Martin del Rosario Calls for Open Minds on Sex: 'Let's Be More Progressive'
A Bold Statement on Sex and Sensuality in Filipino Cinema
Actor Martin del Rosario made a powerful impact at the 1st CineSilip Film Festival by addressing the stereotypes surrounding sex and sensuality in Filipino cinema. He won the Best Actor award for his role in Haplos sa Hangin, a film that not only showcased his talent but also sparked important conversations about the portrayal of sexuality in art.
Martin’s acceptance speech was particularly notable for its thoughtful and progressive message. He expressed gratitude to the festival organizers for giving filmmakers and actors the opportunity to be part of bold and daring projects. “Gusto kong magpasalamat sa CineSilip dahil binigyan ninyo ng opportunity ang mga filmmakers, kaming mga actors, na maging parte ng mga mas daring saka mas matapang na mga pelikula,” he said during the event.
He went on to challenge the stigma often associated with erotic films, which are frequently seen as shallow or purely focused on sexual content. “Sana, after this festival, mawala na ‘yung stigma sa mga erotic movies na pino-forward-forward mo lang sa sex scenes dahil walang kuwento. Dahil hindi naman talaga gano’n. Kaya naman nating gumawa ng sexy na may kuwento din,” he emphasized.
Martin stressed that sex and sexuality are natural parts of life and should be explored with maturity and honesty on screen. “Siyempre sana, maging bukas pa ‘yung isip nating lahat, or ng mga institusyon, sa usaping sex. Kasi parte naman ‘yan ng katotohanan sa buhay. Sana mas maging progresibo ang pag-iisip natin sa sex, seksuwalidad, even gender identity,” he added.
His award-winning film Haplos sa Hangin also received recognition for its storytelling and artistic merit. The film took home the 3rd Best Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Musical Score awards at the festival. This success highlights the film's ability to balance sensuality with meaningful narrative.
Other Notable Winners at the 1st CineSilip Film Festival
In addition to Martin del Rosario, several other actors and filmmakers were recognized for their contributions to the festival. Migs Almendras won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in Dreamboi, which also claimed the Best Film and Best Director awards for Rodina Singh.
The complete list of major winners includes:
- Best Film: Dreamboi
- 2nd Best Film: Pagdaong
- 3rd Best Film: Haplos sa Hangin
- Best Actor: Martin del Rosario (Haplos sa Hangin)
- Best Actress: Angela Morena (Pagdaong)
- Best Supporting Actor: Migs Almendras (Dreamboi)
- Best Supporting Actress: Chloe Jenna (Maria Azama Best Prn Star)
- Best Screenplay: Sonny Calvento and Mikko Baldoza (Haplos sa Hangin)
- Best Director: Rodina Singh (Dreamboi)
- Best Cinematography: Malay Javier (Dreamboi)
- Best Editing: Arnex Nicolas (Dreamboi)
- Best Production Design: Chips Day Abando (Dreamboi)
- Best Sound: Immanuel Verona and John Buquid (Dreamboi)
- Best Musical Score: Paulo Almaden (Haplos sa Hangin)
- Audience Prize: Dreamboi
CineSilip: A Platform for Artistic Risk-Taking
CineSilip has quickly established itself as a platform that celebrates bold and thought-provoking films. The festival aims to highlight works that explore themes such as desire, identity, and freedom. It provides a space where artists can take creative risks and push boundaries.
Martin’s message aligns with the festival’s mission. His closing remarks emphasized the importance of coexistence between sensuality and storytelling. “Sex is part of life’s truth,” he said. “And it’s time we treat it with openness, depth, and respect.”
