Direk Romm Burlat wins 2nd international Best Actor award in Slovak Republic

Multi-awarded director, actor and socio-civic influencer, Romm Burlat wins Best Actor in a Feature Film in the recently-concluded Kosice International Film Festival in Slovak Republic. He bested 15 other Best Actor finalists from other countries in the world.

His excellent portrayal as a weird,  mentally unstable father of a cannibalistic son in  "Covered Candor (Tutop)" gave  Burlat his 2nd international Best Actor award and his third international acting award. Earlier, he won Best Actor in a Horror for the same movie in the Actors Awards in Los Angeles, California and Best Supporting Actor award in the Oniros Film Awards in Italy for his portrayal as the mentally-deranged rapist in "Attention Grabbing (Agaw Pansin)".

At the rate things are going, 2020 is Direk Romm's year in terms of awards in international film festivals. In March, his film, "Covered Candor" won Best Horror Film at the Oniros Film Awards where he was finalist as Best Producer. The movie also gave Faye Tangonan her first Best Supporting Actress award. In May, "Covered Candor" again won as Best Feature Horror Film at the Istanbul Film Awards in Turkey. Just last week, Burlat's film "Homecoming (Mammangi)" won Best Short Film in the Eurasia International Film Festival in Moscow, Russia.

Currently, his films are still competing in other film festivals in other countries. He may win another acting honor or award as Best Director or one of his films as Best Picture once the other award giving bodies will finish deliberating the entries. 

We wish Direk Romm Burlat more awards and more projects in the coming months.

Direk Romm Burlat's "Mammangi" wins Best Short Film in Moscow, Russia

The Philippine film entry about a corn farmer whose kids got separated when they were young by a huge flood that devastated the village won BEST SHORT FILM among several entries from all over the world in the Eurasia International Film Festival in Moscow, Russia.

Filmed entirely in the beautiful and progressive city of Ilagan in Isabela,  MAMMANGI (International Title: HOMECOMING) won the nod of the jurors of the festival. The movie tells about three brothers being separated by a calamity when they were young but was reunited through a necklace given by their mother when they were kids. Starred by Bidaman Ron Macapagal who is also the Assistant Director of the film and first councilor of Ilagan City, Jayve Diaz, the movie about corn farmers was first entered at the Urduja Film Festival where it won Best Actor (Lead Actor Performance award) for Macapagal and Best Heritage Film. It was followed as an Official Selection in the Sinelamdag Film Festival. Earlier this year, it was one of the featured films in the Cinema Rehiyon held in Naga City, Camarines Sur. 

In the international film festivals, "Homecoming" was a finalist in the Prague International Film Festival in Czech Republic. It is also set to compete at the Roshani International Film Festival in India where it has been chosen as an Official Entry.

This is Direk Romm's third win in his films for this year. Earlier, his Covered Candor (Tutop) won Best Horror Film at the Oniros Film Awards in Italy. It also won Best Feature Horror Film at the Istanbul Film Festival in Turkey.

Congratulations are in order for HOMECOMING (MAMMANGI) cast and crew and the City of Ilagan headed by the indefatigable Mayor Jay Diaz.

City of Ilagan First Councilor Jayve Diaz' first movie wins Best Short Film in Russia

It's not new that some actors turned into politicians. Notable of which are Mayor Isko Moreno, Congressman Vilma Santos, Vice Governor Jestoni Alarcon to name a few. But seldom can you find a politician moonlighting as a movie actor. There was Mikey Arroyo who had his first starring role with Judy Ann Santos which was not too successful. Last year, the first councilor of the progressive city of Ilagan in Isabela dipped his fingers in showbiz waters via "Mammangi" (Abot Kamay Ang Pangarap) with an international title of  "Homecoming". It was Diaz' first movie pitting acting talents with Bidaman Ron Macapagal. He did very well as a first timer. Diaz' first film "Mammangi" was immediately followed by "Kailan Sisimulan Ang Kailanman" also directed by the multi-awarded Romm Burlat.

Diaz played a long-lost doctor-brother of Macapagal where they were reunited at their father's death after being separated from flood that devastated their village. It can be recalled that "Mammangi" first gained recognition at the Urduja Film Festival giving the movie the Best Heritage Film award and a Best Actor award for Macapagal. This was followed by being chosen as an "Official Selection" in the Sinelamdag Film Festival in Mindanao. Last February, the movie was one of the chosen films during the Cinema Rehiyon in Naga City, Camarines Sur. The movie also became a finalist at the Prague International Film Festival  in Czech Republic and an official entry to the Roshani International Film Festival in India. 

The best news came in yesterday when the organizers of the Eurasia International Film Festival in Moscow, Russia announced that the movie, "Homecoming" won Best Short Film in the festival. It was the only Filipino winning entry and also the only winning film from Southeast Asia.

With the way things are going, First Councilor Diaz' successful stint as an actor may lead to him starring in another upcoming film. 

We wish Councilor Jayve the best of both worlds: politics and showbiz.

Bidaman Ron Macapagal's directorial movie debut wins Best Short Film in Russia

Bidaman Ron Macapagal is not only an actor but a director as well. After winning five (5) Best Actor awards from the movies "Ama Ka Ng Anak Mo", "Beki't Ako" and "Cuckoo"  his manager, Direk Romm Burlat offered him an assistant directorial job for the heritage drama film, "Mammangi (Abot Kamay Ang Pangarap)". Hesitant to do the job for fear that he may not be ready for it, Macapagal humbly turned the offer down. But Direk Romm's constant prodding led to Bidaman Ron's approval despite the feeling of first-time jitters. But his manager promised to guide him from pre-production until the post-production of the film shot entirely in the progressive City of Ilagan in Isabela. With the concerted efforts of the cast and the production team headed by the award-winning Cinematographer Jasper Ello and  cameraman extraordinaire, EJ Gallego, "Mammangi" turned out to be one of the best movies directed by the multi-awarded Burlat.

The movie was first fielded as an entry to the Urduja Film Festival and it earned two awards: Best Heritage Film and a Best Actor (Lead Actor Excellence Award) for Macapagal. To-date, he has a total of six(6) Best Actor awards. It was followed by its official selection at the Sinelamdag Film Festival in Mindanao. "Mammangi" was also one of the featured movies at the Cinema Rehiyon held in Naga City, Camarines Sur and an official selection in the Roshani International Film Festival in India. Last month, "Mammangi" was finalist as Best Film in the Prague International Film Festival in Czech Republic.

Just today, the movie which has an international title of "Homecoming" won Best Short Film in the Eurasia International Film Festival in Moscow, Russia beating several entries in the world. It is the only winning entry from Southeast Asia. Kudos to the producer of the film, Dr. Jay Diaz of the City of Ilagan, Isabela, its director, Romm Burlat, assistant director, Ron Macapagal, the lead stars of the film, Macapagal, first councilor of Ilagan Jayve Diaz and former Mocha girls, Jhane Santaguel and Seika Samonte.

Because of the success of Macapagal as assistant director of "Homecoming (Mammangi)", Direk Romm is giving him another project, "Bata Pa Si Abel" where he will be the man at the helm, the main director this time.

Good Luck and more blessings, Bidaman Ron Macapgal!

Direk Romm's movie, SUPPORT (AKAY) tops in the selection at Accra Indie Filmfest in Ghana

A depressed mother, a boy who doesn't know his identity and a blind man who sees the truth in everything warmed the hearts of the judges of the Accra Indie Filmfest in Ghana. Direk Romm's  "Support" (Akay) is one of the chosen films of the festival. According to the festival director, "Support is amazing. It was able to stand out among 4,000 entries from around the world". 

The film has already won several awards and citations when it was shown in the Philippines. It gave its lead star, Ailla Nolasco, two Best Actress awards from the 5th Inding Indie Film Festival and the 30th Dangal ng Bayan Entertainment awards. It also won Best New Actor award for Kimber Lee who got a nomination for Best Actor at the Christian Film Festival where Burlat also got a Best Director nomination. Moreover, it also honored Paolo Magsino the Best Cinematographer award at the 5th Inding Indie Film Festival. Last year, "Support" was one of the finalists at the 16th We Care International Film Festival in New Delhi, India.

Direk Romm just received an email today from the organizers that he will be interviewed for the festival during its formal opening. "It's an honor that even in Africa, our film is recognized through its merits. Crossing our fingers that it will reap some honors during the awards night next month.", Burlat quipped.

Lately, Burlat has been gaining recognition and awards in international film festivals proof positive that his films are of high quality. His films "Covered Candor" (Tutop), and Cuckoo have been gaining several accolades in foreign festivals.

Good luck at the Accra Indie Filmfest Awards Night in Ghana, Direk Romm!

15 New Faces will be introduced in Direk Romm's IT'S ENTERTAINMENT Variety show on television

The launching of a variety show on television has gained so much attention from teens all over the Philippine archipelago. A brainchild of the multi-awarded actor and director cum socio-civic  influencer Romm Burlat, "It's Entertainment" is a venue to discover raw talents to be introduced in this weekly program over at the Manila Times TV.

The 30 hopefuls will vie for the Top 15 slots to be announced on the Big Night in August. The finalists have already been  into several online tasks like dancing, hosting, acting, news casting and leadership skills training with Direk Romm in the past few weeks. These tasks will be included as criteria in the selection of Top 15 plus a one-on-one interview with some other judges. The fans and supporters of each finalist will also help them via online and text votes. The Top 30 is almost complete. So far, here are the finalists coming from all over the Philippines.

Direk Romm amasses 28 international awards and recognition as actor and director and for his films

There is no stopping for Direk Romm Burlat. Despite the pandemic, he continues to reap honors in international film festivals and awards. The latest were  recognition from Istanbul Film Film Awards, Prague International Film Festival and Sweden Film Awards.

To-date, he has amassed 12 awards as an actor and director and 16 recognition for his films.  These 28 recognition are as follows:

Best Director, 16^th We Care International Film Festival (New Delhi, India) Film: Ama Ka Ng Anak Mo (Father of Your Son) 2019

Best Actor (in a Horror), Actors Awards (Los Angeles, California, USA) Film: Tutop (Covered Candor) 2020

Best Supporting Actor, Oniros Film Awards (St. Vincent, Italy) Film: Agaw Pansin (Attention Grabbing) 2020

Best Actor Finalist, Prague International Film Festival (Czech Republic) Film: Tutop (Covered Candor) 2020

Best Director Finalist, Prague International Film Festival (Czech Republic) Film: Honor Roll 2020

Best Director Finalist, Prague International Film Festival (Czech Republic) Film: Cuckoo 2020

Best Producer Finalist, (Covered Candor), Oniros Film Awards (Italy)

 Other International Recognition:

Outstanding Filipino Film Director, 38th People’s Choice Excellence Awards 2017

Outstanding Asian Film Director, 40th Top Choice Global Awards 2019

Outstanding Movie Director and Actor, World Class Excellence Japan Awards 2019

Outstanding Asian Film Director, 15th Golden Eagle Excellence Awards 2019

Best TV Talk Show Host, 1st Southeast Asian International Achievement Awards 2019

Most Outstanding Asian Entertainment Director, Golden Eagle Excellence Awards 2018

The achievements for his films are as follows:

Winner, Best Horror Film (Covered Candor), Oniros Film Awards (Italy)

Winner, Best Horror Feature Film (Covered Candor), Istanbul Film Awards (Turkey)

Finalist, Best Feature Film, (Covered Candor), Oniros Film Awards (Italy)

Finalist, Cuckoo, Festival Internacional de Cinema da Figueria da Foz (Portugal)

Finalist, Beki’t Ako (Gay & I), ShanghaiPRIDE Film Festival (Shanghai, China)

Finalist, Beki’t Ako (Gay & I), TQU Queer Film Festival (Berlin, Germany)

Finalist, Beki’t Ako (Gay & I), Playa del Carmen LGBTQ Film Festival (Mexico)

Finalist, Akay (Support), 16^th We Care Film Festival (India)

Finalist, Ama Ka Ng Anak Mo (Father of Your Son) 16^th We Care Film Festival (India)

Finalist, Sindi (Set Alight), London Lift-Off Film Festival

Semi-Finalist, Agaw Pansin (Attention Grabbing), Oniros Film Awards (Italy)

Semi-Finalist, Tutop (Covered Candor), Cinema Lab 2020 (Colombia)

Selected, Balikuko (Twist of Fate), London Lift-Off Film Festival (England)

Selected, Ama Ka Ng Anak Mo (Father of Your Son), London Lift-Off Film Festival (England)

Selected, Save The Seas, International Underwater Film Festival Belgrade (Serbia)

Selected, Ilagan Tourism AVP, International Tourism Film Festival Riga (Latvia)

 Locally, Burlat won 8 Best Director awards, 1 Best Actor, 1 Best Supporting Actor and 1 Best Talent Manager award. His films are currently in the Official Selection of film festivals in the US, Italy, Ghana, Spain, England and India. Let us wait if there are additions to his harvest in the international film market.

The tandem of Direk Romm and Direk Marvin spells magic at international film festivals

The chemistry of Direk Romm Burlat and Direk Marvin Gabas started with the twin-bill "Cincowentro" and "Cincowentro Dos" where they both directed. Burlat was also an actor in the sequel. The two movies gained recognition in local film festivals. It was followed by the award-winning "Cuckoo" which is now moving around film festivals abroad amassing awards for Bidaman Ron Macapagal and Direk Romm.  The movie was directed by Burlat but Gabas did the screenplay.

Last year,  Burlat who owns ROMMantic Entertainment Productions thought it wise to produce, direct  and act in a horror film. He wants a follow up of a Best Actor award which he first won via the movie, "Sindi" where he also won Best Director at the Gawad Filipino Awards. So for him to fully concentrate on his role, he offered the directorial job to another award-winning director who is Gabas who had his hands full in directing "Tutop" with an international title of "Covered Candor". The first plan was a short film until they both decided to make it a full length film so it will have a chance to be exhibited in theaters.

Tutop was shown at Cine Adarna, UP Film Center as an official entry to the Gawad Sining Film Festival.  Both Burlat and Gabas were nominated Best Actor and Best Director/Best Screenplay respectively. The awards night ended with Gabas getting the Best Screenplay award.

Direk Romm, being the producer had the film sent to other film festivals all over the world believing the well-crafted film has a chance of being recognized in international film festivals. He was right. The movie first became a semi-finalist at the Colombia Film Lab 2020 in Colombia, South America. But it was the Oniros Film Festival in Italy where Tutop harvested quite a number of awards. The movie won Best Horror Film and a Best Supporting Actress award for Faye Tangonan. It was also a finalist for Best Feature Film and Best Producer award. Last month, Direk Romm realized his dream of a second Best Actor award when he won Best Actor in a Horror at the Actors Awards in Los Angeles, California. This was followed by another award for the film from the Istanbul Film Awards in Turkey. "Covered Candor" won  Best Horror Feature Film, the lone Asian winner in that festival. After which, the Sweden Film Awards bestowed on Burlat a Best Actor finalist citation and Gabas a Best Director citation. Just last week, Direk Romm was again bestowed the honors as a finalist in the Best Actor category in the Prague International Film Festival in Czech Republic. Now, the movie got nominations at the Kosice International Film Festival in Slovak Republic.

Due to the success of their tandem, Direk Romm has commissioned Direk Marvin again for two award-winning projects. First is "Berta", the story of the gay orphaned who had his dreams fulfilled and lost it when he fell in love with a drug dependent who left him for a woman. Based on a true story, Berta is now roaming the streets of Cebu in a different mental state. His life has been trending in the social media. The second movie is "Imik" which is about a deaf-mute who's a witness to a crime of the century. Both these projects will be directed by Direk Marvin with Direk Romm playing the leads. 

Before the shoot of these two movies, Burlat will finish his two directorial jobs: "And I Loved Her" and "Bakit Nasa Huli Ang Simula" and starts filming "Ban-Uk", "Venus in my Mind" and "Bata Pa Si Abel".

These two award-winning directors will also have their previous movies shown on television very soon.