KA-LIGA na ni dating Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairperson at CEO Liza Diño-Seguerra ang sikat na international star na si Michelle Yeoh matapos parangalan ng gradong Knight ng National Order of Arts and Letters ng French government.

Ito ang masayang ibinalita ng OPM hitmaker at partner ni Liza na si Ice Seguerra sa kanyang Facebook account.

Ang mahabang congratulatory post ni Ice, “JUST GOT KNIGHTED!!!!!!

“This evening, the French government awarded Liza the grade of Knight in the National Order of Arts and Letters. Liza is the second woman in Southeast Asia to receive this award for cinema, second to Michelle Yeoh.

“It was a surreal experience. While I listened to French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz’s introduction of Liza, running down each of her achievements, I can’t help but look back to the challenging yet purposeful six years she spent as the Chairperson and CEO of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

“When Liza applied for the job, I remember her telling me about her vision for the film industry.

“She believed in our stories and our filmmakers so much that she knew if given more opportunity and support by the government, we could make our name and be key industry players in the global film community.

“She believed that each person in the audiovisual community, no matter what role we play, should be afforded occupational rights and protection.

“She believed filmmakers should be provided platforms to tell their stories no matter where they are in the Philippines. Whether you are in Manila or the regions, they should be able to access government services or training to hone their craft.

“SHE BELIEVED…, and she worked like crazy to make it happen.

“She dedicated six years of her life to public service. Divested from doing films, tv shows, basically everything she’s passionate about has been put on hold so that she could serve the industry she loves.

Though I would sometimes catch her silently tearing up because she missed acting, Liza found joy in supporting our filmmakers to achieve their goals and seeing our films recognized worldwide. She was their biggest cheerleader for every award received and every co-production deal closed.

“Her heart bled when the pandemic took away people’s jobs. She made sure that people from the industry (most of whom are either contractual or freelancers) would be able to receive financial support from the government.

“Liza worked hard to bring dignity to all film workers and give more filmmakers a chance to tell their stories to Filipinos and the world. And tonight, she was finally honored for all her hard work. I couldn’t be prouder.

“I want to thank the country of France for giving invaluable support to our industry. For lending a helping hand to better our cinema. We appreciate the knowledge you have imparted, the support you’ve extended, and the collaborative spirit that was fostered between our countries.

“Congratulations, Madame le Chevalier. You are Philippine Cinema’s Knight in Shining Armor.

“I love you!” pagtatapos ng proud partner ni Liza.