[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5v-7hoZ0BA[/youtube]

Starring a Filipino politician, senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr, the adventure tale Ang Panday ("The Blacksmith") was the big winner at the 2009 edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival, it was announced Monday evening. According to reports on the festival's awards, a film's grosses represents about 40% of its merits, so it should be no surprise that Ang Panday was chosen the best film. With revenues estimated at more than P20 million (approx. US$430,000), Revilla's vehicle has led the Metro Manila festival's box office in its first three days. (See full list of winners below.)

In addition to its best film win, Ang Panday earned awards for best actor Revilla, best supporting actor Phillip Salvador, and best production design, among others. Directed by Mac Alejandre and Rico Gutierrez, the action-adventure fantasy features lots of special effects, flying monsters, medieval fortresses, and a magic sword a la Excalibur.

Other winners include best director Joel Lamangan, best actress Sharon Cuneta, best supporting actress Heart Evangelista, and best screenwriter Roy Iglesias, all for the drama Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love. In the film, Cuneta plays a Chinese matriarch intent on retrieving the respect of her rebellious daughter (Evangelista).

The Metro Manila Film Festival runs until Jan. 6, 2010. Until then, only the festival's seven competing films will be screened at movie houses in Manila's metropolitan area.

Metro Manila Film Festival Awards 2009

Best Picture:
Ang Panday – GMA Films / Imus Productions

2nd Best Picture:
I Love You, Goodbye – Star Cinema

3rd Best Picture:
Ang Darling Kong Aswang – Octoarts

Best Director:
Joel Lamangan – Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love

Best Actor:
Bong Revilla – Ang Panday

Best Actress:
Sharon Cuneta – Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love

Best Supporting Actress:
Heart Evangelista – Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love

Best Supporting Actor:
Phillip Salvador – Ang Panday

Best Screenplay:
Roy Iglesias – Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love

Best Original Story:
Vanessa Valdez, Kriz Gazmen, Anna Karenina Ramos – I Love You, Goodbye

Best Cinematography:
Lee Briones-Meily – I Love You, Goodbye

Best Film Editor:
Manet Dayrit – I Love You, Goodbye

Best Musical Score:
Von De Guzman – Mano Po 6

Best Original Theme Song:
"Ang Panday" by Ogie Alcasid – Ang Panday

Best Production Design:
Ang Panday

Best Special Effects:
Jay Santiago – Ang Panday

Best Sound Recording:
Mike Idioma – Ang Panday

Best Make-up:
Noel Flores – Shake, Rattle and Roll XI

Antonio Villegas Cultural Award:
Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love – Regal Films

Best Child Performer:
Buboy Villar – Ang Panday

Lifetime Achievement Award:
Dolphy

Sources: Just Another Pixel and TV Marathon