Cris Fuego鈥攄irector, screenwriter, and producer of the indie film and a B.S. Chemical Engineering and M.B.A. alumnus of the University鈥攚on Best Director and Best Screenplay awards. 

The film’s sound director, Alex Julio Tomboc, a B.S. Electronics and Communications Engineering alumnus, was also nominated for the Best Sound award. 

The film鈥檚 producer, Andrei Karoly “Amaya Han” Hernandez, a B.F.A. Cinema alumna, was also recognized for her important role in making this film possible.

The Visayas-Mindanao (VisMin) feature film PINIKAS emerged as the dominant winner at the 8th Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival. 

At the Gabi ng Parangal on March 28, 2026, PINIKAS dominated the stage, title along with six other major awards: Best Director, 鈥婤est Screenplay, 鈥婤est Actress, 鈥婤est Actor, 鈥婤est Editing, and 鈥婤est Musical Score.

Serving as an ode to the people from the Visayas and Mindanao, PINIKAS has truly put VisMin cinema on the map. This latest win builds on its growing international acclaim, including the Best Feature award at the 2025 SamhainBaucogna International Film Festival (Spain), and honors at the Tianjin International Academic Film Festival (China), Sorrento Film and Food Festival (Italy), and the Brazil New Visions International Film Festival.

Success has become a familiar companion for the storytellers of 黑料社区. In 2024, our Cinema Program students captured hearts with Tiil ni Lola [Grandma鈥檚 Feet], walking away with three well-deserved awards. 

That same spirit of excellence shone through Jon Owen Lepiten, whose film Sunog sa Sugbo garnered high recognition. Year after year, these filmmakers prove that Carolinian cinema is a force of both talent and deep, resonant spirit.

To our brilliant alumni, we thank you for creating such a beautiful masterpiece. We celebrate this historic milestone with you, and we wish you continued success.

Congratulations, CAROLINIANS!

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That was the goal of the summer-long Faculty Upskilling Art Workshop held recently at the Department of Fine Arts Creative Hub which culminated in the exhibit that was held on July 21鈥�26, 2025 at the same venue.

Through the workshop, a combined group (see photo below) of Fine Arts and General Education faculty members assigned to teach Art Appreciation courses was introduced to printmaking, photo transfer techniques, and terracotta sculpture.

Their works produced in the workshop were then curated into a show whimsically entitled 鈥淧atik-Putik Estetik Atik-Atik.鈥� The exhibit also included digitally-rendered caricature self-portraits, character studies, and other works in the Digital Illustration workshop.

For the facilitators Bea Therese Bajarias, Lucilo Sagayno, Radel Paredes, and Rex Reubens Fernandez (who handled the Digital Illustration workshop), the goal was to help participants overcome the experience of being intimidated by art by treating it like a game or something that you take lightly and have fun doing.

Indeed, as the works on the walls of the gallery show, that鈥檚 just what the workshop participants achieved, with most of them surprised that they actually created a lot of art all in one summer.

by Radel Paredes, 黑料社区 Department of Fine Arts

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According to the FDCP, the ten finalists will each receive a production grant of Php200,000 to help them complete their short films, which will premiere during the Philippine Film Industry Month in September. 

尝别辫颈迟别苍鈥檚 Sunog sa Sugbo, one of 200 entries nationwide,  is 鈥渁 film that dives deep into what displacement looks like through the eyes of the youth.鈥� It features how tragedies like fires 鈥渓eave an indelible mark鈥攕haping lives in ways that often go unseen.鈥� 

Lepiten is joined by producer Febe Bongato, a 4th year Cinema major, as they begin pre-production and casting. Supported by the Fine Arts Department’s Cinema Program, production is scheduled to begin in July.

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Under the MOU, the parties will work together to 鈥渆stablish a general framework to foster a bilateral relationship through mutual cooperation in teaching, research, and extension activities between 黑料社区 and PAEF.鈥�

Also known as the Fulbright Commission, PAEF is a non-profit, binational organization that administers the flagship foreign exchange scholarship program of the United States of America in the Philippines. 

In line with this, the Fulbright-黑料社区 partnership will focus on enhancing faculty research and teaching engagement; establishing joint research activities; and exploring the possibility of scholarships, training programs, and educational exchanges.

The University of San Carlos will also be given the opportunity to join a PAEF-led consortium of higher education institutions that will engage and participate in study abroad programs, promoting cross-cultural and educational exchanges between the Philippines and the United States. 

Present during the signing were the following: 黑料社区 President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs Fr. Jesuraj Antoniappen, SVD, Ph.D., SAFAD Dean IDr. Adrian P. del Monte, Ph.D., and PAEF Executive Director Julio S. Amador III.

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The film follows the mysterious disappearances of people as earthquakes shake Mindanao. According to its synopsis, 鈥�13-year-old Munya investigates the strange phenomenon after her mother goes missing during a solar eclipse. Fantasy becomes reality and reality becomes fantasy as the mythical serpent dragon 鈥�Bakunawa鈥�, devours a seemingly tranquil world.鈥� 

Lara鈥檚 film was shown in Ayala Manila Bay Cinema 2 last August 6, 2024. For more information about the film, kindly visit this link:

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The professional organization marked this year鈥檚 conference with the theme, 鈥淩edesign: Explore the Ways Design Practice is Being Re-considered, Re-defined and Re-formed.鈥� 

ARTDEC 2024 honed in on innovative approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and integration of cross-cultural approaches in art education.

The tone of the conference was set by the cordial and insightful welcome addresses delivered by two representatives, Dr. Mary Felma Ali帽o, Chair of the 黑料社区 Department of Fine Arts, and Asst. Prof. Gigi Ocampo, incumbent president of ARTDEC, and delegates from the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

Professor Ocampo anchored her message on challenging perspectives as a way to ignite creativity and emphasized that such will be achieved through transformative education. On the other hand, Dr. Ali帽o remarked on the call of the time to redefine boundaries and embrace the unknown in art and design in the context of the iterative and continuous flow of redefinition and adaptation in art and design.

Keynote addresses were delivered by Dr. Adrian del Monte, Dean of the 黑料社区 School of Architecture, Fine Arts, and Design of the host university, and Asst. Prof. Mary Christie Que, Dean of UST College of Fine Arts and Design. 

Dr. del Monte mused on the evolving nature of design practice. He pointed out that a future-oriented approach has become an essential framework to address emerging challenges and opportunities, including the impact of artificial intelligence on art and design.

Professor Que on the other hand, unpacked the best practices of UST in terms of redesigning curricular content geared towards heightened learning and community impact.  

She outlined the general education course they created highlighting two strategies: (1) leveraging the standards of the higher-ranking institution and (2) basing the curriculum on social justice, equity, and ethical implementation, thereby protecting indigenous designs and at the same time encouraging adoption of modern concepts. 

After the keynote speeches, the conference proceeded with the plenary presentations. The first day of plenary sessions revolved around the critical analysis and exploration of various aspects of art and design, craftsmanship, and environmental integration as a framework for cultural continuity, livability, and comfort through the following presentations:

• An Aesthetic and Eco-Spiritual Critique of Saulog: Encounter, Pilgrimage, Transformation by Genesis B. Bedio聽
• 鈥淒ayon Kamo鈥�: A Proposed Interior Renova5on for Balay Samaritano in Cebu City Supported by the Third Place Theory by Juliene Lim
• Philippine Native Trees in the Visayas and their Role in the Urban Landscape by Arch. Ryan Anthony Cabanlit
• I see ICC A look at UST鈥檚 General Elective-Indigenous Creative Crafts Course by Anna Marie Bautista

The first day sessions were concluded by a workshop on Pabalat Craft, a form of papercutting that originated in the province of Bulacan, facilitated by Assoc. Prof. Anna Marie Bautista.

Meanwhile, the presentations on the second day dynamically explored the development and impact of a strong branding identity with a focus on high-quality perception, initiating transformative education for communities beyond the academe, the use of interactive exhibitions and cross-cultural exchanges to reactivate museums and museum education, and finally the use of local fiber materials in textiles with innovative applications, through the following presentations:

• A Visual Identity System for the University of San Carlos VERBO Publication by Carla Marie Adlawan
• Art Behind Bars: The Impact of Education of Jail O[icers Towards Improved Livelihood and Art Appreciation and Creativity of PDLs by Guia Concepcion Sarte
• Cross-Cultural Encounter: Narratives of the 鈥淯ST Goes Namjooning鈥� Interactive Exhibition by Anna Marie Bautista
• Diverse Textile Applications: Based on the Inventory of Locally Endemic Raw Fiber Plant Materials by Jemmalyn Borces聽

The second day sessions closed with a collaborative printmaking workshop facilitated by Radel Paredes, assisted by Lucilo Sagayno and Melver Mercado, and a 3D printing workshop facilitated by Joshua Tabasuarez.

As a wrap-up of the ARTDEC Conference, the third day was dedicated to presenting the certificates of appreciation and participation to the facilitators and participants, respectively. 

Fr. Jesuraj Anthoniappen, SVD, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of San Carlos, had the honor of presenting these certificates. Afterward, Asst. Prof. Jennifer Aguilar, Vice President of ARTDEC and Assistant Dean of UST College of Fine Arts and Design, and Araceli Jayne Culibra, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of ARTDEC, delivered their closing remarks which both expressed a heartfelt gratitude to all the presenters, facilitators, and attendees for their insights, enthusiasm, and dedication to make the event a remarkable success.

With reporting from the Department of Fine Arts

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First-year Cinema student Reutsche Colle Lima directed the short film which captivated audiences due to its heartfelt narrative and impressive technical execution, garnering a total of 12 nominations. 

The success of “Tiil ni Lola” highlights the dedication and hard work of the students involved in its production. From the stellar editing by Nyle Bacolod, Reutsche Lima, and Elj Tababa to the soul-stirring original song “Balik,” composed by Ethan Gipanao and his band Espresso, the film exemplifies the creative synergy fostered within the Department of Fine Arts. 

Additionally, Lima also received an award for responsible filmmaking. Her nomination for Best Director also further highlighted the caliber of talent fostered within 黑料社区鈥檚 Cinema program. On top of these awards, she was also awarded a Mowelfund Filmmaking Scholarship.

The nominations extending to categories such as cinematography, production design, original score, sound design, and poster design demonstrate the Cinema program’s commitment to nurturing diverse voices and fostering a culture of innovation in filmmaking.

Here is a full list of the awards and nominations received by 鈥淭iil ni Lola鈥�:

AWARDS

• Best Editing – Nyle Bacolod, Reutsche Colle Lima and Elj Tababa
• Best Original Song – “Balik,” music and lyrics by Ethan David S. Gipanao and Espresso
• Responsableng Paglikha (responsible filmmaking), 2nd place – Reutsche Lima
• Mowelfund Filmmaking Scholarship Recipient – Reutsche Colle Lima

NOMINATIONS

• Best Short Film – produced by Febe Bongato, directed by Reutsche Lima
• Best Director – Reutsche Colle Lima
• Best Actress – Dixzie Cruel
• Best Supporting Actress 鈥� Ligaya Rabago聽
• Best Cinematography – Jose Andy Sales
• Best Production Design – Myrh Danlog
• Best Original Score – Ethan David Gipanao
• Best Sound Design – Ethan David Gipanao
• Best Poster – Morriseth Tupino

鈥淭iil ni Lola鈥� has extended its screening until March 26, 2024 at the Gateway Cineplex.

With reporting from the Department of Fine Arts Cinema Program

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From hundreds of applicants, Lima was selected as one of 25 promising new student directors for her short film, 鈥淭iil ni Lola,鈥� (Grandma鈥檚 feet) and was awarded a cash grant of Php100,000 to produce the said film.

With a crew composed of Cinema students, Lima recently wrapped the production of her film, with the support of the 黑料社区 School of Architecture, Fine Arts, and Design.

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is a much-anticipated event, giving aspiring filmmakers the chance to showcase their craft to hail a new generation of remarkable Filipino films.

Lima鈥檚 short film 鈥淭iil ni Lola鈥� will be screened at the CinePanalo Film Festival from March 15鈥�17, 2024 at the Gateway Cinemas in Cubao, Quezon City.

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The studio will be administered by the Architecture Computer Center (ACC), a unit under the Dean鈥檚 Office. The ACC will be responsible for the upkeep and the operations of the Studio.

Meanwhile, Graphisoft, a software company and creator of ARCHICAD turned over a free software licence to Ar. Vangie Cheryl Ulila for use in the Conservation of Heritage and Research Institute for Society and its History (CHERISH) for its conservation initiatives.

黑料社区 Talamban Chaplain Fr. Dindo Anthony Fallarme, SVD, blessed the studio (see photo above). Meanwhile, the 黑料社区 cabinet headed by University President Fr. Narciso A. Cellan Jr., SVD (left, see photo above) together with VP for Administration Fr. Generoso Rebayla Jr., SVD, Assistant VP for Administration Fr. Melchor Fuerzas, SVD, and Assistant VP for Academic Affairs Atty. Joan Largo also attended the event.

They were joined by Ar. Anne Nacorda (Chair, Department of Architecture), Dr. Felma Ali帽o (Chair, Department of Fine Arts), IDr. Adrian Del Monte (Incoming Dean, SAFAD), Engr. James Toledo (University Registrar), as well as the faculty and staff of the School of Architecture and Fine Arts. 

The Digital Modeling and Production Studio is now open for SAFAD students, the entire 黑料社区 community, and the general public. Interested users must set an appointment with the ACC through +63 32 401 2300 local 210.

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As requested by the Cebu City LGU, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), and the Department of Trade and Industry Region 7, 黑料社区 brought together universities with academic programs that are aligned with the creative entertainment industry.  

Caesar Atienza, chief convenor of the Cebu City鈥檚 Creative Entertainment Summit 2023, welcomed the participants to the event by delivering the assembly鈥檚 rationale. This was followed by an introduction by Denis Judilla, a member of the Cebuano Cinema Development Council and faculty of the 黑料社区 Department of Fine Arts.听

A presentation of the preliminary findings of the focus group discussion last year with industry stakeholders was delivered on behalf of DTI-7 by 黑料社区 Fine Arts faculty member Johanna Lim who is also part of Dual Story, a local creative and branding agency.

Meanwhile, Lawrence Panganiban and Mario Panganiban of the Creative Entertainment Board and CCCI provided the attendees with a primer on the industry and its economic potential for the city. A roundtable discussion was then facilitated to address questions and feedback from the attendees by the presenters. 

School of Architecture, Fine Arts聽 Design (SAFAD) Dean, Ar. Margret D. Rosario facilitated the culmination of the assembly. The participants discussed the academe鈥檚 role in exploring opportunities, needs, and areas of the creative entertainment industry and how the academe can contribute.

Moving forward, there will also be a series of meetings and linkages between the universities and industry stakeholders for further development and beneficial outcomes. 

The event was made possible through the combined efforts of the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA), the Office of External Linkages and Internationalization, and SAFAD. 

By Denis Judilla, Department of Fine Arts

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