Ai Ai delas Alas on Saturday was named Best Actress at the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) for her performance as a sex worker in the gritty independent drama "Area."

Delas Alas beat a field that included actresses from Vietnam, Laos and Indonesia. The awards ceremonies were held in Kuching city, Malaysia.

This is delas Alas' second international recognition for her work in "Area" following her win in New York's Queens World Film Festival in March.

"Area" director Louie Ignacio also won at AIFFA as Best Director. His film is about an aging woman trying to break away from a life of prostitution.

The title refers to an infamous location in Pampanga where sex workers offer their services for as cheap as a can of sardines.

Delas Alas, who could not attend the gala night, wrote on Instagram: "No words can express my happiness and being so grateful for this prestigious award."

The other Filipino winners at AIFFA are Ana Capri (Best Supporting Actress) for "Daut"; Ricky Davao, (Best Supporting Actor) for "Dayang Asu"; "Imbisibol" (Best Movie Editing); and Lav Diaz's "Ang Babaeng Humayo" (Special Honour Award).

AIFFA 2017, now on its third year, aims to champion films which "promote culture, tradition and heritage towards a united ASEAN."