Author: Press Release

Meet Me at The Pen: A Symphony of Talent Unveiled

Spend an evening with a true Philippine music legend as multi-awarded musician, composer, conductor, and 2018 National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab returns to The Peninsula Manila for Meet Me at The Pen: A Symphony of Talent Unveiled, a one-night-only pre-47^th anniversary dinner concert at The Lobby on Thursday, August 10.

Bringing together the indelible legacy of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, the music of multi-hyphenate chanteuse Nicole Asensio and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, and the emerging voices of contemporary visual artists Mano Gonzales and Alaga, Meet Me at The Pen: A Symphony of Talent Unveiled will chronicle the past, present, and future of the 47-year history of The Peninsula Manila and its support of Filipino musical and visual talent.

In this dinner concert, Maestro Cayabyab will chronicle his life-long love affair with music, beginning with interpretations of the Great American Songbook by the likes of Gershwin to the funky sounds of Motown and The 5th Dimension. Together with the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, he will also be performing his original compositions that have made him the national artist that he is today. Nicole Asensio will be premiering two music videos and regaling guests with popular jazz tunes.

Ryan Cayabyab Singers

Meet Me at The Pen: A Symphony of Talent Unveiled

August 10, 2023

7:00 pm, Dinner

7:15 pm, Concert

Five-course Dinner and Concert at P 8,800 (inclusive of taxes)

A budding visual artist himself, Cayabyab’s Meet me at The Pen: A Symphony of Talent Unveiled will coincide with The Peninsula Manila’s launch of its contemporary art program, Art in Resonance.

Nicole Asensio

For its Art in Resonance program, The Peninsula Manila has chosen to commission new works by emerging Filipino artists Mano Gonzales and Alaga that will be installed in The Lobby for guests and art aficionados to enjoy until September 30. The public pieces created by these artists will also be auctioned as NFTs (non-fungible tokens) or digital art collectibles, ushering The Peninsula Manila’s art ethos into the future with blockchain technology, in partnership with Scarlet Box, the premier blue chip NFT art launchpad in Asia.

Mano Gonzales’s work thinks through questions of politics, identity and gender, by examining a society’s vernacular memory. He is a self-taught artist based in Manila, who draws on a wide range of influences to create a body of work that includes drawing, sculpture, and fashion styling.

Alaga’s work is a celebration of queer ecology, and a call for the conservation and protection of Philippine biodiversity. They portray how our indigenous flora and fauna reflect the social, economic, spiritual, and ecological conditions of our archipelago, through textiles, performance, and illustration.

With Art in Resonance, The Peninsula Manila is continuing its decades-long contribution to the Philippine cultural ecosystem by providing working artists with financial and logistical support to realize complex projects in the form of public art. Panel discussions and tours will also be organized throughout Art in Resonance’s duration.

Seats for Meet Me at The Pen: A Symphony of Talent Unveiled are available at P 8,800 (inclusive of taxes) per person.

For inquiries or reservations for Meet me at The Pen: A Symphony of Talent Unveiled, please call (63 2) 8887-2888, extensions 6691 or 6694 (Restaurant Reservations) or email DiningPMN@peninsula.com. You may also visit peninsula.com, like The Peninsula Manila on Facebook and follow @thepeninsulamanila on Instagram.

August 1, 2023
Araneta Group expands retail footprint with The New Gateway Mall 2

Araneta City’s latest transformational project, the New Gateway Mall 2, is coming to life with the gradual opening of exciting stores and attractions.

The P5-billion expansion of the multi-awarded Gateway Mall promises to revolutionize the modern urban experience in the metro. This development extends Araneta City’s flagship mall to more than 200,000 sq.m. of additional choices for shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure spread over the multilevel mall.

The New Gateway Mall 2 introduces a comprehensive array of over 400 brands, offering the latest concepts in fashion, technology, gaming, entertainment, leisure, health, and wellness. Now open are brands such as Anta, Converse, Puma, and Skechers, with more brands continuing to open.

Mallgoers can also indulge in a plethora of culinary delights, making it a must-go destination for food enthusiasts. With about 150 restaurants and food outlets, the New Gateway Mall 2 is designed to be an adventure for food lovers. Dedicated zones such as the Restaurant Collection, Coliseum Plaza, and Palenque by Claude Tayag will highlight some of the best dining choices and sought-after food brands such as a mano, Mamou, Grace Park, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, Shake Shack, Abe, Tung Lok Seafood, Manam, Boteyju, Burgoo, Classic Savory, Vikings, Tim Ho Wan, and a lot more.

“Opening the New Gateway Mall 2 reinforces Araneta City’s commitment to its pioneering legacy in commercial development,” Rowell Recinto, Chairman of the Management Committee said. “The New Gateway Mall 2 is truly a mall like no other, and we want to give our patrons memorable and gratifying experiences here at the City of Firsts.”

The contemporary architecture of glass and steel gives way to an inviting urban oasis inside that features two gardens — the Sensory Garden, and the Culinary Garden — and The Lagoon, which offers a relaxing ambiance for mallgoers.

On top of the mall is the 1,000-capacity Sagrada Familia Church with a design uniqueness inspired by a mitre, the traditional headwear worn by Bishops. Additional cues are provided by The Oculus in Manhattan, New York City with the all-white structure that features a high ceiling, glass panels, and stained glass windows that invite natural light for a soothing and calming ambiance.

Another highlight is the 700-square-meter Quantum Skyview, an activity area that features the country’s first ceiling-mounted LED display that offers a captivating visual experience like no other. With its central location, the Quantum Skyview offers unique possibilities to any event in the area. Recent activities such as pre-concert Korean pop (KPOP) fan meetings, book launch, and the 2023 PPOP Manila Convention were able to offer an experience not available elsewhere and such can be replicated in public events, product launches, and other activations.

The New Gateway Mall 2 is also home to Shopwise International Grocery Shopping, a non-membership grocery with an impressive selection of international brands. Also opening soon are Paeng’s Gateway Bowl for sports enthusiasts, and the Pop District Center, a first in the Philippines, which will provide an in-mall venue for everything and anything pop culture.

More food brands, retail outlets, and mall attractions are expected to open at the New Gateway Mall 2 before the end of 2023.

This new mall completes Araneta City’s Gateway Square, a 400,000-square-meter mixed-use superblock that includes the Gateway Malls, Gateway Office, Gateway Tower, Novotel Manila Araneta City, Smart Araneta Coliseum, Parking Garage South Building, and the soon-to-open ibis Styles Manila Araneta City.

“The New Gateway Mall 2 is part of Araneta Group’s plan to build a community that delivers a unique live-work-play experience. It serves as a foundational connection to other properties in the Gateway Square and ultimately, in Araneta City, offering opportunities for an experience that can be personalized in a contemporary environment,” Recinto said.

Aside from the New Gateway Mall 2, other developments continue to rise in Araneta City including Cyberpark 3, the latest office building at the 8-hectare Cyberpark development, and ibis Styles Manila, the first ibis Styles branded hotel by international hospitality company Accor in the Philippines.

August 1, 2023
Korean Fantasy Drama “Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun” returns for Season 2 this September on Disney+

A fateful story of heroes, each writing their own unique legends in the ancient land of Arth, season two of Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun arrives this September on Disney+.

A Korean fantasy epic, Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun will return with a captivating new story set eight years after King Tagon first ascended to the throne.

Starring Jang Donggun (A Gentleman’s Destiny, V.I.P.) as Tagon, the king of Arthdal; Lee Joongi (Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, The King and the Clown) as Eunseom, the leader of the Ago tribe and Inaishingi; Shin Saekyeong (Run On, The Girl Who Sees Scents) as Tanya, the high priestess of Arthdal; and Kim Okvin (Thirst, The Villainess) as the manipulative politician and first queen of Arthdal, Taealha; Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun season two is directed by Kim Kwangsik (The Great Battle), and is written by season one writers Kim Younghyun and Park Sangyean.

Fans of breathtaking Korean dramas can sign-up to Disney+ today to enjoy immediate access to season one of Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun; as well as the award-winning series Big Bet starring legendary actor Choi Minsik; and Big Mouth, about a lawyer who is arrested as part of the murder case he is investigating;and an entire library of world-class entertainment.

Stream season two of Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun this September on Disney+.

July 31, 2023
Jason Statham Always Keen to Do His Own Stunts in “Meg 2: The Trench”, Says Director

According to Ben Wheatley, director of “Meg 2: The Trench,” Statham is always keen to do as many of his own stunts as possible. Anytime the actor is seen powering a jet ski through the water, that is indeed Statham. Wheatley offers, “Because the physics of a face are hard to fake – you have to be upside down to really look like you are upside down – we had Jason on this kind of giant hand drill setup, and we’d pull the trigger and spin him around, firing water at his face. He wanted as few gimbal shots as possible, almost all of it is him – obviously not jumping a giant wave, but him riding a jet ski very, very quickly. And scarily, we were all at the monitors, saying, “Please come back all right!”

During an interview with Collider before filming for the sequel began, Statham talked about why he was excited to work with Wheatley, who took over directing duties from Jon Turteltaub, who helmed the surprise 2018 blockbuster, “The Meg.” Wheatley’s great, said Statham, “we have a great shorthand already. We’ve got similar taste. I like his movies, I think he’s a brilliant director. I think we’ve got a good shot at making something good.”

Just how terrifying is the action in the sequel? This time around, filmmakers were determined to out-Meg “The Meg” by creating their Apex Meg – a grizzled veteran covered in scars; the unrelenting machine of death is larger than anything conceived for the original film. Director Wheatley says, “He’s a guy who’s had loads of bar fights.”

Devising every terror-inducing act of the Megs began in the same place, according to Wheatley: “All the action with the sharks started with a pencil, me just sitting down and drawing, and thinking about what would be really fun to see. Then, I would go to our storyboard artist, Jake Lunt Davies, and together we would work out what the sequence was going to be. From there to the computer animators, who’d rough a version, then we’d cut that into the film, and then we’d go and shoot it.” Many steps would follow and the whole journey for each shark encounter – from pencil to feature – took roughly six months. For the director, once the Meg turned up in post-production, “We were like, ‘Oh. My. God!’” The entire collection of storyboards for the film wound up with nearly 5,000 drawings.

Watch “Meg 2: The Trench,” opening in Philippine cinemas August 2.

About Meg 2: The Trench

Embark into uncharted waters with Jason Statham and global action icon Wu Jing as they lead a daring research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean. Their voyage spirals into chaos when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival. Pitted against colossal Megs and relentless environmental plunderers, our heroes must outrun, outsmart, and outswim their merciless predators in a pulse-pounding race against time.

Jason Statham and Wu Jing lead an ensemble cast that also includes Sophia Cai (“The Meg”), Page Kennedy (“The Meg”), Sergio Peris-Mencheta (“Rambo: Last Blood”), Skyler Samuels (“The Gifted”), and Cliff Curtis (“Avatar” franchise).

“Meg 2: The Trench” is directed by Ben Wheatley (“In the Earth,” “Free Fire”), from a screenplay by Jon Hoeber & Erich Hoeber (“The Meg,” “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”) and Dean Georgaris (“The Meg,” “Lara Croft: Toom Raider – The Cradle of Life”), and a screen story by Dean Georgaris and Jon Hoeber & Erich Hoeber, based on the novel The Trench by Steve Alten. The film is produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura (“The Meg,” “Bumblebee”) and Belle Avery (“The Meg,” “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead”), and executive produced by Jason Statham, Cate Adams, Ruigang Li, Catherine Xujun Ying, Wu Jing, E. Bennett Walsh, Erik Howsam, Gerald R. Molen and Randy Greenberg.

In Philippine cinemas starting August 2, “Meg 2: The Trench” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #Meg2

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”}

July 31, 2023
Benilde student film wins in US filmfest, vies next at CCP’s Gawad Alternatibo

A thesis film about a boy who slugs it out in a neighborhood thumb wrestling tournament against another kid, whom he cannot defeat, will compete with other short film finalists at the Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video or Gawad Alternatibo. This after it bagged first place in the 2023 Student World Impact Film Festival.

‘Arena’ filmmaker Nicole Yvonne Lee with thesis mentor Seymour Sanchez

“Arena,” the 20-minute coming-of-age film stars Matthew Stanley, Shawn Niño Gabriel, and Miaka Mon, among an ensemble of other child actors.

SWIFF director Mark Leschinsky shared that the week-long New Jersey-based event, which got more than 13,000 submissions from 120 countries, “focuses on elevating the voices of young storytellers from historically marginalized races, backgrounds, and cultures to give them the opportunity to share their stories with the world.”

‘Arena’ actors

Before winning the SWIFF award, “Arena” became the first recipient of the Benilde Best Thesis Film trophy at the Cinematheque Centre Manila last April.

“As a filmmaker, I just really want to make people laugh and be happy using the films I made. Since I was a student, my school projects have been in the comedy genre. Arena was made from my playful imagination,” Lee, who wrote, edited, scored, directed, and co-produced the film, revealed.

‘Arena’ production team

Lee got the support of production manager Krissel Bernabe, director of photography Iezer Yap Magallon, production designer Grant Frondozo, assistant director Ivan Balmaceda, script continuity Giulia Saavedra, sound supervisor Paul Van Guzman, wardrobe master Clarisse Llaguno, colorist Tyrone James Luanzon, hair and makeup artist Rose Go, and production assistants Sheina Bensurto and Rodora Bagapuro.

“Arena” will try to continue its winning streak at Gawad Alternatibo, the longest-running independent film competition of its kind in Asia.

‘Arena’ filmmaker Nicole Yvonne Lee

Gawad Alternatibo, which was established in 1987, will feature some of the best works of Filipino alternative storytelling and filmmaking from August 5 to 7 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (Cultural Center of the Philippines Blackbox Theatre).

July 31, 2023
Get serenaded by rising pop star Benson Boone at the Venice Piazza!

Rarely do you come across an artist that is able to touch countless people simply by staying genuine to their feelings and their craft. This is why when 21-year-old singer-songwriter Benson Boone entered the music scene in 2021, he was quick to capture the hearts of people across the globe.

Now, fans in the Philippines have the opportunity to watch him perform live on August 5, 6 PM, at the Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill’s Venice Grand Canal Mall! Attendees are in for a night of heartfelt songs and emotion-infused vocals, especially with performances of his hit songs like “Ghost Town,” “In The Stars,” and “Little Runaway.”

Benson’s highly anticipated Philippine debut will be preceded by opening performances from local artists Jikamarie and Rangel, who both have made names for themselves in the Philippine music scene.

Written in the stars

It was as if fame came naturally for Benson, who started going viral almost immediately on TikTok once he started posting snippets of him singing an unreleased original song. One of the people he captivated with his talent was Imagine Dragons lead vocalist Dan Reynolds, who signed Benson to Night Street Records in partnership with Warner Records.

Shortly after he was signed, Benson released his debut track “Ghost Town,” which charted in 13 countries. Since then, he has earned more than 1.2 billion global streams to date, as well as praise from Billboard, who lauded his “restrained vocals” and Consequence, who dubbed the newcomer “an exciting new voice.”

Exploring new horizons

Just a few months ago, Benson released his eagerly awaited EP Pulse, which has already won the hearts of his fans. Included in his new selection of songs are “Coffee Cake,” a bouncy, boisterous take on laid-back breakfasts and sparkling conversations, the playful pop gem “Lovely Darling,” and his recent single, the introspective “What Was.”

Also included is the angsty “Sugar Sweet,” which highlights the singer’s dazzling vocal abilities, and has already amassed more than 18 million streams. Benson completes the EP with the bluesy arrangements and soaring choruses of “Little Runaway,” which almost feels like a throwback to the intimacy of his previous releases.

It seems there’s no stopping Benson Boone on his way to leaving a mark in today’s music industry. After his performance in Manila at the Venice Piazza, he’s also set to perform in Jakarta Indonesia, and Paris, France. Fans who want to know more about his upcoming shows can visit his official website, https://www.bensonboone.com.

Want to listen to Benson Boone’s top hits? Here’s a playlist just for you!

July 31, 2023
Ayala Malls Hosts the Official Watch Party of the Philippine Football Federation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

Following the epic victory of the Philippines against New Zealand at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Ayala Malls is calling everyone to show their support to the athletes who will face Norway this Sunday, July 30, at 3:00PM.

In partnership with the Philippine Football Federation, Ayala Malls Glorietta is hosting the official watch party of the anticipated sports event at the Activity Center. Together with the Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines, Christian Lyster, and the New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines, Peter Kell, football fans are invited to witness the action livestreamed all the way from Eden Park Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand.

Open to all, registration to the official watch party starts at 1:00PM in Ayala Malls Glorietta Activity Center. The program kicks off at 2:00PM with remarks by Ambassadors Peter Kell and Christian Lyster, as well as representatives from the watch party’s major sponsors: Ayala Malls Marketing Director Lisa Yang, Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony Del Rosario, and Adidas Philippines General Manager Anthony Frangos. Adding to the hype, prizes will be given away to game contestants and raffle winners throughout the day—with goodies from Coca-Cola, Adidas, and the Norway Embassy.

Aside from Glorietta, Ayala Malls is bringing the thrill to the thriving communities of Pasig and Bacolod at Ayala Malls The 30th Activity Center and Ayala Malls Capitol Central Fiesta Market respectively, at promptly 3:00PM for the livestream. Ayala Malls establishments at Makati (Adidas Brand Center in Glorietta), Cebu (The Social in Ayala Center Cebu), and the South (Players Kitchen and Bar in Alabang Town Center) are also joining the excitement in bringing the extraordinary football experience to Filipinos around the country.

Ayala Malls continues to support Filipino athletes. Last March earlier this year, the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy and the Philippines football women’s team graced Ayala Malls Glorietta—an effort to increase awareness about the sport and garner support from kababayans. The prized trophy was exclusively revealed at Ayala Malls Glorietta during its visit in Manila.

The livestream at Ayala Malls Glorietta follows the previous watch parties held at U.P. Town Center featuring Philippines VS New Zealand last July 25 and Ayala Malls Manila Bay featuring Philippines VS Switzerland last July 21.

July 29, 2023
PH Documentary Film gets an Emmy Nomination

Award-winning environmental documentary “Delikado” has received an Emmy nomination.

The film, which draws focus on environmental crusaders who risk their lives protecting the rainforests of Palawan, is nominated in the Outstanding Investigative Documentary category of the 44th Annual News and Documentary Emmy® Awards.

The 96-minute enviro-thriller documentary directed by journalist Karl Malakunas is eligible for an Emmy as it has screened in the US on PBS’s POV.

The film takes viewers to one of the Philippines’ top tourist destinations—Palawan. It follows lawyer and Palawan NGO Network Inc. (PNNI) executive director Robert “Bobby” Chan, then-El Nido mayor Nieves Rosento and land defender Efren “Tata” Balladares. The three fight to preserve Palawan’s natural resources from big developers, politicians, illegal loggers and others who threaten the Philippines’ “last ecological frontier.”

“Delikado” is a collaboration of award-winning filmmakers, among them two-time Emmy-nominated filmmaker Marty Syjuco (producer), “Give Up Tomorrow” director Michael Collins (producer, editor and writer), broadcast journalist and Storytellers International Inc. co-founder Kara Magsano-Alikpala (producer), and award-winning cinematographer Tom Bannigan ACS (director of photography).

The docu has also received various recognitions, including the Sustainable Future Award and Audience Award, Best Documentary #2 at the Sydney Film Festival; Special Jury Prize, Best Documentary Feature at Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival; Green Dog Award For Best Environmental Documentary at Watch Docs, Poland; Special Mention, Best Documentary Feature Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards; and Special Mention, Best International Feature at Doc Edge, New Zealand. Karl Malakunas also won a Walkley Award, Australia’s equivalent of the Pulitzer, for directing Delikado.

The News & Documentary Emmy Awards will be held at the Palladium Times Square in New York City on September 28. Also competing in the Outstanding Investigative Documentary category are HBO Max’s Escape from Kabul, Netflix’s FIFA Uncovered and I Am Vanessa Guillen, and Amazon Prime’s Flight/Risk.

July 29, 2023
PAL Makes Flights Fun for Kids with Mickey & Friends themed Junior Jetsetter Kit

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is delighted to introduce its latest limited-edition, Disney-themed Junior Jetsetter Kits (JJ Kits) starting July 24, 2023. This special amenity kit features designs inspired by beloved Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy, adding a touch of joy to every journey.

The JJ Kit will be exclusively provided to children traveling on PAL’s long-haul flights between Manila and a selection of premier destinations including Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Honolulu, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam, and Doha.

Designed to captivate young imaginations, the JJ Kit offers a variety of engaging activities to keep kids entertained during long-haul flights. For flights out of Manila, young travelers will find a stackable crayon, an activity book, and a tic-tac-toe game set. Meanwhile, for flights inbound to Manila, kids will receive kits that include a sliding puzzle in addition to the stackable crayon and activity book. Both versions will be conveniently packed in a stylish ‘fanny pack’ type of bag.

PAL aims to make air travel with kids an unforgettable and exciting experience. PAL Head of Product and Service Management Yosh Yoshida expressed his excitement about the Mickey and Friends edition of the JJ Kit. “We believe our young travelers will enjoy this special treat, as air travel presents an extraordinary adventure for them. Philippine Airlines would like to help spark the joyful spirit of travel in our valued junior jetsetters as they embark on a journey of wonder and excitement.”

Book your flight now by visiting www.philippineairlines.com.

July 29, 2023
PUP FilAC braces for more events as part of FDCP’s Academic Film Society

The Film Aficionados Circle (FilAC), the official student film organization of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Communication, is gearing up for more film-related activities after recently concluding “Sineminuto: Buhayin at Lakbayin, Pelikulang Atin!” with the theme “Lakbay.”

“As the only film organization in PUP, we really want to give a platform to aspiring filmmakers on campus. Sineminuto is like a bridge for the mentees of the Film Aficionados Circle into the basics of film production,” Adelbert Abrigonda, FilAC President, shared.

Carousel Productions

“Bakit Maingay ang EDSA?” which was directed by Rafael Nuyad of Carousel Productions bagged the Sineminuto Best Film award. The short film about two homeless siblings wandering around the highway also won Best Male Performance for Ralph Capinig, who played Anthony, Best Screenplay, Best Sound Design, and Best Concept. It placed second in terms of direction, cinematography, and editing.

Nilay Productions with Adelbert Abrigonda and Rod Marmol

“The Portrait of a Man” from Nilay Productions got Best Direction for Ronalyn Antonio, Best Production Design, and Best Editing. It ranked second overall in film, screenplay, and sound design categories.

Meanwhile, “meet me halfway” from After Hours Production finished third and received Best Female Performance for Frances Danielle Tan as Emma and Best Cinematography, as well as second in production design.

“En Route” from Loop Productions brought home the second best concept among those which were realized into films for Sineminuto. The only horror film entry in the competition tells the story of a student who gets trapped in an infinite loop on a hallway in campus, preventing her from attending her class.

“Balikat” by ACDK Pictures, “Kaya Kaya” by Aninuno Productions, “Pihit” by 2RDS Productions, “Urong Sulong” by Yapak Productions, and “Yapak” by Amping Productions completed the Sineminuto entries.

Director and screenwriter Rod Marmol, filmmaker/photographer Arjanmar Rebeta, producer and writer Seymour Sanchez, PUP scriptwriting and TV production professor George Gamayo, and FilAC alumnus Edrian Pabona made up the jury for Sineminuto, FilAC’s flagship event for student filmmakers.

FilAC also recently became a member of the Academic Film Society of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. The organization plans to hold more events to promote and teach the art of filmmaking to students who share their passion for cinema.

Through the AFS, the FDCP provides support and makes resources more accessible in the academic setting. As part of its initiative, the FDCP co-presented Sineminuto with FilAC together with IDP Philippines, Motivo PH, Urban Chick, M’ Finesse PH, and Cinemata, Sineminuto’s official media partner.

Abrigonda was elated that Sineminuto mentees were able to showcase their craft through their films and apply “what they have learned from the PelikuLearn sessions” that FilAC spearheaded this year with National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee and director Jules Katanyag among their mentors. “I’m also happy to see the enthusiasm of the student filmmakers and their desire to develop their passions into something meaningful through their work. This is something to be proud of and I’m really looking forward to seeing how the organization will grow more in the future. Especially now since there are many students in the campus who are very eager to explore the world of filmmaking,” he concluded.

July 29, 2023