Filipino Youth Shine a Light on Displacement and Hope at the 3rd UNHCR Refugee Film Festival

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Amid rising global conflicts and crises that continue to displace millions, a powerful wave of storytelling surged from the heart of Manila as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Philippines held its 3rd Refugee Film Festival. The event, hosted at San Beda University-Manila's Abbot Lopez Hall, was more than just a cinematic celebration—it was a resonant call for empathy, inclusion, and hope, crafted by the voices of the Filipino youth.

With the stirring theme “Strengthening Spaces of Resilience and Hope,” the festival became a sanctuary of stories that matter. From a highly competitive pool of 39 entries, three standout films emerged, shaking audiences with raw emotion and unflinching honesty.

Championing the Voiceless: “Sa Simula ng Wala”

Taking the coveted first prize was “Sa Simula ng Wala” by Daghili Pictures from the University of Makati. This short documentary follows the journey of an adult foundling navigating life without legal identity—an invisible soul in a bureaucratic world. It lays bare the harrowing limbo faced by many undocumented individuals in the Philippines, exploring themes of abandonment, survival, and the human hunger for belonging.

The film was brought to life by an inspired team of 4th year Bachelor of Multimedia Arts students—Edward John Louis Factes and Ysamae Yrrah Carelo as directors, alongside Amariah Cajuday, Pauline Nicole Castillo, Maria Cris De Dios, Jefford Leigh Trajano, and Jaklyn Marie Segaya. Guided by their mentor Prof. Eduard Riparip, the team dared to speak for those who are too often silenced.

Echoes of the Displaced: “Wala’y Dagat Dinhi”

Claiming second place, “Wala’y Dagat Dinhi” (“There is No Sea Here”) by Pelikulang Daluyong of Laguna University, helmed by director Ken Bryan Delizo and fellow BA Communication students, delves into the harrowing existence of internally displaced persons. Told through haunting visuals and poignant storytelling, the film portrays how the absence of home can drown the soul even in the absence of water.

A Taste of Memory: “Akong Paboritong Pastil”

Rounding out the top three, “Akong Paboritong Pastil” (“My Favorite Pastil”) by Duwende Films from Davao, directed by Ingrid Silfverberg and co-produced by Franky Arrocena, serves a humble yet powerful narrative. Using the regional delicacy pastil as a symbol of identity, the film navigates themes of displacement, culture, and memory—a sensory journey into what it means to be uprooted and yet resilient.

Global Stories, Local Voices

The festival opened with a screening of “We Dare to Dream” by Waad Al-Kateab, chronicling the lives of refugee athletes chasing Olympic glory—a poignant reminder that ambition and hope thrive even in exile. The audience was then transported to Nova Scotia through “Peace by Chocolate”, a Canadian film based on the real-life story of a Syrian refugee family who found healing and purpose through the art of chocolate-making.

These international screenings were followed by heartfelt talkback sessions featuring refugees, advocates, professors, and experts, allowing for meaningful dialogue and deeper understanding of the refugee crisis both globally and within the Philippines.

Judging Stories That Matter

The gravity and grace of these youth-produced films were evaluated by a distinguished panel:

Atom Araullo, broadcast journalist and UNHCR Philippines Goodwill Ambassador

Ditsi Carolino, award-winning documentary filmmaker

Prof. Gregorio Borja III, Chairperson of Marketing Management at San Beda University

State Counsel Angelica Rose Dimalanta of the DOJ’s Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit

Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo, Head of the National Office, UNHCR Philippines

Their combined experience in journalism, law, education, and film brought depth and compassion to the selection process.

Collaboration for Compassion

Behind the success of the Refugee Film Festival is a collaborative tapestry of organizations: UNHCR Philippines, DOJ-RSPPU, Pathways Pilipinas, San Beda University-Manila, and Uniqlo Philippines. Together, they made this platform possible—not just to screen films, but to build bridges between displaced communities and those privileged to have a place to call home.

Beyond the Screen: Toward Action and Awareness

Held in celebration of World Refugee Day, the festival did more than award excellence in film—it illuminated truths often ignored. Through the eyes of the youth, these stories brought urgency and empathy to the challenges faced by refugees and stateless persons, reinforcing UNHCR’s core mission: to protect rights, save lives, and create a future for all those forced to flee.

As the final credits rolled and applause echoed through Abbot Lopez Hall, one truth stood tall: When given the space to speak, the youth do not merely tell stories—they ignite movements. And through film, they’ve begun to rewrite the narrative of displacement into one of resilience, justice, and hope.

Reel Power: FDCP, PACE, and Mapúa University Unite to Revolutionize Film Education in the Philippines

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In a stirring testament to the enduring power of cinema and education, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), in partnership with the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE) and Mapúa University, rolled out one of the most ambitious initiatives for Filipino educators this year — the FDCP x PACE: Training the Teachers program. Held this July at the state-of-the-art Mapúa University Makati campus, the program gathered over 130 educators from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao under one roof, united by a single goal: to empower those who teach film to inspire the next generation of storytellers.

In an era where digital disruption and content oversaturation challenge the traditional classroom, this collaborative program sought not just to adapt to the changing times but to lead the evolution. Through immersive sessions on film appreciation, screenwriting, production, animation, and global cinema, the FDCP x PACE initiative served as a clarion call: Film education in the Philippines is undergoing a renaissance.

A Golden Opportunity, A Historic Moment

The program opened with a symbolic confluence of leadership and legacy. PACE President Mark Lester Del Mundo Chico, FDCP Technical Consultant Seymour Sanchez, and Mapúa University Board of Trustees member Yvonne Yuchengco delivered the welcome remarks, setting the tone for an event that would redefine how film is taught across the archipelago.

Chico, whose organization is celebrating its 50th founding anniversary, underscored the urgency of this milestone. “What better way to celebrate our golden year than to give our educators gold — golden knowledge, golden experiences, and golden connections,” he said. “Our educators are the bridge between the industry’s past and the filmmakers of the future.”

Reyes Inspires: The Teacher as Nation-Builder

No one could have framed that vision more eloquently than FDCP Chair and CEO Jose Javier Reyes, who opened the educational sessions with a resounding message: “The study of film is not merely about aesthetics or technique — it is about culture, identity, and history.”

In his keynote titled “The Film Teacher and the Study of National Culture and History,” Reyes reminded the audience that every frame of film is a mirror of our collective soul. As the country’s film czar and a respected filmmaker himself, his words struck chords with every teacher present, reaffirming their pivotal role in nation-building through education.

Cinematic Excellence: Honoring the Past, Training for the Future

A highlight of the program was the screening of the iconic “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag,” the Lino Brocka masterpiece celebrating its 50th anniversary. Written by Clodualdo “Doy” Del Mundo Jr., a former PACE Board of Trustees member, the neo-noir classic was dissected in a masterful analysis led by Dr. Roland Tolentino and Dr. Anne Frances Sangil, both members of Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, with moderation by MPP Chairperson Dr. Shirley Lua. Their insights transcended technical critique, delving into the film’s sociopolitical relevance and historical significance.

Training in the Trenches: Practical Knowledge from Industry Titans

No stone was left unturned in the training's curriculum. Filipino Screenwriters Guild members Dustin Celestino and Giancarlo Abrahan conducted a riveting crash course on story development and scriptwriting, while Khaye Medina and Mica Oliveros delivered insider perspectives on production management and the often overlooked but critical role of producers.

Award-winning documentarians Adjani Arumpac (UP Film Institute) and Kristoffer Brugada (De La Salle University) tackled the art and ethics of documentary filmmaking in a forum moderated by Mapúa’s own She Andes, head of the Digital Film program. Meanwhile, the dynamic realm of animation came alive with insights from Avid Liongoren (“Saving Sally”), Carl Joseph Papa (“Iti Mapukpukaw”), and Eru Petrasanta, with filmmaker and DGPI president Keith Sicat guiding the conversation.

Beyond the Borders: Exploring Global Cinema

True to its commitment to widen perspectives, the program featured a screening of “Anatomy of a Fall,” a Cannes Palme d’Or winner, followed by a discussion with Dr. Patrick Campos and Tito Valiente, moderated by acclaimed critic Jason Tan Liwag. The session was a masterclass in connecting local sensibilities with global cinematic trends — a reminder that Filipino educators and filmmakers must not only tell our stories but also engage with the world’s narratives.

Creativity in Action: From Lenses to Edits

Veteran cinematographer Lee Briones-Meily led educators through a rare creative drawing exercise to explore the visual language of film. Renowned editor Ilsa Malsi, whose credits include “Babae at Baril” and “Rookie,” took participants on a deep dive into editing — illustrating how narrative pacing and emotional resonance are shaped in the cutting room.

Closing the Curtain, Opening New Doors

Dean David Corpuz of Mapúa School of Media Studies delivered heartfelt closing remarks, expressing gratitude for the trust and confidence given to their institution to host such a significant event. “This is not just a training program; it’s a movement — and we are proud to be part of it,” he declared.

The program’s formal partnership was solidified through a memorandum of agreement signed by PACE President Chico, PACE VP for Luzon Reginald Gonzales, and FDCP Chair Jose Javier Reyes — ensuring that this powerful alliance will continue to uplift film education across the country.

A New Chapter for Philippine Cinema Education

As the lights dimmed and the classrooms emptied, what remained was not just knowledge — but conviction. Educators left not only with tools and techniques, but with a renewed sense of mission: to wield film as a force for truth, identity, and transformation.

In a world reshaped by pixels and platforms, this initiative proves that the soul of storytelling still resides in the hearts of teachers — and that the future of Philippine cinema begins in every classroom where passion, purpose, and pedagogy meet.

And this, truly, is the new reel revolution.

ASEAN Science Diplomats Chairman Issues Heartfelt Plea for Peace Amid Thailand–Cambodia Conflict

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“This is not just a border dispute. It is a heartbreak unfolding in real time.”

These were the searing words of Glenn Banaguas, Chairman of the ASEAN Science Diplomats, as he broke his silence with a powerful and profoundly emotional call for peace amidst the rapidly escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. In a region bracing itself for the potential fallout of yet another geopolitical rift, Banaguas chose not to speak in the language of politics or posturing—but in the universal voice of empathy, unity, and shared humanity.

As skirmishes and unrest ripple across the borderlands, displacing families and sowing fear in communities, Banaguas stood firmly as a beacon of moral clarity. With unwavering compassion, he appealed not just to heads of state, but to the very conscience of Southeast Asia.

“Behind every headline is a child crying for a parent, a mother praying for her son, a family torn apart by fear. These are not numbers. These are lives. These are dreams.”

Banaguas's voice, though calm, carried the weight of generations of ASEAN unity forged in the crucible of war, colonialism, and eventual reconciliation. His sorrow for the suffering caused by the conflict was palpable—reflecting a deep understanding that war is not merely fought on borders, but within the hearts of the innocent.

He painted a haunting picture of the trauma already inflicted: children’s laughter silenced by gunfire, families separated in a flash, the uncertainty of whether tomorrow will bring peace or more pain. In a statement that stirred diplomats and civilians alike, Banaguas issued a poignant warning:

“We must not let the silence of diplomacy become the silence of graves. Let us speak loudly, bravely, and with love.”

For Banaguas, the ASEAN dream was never just a geopolitical ideal. It was a moral vision—an unbreakable bond of nations committed to collective peace, prosperity, and progress. He implored both Thailand and Cambodia to remember that their roots run deeper than their divides. Centuries of shared culture, language, and heritage cannot and must not be undone by conflict.

And in this moment of uncertainty, Banaguas turned to the power of science diplomacy—a discipline he has long championed as a transformative tool for peace.

“Science diplomacy is more than negotiation, it is empathy in motion, compassion with purpose. It is the quiet courage to reach across divides, even when wounds are fresh and trust is fragile.”

His words underscored the need for leadership that listens, not lectures; that heals, not harms. Science, he argued, has the power to transcend politics—to offer data in place of division, facts in place of fear, solutions in place of sorrow.

The ASEAN Science Diplomats movement, under Banaguas’s leadership, has long stood for the idea that science can be a unifying force across fragmented ideologies. In times of disaster, in moments of crisis, it is often the scientist, the researcher, the teacher—armed not with weapons but with knowledge and empathy—who steps forward to rebuild trust.

And now, he says, it is time for those very people to rise.

“Let us not be indifferent. Let us not be distant. Let us be the hands that hold, the voices that comfort, the minds that solve. Let us be ASEAN not just in name but in soul.”

Banaguas’s plea was not merely rhetorical. It was a call to action—for scientists, educators, civil society, and regional leaders to actively engage in preventing the further unraveling of peace. His vision was not just for a ceasefire of arms, but a ceasefire of hatred, of misunderstanding, of historical wounds left to fester.

He closed with a message that reached far beyond press conferences and diplomatic channels. It was a message to the displaced, the grieving, the terrified:

“To those suffering: know that your pain is felt in every corner of our region. To those grieving: your sorrow is ours, and we mourn with you. To those fighting for peace: we walk beside you, hand in hand, heart to heart. We are one ASEAN family—scarred by conflict but stitched together by compassion. Wounded, yes, but never broken. And never alone.”

A Legacy of Peace Rooted in Science and Heart

In a world where rhetoric often overshadows reason, Glenn Banaguas reminds Southeast Asia of its higher calling—not just as a political bloc, but as a family bound by shared dreams. His voice, firm yet tender, offers a vision of peace not defined by treaties but by truth, empathy, and collective resolve.

As the region watches and waits, it is this brand of leadership—authentic, courageous, and profoundly human—that may yet light the way forward.

About ASEAN Science Diplomats

ASEAN Science Diplomats is a regional platform committed to advancing peace, security, resilience, and sustainability through the power of science, diplomacy, and compassion. Under the leadership of Chairman Glenn Banaguas, the organization empowers scientists, policymakers, and communities to come together and craft collaborative solutions to global and regional challenges. Through science diplomacy, it fosters dialogue across cultures and countries—proving that even in the face of conflict, knowledge and humanity can prevail.