Maja Salvador’s efforts to train as a track and field runner have finally paid off.

After being in the entertainment scene for the past 10 years, the young actress earned her first Best Actress trophy for the indie film Thelma.

Maja was able to beat other veteran actresses for the said honor during the 35thGawad Urian held last night, June 13, at the AFP Theater at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The other nominees in that category were: Lilia Cuntapay (Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay), Raquel Villavicencio (Bisperas), Eugene Domingo (Ang Babae sa Septic Tank), Opaline Santos (The Natural Phenomenon of Madness), Maria Isabel Lopez (Cuchera), Alessandra de Rossi (Ka Oryang), Fides Cuyugan (Niño), Cherie Pie Picache (Isda) and Diana Zubiri (Bahay Bata).

“Ganito pala ang pakiramdam,” said Maja as tears streamed down her face during her acceptance speech.

“Gawad Urian, maraming-maraming salamat po.

"Sampung taon na 'ko sa industriya, ngayon lang ako nanalo ng Best Actress award.

“Sa mga producers, maraming salamat sa tiwala dahil sa akin ninyo ibinigay ang Thelma.

"Sa aking director na si Paul Soriano, maraming salamat.

"Sa aking managers, Tita Mariole [Alberto], Mr. M [Johnny Manahan], sa mama ko, sa papa ko na nasa heaven na, para sa Kanya ito.”

Maja then thanked her make-up artist who gave her a vote of confidence that night.

“Salamat sa pag-makeup mo. Sabi niya, ‘Papagandahin kita, baka manalo ka.’

"Siguro nga, nagandahan sila sa akin kaya ako nanalo.

"Salamat po, Gawad Urian, maraming-maraming salamat.”

After the awarding ceremony, Maja told the press: “Lahat ng hirap ko sa paggawa ng pelikula, lahat yun nawala dahil may nakapansin po ng talento. Maraming salamat po.”