A night of glamor at the 2024 Famas Awards

At the recently concluded 2024 Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (Famas) awards, "Mallari" won Best Picture. Piolo Pascual ("Mallari") and Alfred Vargas ("Pieta") shared the Best Actor award, and Kathryn Bernardo ("A Very Good Girl") received her first Best Actress award. The creations of Beatriz shone brightly among the stars and society ladies at the historic Manila Hotel. Tiffany Cuna, Carissa Cruz,N oel Onate, Jennifer Ki-Chiu and Cory Quirino Veteran stars Marissa Delgado and Divina Valencia Director Elwood Perez and Carissa Cruz Arlene Jacobo and Nona Ricafort Carissa Cruz Evangelista representing her mother Famas Presidential awardee Gina De Venecia Beth Lee, Carissa Cruz and industry leaders Bayo Anna Lagon Unyx Sta Ana, Luna Garcia, Caren Tiangco, Carissa Cruz Evangelista, Aanna Lagon, Heidi Ng, Frances Espinosa and Veronica Callanta Justice Ivy de Leon Movie industry advocates, MTRCB Chief Ciara Sotto and Mayor Lani Mercado Lili Lee, Cory Quirino, Brenda Ngo, Tiffany Syson-Cuna, Jennifer Ki-Chiu and Jet Capina Carissa Cruz Evangelista, the creative director of Beatriz, accepted the Famas Presidential Award on behalf of her mother, Gina Vera Perez De Venecia. Known in showbiz for hosting the award-winning TV and radio series "Pira-pirasong Pangarap" and for her significant contributions to the movie and TV industry, Carissa comes from the esteemed Vera-Perez family, founders of Sampaguita Pictures, established in 1937. This studio was the most prestigious film production company during its peak. Her grandparents were instrumental in discovering and launching the careers of numerous film legends, including Dolphy, Susan Roces, Amalia Fuentes, Gloria Romero, and Nora Aunor.Sampaguita Pictures also played a crucial role in the career of El Maestro, also known as Elwood Perez, who had worked closely with MVP Pictures, producing major blockbusters in partnership with Sampaguita Pictures. He was this year's recipient of the prestigious Dr. Jose R. Perez Award. Some of the critically acclaimed films produced in collaboration with Marichu Maceda and the Vera-Perez family include "Masarap, Masakit ang Umibig," "Paraisong Parisukat," and "Step Sisters."Naturally influenced by the glamour of Sampaguita Pictures, Carissa's Beatriz clutches, crafted by Filipino artisans using materials like shell, thread, metal, and semi-precious stones, were a standout during this star-studded event. Both celebrities and fans wore their most elegant attire to honor the Famas celebration, many accessorizing their stylish gowns with pieces from this homegrown Filipino fashion brand.* * *Meanwhile, the Speakeasy private room at the Hyatt was the venue of the fun birthday celebration of real estate magnate Roberto Bobby Alvarez, organized by his best friend, the lovely Agile Zamora. An exclusive, intimate dinner for 30 selected good friends was held to celebrate with Bobby, who had to fly in from Iloilo to launch a project with First Lady Liza Marcos. Irene Montemayor, AJ Olpindo, Ruby Chua, Ces Rodriquez, Alice Samson, Bo Muralla, Rose Basa and Helen Ong (Standing from left) Nikki Tang, Dra. Elsie Pascua, Brenda Ngo, Cris Badiola, Carlos Montemayor and David Ackerman, (seated from left) Nympha Yatco, Nini Licaros, Nene Leonor and Virgie Monton (Standing from left) Hi Society, Shirley Sobremonte and Georgette Wilson, (seated) Agile Zamora and Bobby Alvarez A pianist-singer entertained the guests during dinner. Later, guests like David Ackerman, Bo Muralla, and Earl Villarosa, along with lady guest Ces Rodriguez, started to sing. After blowing out his birthday candles, dancing and singing continued until the wee hours of the morning.To Bobby, may you continue to enjoy life. Happiest birthday and many more to come. Cheers!