Shaping the Next Generation of Storytellers: FDCP and iACADEMY Ignite a Bold New Chapter for Philippine Cinema through Academic Film Society

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In an inspiring convergence of passion, purpose, and cinematic vision, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), in partnership with iACADEMY, ignited the first Academic Film Society (AFS) gathering of 2025 — a momentous event that may very well shape the future of Philippine cinema.

Held within the creative heart of iACADEMY’s multipurpose hall, the inaugural meeting wasn’t just a ceremonial launch — it was a resounding call to arms for student filmmakers and educators across the country. It was a collective declaration: that cinema, as both an art and a force for education, deserves to be nurtured, elevated, and deeply embedded in our academic and cultural landscape.

This milestone gathering drew representatives from colleges, universities, and high schools nationwide — all united by a shared mission to uplift film education and empower a new breed of storytellers. The Academic Film Society, a flagship initiative of the FDCP, serves as a beacon for this mission — fostering a vibrant community of student filmmakers and educators while integrating film more deeply into academic curricula.

A Vision Shared, A Future Envisioned

Raquel Perez-Wong, President and COO of iACADEMY, captured the spirit of the gathering in her opening remarks:

"Today, we come together not just as individuals but as a thriving community of filmmakers, educators, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the future of Philippine cinema."

Her words echoed a belief that cinema is not just a discipline or industry — it is a powerful unifier, a voice for the youth, and a reflection of our shared narratives. She expressed hope that the gathering would spark new collaborations, embolden bold storytelling, and celebrate the power of film as a transformative tool.

Echoing this sentiment was FDCP Chairman and CEO Jose Javier "Direk Joey" Reyes, whose message resonated with gratitude and resolve. Acknowledging the role of educators as catalysts for growth, Direk Joey emphasized how the AFS will bridge the divide between classroom learning and the dynamic, real-world demands of filmmaking.

"Film education must evolve. It must empower students to tell their truths, to find their voices, and to craft stories that challenge, move, and inspire," he said.

Mapping the Road Ahead

FDCP Project Development Officer Korina Dela Cruz provided attendees with a roadmap of the agency’s programs for the first half of 2025 — from intensive workshops and training sessions to nationwide student film festivals and filmmaker talks. These initiatives underscore the FDCP’s commitment to building not just skills, but confidence, creativity, and community among student filmmakers.

Meanwhile, FDCP Exhibition Division Head Jeanivieve Lopez-Marcos championed JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel — a platform that doesn't just stream Filipino films but also promotes a culture of film literacy and appreciation. Through accessible content and educational tie-ins, JuanFlix is poised to become an essential tool for schools integrating cinema into their learning frameworks.

Open Dialogue, Shared Aspirations

The open forum, moderated by FDCP Technical Consultant for Academic Linkages Seymour Sanchez, provided a vital space for honest conversation and feedback. Representatives from different institutions raised questions, shared practices, and proposed ideas that could further enhance the AFS framework — making it not just a support system, but a collaborative hub that thrives on co-creation.

Participants discussed aligning their school calendars with FDCP’s 2025 film events, explored potential inter-school projects, and called for more inclusive platforms where emerging voices can be heard and celebrated.

A Collective Commitment to Cinema

As the gathering came to a close, the mood was far from final — it was only the beginning. Energized by a renewed sense of purpose and backed by the unwavering support of the FDCP, the member institutions left with more than just plans — they carried with them a spark. A spark to innovate, to collaborate, and to push the boundaries of what Filipino student filmmakers can achieve.

The FDCP’s call remains open: for more schools, educators, and student film groups to join the Academic Film Society. To be part of this movement is to be part of something bigger — a collective endeavor to ensure that the stories of tomorrow are born today, in classrooms, on campuses, and through the creative hearts of young Filipinos.

Because in every student with a camera, a pen, or a dream, lies the future of Philippine cinema. And with initiatives like the AFS, that future is looking exceptionally bright.

Wazzup Pilipinas! Supporting the next generation of cinematic storytellers — one frame, one voice, one vision at a time.

Devotion or Disregard? EcoWaste Coalition Highlights the Mess Left Behind at Holy Week Pilgrimage Sites

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

While millions of Filipinos walked with solemn faith through traditional Holy Week pilgrimages, another path unfolded—one littered with plastic bottles, food containers, and discarded devotional items. In a dramatic juxtaposition of spiritual devotion and environmental neglect, the EcoWaste Coalition sounded the alarm on the growing trail of trash left behind by pilgrims who forgot that cleanliness is next to godliness.

This year's Maundy Thursday and Good Friday observances once again drew multitudes to sacred sites across the country. However, not all left behind footprints of reverence. The EcoWaste Coalition, the country’s leading waste and pollution watchdog, released a sobering report after monitoring several key pilgrimage destinations. The contrast was stark: while some churches and shrines radiated not only spiritual but also environmental purity, others bore the unsightly remnants of human negligence.

Shrines of Devotion, Scenes of Degradation

In Antipolo City, the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, more popularly known as the Antipolo Cathedral, witnessed a slight improvement in cleanliness compared to previous years. But even in this progress, the early morning of Good Friday revealed a disheartening sight—discarded religious flyers, plastic bottles, fast food containers, and even makeshift bedding such as plastic sheets and boxes, abandoned by exhausted pilgrims.

The streets leading to the cathedral, particularly Ortigas Avenue Extension, told a similar story: strewn with single-use plastics, the pathway mirrored the chaos of post-festival waste rather than the solemnity of spiritual reflection.

The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Shrine in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, fared no better. Overflowing trash bins, picnic tables cluttered with used plastic bottles and paper bowls, and plastic candle wrappers littering the Stations of the Cross painted a heartbreaking picture. Even the sacred hill depicting the crucifixion of Christ was not spared—its holy ground blanketed in garbage.

Other pilgrimage sites that suffered a similar fate included:

The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Manila,

The National Shrine and Parish of the Divine Mercy in Marilao, Bulacan,

And the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Grace in Caloocan City.

Sanctuaries of Cleanliness: A Glimpse of What Could Be

Yet, amid the mess, there was hope. Several pilgrimage sites stood tall as shining examples of environmental discipline and community cooperation.

In the Archdiocese of Manila, the following Jubilee Churches were commended for their litter-free sanctuaries:

Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar

Minor Basilica of San Sebastian

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned

National Shrine of the Sacred Heart

Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto

Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia

Saint John Bosco Parish

San Ildefonso Parish

San Pablo Apostol Parish

Likewise, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Parañaque, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica in Quezon City, St. Gregory the Great Parish in Cavite, and the Cathedral of the Holy Child in Manila stood as bastions of spiritual and environmental integrity.

A Call for Year-Round Awareness and Action

The EcoWaste Coalition expressed deep gratitude to local government units and church authorities who took proactive steps to promote eco-friendly practices among the faithful. But gratitude alone is not enough.

“There is a glaring need to institutionalize environmental value formation—not just during Lent, but year-round,” the Coalition asserted. “We must also enforce long-existing laws like Republic Act No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and elevate our practices beyond mere compliance.”

In particular, the Coalition underscored the urgent necessity to ban single-use plastics—the most common and persistent form of litter—while promoting reuse and refill systems that cut down waste at its source.

The group also gave a heartfelt salute to the silent environmental heroes of Holy Week: the street sweepers, waste workers, and informal recyclers, who bore the burden of others’ irresponsibility. Without their thankless toil, the aftermath would have been far worse.

The Real Pilgrimage: From Faith to Responsibility

As Holy Week reminds Filipinos of their spiritual journey, the EcoWaste Coalition challenges everyone to also reflect on their environmental stewardship.

“Faith is not just about prayers and penance,” the Coalition emphasized. “It is also about respect—for God’s creation, for our fellow men, and for the generations who will inherit this Earth.”

It is time for pilgrims not only to walk in faith but also to tread lightly on the earth.

Media’s Brightest at the Laurus Nobilis Awards: A Night of Truth, Talent, and Timeless Tribute

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In a world increasingly shadowed by misinformation and fleeting digital noise, the 3rd Laurus Nobilis Media Excellence Awards emerged as a radiant celebration of media professionals who dare to illuminate truth, creativity, and purpose. Held last March 28 at the Lyceum of the Philippines University - Cavite in General Trias City, the event honored 21 exemplary figures whose passion continues to shape and define the Philippine media landscape.

At the heart of this prestigious gathering stood Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes, Chairman and CEO of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, whose name resonates with generations of Filipino cinephiles. Reyes was conferred the Icon of Media Excellence Award, the highest distinction of the evening—an accolade befitting a visionary whose narratives have not only entertained but also educated, challenged, and inspired.

In a stirring video acceptance speech, Direk Joey issued a challenge—one that cut deeper than any script or monologue could. He urged media students to rise above the failures of previous generations, to remain steadfast in truth, and to wield their platforms with integrity amid a sea of falsehoods. “The media should be the compass pointing to honesty,” he said, a message made even more poignant in today's tumultuous information era. The award was received on his behalf by FDCP Technical Consultant for Academic Linkages, Seymour Sanchez.

But the spotlight did not rest on one luminary alone.

Elijah Canlas, lauded for his haunting performance in “Uninvited”, and the ever-versatile Candy Pangilinan, recognized for her heartfelt portrayal in “Road Trip”, were among those who took center stage to accept their Film Acting awards. The applause swelled further as Pia Arcangel and Jeff Canoy, pillars of credibility in TV news, were honored for their excellence in News Presentation.

From the airwaves to digital streams, the celebration spanned the breadth of modern media. DJ ChaCha of True FM and Johnson Manabat of Radyo 630 electrified the stage for Radio News Anchoring, while DJ Robin Sienna of Love Radio charmed audiences in the Female Radio Disk Jockeying category.

Equally moving were the messages from those who could not attend, yet whose presence lingered through videos and heartfelt words. Kara David (“I-Witness”) and Kim Atienza (“Dapat Alam Mo!”) reminded everyone of the power of public affairs in shaping civic consciousness. The entertainment sphere sparkled with the recognition of Amy Perez (“It's Showtime”) and Paolo Ballesteros (“Drag Race Philippines”), celebrated for their dynamic show hosting. Rising digital stars like Lenie Aycardo and Hajie Alejandro were also recognized for Online Content Creation, proving that impactful storytelling knows no medium.

Youthful energy filled the auditorium as Mary Grace Arroyo-Vasquez, Communication Program Chair of LPU Cavite, spoke with heartfelt admiration: “These awardees are not just media icons; they are architects of empowerment. Through stories, music, and films, they build bridges of understanding, spark social dialogues, and shape a future driven by truth and creativity.”

This year’s theme, “Luminaries in Media: Beacon of Youth Empowerment,” was more than a slogan—it was a call to action. Orchestrated with passion and precision by LPU Cavite’s senior Communication students, the event served as a powerful convergence of legacy and leadership, inspiration and innovation.

As the curtain fell and flashbulbs faded, one truth remained clear—media, when wielded with purpose and principle, becomes more than just a mirror to society. It becomes a torch, lighting the path forward for generations to come.

And from the voice of Wazzup Pilipinas to the ears of every aspiring changemaker: may we always honor those who dare to speak truth, shape culture, and ignite transformation through the power of media.