‘Alipato at Muog’ wins big at 48th Gawad Urian

The 48th Gawad Urian Awards became an evening of profound reflection and cinematic triumph as “Alipato at Muog,” the deeply personal documentary by JL Burgos, was named Best Picture — a powerful testament to truth and memory in Philippine cinema.

The film, which chronicles the 2007 disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos, also took home the awards for Best Documentary and Best Editing, solidifying JL Burgos’s reputation as both a master storyteller and a guardian of his brother’s legacy. “Alipato at Muog” stands as a reminder that cinema is not just art — it is advocacy.

A Night of Emotional Victories

While Alipato at Muog captured the heart of the awards, the night’s biggest winner in total number of trophies was Tumandok, the 2024 Cinemalaya Best Picture that continued its victory streak at Gawad Urian.

The film — directed by Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico — won Best Direction, Best Screenplay (shared with Arden Rod Condez), Best Music, and Best Supporting Actor for the late Felipe Ganancial, who passed away in May 2025 at the age of 65. His posthumous win was greeted with heartfelt applause, honoring both his artistry and his life’s devotion to film.

Breakthroughs and Firsts

After six nominations throughout his acclaimed career, Dennis Trillo finally brought home his first Gawad Urian Best Actor trophy for Green Bones, the same performance that earned him the MMFF 2024 Best Actor award. His haunting portrayal of a man haunted by guilt and violence was hailed as one of his finest performances to date.

The Best Actress award went to Arisa Nakano for Kono Basho, a moving exploration of grief and belonging that first captivated audiences at Cinemalaya. Her co-star, Gabby Padilla, was also nominated in the same category — the two had previously shared the Best Actress title at Cinemalaya 2024 (tied with Marian Rivera for Balota).

Meanwhile, Kakki Teodoro took home Best Supporting Actress for her compelling performance in Isang Himala, another role that also earned her recognition at the MMFF 2024.

Honoring a Lifetime of Excellence

The prestigious Natatanging Gawad (Lifetime Achievement Award) was presented to veteran actor Dante Rivero, whose illustrious career spanning decades continues to inspire both peers and younger generations of artists.

Complete List of Winners – 48th Gawad Urian

• Best Picture: Alipato at Muog

• Best Actor: Dennis Trillo (Green Bones)

• Best Actress: Arisa Nakano (Kono Basho)

• Best Supporting Actor: Felipe Ganancial (Tumandok)

• Best Supporting Actress: Kakki Teodoro (Isang Himala)

• Best Direction: Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico (Tumandok)

• Best Screenplay: Arden Rod Condez and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay (Tumandok)

• Best Documentary: JL Burgos (Alipato at Muog)

• Best Short Film: Kyd Toratos (Bisan Abo, Wala Bilin)

• Best Cinematography: Dan Villegas (Kono Basho)

• Best Production Design: Marxie Maolen Fadul (Green Bones)

• Best Editing: JL Burgos (Alipato at Muog)

• Best Music: Paulo Almaden and The Ati People of Kabarangkalan and Nagpana (Tumandok)

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Dante Rivero

A Celebration of Truth and Talent

This year’s Gawad Urian reaffirmed why it remains one of the most respected film honors in the country — celebrating not only the artistry of filmmakers but also their courage to tell stories that matter.

From JL Burgos’s Alipato at Muog — a haunting plea for justice — to Tumandok’s cultural awakening and Green Bones’ human vulnerability, the 48th Gawad Urian was a reminder that Philippine cinema continues to be fearless, diverse, and deeply human.