Young storytellers promote sustainnovation thru documentary films

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



People of all ages have the power to join all sorts of movements that aim to forward sustainable actions and challenge existing works that go against sustainability. But the youth of today seem to understand better than anyone the urgent need to advocate for it, and, more importantly, to act towards it.

This is what the Filipino youth have proven as many of them joined the 7th Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition, courtesy of the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI).

Anchored on the theme, “Sustainnovation: Harnessing Science and Technology towards a Greener Community,” this year’s Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition sought to gather stories that champion green technologies and their impact on biodiversity - highlighting the value of three vital concepts: innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

Guided by this theme, the documentary film entries captured diverse sustainnovation stories of Filipino businesses, most of which were startup companies, that mainly forward the effective use of innovative strategies to improve their works and advance sustainability.

Among the topics covered were sustainable solutions to farming and crop cultivation, fish production and livelihood, power generation, water supply and conservation, plastic recycling, and waste management.

Besting a great number of film entries that feature stories of innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, 10 short documentaries emerged to become the top finalists of the competition, as screened by the Indie-Siyensya board of judges composed of esteemed filmmakers and science experts.


Below are the finalists for the Youth and Open Categories:


Youth Category:

Anigham – Jerick Marc Laurence C. Grimaldo (Hello Team Production/ Quezon Science High School)


Plugged in for Progress: The Power 4 All Mission – Dominicq Emanuelle B. Peña (Power 4 All/ Mapua University)


Ruta – James Mark D. Caponpon (Alukkana Productions/ Las Pinas City National Science High School)


Semilya – John Marck B. Palpal-Latoc (Rizal National Science High School)


3Cs Coconut: Cultivation and Culture – Carlos Miguel P. Enriquez (Luis Palad Integrated High School)


Open Category:

Biyaya Mula Sa Abo – Marvin C. Gabas (KnightVision Multimedia Production)


Kakasa ba? – Val Allen U. Eltagonde (Aghamulat Productions, Ateneo de Manila University)


Out of Sight Out of Mind – Nathan M. Gumba (Ankelbiter Prod)


Re/F/use (Refused to Reuse) - Leighton D. Angcan (LA Films)


Sagbot sa Dagat – Frankie James Balos (Dalumat Productions)

The documentary films were assessed according to the following criteria: a) scientific content, which refers to the accuracy, veracity, and significance of the film’s topic, and its adherence to the theme; b) execution of idea, which refers to the way the film’s key message was communicated; and c) the use of film techniques, which refers to the film’s visual design, writing/story, and sound.

Taking off as part of the 2023 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTIW) celebration, the shortlisted films will premiere from November 22 to 26, 2023 at the Cinematheque Centre Iloilo.

The films will also be screened simultaneously at other Cinematheque Centres nationwide such as in Manila, Davao, Nabunturan, and Negros. The free screening is made possible in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

For the second time in a row, Indie-Siyensya will also be available on JuanFlix from November 27 to December 1, 2023. JuanFlix, formerly known as the FDCP channel, is an online streaming platform that feature classic Filipino films and special selections from recently conducted local film festivals.

Viewers must register at juanflix.com.ph to watch the entries for free. They will also have the chance to vote for their favorite films on the said platform.

Indie-Siyensya is one of the first science filmmaking competitions in the Philippines, pioneered by DOST-SEI to promote science and technology culture among the youth using film as a medium. It has two categories – the Youth Category for high school, tertiary school, and out-of-school youth aged 13-18 and the Open Category for college students, teachers, and S&T professionals at least 19 years old.

This year, winners for both categories will receive Php 200,000 for the Best Film, Php 150,000 for the 2nd Place, and Php 100,000 for the 3rd Place. The Awarding Ceremony is scheduled on December 12 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

“For the past six years, Indie-Siyensya has nurtured the youth’s passion to tell stories, create documentary films, and join science festivals that seek to inform and educate the public about certain issues of society. And with this, we hope that they will remain to see films as a product of careful scientific research, a potent tool needed to solve the current and future needs of our communities,” said DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo.

Philippines Has World’s Largest Bats

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Here is a fresh story about the world's largest bat species, which is found only in the Philippines.

Did you know that the largest bat of all is found only in the Philippines? Planet Earth has 1400 known bat species and the Golden-crowned Flying Fox (Acerodon jubatus) earns the top spot for size and weight. Known locally as kabog, it is endemic or found nowhere else but in the Philippines.

Strikingly patterned with a golden cap, reddish fur and chocolate-brown wings, adults weigh over a kilogram and can boast of a wingspan nearly two meters across – longer than most people are tall.

“The Philippines has 79 recorded bat species, half of them endemic,” explains Dr. Mariano Roy Duya of the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology (UPIB). North America, with a land area that is 66 times larger – has but 45. We have an incredible diversity of bats since each of our 7100 islands is geographically unique. And of course, we have the largest bat of all.”

Once widespread throughout undisturbed lowland forests across the country, hunting and deforestation – particularly from slash-and-burn upland farming or kaingin – have whittled down bat populations.

Dumaguete-based filmmaker Rhiyad Maturan and I were recently invited by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) to film a thriving kabog colony inside the Bacon-Manito Geothermal Project, a heavily forested geothermal reservation nestled between the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon on the island of Luzon. Though the area is now verdant and alive, it wasn’t always so.

“Believe it or not, that entire mountain range was once logged-over,” says Ed Jimenez, corporate relations head for EDC’s Bacon-Manito Geothermal Project, pointing at well-forested hills nearby. “The only trees left were the ones loggers ignored. To bring the mountains back to life, we worked with the local communities to help reforest this area while providing them with an alternative source of income. Decades later, the organizations we helped form, like the Alliance of Bacman Farmer’s Association Inc. Agriculture Cooperative (formerly ALBAFAI) and the Bacman Host Community Multi-purpose Cooperative (BMPC), have become some of our most passionate champions. Even the grandchildren of the original members are helping us plant trees, promote community-based conservation and protect these forests.”

Aside from bats, Bicol’s forests also shelter wild deer, pigs, monkeys and birds – most of which were driven to remote areas by decades of hunting and forest loss.

“I learned to shoot kabog with an airgun when I was still a kid,” recalls Joseph ‘Doy’ Gabion, a former bat hunter. “Bats are easy to hunt by day because they hang upside down from their roosts. When the roosts were eventually protected by EDC and its conservation partners, we hunters had to wait until the bats flew out to their feeding grounds. Back in the 1990s, my uncle and I would wait for them to pass to be able to catch two or three bats a night. Kabog meat has a slightly woody taste.” Doy has since stopped hunting and now volunteers with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ CAFGU Active Auxiliary Unit II to help protect the very animals he once hunted.

The kabog colony moves from one area to another within the Bacman reservation and we chanced upon them roosting on a grove of pine-like Agoho (Casuarina spp.) trees. “We have about 700 kabog individuals here now, our flagship fauna species for this site,” explains Forester Neil Miras, EDC Bacman’s watershed management officer.

Representing iconic wildlife found in its geothermal, solar and wind sites, EDC’s Flagship Species Initiative (FSI) aims to popularize some of the nation’s lesser-known forest denizens. The eight other flagship species include the Philippine Warty Pig (Sus philippensis), Visayan Hornbill (Penelopides panini), Apo Myna (Goodfellowia miranda), plus native trees like Mapilig (Xanthostemon bracteatus), Katmon Bayani (Dillenia megalantha), Red Lauan (Shorea negrosensis), Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis) and Igem-dagat (Podocarpus costalis). EDC has been planting native trees across the country since the 1980s.

“Though millions of trees have been planted under the BINHI Program, we should still recognize the importance and effectiveness of natural seed dispersion – either by the wind, water or by local wildlife,” explains Forester Abegail Gatdula, EDC-FSI project manager. “Flying animals like birds and bats eat the fruits of various forest trees and disperse them far and wide within life-giving guano bombs, giving the seeds a vital headstart.”

Though not as popular as the Tamaraw or Philippine Eagle, the kabog has been quietly doing its part to make the Philippines greener. “Think of them as the ‘silent seed planters’ of nature. We never pay them but they keep working for our world,” concludes Jean Dayap, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) of Manito in Albay.

So tonight, please look up at the night sky to thank our uncelebrated wildlife heroes, quietly working the night shift to make the Philippines a little greener – one guano bomb at a time.

Watch our Golden-crowned Flying Fox documentary HERE.

Written by Gregg Yan

Pulp Studios Triumphs with a Triple-Event Promo Weekend for First Movie “Ma'am Chief”

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Pulp Studios has marked a triumphant launch for their debut movie, "Ma'am Chief," with a series of spectacular events that captivated audiences and celebrated the essence of Filipino and Korean cultural fusion.

Ma'am Chief Media Fest at Hilton Manila (November 10)

The glitzy Hilton Manila served as the backdrop for the star-studded Ma'am Chief Media Fest on Friday, November 10. The event kicked off at 3:00 PM and unfolded into a cinematic spectacle that left attendees buzzing with excitement. With food and free flowing cocktails being served to the attendees, the energy of the event started off on a high note.

The talented cast, led by Melai Cantiveros-Francisco along with Bernadette Allyson-Estrada, Sela Guia, Enzo Almario, Manel Sevidal, Dustine Mayores, Moon Kyung, Gabrielle Choi, and Do Ji Han, brought up the anticipation for the movie as they shared their enthusiasm about the project. They also shared a lot of their behind-the-scenes stories during shooting and let the attendees in on how much they enjoyed doing the movie which they also wanted to reflect in the film.

An informational yet entertaining Q&A session followed, delving into the intricacies of the movie, its cultural fusion, and the experiences of the diverse cast. The synergy between Korean and Filipino cultures became evident, showcasing the film's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Right after, the Variety Voize graced the stage with two captivating song performances, adding musical delight to the event.

Ayala Malls Glorietta Extravaganza (November 11)

On Saturday, November 11, the activity center of Ayala Malls Glorietta transformed into a fan-filled haven as the "Ma'am Chief" cast tool center stage. The crowd was treated to a stellar performance by Rolling Quartz, elevating the excitement to new heights.

The main cast engaged with fans through games, photo opportunities, and warm greetings, creating unforgettable moments of connection.

Premiere Night at SM Megamall Cinema 8 (November 11)

The grand finale of the promo weekend unfolded at SM Megamall Cinema 8 with the Premiere Night that left the audience in stitches and filled with unexpected kilig. Coming straight from making time to engage with their fans, the cast made their way to SM Megamall.

It was a star studded event as high-level executives including Happee Sy-Go (Pulp Live World COO), Direk Lauren Dyogi and A-List celebrities like Kim Chiu, Ria Atayde, Yael Yuzon, Darren Espanto, Fumiya Watanabe, Yamyam Gucong, and Ogie Diaz all graced the event to show their support for the movie.

Upon seeing the well-attended premiere, Pulp Live World CEO, Vernon Go, shared his heartfelt appreciation for the film, adding a touch of sincerity to the night.

The cinema echoed with laughter and good vibes as "Ma'am Chief" unveiled its light-hearted narrative, perfect for family and friends bonding. The "Ma'am Chief" Premiere Night concluded with an audience leaving the cinema with happy hearts, setting the stage for the film's anticipated success.

Pulp Studios has not only introduced a groundbreaking film but has also left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans, solidifying their place in the Philippine entertainment scene.

"Ma'am Chief" is set to be a cinematic experience that will bridge cultures and capture the essence of joyful storytelling.

Ma’am Chief: Shakedown in Seoul is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Run fast at the nearest cinema to you!