Category: Campus

Benilde MMA Alumna Repeats as Best Director at Cinemalaya

Filmmaker and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Multimedia Arts alumna Gabriela “Gaby” Serrano got another Best Director award in the Short Film category of the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, this time for her short film “Elenita Elena Elaine.”

Gabriela Serrano with her second Best Director trophy at Cinemalaya 22

The recognition highlights her distinct voice in contemporary Philippine cinema and underscores the growing impact of bold, genre-expanding storytelling.

“Elenita Elena Elaine” is a dystopian sci-fi drama set against a sleepless, dreamless Manila where dreaming itself is outsourced. Produced by Archipelago, Studio Dalaga, Key Pictures, Lunari Global, and Membrana Pictures, and supported by the 2025 Momo Film Co Distribution Grant, it explores mother-daughter dynamics, economic displacement, and personal sacrifice.

The narrative shifts across time to follow three interconnected Filipino women: a pop idol, a young graduate preparing to go abroad, and a call-center agent whose voice slowly fades under late-night shifts.

Gabriela Serrano at work with sister Mariana

Serrano drew directly from her own life for the project, reflecting on a period when she and her mother worked remote, outsourced jobs side by side in their living room. While her mother handled foreign call-center support, she served as a series editor on FX’s Spirit Award-nominated series “The Choe Show.”

We worked alongside each other from our living room in Manila, and though our new jobs sustained our household, the darker sides of globalization took root inside our home. Endless night shifts, underpaid labor, and cultural gaps started draining us both of time, sleep and hopes for brighter futures, the filmmaker shared.

Amidst this, we began to confide in one another dreams we had each put on the backburner: my aspirations to direct films someday, and her teenage wish to be a singer. Like millions in the Philippines, our true voices were rendered silent in order to survive our neocolonial economy, she added.

The shared strain of grueling hours and underpaid labor brought forward their suppressed ambitions, shaping the tender, speculative foundation of the film.

Gabriela Serrano directing Agot Isidro and sister Mariana

Serrano’s work routinely weaves folklore, surrealism, and local socio-economic realities. She previously won Best Director and the Special Jury Prize at Cinemalaya 18 for her split-screen folk-thriller “Dikit,” Best Short Film at QCinema’s QCShorts Lokal for the surreal short “Surface Tension” which she co-directed with her sister Mariana in 2025.

Serrano collaborated again with her sister, co-writer, and actor Mariana, together with executive producers Kim Jones, Gabie Tanjutco, and Mike Marks, producers Gale Osorio and Keith Deligero, cinematographer Kara Moreno, production designer Pauline Olarte, sound designers Dawr Toñacao and Deligero, musical scorer Andrea Ramos, and Mariana’s co-actors Agot Isidro and Gabby Padilla.

Gabriela and Mariana Serrano

Serrano is currently developing her feature-length sci-fi project “Please Bear With Me,” a companion piece to “Elenita Elena Elaine” which also expands on similar themes of call-center labor, and earned pitch recognitions at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN), Festival du nouveau cinéma (FNC) Montréal, and the Southeast Asian Film Lab.

Serrano’s latest win at Cinemalaya reinforces a rising path for Filipina filmmakers pushing genre boundaries, proving that personal truths can redefine the scope of local cinema.

September 16, 2026
FEU Student Films Advance to FAMAS Short Film Festival 2026

Far Eastern University Department of Communication student filmmakers continue to make waves in Philippine independent cinema as short films “Kahel” and “Lily” were named official selections for the FAMAS Short Film Festival 2026.

Organized by the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences in partnership with REMS Entertainment, led by festival director Gabby Ramos and FAMAS president Francia Conrado, the festival selected the films from hundreds of submissions across the country. The event now awaits the Nomination Night on October 9, followed by the Awards Night on November 11.

Directed by Garnet Morilla Llames, BA Communication Batch 2026, under the Kuwerdas production team, “Kahel” is a musical short centered on Elias (Justin Abalos), a 9-to-5 worker who leaves his job to pursue music in the city. When a sudden jeepney breakdown leaves him stranded with his longtime musical hero (Brylle Parzuelo), his journey hits a turning point.

“Kahel” won Best Film, Best Direction, Best Editing, and Best Music/Score in the All Tamaraws Division at Sinepiyu XVIII. It was also a finalist in the Narrative Category of the 38th CCP Gawad Alternatibo and recently headlined the CCP Lakbay Sine program at the 6th Hundred Islands Film Festival in Alaminos, Pangasinan.

Justin Abalos in KAHEL

We in Kuwerdas gave birth to ‘Kahel’… As filmmakers, we can only set it free and hope it reaches fellow dreamers – those who are tired, losing hope, and need a little fire to dream again, Llames shared.

“Kahel” was made by Llames together with key student members, namely producer Joharra Embalzado, line producer Rafael Beltran, cinematographer/editor Regine Mae Manuel, screenwriter/musical director Justin Niccolo Mariano, co-writer/script continuity supervisor Sai Salazar, 2nd AD Rayanne Kabigting, production designer Irish Jundaye Macatangay, location manager/camera operator Ritch Matias, and sound recordist/boom operator Franz Juanillo.

KUWERDAS production team

On the other hand, “Lily” follows John (Karl Medina), a mysterious photographer driving through Manila, who intersects with Lily (Joyce Macalia), a shrewd sex worker.

Directed by Luke Salazar, BA Communication Batch 2025, under The Yellow Bus Pictures, the short film took home Best Narrative Film, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Editing, and Best Performance by a Male Actor for Medina at Sinepiyu, on top of winning Best Film at the Tamaraw Media Awards.

“It started as a poem molded in the style of Charles Bukowski, exposing the weaknesses and shortcomings of a man,” Salazar shared.

It then evolved into a screenplay shaped by conversations surrounding the realities of sex work in the Philippines.

LILY actress Joyce Macalia

The film also bagged Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Musical Score at the Prime Series SineMulat Tres (Interschool Category), organized by the Multimedia Arts Circle at the University of Batangas-Lipa Campus, and Best Cinematography at Adamson University’s Realifilm, an annual intercollegiate and senior high school filmmaking competition and festival hosted by Silip@Lente-AdU film and photography organization.

“Lily” was brought to life by Salazar together with a dedicated student crew, including producer Krizha Helena Vebora, line producer Janrez Margarette San Jose, production manager Justine Alexandra Rael, location manager/casting director Patricia Mae Aquilizan, 1st AD Migo Morales, 2nd AD Vien Simbre, and script continuity supervisor/talent coordinator Julianne Cruz.

LILY director Luke Salazar with director of photography Randell Bautista

The visual and technical team included director of photography Randell John Bautista, camera operators Jan Dendiego and Gwyneth Mendoza, camera assistants Reigne Enriquez and Ron Barlan, lighting director Drey Coros, gaffers Ej Muñoz and Barlan, sound recordist CJ Bravo, logger/clapper Jayson Briboneria, production designer Maxine Mendoza, art director/intimacy coordinator Mar-ian Ejandra, set dressers Miguel Dabu and Chloe Cantonjos, and wardrobe head/hair and makeup artist Maxene David with assistant Venn Rod.

LILY production team

The crew was rounded out by master editor, colorist, and marketing video editor Jan Dendiego, sound designer/musical scorer Paolo Miguel Saclayan, production assistants Aice Dela Paz, Sebastian Quilaton, Kevin Mar Guerrero, Harry Corpuz, and Kimberly Peñaranda, marketing creatives Vebora and Rael, behind-the-scenes photographers Jetro Benitez and Tep Rodriguez, and creative consultants/FEU faculty members Seymour Sanchez, Gio Potes, and Jet Leyco.

Both “Kahel” and “Lily” were final projects under Sanchez’s Directing and Film Production class.

September 16, 2026
Benilde Thesis Films Bring Laughs to Seattle’s Diwa at Pagdiriwang Festival

Benilde Shorts Take the Spotlight in Seattle

Two capstone film projects from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde recently brought laughter, heart, and proudly Filipino storytelling to Seattle, Washington through the Diwa at Pagdiriwang Festival.

Philip vs. The School

Screened last June 7 at the Seattle Center Armory Loft 2, the films were part of the festival’s “Sometimes You Just Gotta Laugh” block, a program that celebrated the lighter, messier, and more heartfelt side of independent cinema.

With teenage dreams on the line, both Benildean shorts offered a sharp and funny look at ambition, friendship, school pressure, and the wonderfully chaotic world of student filmmaking.

Student Elections Get Messy in “Philip vs. The School”

Produced under HIVE Films and directed by Terrence Santiago, the 20-minute thesis short “Philip vs. The School” turns the high-stakes drama of student council elections into a witty coming-of-age comedy.

The story follows Philip, an average student suddenly caught in a moral dilemma. Should he stay loyal to his best friend Lea, or reveal a scandalous secret that could ruin his rival Mark?

Funny, tense, and painfully familiar, the film captures how school politics can feel larger than life when friendships, reputations, and personal values collide.

Philip vs. The School

Santiago developed the film under the supervision of Benilde Film faculty member and industry veteran Wanggo Gallaga, whose mentorship helped shape the short’s mix of humor, heart, and youthful urgency.

“Guys! Action!” Finds Comedy in Student Filmmaking

Meanwhile, “Guys! Action!” directed by Jem Catabijan and produced by Kuhang Kuting Productions, turns the camera toward the hilarious struggles of young filmmakers.

The meta-comedy follows a desperate high school multimedia club racing against time to win Best Short Film at the Cinemalaya Film Festival. The stakes are intense: if they fail, the school administration will dissolve their beloved club for good.

Packed with panic, passion, and the kind of creative chaos every media student knows too well, the short film delivers a playful yet sincere tribute to young artists determined to keep their dreams alive.

Guys! Action!

Catabijan created the film under the guidance of Benilde Film educator and advocacy filmmaker Seymour Sanchez, who helped develop the project’s energetic and student-centered vision.

Growing Recognition for Benildean Filmmakers

The Seattle screening adds to the growing recognition of both thesis films.

Guys! Action!

“Philip vs. The School” has been officially selected for the Kuala Lumpur International Film Academy Awards in 2025, while “Guys! Action!” was previously selected for the San Diego Filipino Film Festival in 2024.

Together, the two works show how Benildean filmmakers continue to bring fresh, funny, and thoughtful stories to audiences beyond the Philippines.

Celebrating the Filipino Spirit Through Cinema

Presented in collaboration with the annual Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival, the Diwa Filipino Film Festival continues its mission to celebrate the diwa, or spirit, of the Filipino people through independent cinema.

Guys! Action!

Supported by 4Culture and powered by Shunpike, the community-centered festival showcased stories from the Philippine islands and the global Filipino diaspora.

The Benildean shorts were programmed alongside other regional works, including Banjo Hinolan’s “Manokan Country”and Mark Giddel Liwanag’s “Ambag” or “Impact.”

Philip vs. The School

Liwanag directed “Ambag” under the Alaminos City National High School Special Program in the Arts and later pursued college studies at the Benilde Film department, further strengthening the festival’s connection to emerging Filipino storytellers.

From high school elections to filmmaking dreams, Benilde’s thesis films proved that comedy can travel far, carrying with it a brilliant, joyful, and deeply human glimpse of Filipino youth culture.

July 3, 2026
Film Educator Maps Career Pathways at LPU Multimedia Seminar

The Philippine film and video industry is often viewed through a lens of glamour, yet for aspiring creators, the path from the classroom to the studio can feel like a complex maze.

To bridge this gap, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila recently hosted a multimedia seminar centered on “Philippine Film and Video Industry: Career Pathways and Opportunities.”

Seymour Sanchez, an award-winning filmmaker, long-time film educator, and advocate for Philippine cinema, facilitated the session by giving his insights on the topic.

Bringing his industry experience to the discussion, Sanchez was more than just a speaker. He also served as a navigator for the next generation of multimedia professionals.

The filmmaker/film educator opened the discussion with a practical look at the diverse roles available in today’s digital landscape. He emphasized that while the industry is rooted in storytelling, the technical and strategic avenues have expanded increasingly.

Sanchez encouraged students to master multiple disciplines, ranging from scriptwriting and cinematography to postproduction and digital marketing, to thrive in the film and video industry.

He underscored the importance of telling authentic Filipino stories, noting that global streaming platforms are increasingly hungry for localized content with a unique cultural voice. He also tackled the shift from traditional studio systems to freelance and independent production cycles.

What set Sanchez’s talk apart was his “boots-on-the-ground” perspective. As someone deeply involved in both the academe and the professional circuit, he translated complex industry jargon into actionable advice for the LPU MMA students.

He focused not just on what to do, but how to do it, emphasizing the necessity of networking, portfolio building, and professional ethics.

“The industry is built on talent, but it is sustained by discipline and the ability to adapt to new technologies,” Sanchez stressed during the session.

The seminar provided a vital platform for students to engage directly with a film professional. By the end of the session, attendees walked away not just with a better understanding of the Philippine film landscape, but with a renewed sense of purpose regarding their own career trajectories.

As LPU Manila continues to foster excellence in its Multimedia Arts program, sessions like this ensure that students graduate not just with degrees, but with the industry intelligence required to lead the future of Philippine media.

Sanchez’s take-home message was clear: “The opportunities are there, the pathways are open, and for those willing to hone their craft, the big screen is closer than it seems.”

Sanchez, who teaches film at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and Far Eastern University, is a member of the Academic Film Society Advisory Committee of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. He served as Bacolod Film Festival director in 2024 and Technical Consultant for Academic Linkages of the FDCP from 2022 to 2025.

April 24, 2026
Framing the Future: Mapúa SoMDA, Sony PH hold Film Workshop

Mapúa University School of Multimedia and Digital Arts recently teamed up with Sony Philippines Film School Caravan to host “Framing the Future: The Essential Gears and the Stories You’ll Tell.”

Tey Clamor shares her professional insights and industry expertise

“Framing the Future” featured highly acclaimed Filipino cinematographer Tey Clamor, LPS, who is known for her work on films such as “Isa Pa With Feelings,” “Balota,” “Metamorphosis,” and “Babae at Baril.” Clamor shared her professional insights and technical expertise during the event.

The session provided attendees with deep dives into cinematic storytelling and industry trends, practical knowledge on the tools required for modern filmmaking, and a unique opportunity for students to test the latest Sony cameras and equipment firsthand.

Mapúa faculty with Sony and Aputure representatives

Mapúa Multimedia Arts program chair Aleia Garcia acknowledged the Sony Philippines team led by Demand Creation Executive Allison Datu, Senior Marketing Executive for Digital Imaging JD Domingo, Marketing Executive for Digital Imaging Ralph Salazar, and Marketing Communications Manager Pearl Lumanao, as well as Aputure Philippines Marketing Associate Razel Olifernes for partnering with the school to organize the workshop.

Garcia also thanked SoMDA Dean David Corpuz, Creative Cluster Head Jonah Lim, Digital Film program chair Karen Rey, Broadcast Media program chair Norman Manalaysay, The New Builder adviser Seymour Sanchez, Hiraya Student Council led by adviser Ian Boots Bautista, and faculty and students who took their time to attend the event.

Mapúa students participate in a lighting exercise

A heartfelt acknowledgement was also given to SoMDA technical assistant Ruby Sagun, who recently passed away, for her tireless support throughout the planning process.

Beyond technical training, the workshop focused on encouraging attendees to embrace the beauty of storytelling through moving images. By sharpening their craft and discovering new tools, students are empowered to tell stories that will set them apart in a competitive industry.

Tey Clamor guides students during the workshop

“To everyone here, please know that this is more than just an event. This is to encourage ourselves to embrace the beauty of storytelling whether through film, photography, or writing. This is our shared purpose,” Garcia concluded.

The Sony Philippines Film School Caravan 2026 will next visit the Mowelfund Film Institute with Clamor and commercial director and Sony Product Expert Nigel Laxamana for Cinematic Live Production with the Sony Cinema Line on February 5, and CIIT College of Arts and Technology with award-winning filmmaker Lee Briones-Meily on Feb. 6.

January 29, 2026
One Big Night: Ateneo de Davao Grand Alumni Homecoming 2024

Calling all Ateneo de Davao alumni! The Ateneo de Davao holds the annual Grand Alumni Homecoming to reconnect, make new acquaintances and celebrate the Ignatian spirit in one special night.

The Jubilarian celebrants of AHS ‘99, along with the Golden celebrants of AHS ‘74, will be hosting this year-end event on December 30 at the SMX Convention Center with the theme Remember, Reconnect and Reignite the Future – 99Knights’ One Big Night.

Before this culmination, the host batches held several activities that answer to the call to be men and women for others. Batch representatives and volunteers participated in medical and surgical missions, nutrition drives and dispensed free legal advice to tribal communities in the Marilog district. Promoting the value of cura personalis, homegrown batch yoga gurus conducted yoga sessions.

As part of its fundraising initiatives and as a legacy project, the first ever Ateneo de Davao Golf Open was held at the South Pacific Golf Club.

This year’s musical headliner is Ultra Combo and they will be supported by local band Ice Cold Buco Juice. The event poster has all the details on how to get tickets to this event.

December 14, 2024
UA&P Welcomes Pioneer PLM Scholarship Grantees
On August 1, the University of Asia and the Pacific held a welcome briefing for the first-ever recipients of the distinguished Placido L. Mapa, Jr. Scholarship Endowment (PLM Grant). The five UA&P freshmen who have been selected to receive the PLM Grant are the following:
- Melvin Jabez Gonzales Canoza (Valenzuela City School of Math and Science)
- Lauren Elise Alo Hao Cuenco (St. Benedict Childhood Education Centre)
- Juliana del Rosario Hisoler (PAREF Southcrest School Inc.)
- Love Andrea Mariano Lazo (Pasig City Science High School)
- David Neil Joseph Velardo Lumba (Marist School Marikina)
L-R: Dr. Robert Miguel Roque (UA&P Vice President for Business Development and Alumni Affairs), Melvin Canoza,
Lauren Hao Cuenco, Juliana Hisoler, Love Lazo, David Lumba, and Ms. Annie Fuentes (Executive Director, Mercury
Drug Foundation, Inc.)

The grantees will receive 100% coverage of tuition and miscellaneous fees, a stipend of Php8,000/mo. and Internet allowance of Php1,000/mo. for 10 months, a laptop, and Professional Development Coaching sessions by designated UA&P Board of Trustees members.

L-R: Ms. Laarnie Luna (Senior Program Officer and in-charge of the Education programs, GT Foundation, Inc.), Mr.
Manuel Ayala (Member, UA&P Board of Trustees), Dr. Imelda Estillore (Managing Director, UA&P Fund Development
Office), Ms. Misel Mapa, Ms. Lourdes Mapa, Mr. Nicky Mapa and wife Cherrie, Mr. Philip Francisco Uy (Executive
Vice President of Metrobank Foundation, Inc., and Deputy Executive Director of GT Foundation, Inc.), and Ms. Lilac
Lazaro (Head, GT Foundation Inc. Secretariat)

Present during the event were top officials of two major donors to the Endowment: GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI) and Mercury Drug Corporation (MDC), as well as members of the UA&P Board of Trustees, UA&P Management Committee, and the Mapa family.

GTFI was established in 2009 by the Metrobank Group to contribute to the up liftment of Filipinos through philanthropic initiatives contributing to the improvement of the education, health, environment, technology, and innovation sectors.

Ms. Misel Mapa, daughter of the late Dr. Placido L. Mapa, Jr.

MDC began through the entrepreneurial efforts of Mariano Que who, in 1945, had the goal of providing affordable pharmaceutical products to the people. Throughout its decades of service, the company has steadfastly remained committed to its responsibility of providing affordable medicines and convenient services to the public.

Mr. Philip Francisco U. Dy (Executive Vice President, Metrobank Foundation, Inc., and Deputy Executive Director of
GT Foundation, Inc.)

The PLM Grant was established in honor of the late Dr. Placido L. Mapa, Jr., a well-known institution builder in the Philippines, Chairman of the Center for Research and Communication (CRC) and its successor institution UA&P until his demise in 2019 at the age of 86.

Awarded to the top high school applicants, the PLM Grant is open to all incoming College and Junior College students of UA&P. Deadline for applications for School Year 2024-2025 is on November 22, 2023. You may visit this link to apply. UA&P welcomes contributions from any individual or organization For more information, please email fdo@uap.asia.
September 8, 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
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
Google Doodle honors pioneer Filipina writer Paz Marquez-Benitez on her 129th birthday

On March 3, Google celebrates legendary Filipina writer Paz Marquez-Benitez on her 129th birthday with her very own Google Doodle, in honor of her pioneering work in literature.

Marquez-Benitez, a renowned Filipino author, is famous for her work Dead Stars, the first-ever modern short story in English from the Philippines. The Doodle features an illustration of Marquez-Benitez set against a field of shining stars, calling back to the title of the short story.

Framed as a somber and melancholic love story of the engaged lawyer Alfredo Salazar and the young and charming Julia Salas, Dead Stars is a deeper allegory critical of the American occupation and its effect on local culture and social norms.

Marquez-Benitez would go on to become a popular writing professor at the University of the Philippines until her retirement in 1951. Her work and tutelage at UP encouraged and inspired many other highly regarded writers over the decades. On top of this, she also founded what is now the Philippine Women’s University, advancing the cause of women’s education in the country.

“Google Philippines is proud to honor an important figure in Philippine literature, Paz Marquez-Benitez. Our rich literary heritage would definitely not be the same today without Marquez-Benitez’s impactful contributions, not only with her creations, but also with her valuable mentorship of a long line of writers in the country,” said Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs for Google Philippines.

You can view the Doodle on March 3 by visiting google.com, as well as http://www.google.com/doodles/paz-marquez-benitezs-129th-birthday.

March 3, 2023