Filipino actor Enzo Pineda achieved a significant milestone in his career, winning the prestigious “Best Actor” award at the 2025 Emirates Film Festival for his compelling performance in the film “As The Call, So The Echo”. The film, written and directed by Rusty Palacio Guarin, also earned Guarin the title of “Best Director”, solidifying its place as a standout in this year’s competition.
The film was also nominated for “Best Film” and “Best Child Actor”, with young actor Prince España delivering an exceptional performance that added emotional depth to the story. Other cast members in the film include Kian Co and Vas Palacay.
Actress Mia Aquino, also part of the “As The Call, So The Echo” cast, won the “Best Actress” award for her performance in another film, “Isa Sa Isang Daan”, written and directed by Leia Reyna Pasumbal.
Enzo Pineda, who first rose to fame as the First Prince of GMA Network’s StarStruck Season 5 and is now a talent under ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, expressed his deep appreciation for the recognition. “Although I couldn’t be there to celebrate this incredible moment in person, my heart is full of gratitude. I want to thank the Emirates Film Festival, its distinguished jury, and Mr. Ron Awa for honoring me with this award.”
He added, “This award inspires me to continue telling stories that resonate and connect with audiences. To my fellow cast members, our brilliant director Rusty Palacio Guarin, our producer Aquino Plotado, and to the entire Production Team, this achievement belongs to all of us.
Producer Aquino Plotado, who was present at the ceremony, accepted the award on Pineda’s behalf and praised the actor for his dedication and transformative performance in the film.
Apart from Enzo Pineda for winning the Best Actor award for the film “As The Call So The Echo” and Rusty Palacio Guarin for winning the Best Director award for the same film “As The Call So The Echo”, other winners include:
Anil K.C – Best Film for “Avanthika” (Overseas)
Rosella Age and Joe Alexander – Best Film for “Determined” (UAE)
Amal Surendran – EFF 2025 People’s Choice Award for “Alone – the Loop”
Marman Ramirez – EFF 2025 Emerging Filmmakers for “Fumao”
Kay Cyrus Castellano – EFF 2025 Emerging Filmmakers for “Post Parto”
Sanjay Sanwal – EFF 2025 Emerging Filmmakers for “Kannu”
Allen Saflor – EFF 2025 Emerging Filmmakers for “Occupied”
Franky Arrocena – EFF 2025 Emerging Filmmakers for “Hello Daisy”
Rosella Age and Joe Alexander – Best Director (UAE) for “Determined”
Khalid Al Zarooni – Best Emirati Filmmaker and Producer for “70 Rupees”
April Pearl Delos Reyes – Best Film Created by a Female Director for “Exit 59”
Sneha Karar – Best Film Created by a Female Director for “Adios My Love”
Mia Aquino – Best Actress (Overseas) for “Isa Sa Isang Daan”
Meljun Viloria De Ocampo – Best Actress (UAE) for “Post Parto”
Joseph Binayao – Best Actor (UAE) for “Post Parto”
Romnick Sarmenta – Best Supporting Actor for “Occupied”
Kamlesh Bablani – Best Supporting Actor for “Pencil”
Jen Caisip – Best Supporting Actress for “Abnegasyon”
Swathi Shemil – Best Supporting Actress for “Towards Her”
Shaji N Pushpangadan – Best Screenplay for “Just a Visit”
Umesh Chandra Javagi – Best Editing for “The Vision”
Nikhil Indulkar – Best Cinematography for “Determined”
Maryam Abdulghaffar – Best Documentary Film for Dark Forest
Ma. Clarissa Xyna Faminiano – Best Original Song (“Pagod at Puyat”) for “Abnegasyon”
Nekib Ahmed – Best Fantasy Films for “Jelly’s Universe”
Shimei Martinez & Cassanda Brian Cerilo- Best Child Performer (UAE) for “Fumao”
Mehboob – Best Child Performer (Overseas) for “70 Rupees”
Maryam Imogen Ghouth – Best Experimental Film for “Not Alone”
Sherwin De Leon – Best in Visual Effects for “Eskoba”
The Emirates Film Festival 2025 showcased a remarkable lineup of global cinema, with 427 films competing from around the world. Pineda’s win highlighted the growing presence of Filipino talent on the international stage, further cementing his status as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
