Shortly after the announcement of Paolo Ballesteros as the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2016 Best Actor last December 29, his Eat Bulaga co-hosts took to Twitter and Instagram to express their congratulations.
Paolo Ballesteros, who plays Trisha Echeverria in the MMFF 2016 official entry, Die Beautiful, took home the top acting plum during the Gabi ng Parangal.
Die Beautiful is the story of a transgender woman who meets her sudden death during a beauty pageant, and is transformed into a different celebrity every night during her wake. The film is written and directed by Jun Robles Lana, and competed in the 2016 Tokyo International Film Festival, where Paolo also won the Best Actor award.
Paolo’s co-hosts Joey de Leon and Maine Mendoza immediately took to social media to congratulate their Dabarkad.
Joey (@angpoetnyo) posted a photo with Paolo on Instagram with the caption: “Kung natalo ka sa Best Actor Third Sex World War na! Congrats from Barbi! Labyu! @pochoy_29." Joey similarly highlighted makeup transformations in portraying his much-loved '80s movie character, Barbi.
Maine Mendoza (@mainedcm), on the other hand, although currently vacationing with family abroad, expressed joy upon learning of Paolo’s win. She retweeted the MMFF announcement of the Best Actor Award, saying, “Woaaaah congratulations @pochoy_29!!!!! Can't wait to get home and watch the movie! Congrats!!!!!”
Woaaaah congratulations @pochoy29!!!!! Can't wait to get home and watch the movie! Congrats!!!!! ??? httpss://t.co/gonkSkEPJC
— Maine Mendoza (@mainedcm) December 29, 2016
Die Beautiful was also voted the 42nd MMFF My Most Favorite Film, while Paolo’s co-star Christian Babes took home the Best Supporting Actor award.
(To stay updated about the latest news about the MMFF, visit https://www.pep.ph/guide/mmff)