By Lance Joseph Martinez
Veteran actress Eva Darren was honored at the 7th Entertainment Editors’ Choice, along with four other veteran Filipino actors.
The Entertainment Editors’ Choice or “Eddys”, organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEED), honored Darren, along with Nova Villa, Lito Lapid, Gina Alajar, and Leo Martinez as movie icons for their significant impact in the Philippine film industry.
The event took place last night at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.
In her acceptance speech, Darren shared the award with other veteran actors, saying, “Ibinibahagi ko rin sa kanilang lahat [veteran actors] ang napakagandang karangalan na ito na ipinagkaloob niyo po sa akin.”
She expressed the significance of the award, especially since she recently celebrated her 78th birthday on June 28.
At the age of 17, Darren began her film career and won two Best Supporting Actress awards at the Manila Film Festival and FAMAS for her role in “Ang Pulubi” (1969). She was also nominated for a Gawad Urian for Best Supporting Actress for “Ligaya ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin” (1997).
Darren thanked her fellow veteran actors, saying, “Salamat sa mga kapwa ko beterano, noon at ngayon,” and reminded Filipinos not to forget them, “Sa inyo po [Filipinos], sana, ‘wag niyo naman kami pabayaan, wag niyo kaming kalimutan…”
Darren was previously “disrespected” at the 72nd FAMAS Awards, where she was invited as an award presenter but replaced at the last minute without being informed.
This incident was criticized by celebrities like Divine Valencia, Rita Avila, and Ogie Diaz, who shared their sympathies with the veteran actress.
FAMAS later apologized on Facebook, explaining that they “were not able to locate” Darren and offered a personal visit from the FAMAS Board to honor her.
