This year’s FAMAS Awards revealed significant issues, overshadowing genuine excellence and any focus on film education. Instead, it highlighted how not to treat [senior] actors in our country. The event exposed questionable practices, such as selling dinner seats primarily to non-industry members, turning the occasion into a chaotic fan event. This lack of class and excellence is particularly disappointing for the oldest existing film award-giving body.
Actress Eva Darren’s son, Dr. Fernando de la Peña, recounted her disappointing experience at the FAMAS Awards, calling for accountability.
Fernando explained that his mother typically avoids social events, preferring family gatherings. However, she received an invitation to present an award at the FAMAS (Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards). Excited, she bought a new dress, heels, and arranged for hair and makeup.
‘The apology caused a bigger uproar in the industry that questioned the production handling the event and also the non-inclusion of Miss Eva’s photo in the event publicity material and sequence guide.’
Accompanied by her three grandchildren, she attended the gala despite the high cost and a typhoon warning. Eva had meticulously prepared for her role as an awards presenter with fellow veteran actor Tirso Cruz III. However, when the moment came, Tirso went onstage with a young singer instead.
Fernando wrote on Facebook: “It was all worth it though. After all, the last time she was on stage during a FAMAS awards night was back in 1969 when she received the coveted Best Supporting Actress Award for her role in the movie ‘Ang Pulubi’ (‘The Beggar’) opposite legendary actress Charito Solis.
“Being the true professional that my mother is, she memorized and rehearsed her script to perfection, braved the downpour of a Signal No. 1 Typhoon warning and drove to the Manila Hotel.
“After the glitz and glamour shots with air-cheek-kisses and what not, everyone eventually took their seats and the awarding commenced. During the point where she was supposed to present an award, her partner, Mr. Tirso Cruz III went upstage with an upcoming young singer instead. Not my mom,” he continued. “My mother never went on the stage.”
He said his mother did not get any explanation from the FAMAS PR officer, who could only offer apologies. Feeling disrespected, the veteran star decided to leave.
“You would think and assume that a ‘prestigious award-giving body’ who had been doing the same thing every year, over and over without fail, would have mastered their craft after 72 years. But no, not this entity,” he said.
“To all of you people behind FAMAS, you cannot do this to an icon of Philippine Cinema!
“It is RUDE… It is DISRESPECTFUL… It is UNETHICAL… it is UNPROFESSIONAL to say the very least!!!
“I can think of a hundred other words to describe what FAMAS did to my mother, even contemplated on legal actions for a second or two. But my sister, a devout Christian, told me to leave it to the hands of God.
“And so I will.”
Fernando’s viral post garnered significant support for Miss Eva Darren, leading FAMAS to issue a public apology. They acknowledged their failure to locate Miss Darren during the live awards show, attributing it to the large number of attendees and the live nature of the event. FAMAS clarified that this mishap was unintentional and due to poor judgment, expressing deep regret for the oversight and the hurt caused to Miss Darren and her family.
They emphasized their appreciation for Miss Darren and other veteran stars, noting that despite the event’s success, it had its flaws. FAMAS committed to personally visiting Miss Darren to make amends.
The incident sparked further industry outrage, questioning the event’s organization. Critics pointed out the inconsistency of not locating Miss Darren despite a controlled seating plan and the absence of her photo in event materials, casting doubt on her inclusion as a presenter.
“We are writing this with a heavy heart especially after hearing that Miss Darren and her family were terribly hurt by this unintentional disregard to her presence and stature. We truly value Miss Darren and the rest of the veteran stars present last night true to the Homecoming Concept of the show. But as there were brilliant moments to the most star-studded awards night in recent memory, there were also hitches and unfortunate developments in a live show such as this one. We understand that an apology alone cannot undo the damage this might have caused Miss Darren but we are committed to make amends and rebuild her trust by a personal visit of the FAMAS Board to honor her stature, if she allows it,” FAMAS’ statement read.
The apology caused a bigger uproar in the industry that questioned the production handling the event and also the non-inclusion of Miss Eva’s photo in the event publicity material and sequence guide.
Mauro Feria Tumbocon, Jr. , founder of Filipino Arts & Cinema International (FACINE), reflecting on what happened at the said awards night, posted on Facebook: “Eva Darren, she of luscious lips, exotic face of many a movie of years of my youth, now in her senior year, still cuts a graceful presence.
“The sad incident with FAMAS, is a clear disgrace, so many incidents prior, involving senior stars, constantly subject to disrespect – this particular one, at the FAMAS awards night, may be a clear case of elder abuse: mental anguish, financial opportunism (imagine she was asked to pay for her own/her grandchildren’s dinner, kakahiya [shameless]).
“What could have happened is that the Actors’ Guild, kung meron, or the Film Academy of the Philippines, should issue an official statement; or the winners return their trophies (I do not expect this: Do you think Kathryn Bernardo will return her trophy? bwaahaha)”
Meanwhile, AKTOR released a statement lamenting the unfortunate incident that happened to Miss Darren, expressing support for the actress while also calling to attention the broader culture of award ceremonies.
“We aspire to revive the genuine essence of these events and bring back the glory of these gatherings, by fostering intimate celebrations that recognize excellence and embrace every individual without fear of exclusion and discrimination,” AKTOR’s statement read.
In the end, if FAMAS wants to restore its reputation, it should focus on maintaining high standards and eliminating any influences that may compromise its integrity, similar to its decision to appoint National Artist Ricky Lee as jury head.
Considering that the Film Academy of the Philippines (Luna) Awards represents the industry guild, the Urian Awards of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino and the Young Critics Circle (YCC) are the critics’ choices, and the Eddys, Star, and EnPress represent the press awards, along with Gawad Tanglaw, PASADO, and GEMS as the school consortium awards, the question arises: what does FAMAS represent in the present time? Is it merely relying on its past glory?
Given the recent surprising winners, the challenges in organizing the ceremony, and the ongoing controversies about its role and relevance, it raises the question: do we still need FAMAS in its current form?”
