Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, 35, of the Philippines was one of the five recipients of the Best Actor Award at the eighth edition of the Asia Artist Awards. The others were South Korea’s Lee Joon-hyuk, 39, Lee Dong-hwi, 38, Ahn Hyo-seop, 28, of Kim Se-jeong, 27.
Hosted by Kang Daniel (강다니엘), 27, Sung Han-bin (성한빈), 22, and Jang Won-young (장원영), 19, the 2023 Asia Artist Awards was held at the Philippine Arena in Santa Maria, Bulacan, Philippines on December 14, 2023. It was the first time the country hosted the awards ceremony, which was organized by STAR NEWS, TONZ ENTERTAINMENT and PULP Live World.
Aside from Cantiveros, there were several other Filipino awardees. Kathryn Bernardo, 27, and Daniel Padilla, 28, were the Fabulous Award recipients in the television category.
SB19 received the Best Artist Award and the Hot Trend Award. Ben&Ben was one of the 10 Best Choice Award recipients in the music category and Hori7on was one of the two Focus Award recipients in the music category.
Cantiveros played the title character in “Ma’am Chief”, a police officer and a K-pop fan who disguises herself as a tour guide to apprehend a fugitive in South Korea. It was based on a story by PULP Studios chief operating officer Happee Sy Go.
Mostly filmed in Seoul, South Korea, “Ma’am Chief” marked the directorial debut of Kring Kim. The screenplay was written by Sofia Hazel Calayag, a retired police officer’s daughter.
Joining Cantiveros in the cast are Karylle, Alora Sasam, Jennica Garcia, Bernadette Allyson, Enzo Almario, Sela Guia, Marinella Sevidal, Dustine Mayores, Louella Gomez, Al Tantay and Pepe Herrera. Some of them graced the 2023 Asia Artist Awards red carpet.
CONAN Daily 