When Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde accepted the Best Actor award at the 73rd FAMAS, it was more than a personal victory—it was a defining moment for Filipino cinema and for Nathan Studios, the production company championing stories with both heart and global resonance.
Atayde’s win for “Topakk,” where he plays a soldier-turned-security guard grappling with PTSD, showcased the actor’s rare ability to merge physical intensity with emotional depth.
His portrayal, supported by Julia Montes and Sid Lucero, resonated not just with local audiences but also with international juries, with “Topakk” earning praise at Cannes, Locarno, Austin, and Catalonia before making its way to the Metro Manila Film Festival.
The FAMAS jury recognized both artistry and courage in Atayde’s performance. Yet in his acceptance speech, the actor deflected the spotlight toward Filipino soldiers and those silently battling mental health challenges.
“To anyone experiencing struggles, know that you are loved and never alone,” he said—words that echoed the film’s very soul.
“Hindi lahat ng may topak, may topak naman. We are all leading in our own ways, most of the time it is misunderstood,” Atayde added.
“Topakk” also won Best Sound.
For Nathan Studios, co-founded by Atayde’s mother Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde, these accolades serve not just as validation but as fuel for bigger ambitions.
“This gives us the energy to create more original films,” Sanchez said, hinting at a new project featuring actors with Down syndrome in leading roles—a bold step toward more inclusive storytelling.
Atayde, who tied with Vice Ganda for the Best Actor honor, remained grounded, thanking his parents, his wife Maine Mendoza, and colleagues for their support.
“This award will serve as inspiration to do better every time I face a new chapter,” he shared, urging the industry to keep championing Filipino films.
With “Topakk” slated for a Netflix release, Nathan Studios’ trajectory seems unstoppable—bridging local grit with global acclaim, and proving that stories born from Filipino experience can indeed speak to the world.
