Cover image via Clemens Bilan / Getty Images
The Film Academy of the Philippines ([FAP] (http://filmacademyphil.org)) has just selected [Brillante Mendoza] (http://says.com/ph/news/ma-rosa-showing-in-ph-theaters-on-july-cast-to-attend-french-film-festival)'s film, [Ma' Rosa] (http://says.com/ph/kulture/watch-brillante-mendoza-s-latest-cannes-entry-trailer), to represent the country at the Best Foreign Language film category of Oscars 2017!
The film was a **Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or** nominee which [won Jaclyn Jose the Best Actress award] (http://says.com/ph/showbiz/jaclyn-jose-bags-best-actress-award-at-cannes-2016-for-brillante-mendoza-s-ma-rosa) against Charlize Theron and Marion Cottilard who are both celebrated actresses internationally.
Let's not forget the brilliant cast of the film including Julio Diaz, [Baron Geisler] (http://says.com/ph/imho/this-singing-video-of-baron-geisler-will-make-you-give-him-a-hug), [Mercedes Cabral] (http://says.com/ph/news/omg-these-young-pinays-will-make-you-wow), [Andi Eigenmann] (http://says.com/ph/showbiz/bashers-called-andi-eigenmann-s-daughter-ugly-andi-b), Mark Anthony Fernandez, Mon Confiado and [Maria Isabel Lopez] (http://says.com/ph/showbiz/bashers-called-andi-eigenmann-s-daughter-ugly-andi-b).
Image via Zimbio
One of Jaclyn Jose's famous and close kontrabida friends, Cherie Gil, took to Instagram her congratulatory greeting, praising the film and admiring Jose's great contribution to the film and television industry
"On the set with MA' ROSA herself. No matter what has been, this lady will always have my respect and admiration for her incredible work and contribution as an actress ! Aside from the fact that she is the mother of my niece @andieigengirl who I'm equally proud of. #Oscars #Fap #msjaclynjose congratulations," wrote Gil.
Brillante Mendoza posted his thanks to the FAP committee and the film's supporters on Twitter
Before FAP has chosen Ma' Rosa, some of the films that were considered are Lav Diaz's Ang Babaeng Humayo and Joel Lamangan's Felix Manalo
The other films which the FAP committee reviewed were *Honor Thy Father* by Erik Matti, *Hele sa Hiwagan Hapis* by Lav Diaz, *Dukot* by Paul Soriano, *Pamilya Ordinaryo* by Eduardo Roy Jr., *Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli* by Gil Portes, and *Tuos* by Roderick Cabrido.
Image via Cannes Film Festival
