2018:  THE YEAR THAT WAS
By Direk Romm Burlat

If only I could extend 2018 beyond this day, I would do it with a smile on my face. However, some good things never last. We have to leave yesterday behind. We have to leave 2018 behind. Tomorrow, we have to face another year.... 2019 which is the Year of the Earth Pig.

Philippines had a lot to be thankful for in 2018. The country has produced its fourth Miss Universe in the person of Catriona Gray.  In sports, Senator Manny Pacquiao defeated  Lucas Matthysse in the 7th round via knockout and won the WBA Welterweight title. In the modelling arena, Filipina-American model Kelse Merritt made the country proud for being the first ever Filipino to walk the  Victoria's Secret Fashion show. And Pinay singer from Cavite Bella Santiago won as grand winner of X Factor Romania.

Personally, 2018 is one of my best  years. Except for a few broken friendships and issues to some people I gave my full trust to, the whole year for me was exceptionally good. I was able to direct nine films namely Sindi (Fantasy), Cincowentro Dos (Time Travel), Beki't Ako (Comedy), Balikuko (suspense), Honor Roll (action),  Ama Ka Ng Anak Mo (Drama), Bata Bata Bakit Ka Ginawa (Drama), Pinagtagpo Pinagtagpi (Musical) and Tickled Pink ( Fashion Film). I also got to direct one TV show, a magazine show billed, Brand TV.  Moreover, I was also privileged to direct two AVPs: one for Uniball Philippines-Manila Ocean Park joint "Save The Seas" project and a spa project for Lanao. 2018 also gave me my first billboard for Belleza Spa. Likewise, I was privileged to be chosen by the Office of the President of the Philippines to be one of the speakers in its Gender Sensitivity book launching. Our ROMMantics Acting Workshop gained popularity nationwide and we got invited in other parts of the country.

As to my tangible achievements, I was so honored to be chosen as one of the Outstanding Men and Women of the Philippines 2018 along with Senator Manny Pacquiao, Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco, actress Sanya Lopez, Alma Concepcion, politician-actor Monsour del Rosario, ALV Talent Manager and Miss World Philippines CEO Arnold Vegafria among others. Another award I hold most dear is the Golden Eagle 2018 Award which bestowed to me the Most Outstanding  Asian Entertainment Director owing it to my achievement as the first Filipino Cruise Director, The third award I garnered in 2018 was the Dangal ng Bayan Outstanding Film Director given by the 38th People's Choice Award organizer. Two other Asian awards given to me in 2018 were the Best Talent Manager (ROMMantic Talent Management) and Best Director for my work in the suspense thriller, Cuckoo. A citation from DepEd as Best Director for Ama Ka Ng Anak Mo is another feather added to my cap in the year that was. That's the third Best Director award I got after winning Best Director for Agaw Pansin in the 4th Lutas Film Festival. In the 5th Inding Indie Film Festival, my five films ( Honor Roll, Akay, Cuckoo, Cincowentro Dos and Beki't Ako) which were official entries to the festival garnered 12 awards. We were also blessed that four of our films (Cincowentro Dos, Beki't Ako, Akay, Cuckoo) were picked as four of the Asian films in the 2018 Viddsee Juree. And three (Cuckoo, Cincowentro Dos Akay) were chosen as official entries to the 16th Mindanao Film Festival.

God has blessed us more than what we even asked for. But these have paved the way to sharing our blessings to others.

2019 will kick off tomorrow. I hope and pray, it will be as productive as 2018 or even much better than the year which just passed by. Most importantly, I am crossing my fingers that 2019 will be great also for the Philippines and its people. And yes, great for the whole world.

To God be The Glory!














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