Historical film "Gomburza" star, Cedrick Juan, bagged the Best Actor award at the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), beating veteran actors and A-listers.

Juan's portrayal of José Burgos, one of the three Catholic priests executed during the Spanish occupation in the Philippines, won him the coveted title against nominees Christopher de Leon, Piolo Pascual, Dingdong Dantes, Alden Richards, and Derek Ramsey.

At the awards ceremony held Wednesday night at the New Frontier Theater, Juan dedicated his win to victims of injustice like the titular priests of his film and urged Filipinos to learn from history.

"Iniaalay ko ang parangal na ito para sa lahat ng mga Pilipinong hindi nakakakuha ng tamang hustisya," he said.

"Hundred and fifty-two years ago, ito po ang nangyayari sa atin at ito po ang kwento ng tatlong paring martir. Sana ay matuto tayo sa ating history, hindi para baguhin ito kundi para matuto," the actor added.

He also thanked the Gomburza team for their unwavering support for him.

Veteran actress Vilma Santos bagged the Best Actress trophy for her stellar performance in "When I Met You in Tokyo."

In her speech, Santos admitted that they were not gunning for the acting awards when they made the film.

"Hindi ko po ine-expect ito. Ang adbokasiya lang po namin talaga when we did 'When I Met You In Tokyo,' it's not even the Best Actress, Best Actor, we just wanted to do a simple love story sa edad po namin," said Santos, who co-starred in the film with de Leon.

"Ang adbokasiya po namin ay maging successful ang Metro Manila Film Festival and at the same time, mabalik po sana 'yung mga tao sa sine, 'yun po ang aming inasam-asam nung mapasama nitong Metro Manila Film Festival, 'yung po 'yung dream," she also said.

Instead of the usual eight films, a total of 10 films competed for the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal awards this year.

The Zig Dulay-directed "Firefly" starring Alessandra de Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell was named Best Picture and Best Screenplay. Mikaell also took home the Best Child Performer award.