Celebrity Galore

Actress Gina Pareño made a dramatic entrance at the 3rd Asian Film Awards—the region’s answer to the Oscars—held on Monday night

Gina Pareño wins the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in “Serbis” at the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong March 23, 2009

at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

According to two members of the Philippine delegation, when Pareño’s name was called as Best Supporting Actress winner for her work in “Serbis,” she was nowhere to be found.

“Serbis” director Dante Mendoza, a nominee for Best Director, went up the stage to accept Pareño’s trophy, scriptwriter Senedy Que recalled in an e-mail to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. As Dante began to speak, Que wrote, Gina was suddenly sighted running toward the stage.

“I’m sorry, I was in the ladies room,” were the actress’ first words, delivered breathlessly, from the podium, Jazel Virtusio of the Animation Council of the Philippines said in a text message.

Disarmed, the audience laughed, and then applauded, both Virtusio and Que related.

“Gina explained that the restroom was very far from the hall,” Virtusio said. “And then she proceeded to deliver what would be the night’s longest acceptance speech, sharing her victory with costar Jaclyn Jose, who was also nominated.”

“Serbis” tells the story of a family who operates and lives in a run-down movie house where prostitutes ply their trade.

Source [ INQUIRER ]