ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
Advocates Philippines
Benilde Thesis Films Earn International Spotlight At Seattle Festival
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Two thesis films created by students of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde recently brought Filipino creativity to the international stage after being featured at the Diwa Filipino Film Festival in Seattle, Washington.
The short films, "Philip vs. The School" and "Guys! Action!", were screened on June 7 as part of the festival's "Sometimes You Just Gotta Laugh" program at the Seattle Center Armory Loft 2. Both entries entertained audiences with lighthearted stories while tackling the challenges and pressures faced by young students.
Directed by Terrence Santiago and produced under HIVE Films, "Philip vs. The School" follows the story of Philip, an ordinary high school student caught in a difficult situation during a heated student council election. Forced to choose between staying loyal to his best friend, Lea, or exposing a damaging secret about his rival, Mark, Philip must decide what truly matters.
Meanwhile, "Guys! Action!", directed by Jem Catabijan and produced by Kuhang Kuting Productions, offers a fun and relatable take on student filmmaking. The comedy centers on a high school multimedia club desperately trying to create an award-winning short film for the Cinemalaya Film Festival before their club is shut down by the school.
The Seattle screening adds another milestone to both films' growing list of achievements. "Philip vs. The School" was previously selected for the Kuala Lumpur International Film Academy Awards in 2025, while "Guys! Action!" was featured at the San Diego Filipino Film Festival in 2024.
Both projects were developed under the guidance of experienced Benilde Film mentors. Santiago worked closely with filmmaker and faculty member Wanggo Gallaga, while Catabijan refined his project with the help of film educator and advocacy filmmaker Seymour Sanchez.
Held alongside the annual Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival, the Diwa Filipino Film Festival celebrates Filipino stories through independent cinema. Supported by 4Culture and Shunpike, the event showcases films from the Philippines and Filipino communities around the world.
The Benilde entries were screened alongside other notable Filipino films, including Banjo Hinolan's "Manokan Country" and Mark Giddel Liwanag's "Ambag (Impact)." Liwanag, who directed "Ambag" while studying at Alaminos City National High School's Special Program in the Arts, later pursued filmmaking at Benilde.
The short films, "Philip vs. The School" and "Guys! Action!", were screened on June 7 as part of the festival's "Sometimes You Just Gotta Laugh" program at the Seattle Center Armory Loft 2. Both entries entertained audiences with lighthearted stories while tackling the challenges and pressures faced by young students.
Directed by Terrence Santiago and produced under HIVE Films, "Philip vs. The School" follows the story of Philip, an ordinary high school student caught in a difficult situation during a heated student council election. Forced to choose between staying loyal to his best friend, Lea, or exposing a damaging secret about his rival, Mark, Philip must decide what truly matters.
Meanwhile, "Guys! Action!", directed by Jem Catabijan and produced by Kuhang Kuting Productions, offers a fun and relatable take on student filmmaking. The comedy centers on a high school multimedia club desperately trying to create an award-winning short film for the Cinemalaya Film Festival before their club is shut down by the school.
The Seattle screening adds another milestone to both films' growing list of achievements. "Philip vs. The School" was previously selected for the Kuala Lumpur International Film Academy Awards in 2025, while "Guys! Action!" was featured at the San Diego Filipino Film Festival in 2024.
Both projects were developed under the guidance of experienced Benilde Film mentors. Santiago worked closely with filmmaker and faculty member Wanggo Gallaga, while Catabijan refined his project with the help of film educator and advocacy filmmaker Seymour Sanchez.
Held alongside the annual Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival, the Diwa Filipino Film Festival celebrates Filipino stories through independent cinema. Supported by 4Culture and Shunpike, the event showcases films from the Philippines and Filipino communities around the world.
The Benilde entries were screened alongside other notable Filipino films, including Banjo Hinolan's "Manokan Country" and Mark Giddel Liwanag's "Ambag (Impact)." Liwanag, who directed "Ambag" while studying at Alaminos City National High School's Special Program in the Arts, later pursued filmmaking at Benilde.
Jul 4, 2026
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