‘AA’ Best Actor Vin Abrenica is the younger brother of Kapuso actor Aljur, while Best Actress Sophie is the cousin of former actress Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski of the affluent Cojuangco clan (Photos courtesy of the ‘Artista Academy’ official website)
MANILA, Philippines – Onscreen pair Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert were hailed the first “Artista Academy” Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively, during the show’s live Awards Night held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
The two received the highest grades – 40% of which was the accumulated average grade from the last three weeks, 40% based on last night’s performances, and 20% from audience text votes – among their contenders Shaira Mae, Chanel Morales, Mark Neumann, and Akihiro Blanco.
The Best Actress award was presented by veteran actor-director Eddie Garcia and TV5 President and CEO Ray Espinosa, while the Best Actor nod was awarded by the Superstar Nora Aunor and TV5 Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan.
In their individual speeches, Abrenica and Albert both expressed thanks to the Lord; the Kapatid network; the “Artista Academy” critics Mac Alejandre, Gelli de Belen, Lorna Tolentino, and Wilma Galvante; the “AA” “TA”s; their supporters; and their families, among others.
“To my love team, Vin Abrenica, I couldn’t have made it here without him, and I’m so happy that we’re both standing here today,” Albert added.
On his part, Abrenica said, “Hindi ko ma-express kung ga’no ‘ko ka-saya ngayon, kasi sinabi ko naman papasa ‘ko dahil ito mismo ang pangarap ko. Tapos nakuha ko ‘yung Best Actor award. Isa sa mga pangarap ko [ay] natupad at sobrang saya ko…
“Gusto ko’ng maging consistent, gusto ko’ng maging Best Actor hanggang sa pinakahuli. I won’t stop here,” he assured.
Abrenica and Albert were each given P10 M worth of cash and other prizes, as well as exclusive contracts with TV5. As winners, they were also hailed the newest ambassadors for toothpaste brand Close-Up.
Meanwhile, Mae, Morales, Neumann, and Blanco were also given exclusive contracts, and are also reportedly set to appear with the rest of the “Artista Academy” alumni in an upcoming teen-oriented show on the Kapatid network.
The Factual Zone 