Arjo Atayde, Dimples Romana attend first-ever Asian Academy Creative Awards networking in Manila

Kapamilya stars and Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) winners Arjo Atayde and Dimples Romana graced the first-ever AACA networking event in the country held last June 6 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas. The two joined several other Filipino winners to share some insights on how their win made an impact not just for them but for the industry. 

Several filmmakers, producers, and ABS-CBN’s Chairman Mark Lopez were also in attendance for the networking event.

READ: Kapamilya stars score national wins at Asian Academy Creative Awards

Dimples, who was a two-time National Winner for her roles in Kadenang Ginto and Viral Scandal, expressed her gratitude for the recognition it gave her not just locally but internationally as well.

“Both are very distinct yet the recognition fosters a really healthy pride for the nation–– of what we can do, what we represent, what we can showcase to Southeast Asia and globally as well. When you win this award, you inspire other Filipino creators as well–– actors, directors, [and] filmmakers,” she shared.

“When you become a National Winner, it gives you a sense of self-confidence to what you can offer. It gives you a glimpse of what Filipinos are and what we stand for as a nation. Making us able and encouraging a lot to meet those standards,” she added.

The Kapamilya actress also recalled her experience as the representative of the country while attending the awards night in Singapore. She beamed with pride to share the things she had learned in the past with other people as well.

READ: ABS-CBN honored with Legacy Award by Asian Academy Creative Awards

Meanwhile, Arjo, who won the Best Actor in a Leading Role for the series Bagman, admitted to the audience what he felt when he bagged the award in 2020. He was the only winner for the country that year which made his experience more meaningful.

“I was a bit hopeful but not really… When it actually happened, whatever reaction I had there was a sincere reaction of disbelief. I was just like ‘What? We won?’ I never felt like I won because I was brought into that situation by the people, by ABS-CBN,” he shared.

“This is surreal. I wish everyone was there,” he continued. 

Apart from interviewing previous winners, founder and president of the AACA Michael McKay facilitated a round table discussion with several notable people from the industry–– Film Development Council of the Philippines chairman Jose Javier Reyes, VIU Head of Content Garlic Garcia, Regal Entertainment COO Roselle Monteverde, and ABS-CBN’s Head of International Productions Ruel Bayani, among others.