MANILA, Philippines — “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story,” the movie that almost did not make it to the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival, emerged the runaway winner in the MMFF Awards Night held Dec. 28 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at the Resorts World Manila.

The movie starring Jeorge “ER” Estregan (Laguna Governor ER Ejercito in real life) romped off with an impressive number of 11 awards, 12 if we count ER’s winning as Male Celebrity with the Sexiest Appeal, a special award.

However, ER and his fellow “Asiong Salonga” performers and supporters were disappointed when the lead actor failed to win the Best Actor award.

“Asiong Salonga,” which tells the story of Tondo’s Nicasio Salonga, dubbed the “Robinhood of Philippine Underworld” in the ’50s, won the coveted Best Picture and Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Awards, Best Festival Director (Gary dela Cruz), Best Supporting Actor (John Regala), Best Screenplay (Roi Iglesias and Rey Ventura), Best Cinematography (Carlo Mendoza), Best Production Design (Fritz Siloria, Mona Soriano and Ronaldo Cadapan), Best Theme Song (“La Paloma” by Ely Buendia), Best Musical Score (Jerry Lazaten), Best Sound Recording (Mike Idioma), and Best Editing (Jason Canapay and Ryan Orduna).

The other winners were Dingdong Dantes (Best Actor for “Segunda Mano”), Maricel Soriano (Best Actress for “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”), Eugene Domingo (Best Supporting Actress for “My Househusband”), “Enteng ng Ina Mo” (2nd Best Picture), “Shake, Rattle & Roll 13” (3rd Best Picture), “Shake, Rattle & Roll 13’s” “Rain, Rain Go Away” episode (Best Original Story by Chris Martinez and Marlon Rivera), Buboy Cariño (Best Child Performer. “Shake, Rattle & Roll 13”), “Carlo J. Caparas’ Ang Panday 2” (Best Visual Effects, Riot, Inc., and Best Float), Florencia Penero, Niccolo Medina, Jayvee Flores (Best Make-Up Artist, “Enteng ng Ina Mo”) and “My Househusband” (Gender Sensitivity Award).

“Asiong Salonga” is produced by Scenema Concept, Inc. and Viva Communications and also stars Carla Abellana, Phillip Salvador, Yul Servo, Baron Geisler, Perla Bautista, Robert Arevalo, Amay Bisaya and Dennis Padilla among others.

True Faith at yearend party

True Faith will usher in the New Year at Alabang’s newest five-star hotel, Acacia Hotel Manila. The yearend party, dubbed “Flashback to the ’70s,” features True Faith and opening act, Jive Group. The event will be held today, Dec. 31 at the Grand Acacia Ballroom starting at 8:30 p.m.

Acacia Hotel Manila is also offering a New Year’s Eve Room Package for local residents. Experience the comfort of a Deluxe Room for only P9,888 net and the Junior Suite for only P11,888 net which includes buffet breakfast for two persons and tickets to the show.

For details visit www.acaciahotelsmanila.com. Acacia Hotel is located at 5400 East Asia Drive corner Commerce Avenue, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 31, go to Mrs. Elaine G. Cuneta, Esther Musngi Gacutan, Fely C. Bautista, Arvin Molintas, Dr. Joven Cuanang of St. Luke’s Medical Center, and MB’s lifestyle editor Isabel de Leon… Happy wedding anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Godofredo Camacho…