Manila, Philippines- for almost 35 years sa showbiz industry, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ay ngayong lang na-nominate ang action star na si Jeric Raval sa pagiging aktor.
Si Jeric ay noninado sa Best Supporting Actor category sa darating na 73rd Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards, one of the country’s most prestigious recognitions in cinema, para sa biographical drama na MAMAY: A Journey to Greatness.
Si Jeric ang gumanap sa papel ni Mayor Marcos Mamay ng munisipalidad ng Nunungan, Lanao del Norte. Siya ang title roler sa pelikula.
“Bilang artista, importante ang nomination sa akin. Nakakalaki sa pagging artista ko saka ‘yung respeto, nadadagdagan.
“Sa totoo lang, ilang taon na akong artista leto ngayon lang ako na-nominate kaya talagang happy ako.
“Sana manalo ako,” dasal pa ni Jeric.
Teka, di ba dapat ay sa Best Actor category siya na-nominate?
“Natanong ko rin yan sa sarili ko, kung bakit sa supporting actor category ako nailagay, e, nasa title role ako pero okay na rin and nagpapasalamat naman ako dahil napansin tayo,” sabi pa niya.
FYI, hindi lang si Jeric ang nakakuha ng nomination sa nasabing pelikula dahil sampung nominasyon ang hinakot ng Neal Buboy Tan megger.
The film also earned nominations in the following categories:
• Best Picture – Mamay
• Best Actress – Ara Mina
• Best Director – Neal Buboy Tan
• Best Screenplay – Neal Buboy Tan
• Best Production Design – Cyrus Khan
• Best Cinematography – Gilbert Obispo
• Best Musical Score – Mamay
• Best Sound – Mamay
• Best Song – “Hamon” by Gerald Santos, composed by Vehnee Saturno
Kahit si Mayor Mamay ay nabigla nang nabalitaab niya ang sampung nokinasyon sa kanyang biopic.
“Napakalaking karangalan na na-nominate tayo.
“Lalo tuloy akong na-inspire na gumawa ng more movie dahil sa ten nominations,” sabi pa niya.
Malapit sa showbiz industry si Mayor lalo at siya ang advicer ng actor’s guild bukod pa sa isa rin siyang producer.
“Time management lang naman ang kailangan at dapat may oras ka sa lahat, i-balance mo ang lahat,” sabi niya.
Mamay: A Journey to Greatness narrates the life story of Mayor Marcos, who overcame personal hardship and a long-standing clan conflict, known as rido, through education and a commitment to peace-building.
The film underscores his leadership and vision in transforming his community toward development and progress.
“I grew up in conflict, but I chose not to let it define my future. Instead, I focused on education and peace, believing they were the only weapons strong enough to change lives,” Mayor Mamay said in a statement.
He further emphasized that his journey reflects broader aspirations shared by many Filipinos:
“My story is proof that no matter how difficult your beginnings are, if you remain determined in your journey, you can achieve greatness—not just for yourself but for your community.”
Mayor Mamay also shared that he is proud to have contributed behind the camera as Assistant Director of the film.
Because many scenes—particularly those depicting Muslim culture and traditions—are sensitive, he wanted to ensure they were portrayed with authenticity and respect.
“I wanted to make sure the story, especially the Muslim scenes, was delivered properly. Ayaw kong mabash dahil this is not just my story—it represents my culture and my people,” he explained.
The cast includes Ara, Teejay Marquez, Polo Ravales, Ali Forbes, Victor Neri, Julio Diaz, Sabrina M, Devon Seron, Ron Angeles, Jethro Ramirez, Alvin Fortuna, Dennis Coronel, Shiela Delgado, Baby F. Go, Via Veloso, Katrina Paula, Toni Co, Tonz Are, EJ Malik, Dan Mabano, and more. JP Ignacio