree that seemed easy to cut, and then he drew his long knife and prepared to work.

Now it happened that this was a magic tree and it said to Juan:

“If you do not cut me I will give you a goat that shakes silver from its whiskers.”

This pleased Juan wonderfully, both because he was curious to see the goat, and because he would not have to chop the wood. He agreed at once to spare the tree, whereupon the bark separated and a goat stepped out. Juan commanded it to shake its whiskers, and when the money began to drop he was so delighted that he took the animal and started home to show his treasure to his mother.

On the way he met a friend who was more cunning than Juan, and when he heard of the boy’s rich goat he decided to rob him. Knowing Juan’s fondness for tuba, he persuaded him to drink, and while he was drunk, the friend substituted another goat for the magic one. As soon as he was sober again, Juan hastened home with the goat and told his people of the wonderful tree, but when he commanded the animal to shake its whiskers, no money fell out. The family, believing it to be another of Juan’s tricks, beat and scolded the poor boy.

He went back to the tree and threatened to cut it down for lying to him, but the tree said:

“No, do not cut me down and I will give you a net which you may cast on dry ground, or even in the tree tops, and it will return full of fish.”

So Juan spared the tree and started home with his precious net, but on the way he met the same friend who again persuaded him to drink tuba. While he was drunk, the friend replaced the magic net with a common one, so that when Juan reached home and tried to show his power, he was again the subject of ridicule.

Once more Juan went to his tree, this time determined to cut it down. But the offer of a magic pot, always full of rice and spoons which provided whatever he wished to eat with his rice, dissuaded him, and he started home happier than ever. Before reaching home, however, he met with the same fate as before, and his folks, who were becoming tired of his pranks, beat him harder than ever.

Thoroughly angered, Juan sought the tree a fourth time and was on the point of cutting it down when once more it arrested his attention. After some discussion, he consented to accept a stick to which he had only to say, “Boombye, Boomba,” and it would beat and kill anything he wished.

When he met his friend on this trip, he was asked what he had and he replied:

“Oh, it is only a stick, but if I say ‘Boombye, Boomba’ it will beat you to death.”

At the sound of the magic words the stick leaped from his hands and began beating his friend until he cried:

“Oh, stop it and I will give back everything that I stole from you.” Juan ordered the stick to stop, and then he compelled the man to lead the goat and to carry the net and the jar and spoons to his home.

There Juan commanded the goat, and it shook its whiskers until his mother and brothers had all the silver they could carry. Then they ate from the magic jar and spoons until they were filled. And this time Juan was not scolded. After they had finished Juan said:

“You have beaten me and scolded me all my life, and now you are glad to accept my good things. I am going to show you something else: ‘Boombye, Boomba’.” Immediately the stick leaped out and beat them all until they begged for mercy and promised that Juan should ever after be head of the house.

From that time Juan was rich and powerful, but he never went anywhere without his stick. One night, when some thieves came to his house, he would have been robbed and killed had it not been for the magic words “Boombye, Boomba,” which caused the death of all the robbers.

Some time after this he married a beautiful princess, and because of the kindness of the magic tree they always lived happily.

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Juan geriet immer in Schwierigkeiten. Er war ein fauler Junge und darüber hinaus hatte er keinen gesunden Menschenverstand. Als er versuchte, Dinge zu tun, machte er so schreckliche Fehler, dass er es besser nicht versucht hätte.

Seine Familie wurde sehr ungeduldig mit ihm, schimpfte und schlug ihn, wann immer er etwas falsch machte. Eines Tages gab ihm seine Mutter, die von ihm fast entmutigt war, einen Bolo und schickte ihn in den Wald, weil sie dachte, er könne wenigstens Feuerholz schlagen. Juan ging gemächlich weiter und dachte über einen Fluchtweg nach. Schließlich kam er zu einem Baum, der leicht zu fällen schien, und dann zog er sein langes Messer und machte sich an die Arbeit.

Nun geschah es, dass dies ein Zauberbaum war und er sagte zu Juan:

„Wenn du mich nicht schneidest, gebe ich dir eine Ziege, die Silber aus ihren Schnurrhaaren schüttelt.“

Das gefiel Juan wunderbar, sowohl weil er neugierig war, die Ziege zu sehen, als auch weil er das Holz nicht hacken musste. Er stimmte sofort zu, den Baum zu schonen, woraufhin sich die Rinde löste und eine Ziege heraustrat. Juan befahl ihm, seine Schnurrhaare zu schütteln, und als das Geld zu fallen begann, war er so erfreut, dass er das Tier nahm und nach Hause ging, um seiner Mutter seinen Schatz zu zeigen.

Unterwegs traf er einen Freund, der schlauer war als Juan, und als er von der reichen Ziege des Jungen hörte, beschloss er, ihn auszurauben. Da er Juans Vorliebe für die Tuba kannte, überredete er ihn zum Trinken, und während er betrunken war, ersetzte der Freund die magische Ziege durch eine andere. Sobald er wieder nüchtern war, eilte Juan mit der Ziege nach Hause und erzählte seinen Leuten von dem wunderbaren Baum, doch als er dem Tier befahl, seine Schnurrhaare zu schütteln, fiel kein Geld heraus. Die Familie glaubte, dass es sich dabei um einen weiteren Trick von Juan handelte, und schlug und beschimpfte den armen Jungen.

Er ging zurück zum Baum und drohte, ihn zu fällen, weil er ihn angelogen hatte, aber der Baum sagte:

„Nein, hau mich nicht ab, und ich werde dir ein Netz geben, das du auf trockenem Boden oder sogar in den Baumwipfeln auswerfen kannst, und es wird voller Fische zurückkommen.“

Also verschonte Juan den Baum und machte sich mit seinem kostbaren Netz auf den Heimweg, doch unterwegs traf er denselben Freund, der ihn erneut überredete, Tuba zu trinken. Während er betrunken war, ersetzte der Freund das magische Netz durch ein gewöhnliches, so dass Juan, als er nach Hause kam und versuchte, seine Macht zu demonstrieren, erneut lächerlich gemacht wurde.

Noch einmal ging Juan zu seinem Baum, diesmal entschlossen, ihn zu fällen. Aber das Angebot eines magischen Topfes, immer voller Reis und Löffeln, die ihm alles lieferten, was er zu seinem Reis essen wollte, hielt ihn davon ab und er machte sich glücklicher als je zuvor auf den Heimweg. Bevor er jedoch nach Hause kam, ereilte ihn das gleiche Schicksal wie zuvor, und seine Eltern, die seine Streiche satt hatten, schlugen ihn härter als je zuvor.

Völlig verärgert suchte Juan ein viertes Mal nach dem Baum und wollte ihn gerade fällen, als er erneut seine Aufmerksamkeit erregte. Nach einiger Diskussion stimmte er zu, einen Stock anzunehmen, zu dem er nur „Boombye, Boomba“ sagen musste, und er würde alles schlagen und töten, was er wollte.

Als er auf dieser Reise seinen Freund traf, wurde er gefragt, was er habe, und er antwortete:

„Oh, es ist nur ein Stock, aber wenn ich ‚Boombye, Boomba‘ sage, wird er dich zu Tode schlagen.“

Beim Klang der Zauberworte sprang der Stock aus seinen Händen und begann, seinen Freund zu schlagen, bis er schrie:

„Oh, hör auf damit und ich werde alles zurückgeben, was ich dir gestohlen habe.“ Juan befahl dem Stock, anzuhalten, und dann zwang er den Mann, die Ziege zu führen und das Netz, das Glas und die Löffel zu sich nach Hause zu tragen.

Dort befahl Juan der Ziege, und sie schüttelte ihre Schnurrhaare, bis seine Mutter und seine Brüder alles Silber hatten, das sie tragen konnten. Dann aßen sie aus dem Zauberglas und den Löffeln, bis sie satt waren. Und dieses Mal wurde Juan nicht gescholten. Nachdem sie fertig waren, sagte Juan:

„Du hast mich mein ganzes Leben lang geschlagen und beschimpft, und jetzt bist du froh, meine guten Dinge anzunehmen. Ich zeige dir noch etwas anderes: ‚Boombye, Boomba‘.“ Sofort sprang der Stock hervor und schlug auf sie alle ein, bis sie um Gnade flehten und versprachen, dass Juan für immer das Oberhaupt des Hauses sein sollte.

Von da an war Juan reich und mächtig, aber er ging nie ohne seinen Stock irgendwohin. Eines Nachts, als einige Diebe zu seinem Haus kamen, wäre er ausgeraubt und getötet worden, wenn nicht die magischen Worte „Boombye, Boomba“ den Tod aller Räuber verursacht hätten.

Einige Zeit später heiratete er eine wunderschöne Prinzessin, und dank der Güte des Zauberbaums lebten sie immer glücklich.

‘Firefly’ is most awarded film of Manila International Film Festival 2024

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Feb 7, 2024 08:42 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The MIFF is an international film festival that aims to bridge Filipino films to global audiences and showcase Filipino culture and art.

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'Firefly' continued its victorious streak abroad, winning the most awards at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood.

From being the silent underdog to becoming the 2023 MMFF big winner, ‘Firefly’ continued its victorious streak abroad as it won the most awards at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood, California – including the highly-coveted Best Picture honor.

The film produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs also took home three more awards and three nominations during the MIFF Awards Night last Feb. 3: another Best Screenplay for GMA Public Affairs SAVP and Firefly creator Angeli Atienza; Best Director for award-winning film and TV director Zig Dulay; and Best Supporting Actress for highly-acclaimed actress Alessandra de Rossi.

Present during the awarding ceremony were GMA Network’s Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, who accepted the Best Director award on behalf of Zig Dulay; Angeli Atienza; and Firefly actress Ysabel Ortega, who accepted the Best Supporting Actress award on behalf of Alessandra de Rossi. Joining them were Sparkle GMA Artist Center VP Joy Marcelo and Firefly actor Dingdong Dantes. 

In addition to winning four major awards, the film also garnered nominations for the Best Supporting Actor (Epy Quizon) and Actress (Cherry Pie Picache) categories, as well as for Best Cinematography (Neil Daza).

Following their Best Picture win, the ‘Firefly’ team was awarded a $200,000 co-producing package by Birns and Sawyer to produce a US-based feature film.

The 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Best Picture winner, ‘Firefly,’ narrates a moving story about family, dreams, and bravery as the young Tonton, portrayed by MMFF Best Child Performer Euwenn Mikael, embarks on a journey to find the mystical island of fireflies based on his mother's bedtime stories.

The film won Best Screenplay and 15 nominations at the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal last December.

Early this year, ‘Firefly’ was shown in the United Arab Emirates before its screening in Los Angeles, California, as part of the MIFF.

The MIFF is an international film festival that aims to bridge Filipino films to global audiences and showcase Filipino culture and art.