MANILA, Philippines — Actress Cherie Gil was emotional on Tuesday, June 18 after she won her first Gawad Urian for Best Supporting Actress for the movie Citizen Jake.

In her speech, the Starstruck judge said that she has waited for the trophy for a long time. Her family, including brothers Michael de Mesa, Mark Gil, and nephew Sid Lucero, have won the award in the past.

“I’m so emotional really because I waited to hold this trophy since I began,” she said.  “Hindi po ako manhid (I’m not numb) this moment promise. Eto na lang ang nag-iisang hindi ko pa natatanggap (This is the only remaining award I do not have) and I always dreamed and I hope it’s not a sign I should retire because I love what I do.”

“Eto yung pinakaaasam naming mga artista nung araw pa. (This is the award all actors want) Thank you sa mga Manunuri. I mean this was since City After Dark until recently Sonata. And all I have do was one sequence lang pala!“

She also thanked the movie’s director Mike de Leon and dedicated the award to Filipino women.

“Playing Patti Medina was more than a gift because I represented a woman affected and victimized by ills of society. And so this is for the women, sa mga kababaihan dito at sa ibang bansa, sa mga Pilipina na sumisikap para umunlad ang kanilang kabuhayan sa marangal na paraan (for Filipino women here and abroad, for Filipinas who work hard to improve their lives in a dignified manner). For the Filipino women.” — Rappler.com