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Lights, camera, action! From Manila to Hollywood

Published Mar 16, 2025 5:00 am Updated Mar 16, 2025 1:46 pm

No lights and camera yet, but there was plenty of action when Filipinos in the arts and film industry left Manila for Los Angeles last week to conquer Hollywood.

Spearheaded by First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos, this is a movement to promote the Philippines and encourage filmmaking in the Philippines. “It’s a rebirth,” says a member of the Manila Film International Festival (MIFF) board which held its awards night at the Beverly Hilton last March 7.

The First Lady said: “What a truly proud moment to witness our Filipino and Filipino-American film luminaries coming together, side by side. Seeing our countrymen—regardless of where they are in the world—unite in creativity and passion is a testament to the boundless potential we can achieve when we work together.”

Drs. Z and Aivee Teo, Apl De Ap, Deputy SoSec. Dina Tantoco, Dingdong Dantes 

Apl De Ap, celebrated Filipino rapper and singer, heartily recited: “We are here to scream at the top of our lungs about our culture, our writing skills and who we are as Filipinos, throughout the world.”

Kevin Kwan 

Bestselling novelist Kevin Kwan, famously loved by Filipinos for his amusing satirical Crazy Rich Asians series, declared at the presscon: “We are hoping to make a movie in the Philippines showing the best of Filipino talents behind the screen and onscreen, because I love the Philippines! I fell in love with the country and its people. You guys are my super fans, right? And so, I am trying to do something to give back.” Crazy Rich Pinoys coming next? We are crazy fans!

Kevin Tan, Tia Carrere, Michelle Tan 

When we asked if the Philippines might someday take home an award on the red carpet, Tia Carrera replied: “Of course. I would love to have a Filipino at the Oscar Awards. Being a Filipina actress, I’d love that to be me. So that’s my goal right now. I’m writing something that’s in the realm of Anora… a small, independent film.”

But of course, let us not forget that we’ve proudly had Dolly de Leon taking home a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress (for her role in Triangle of Sadness).

Parasite producer David Shim with Liza Marcos and author Millet Mananquil 

Remember that shocker of a movie, South Korean director Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite, which won five nominations and four awards at the 2020 Oscars? We met its producer, David Shim, at the dinner hosted by Dr. Ronald Rigor in his Bel Air residence, and he pleasantly shocked us when he said: “I am producing a movie in the Philippines! After making connections with the Cine Gang, I am spending more time in the Philippines now, and should be ready with the film by year end.”

Dr. Ronald Rigor, Ernest Escaler 

Cine Gang is a group of filmmaking enthusiasts founded by Russell Lee with the goal of promoting Filipino narratives in international filmfests and revitalizing the film industry. “Let’s create magic together, one frame at a time,” said the First Lady during its office launch.

Present during the MIFF in LA was Alliance Global Group CEO Kevin Tan, one of Cine Gang’s incorporators, along with Paolo Martel.

This year’s MIFF with the theme “Have a Heart” was dedicated to the Fil-Am first responders who valiantly battled the wildfires that ravaged South California. In photo are Ambassador Babe Romualdez, Regina Aquino, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Omen Ortiz and the FilAm firefighters who gave the First Lady a firefighter’s hat. 

A powerhouse of support came from three government officials present at the MIFF: Tourism Sec. Christina Frasco, Trade Sec. Cristina Roque, and Department of Interior and Local Government Sec. Jonvic Remulla.

Tourism Undersec. Verna Buensuceso, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and  Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco 

“The Philippines has always been known as a fun destination,” said Tourism Sec. Frasco. “But we have only scratched the surface. There is Philippine art, culture, heritage and history to be discovered. And film is an avenue for letting people discover these. For beach lovers, we have Cebu, Bohol, Palawan and Boracay. In the radar for water sports, we have La Union and Siargao. For northern adventures, we have Batanes and Baguio. And for historical places, we have Intramuros and Vigan and many other UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Philippines can really be a filmmaker’s paradise.”

Michael Leyva, First Lady Liza Marcos, Paul Cabral who designed her terno, and Patrick Rosas 

A game changer, Frasco explained, is the “Create More” law that was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., allowing more liberalization of incentives including income tax holidays. “We extend filmmaking assistance on things like permits and security in cooperation with the local government units.”

Annette Gozon-Valdes, Bibot Nolan, First Lady Liza Marcos, Emmeline Villar and Sen. Mark Villar 

DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla explained: “Our department acknowledges the pivotal role of cinema in establishing Filipino identity and bridging the distance for migrant Filipinos with stories that hit close to home.”

During the MIFF awards night, Sec. Remulla quipped: “In governance, we do things not because they’re easy, but because they’re difficult. And our First Lady has come here to promote our art and culture, to celebrate the Filipino. Tonight, it’s all about storytelling for Filipinos. About heroes of the past, and heroes we have yet to see.”

Liza Marcos with Piolo Pascual and Capt. Stanley Ng 

Trade Sec. Cristina Roque likewise believes in the power of storytelling, saying, “We can use the film industry to project these stories. In our survey, we have found out that Indonesians love horror stories. We can’t beat South Korea when it comes to rom-coms, but they like the Vivamax style. It’s time we went global.”

Sec. Roque concurs with the First Lady’s policy to open our doors to filmmakers. Recently, she met with Birns & Sawyer, a film production and equipment provider, which is investing $50 million for the construction of state-of-the-art sound stages in the Philippines within the Filinvest property in New Clark City and other key places. “They are also providing training for fresh graduates to enable them to meet world-class industry standards,” Sec. Roque added.

Puey Quiñones, Getty Museum curator Paul Martineau

Puey Quiñones, Getty Museum curator Paul Martineau

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos flanked by MIFF co-founders Janet R. Nepales and Rappler’s Ruben V. Nepales

Eton properties president Kyle Tan and PAL president Capt. Stanley Ng

Anton San Diego, Morisette and Dave Lamar

Rose Aquino-Valeriano, Melinda Pineda-Marcelo

Francis Manuel Abbey, director Regina Aquino and Dr. Randy Lizardo of Faith Healers. Photo by STEVEN LAM

Jo Koy

Kara and Katrina Ponce Enrile

Maribel Lastimosa -Steinmann (right), Maricar Calame

CLOSE

During the MIFF week in Los Angeles, 16 Filipino films were shown at the TCL Chinese Theater. Two of them won special awards:

  • Song Of The Fireflies: A true story on the Loboc Children’s Choir produced by Girlie Rodis, Celeste Legaspi and Serge Lacuesta, it won a total of five awards—Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Rachel Alejandro), Best Supporting Actor (Noel Comia), Best Actress (Morisette), and a Special Award for Promoting Filipino Music and Culture.

“Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte was a co-presenter of this romance musical drama and she also sponsored our LA participation,” said Rodis.

The director was King Palisoc, with songs provided by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, Louie Ocampo, Raymond Marasigan and Jazz Nicolas. 

  • Faith Healers: Directed by Regina Aquino, this documentary that won a Special Award is about Filipino doctors who left their homeland to care for the health of the people in the US. It chronicles their unique and exemplary lives, from immigration in the 1960s to second-generation growing pains. Stars are Dr. Zorayda Lee-LLacer, Dr. Randy Lizardo (he made the audience cry) with the special appearance of Ambassador Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez.

“Filipino health workers are the most widely appreciated in the US because of their compassion and the special care they give to their patients,” declared Amb. Romualdez. “They are literally the most sought after, not only here in the US, but all over the world. They are really our frontline ambassadors of goodwill.”

The director’s mother, Rose Aquino Valeriano, said these doctors continue to serve in both the US and the Philippines, showing our shared humanity and the importance of our history and culture.

  • Hello, Love Again: Directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, this was the first movie to break into the US box office top 10, and the first Filipino film to gross over P1 billion at the box office. Starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards.
  • And The Breadwinner Is…: Produced by ABS-CBN, directed by Jun Robles Lana, this comedy stars Vice Ganda and Eugene Domingo.
  • Espantaho: Directed by Chito Rono, this horror movie stars Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino and Chanda Romero.
  • Hold Me Close: With Jason Paul Laxamana as director, this romance-fantasy stars Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino.
  • My Future You: This rom-com was directed by Crisanto Aquino and stars Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin.
  • Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Hospital Killer: Directed by Kerwin Go, this horror film stars Enrique Gil, Jane de Leon and Alexa Miru.
  • The Kingdom: Directed by Michael Tuviera, this adventure thriller stars Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual and Cristine Reyes.
  • Topakk: Directed by Richard Somes, this action movie features Julia Montes, Arjo Atayde and Sid Lucero.
  • Eraserheads: Combo On The Run: This documentary on Ely Buendia, Raymund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro was directed by Maria Diane Ventura.
  • Love Hurts: Directed by Jonathan Eusebio, this top-bills Oscar and Golden Globe winners Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose.
  • Nurse Unseen: This documentary directed by Michele Josue was produced by Josue, Carlo Velayo, and Joe Arciaga.
  • The Debut: Directed by Gene Cajayon, this drama released in 2000 stars Dante Basco, Tirso Cruz III and Eddie Garcia.
  • Everything About My Wife: Directed by Real Florido, this rom-com stars Dennis Trillo, Sam Milby. Jennylyn Mercado, Carmi Martin, Nova Villa, Joyang Glorioso, Alex Agustin, Polo Laurel and Ruby Ruiz.
  • Magikland: Directed by Christian Acuna, this fantasy features a cast that includes Maricel Laxa, Audie Gemora, Bibeth Orteza, Noel Trinidad, Lotlot de Leon and Jackie Lou Blanco.

Awardees were First Lady Liza Marcos (Visionary Award for Championing Philippine Cinema); Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, Ricky Lee, Vilma Santos and Nico Santos (Lifetime Achievement Awards); Lily Monteverde (Posthumous, Lifetime Achievement Award); Tia Carrere and The Debut (Trailblazer Awards).

Janelle So-Perkins Marie Jamora- Maclagan. Photo by STHANLEE B. MIRADO

Janelle So-Perkins Marie Jamora- Maclagan. Photo by STHANLEE B. MIRADO

Best Actor Seth Fedelin. Photo by Steven Lam

Vilma Santos accepts Lifetime Achievement Award via video. Photo by STEVEN LAM

Boots Anson Roa, Dingdong Dantes Photo by SHANLEE B. MIRADOR

Liza Soberano. Photo by STHANLEE B. MIRADO

Lala Sotto

Lisa Lew

The Voice winner Sofronio Vasquez and Grammy nominee Deborah Cox deliver a powerful duet Photo by STEVEN LAM

Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu with Alex Pineda

Janice de Belen and Boots Anson Roa. Photo by GERRY VILLAROMAN

Mike Toledo

John Arcilla. Photo by GERRY VILLAROMAN

Janelle So-Perkins

Enchong Dee. Photo by GERRY VILLAROMAN

Best Supporting Actress winner Photo by STEVEN LAM Rachel Alejandro, Girlie Rodis

CLOSE

A heartwarming detail: The 2025 edition of the MIFF was dedicated by chairman Omen Ortiz and president Ebradu Udarbe to the first responders who valiantly battled the wildfires that ravaged parts of Southern California. “We have earmarked a portion of the proceeds to the Los Angeles fire relief efforts,” declared Ortiz.

So what’s next for MIFF? If you ask co-founders/ journalists Ruben Nepales and Janet Nepales, they will say, “Hollywood will conquer Manila next. The lights and camera are coming.”