MMFF clarifies viral clip featuring Eugene Domingo was a tribute to movie icons, not an 'in memoriam' segment
The Metro Manila Film Festival Executive Committee clarified that the video tribute played during the Gabi ng Parangal featuring Eugene Domingo was a "Tribute To Movie Icons" not an "In Memoriam" segment.
"We've noted concerns regarding the video tribute featuring Ms. Eugene Domingo as the recent Gabi ng Parangal. This was intended as a tribute to luminaries both living and passed, and who have contributed to the MMFF over its 50-year history—not an In Memoriam segment," the committee wrote on their Facebook account.
The statement came days after Domingo appeared in the video clip paying tribute to the "stars who came before us." This drew flak among them, alongside humorous queries asking whether the actress had been unintendedly "killed."
As the video played, John Arcilla, Mark Bautista, Robert Seña, and Arman Ferrer sang on stage. The clip showed photos and videos of late actors, including Spanky Manikan and Cherie Gil, until Domingo's face was shown.
However, the MMFF committee emphasized that other living artists were included in the tribute, such as former president Joseph Estrada, Christopher De Leon, Hilda Koronel, Ruel Vernal, Amy Austria, Vilma Santos, Charo Santos, and Nora Aunor.
"We hope this clears up any misunderstanding and allows us to focus on celebrating the film industry's achievements," the MMFF official said.
Meanwhile, MMFF spokesperson Noel Ferrer addressed the issue on his Instagram account, saying viewers must appreciate the performance instead.
"Sana man lang na-appreciate na ang huhusay ng mga nagperform kagabi,” said Ferrer. “[J]ust to clarify, the number of [Arman Ferrer], [Mark Bautista], Robert Sena & [John Arcilla] was a tribute number to MMFF Icons through the 50 years… hindi po in memoriam."
The segment previously earned criticism online.
"First inisnub niyo ang isang Eugene Domingo na isang beteranang aktress na nagbigay ng walang tapong performance sa [And The Breadwinner Is]. Ngayon, ginawa niyong patay?? Eugene Domingo didn't last this long in this industry for you to disrespect her," one user wrote on X.
"'Di pa rin ako maka get over sa Eugene Domingo snub for best supporting actress pero ninominate naman pala siya for in memoriam," joked another.
'No cooking show'
Ferrer also spoke out on concerns regarding the 2024 MMFF Awards results, stating that they are "fair, sound, and final."
"You may agree or disagree with their choices... but the integrity of each and every member of the Jury since we took charge in 2016, especially on this 50th Edition of the MMFF cannot be assailed," he wrote.
This was rooted in the sentiments of various users expressing surprise and disappointment over Aga Muhlach and Eugene Domingo's exclusion from the Best Actor and Supporting Actress nominations and Zig Dulay's loss for Best Director, particularly given Green Bones' strong showing in other categories.
During the 50th MMFF Gabi ng Parangal, held on Dec. 27, Green Bones bagged several significant awards, including the coveted Best Picture title.
Judy Ann Santos won the Best Actress category for her role in the supernatural horror film Espantaho, while Dennis Trillo was hailed as Best Actor for his role in Green Bones. Here are some of the other films that won big at the MMFF 2024 awards night.
