This piece was posted in Pinoy Exchange forum. I'm still trying to find out his or her name. I'll update that later for now enjoy this great article.

Actress of the Decade!

Nora Aunor was the only actress who graced the affair of the PMPC's 20th Star Awards for Movies in recognition of the Top Three Actress of the Decade (referring to the second decade of PMPC's awards. Sharon begged off due to her delicate situation, pregnant that she is.

It was one of the more remarkable speeches the superstar gave (she was sober, to say the least -- though immaterial).

In the speech, she outlined her achievements as an actress of the Philippines, her movies recognized in international film festivals abroad. Such films, though not commercially viable, were movies to which critics and academicians look back and use as case studies in various discussions, she adds.

She asserted the fact that, while her luster as a star has diminished by fighting for such movies, she believes that these movies were worth fighting for (sometimes producing it herself), but to which she truly feels worth watching by the movie-going public. She continues by saying that she would still be fighting for such movies if she were given the chance to go back in time.

She affirms she would still be doing socially relevant movies. In her closing, she acknowledged the directors she worked with like the late Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal - two directors that brought her movies to Berlin and Cannes, to Joel Lamangan for the Cairo film festival acclaimed movie The Flor Contemplacion Story, and to Gil Portes. She also mentioned Maryo J. de los Reyes, to which she is happy to have finished the movie "Naglalayag," to be shown this year.

She also offered the award to her family, to the fans, the Federation, GANAP, and ICON.

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The speech last night of Ms. Aunor, truly one of the greatest actresses the Philippines has ever produced, reclaims that she is not to be put down. She is a strong force to reckon with, and that no amount of mudslinging can put her and her achievements down. Further, she was elegant last night, completely opposite from the rugged jeans type of girl. What she was last night is truly representative of an Actress of the Decade.

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Sidelight: Upon her entrance, and while walking down to get her seat, fans were cheering her, and this occurred while the show was on air, to which hosts Kristine Hermosa and Aga Muhlach got distracted and had to recognize her arrival. Yes, the queen is truly a queen!

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From Abante Online, Feb 17, 2004

Dekada awardee si Ate Guy. Read on...

Nominees sa 20th Star Awards for Movies by Abu Tilamzik

Si Susan Roces ang Ulirang Artista Awardee sa 20th PMPC Star Awards for Movies na gaganapin sa Marso 13 sa AFP Theater.

Dalawang dekada na ang SAFM kaya magbibigay ng special ‘Dekada Awards’ ang samahan.

‘Dekada’ awardees ang mga aktres na sina Nora Aunor, Sharon Cuneta at Vilma Santos; ang mga aktor na sina Ricky Davao, Christopher de Leon at Phillip Salvador; at ang mga direktor (at kaukulang pelikula) na sina Marilou Diaz-Abaya (Jose Rizal), Joel Lamangan (The Flor Contemplacion Story) at Butch Perez (Mumbaki).

Narito ang opisyal na talaan ng mga nominado sa ika-20 PMPC Star Awards for Movies…

MOVIE OF THE YEAR: Filipinas (Viva Films), Homecoming (Teamwork Productions), Huling Birhen sa Lupa (Viva films), Magnifico (Violett Films), Mano Po 2 (Regal Entertainment).

MOVIE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR: Maryo J. de los Reyes (Magnifico), Joel Lamangan (Filipinas), Joel Lamangan (Huling Birhen sa Lupa), Erik Matti (Mano Po 2), Gil Portes (Homecoming).

MOVIE ACTRESS OF THE YEAR: Sharon Cuneta (Crying Ladies), Ai Ai de las Alas (Ang Tanging Ina), Ara Mina (Huling Birhen sa Lupa), Zsa Zsa Padilla (Mano Po 2), Maricel Soriano (Filipinas), Lorna Tolentino (Magnifico).

MOVIE ACTOR OF THE YEAR: Christopher de Leon (Mano Po 2), Richard Gomez (Filipinas), Jay Manalo (Huling Birhen sa Lupa), Jiro Manio (Magnifico), Albert Martinez (Magnifico), Aga Muhlach (Kung Ako Na Lang Sana).

MOVIE SUPPORTING ACTRESS OF THE YEAR: Hilda Koronel (Crying Ladies), Elizabeth Oropesa (Homecoming), Gloria Romero (Magnifico), Judy Ann Santos (Mano Po 2), Dawn Zulueta (Filipinas).

MOVIE SUPPORTING ACTOR OF THE YEAR: Marky Lopez (Bugbog Sarado), Victor Neri (Filipinas), Eric Quizon (Crying Ladies), Jericho Rosales (Pagsasamang Kayganda: Noon at Ngayon), Gardo Versoza (Babae sa Breakwater).