From a bubbly winner accepting her award at the 7th Gawad Tanglaw at the University of Perpetual Help System in Las Piñas Monday evening, Judy Ann Santos, who was named best actress for her performance in “Ploning,” turned teary-eyed as she recounted the hard days of doing the awarded masterpiece.

“Produkto po ito ng aming pagkakaibigan,” said Santos, referring to her friendship with Dante Nikko Garcia, who won the best director award.

Santos and Garcia have been together in so many projects, with Garcia working as art director, production designer and wardrobe master for the young actress.

Garcia also attributed the success of the movie to Santos’ professionalism. “Kung wala po si Judai, wala akong ididirek.”

“Ploning” also grabbed best cinematography, best story and best editing awards.

Santos shared the award with veteran actress Anita Linda for her stunning performance in “Adela.”

 “I am honored to be standing here accepting the award. I feel blessed,” said Linda, who is the recipient of the very first acting award in the history of Philippine cinema in 1953.

Both Baron Geisler and John Estrada clinched the best actor medal for their convincing portrayals as gay in “Jay” and as caregiver’s husband in “Caregiver,” respectively.

“I will treasure this award very much. This is a first time in my career,” Estrada said.

“I am doubly happy for this award. My director Francis Xavier Pasion isn’t around because he’s in Mexico to also accept an award for this movie,” informed Geisler.

Boots Anson-Roa won the best supporting actress award for her “out of the box” character in “Lovebirds.”

“I also dedicate this award to my late husband Pete,” said  Roa who was obviously mesmerized and touched by the background music playing offstage, “Minamahal,” a classic kundiman. “’Yan po ang laging kinakanta sa akin ni Pete no’n.”

Emilio Garcia was named the best supporting actor for his portrayal in Joel Lamangan’s “Walang Kawala.”

Interestingly, there were four winners under the best screenplay, best director and best film categories, namely “Ploning,” “Boses” by Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, “100” by Chris Matrinez and “Jay” by Francis Xavier Pasion.

The Student’s Choice Award went to Viva Films’ “Baler” directed by Mark Meiley.

Seiko Films’ boss Robbie Tan won the Gawad Tanglaw ng Pelikulang Pilipino while internationally acclaimed director Brillante Mendoza was bestowed the Presidential Jury Award for Film Excellence for his body of work namely “Masahista,” “Manoro,” “Kaleldo,” “Foster Child,” “Tirador” and “Serbis.”