Women pioneers take spotlight at FDCP gala

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The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) honored five wo­men whose work has defined Philippine cinema at the Philippine Film Industry Month Gala Night.

Held September 11 at Seda Vertis North, this year’s honorees included Lee Briones, Raquel Villavicencio, Gina Alajar, Olivia Lamasan, and Malou Santos, with special recognition given to directors Antoinette Jadaone and Baby Ruth Villarama.

In his speech, FDCP Chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes said honoring women in film was long overdue.

FDCP Chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes (third from right) with 2025’s PFIM honorees (from left) Gina Alajar, Lee Briones, Malou Santos, Raquel Villavicencio and Olivia Lamasan, represented by Charo Santos-Concio. TMT PHOTO

“It is impossible for us to cover the entire history of the Filipino film without mentioning the significance of women. Why? If we were to discuss and analyze the years before, each phase of the development of Filipino cinema, there are women who serve as beacons and give direction and shape, meaning and depth to the Filipino film. Whether we admit it or not, Filipino cinema is a patriarchy [but] the most powerful people of Philippine cinema are women,” he said.

For cinematographer Lee Briones, who was recognized for her artistry in “Tanging Yaman,” “Crying Ladies,” and “Ekstra,” the award was a reminder of her lifelong search for truth in storytelling.

In her speech, she reflected on lessons of honesty, integrity, and what she called “spiritual intelligence.”

“Even if we are ready to tell the truth, we can fight for it because of integrity. My wish to all of these children [future filmmakers] is that you learn to look for your voice, fight for it, and tell your story,” she added.

Co-writer of era-defining works such as “Batch ’81” and “Kisapmata, Raquel Villavicencio paid tribute to her mentors and a long line of women producers.

“They were not the power behind the throne. They owned the throne,” she said, naming Mother Lily Monteverde, Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda, and Armida Siguion-Reyna among others.

“This extraordinary community of women raised me and brought me to where I am today, she added.

She dedicated the award to director Mike de Leon, who launched her career, and to her daughters, who supported her as she balanced motherhood with filmmaking.

One of the most awarded actresses of her generation, Gina Alajar began acting at eight years old and went on to star in films such as “Brutal,” “Salome,” and “Moral.”

“To be recognized during the Philippine Film Industry Month is truly humbling. This award belongs to every Filipina who continues to fight for her place in cinema,” Alajar said.

Her career has since expanded into directing, but she emphasized that every role she plays is larger than herself.

Olivia Lamasan, director and screenwriter for films like “Sana Maulit Muli,” “Milan,” “The Mistress” and “Barcelona: A Love Untold,” delivered her acceptance speech via video message, thanking mentors such as Marilou Diaz-Abaya and Laurice Guillen, as well as her longtime collaborators at ABS-CBN and Star Cinema.

“Many thanks to all the audiences who have allowed their hearts to be touched, to learn, to be moved, and to be entertained with the stories we tell. This inspires me to continue creating works that will honor and that will serve the Philippines,” Lamasan said.

Meanwhile, Lamasan’s longtime producing partner and another honoree, Malou Santos, recalled her unlikely entry into the industry.

Once a front desk officer in a casino and later a bank manager, she found herself recruited into film production by her sister, Charo Santos-Concio.

“Movies are more than entertainment. They have the power to heal wounds, to spark courage, to give hope, and change lives. And tonight, as I hold this recognition in my hands, I make a promise to continue serving this industry with heart and with purpose,” Santos said.

Hosted by singer Yanah Laurel, the celebration also featured live performances from Kuh Ledesma, Bituin Escalante, Angela Ken, Esang, Zephanie, and 92AD.