The 40th Luna Awards ceremony hosted by the Film Academy of the Philippines took place yesterday, August 3, at the IBG KAL Theater of the University of the Philippines. It was an evening dedicated to honoring and celebrating figures in our cherished film industry.

I was deeply honored to be awarded the prestigious FPJ Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award for my contributions to Philippine cinema, joining the ranks of esteemed recipients such as Lily Monteverde (Mother Lily), Gloria Romero, and Eddie Garcia, who have previously received this honor.

Standing on that stage, filled with gratitude, I felt a sense of responsibility to share this moment with all of you who have been my readers and supporters. This award symbolizes not only my success but also the collective dedication and love we all share for the Philippine film industry.

During my tenure as head of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) I had a vision; to enact legislation that would safeguard our workers those whose voices are often unheard — our technicians, crew members, background actors, and stunt performers. These individuals frequently face challenges due to disparities in recognition and treatment within our industry hierarchy.

I want to express my thanks to the Academy for supporting me throughout my time, standing by me as we strive for fair treatment and improved working conditions for all our employees.

My journey in this industry began on the fringes. I started as an "extra," a background actor, and worked my way up to becoming a working actress.

As a young woman who wasn't initially seen as a figure in this industry, many questioned my ability to lead and bring about change.

So I persevered, putting in the effort because I knew I had to earn the privilege of being a leader earning respect, and being addressed as "Chair."

I hope my journey serves as an inspiration for others — showing that you don't have to be an award-winning filmmaker to be capable of leading this industry. What truly matters is having an unwavering passion to serve a willingness to learn, and above all else, the readiness to put personal interests aside. Being a leader isn't about privilege; it's about sacrifice. One must be prepared to make that sacrifice.

Throughout my tenure with the FDCP, I take pride in the projects we've successfully completed — the support and initiatives that have put the Philippines on the global platform, the international partnerships that have opened doors for opportunities, the collaborative efforts with various nations and the filmmakers who have represented Philippine cinema on a worldwide scale. These accomplishments hold significance.

However, what truly resonates with me are the interactions I've had with film technicians, crew members, support staff, and set workers who have benefited from FDCP's assistance, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic. These personal stories are close to my heart, and I will carry them with me forever.

Being honored with a lifetime achievement award in my 40s has prompted me to reflect on the journey. I asked myself, why am I receiving a lifetime achievement award in my forties? And I realized, It's not about me as an individual but about what I symbolized as a leader at FDCP. We have been waiting a lifetime for fair treatment as workers in this industry.

The enactment of the Eddie Garcia Law, which sets standards for better working conditions, is a testament to this long-awaited change. My service and the support I provided were worth a lifetime, and I thank the academy for recognizing the value of what we accomplished.

My passion for this industry knows no bounds, and I believe many of you share this fervor. At last, the government has acknowledged our contributions, exemplified by the Eddie Garcia Law serving as a guiding light for empowerment within the film sector.

This marks a new era for the Philippine film industry — Philippine cinema is not dead. It is changing, transitioning, and evolving, but it will never die. As long as we have dedicated workers creating beautiful movies, it will always be alive.

To the Film Academy of the Philippines, thank you again for the recognition. I graciously accepted the award not on my behalf but on behalf of all the individuals in our field who work tirelessly behind the scenes. This is a tribute to the heroes whose aspirations and efforts drive the heart of Philippine cinema. May this award symbolize our unity, our power, and the enduring resilience of our industry.

Mabuhay ang mga manggagawa ng pelikulang Pilipino!