A Triumph of Vision: The 9th Sine Negrense Film Festival Crowns Its Newest Legends

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The spirit of Negros Island burned brighter than ever on June 20, 2026, as the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Social Hall played host to a night of cinematic glory. The 9th Sine Negrense: Negros Island Film Festival reached its dramatic climax, turning the spotlight on the storytellers who have captured the soul of the region through the lens. 

Following a series of evocative screenings held at the Cinematheque Centre Negros back in December 2025, the jury has finally spoken, setting a new bar for regional filmmaking.  

The Titans of the Open Competition

In the highly contested Open Competition, one name echoed through the halls: Babaye sa Bubon. Securing the coveted Best Film award and a P30,000 cash prize, the production dominated the evening. The film’s victory was a total sweep of creative excellence, anchored by:  

Best Director: Ginboy Bataclit  

Best Actress: Jonah Sabijon  

Best Sound Design: Ry Cortez and Wenny Lord Bacabac  

Not far behind, the hauntingly poignant Pagdumdom claimed the Jury Prize and a P20,000 cash award, alongside technical accolades for Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress (Jing Torrecampo), and Best Actor (Jessiah Makilan).  

The technical mastery of other standout films was also rightfully honored, with Hilum sweeping through Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Original Song, while Snatcher struck a chord with the public to take home the People’s Choice Award. 

The Rise of Student Cinema

The next generation of Negrense auteurs proved they are ready for the spotlight, with Kundoktor emerging as the champion of the Inter-School Category. Taking home the Best Film title and P20,000, the project was a crowning achievement for director Joshua Pastora, who also walked away with trophies for Best Director and Best Screenplay.  

The student category was a battleground of raw talent:

Jury Prize Winner: Ngaa Tugnaw ang Gab-i, which also celebrated Best Actor Paco Gloria and Best Production Design by Kyle David Ebro. 

Technical Powerhouse: Gugma sa Balod proved unstoppable, securing wins in Cinematography, Editing, Musical Score, Sound Design, and Original Song. 

Acting Excellence: Beyond the main winners, Wilma Larrazabal (Isa Ka Higayon) earned Best Actress, while fourth Dillomes (Isa Ka Higayon) and Jing Torrecampo (Gugma sa Balod) were recognized for their commanding supporting performances.  

A Call to Aspiring Storytellers

The ceremony was marked by an inspirational address from Butch Ibañez, Chief Content Officer of Solar Studios, Inc. Speaking to a room filled with the future of Philippine cinema, Ibañez urged attendees to marry their pursuit of technical excellence with an unwavering commitment to their cultural roots and unique creative voices.  

As the 9th edition of the festival draws to a close, the success of the event remains a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the provincial leadership of Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” V. Lacson.  

The Sine Negrense Film Festival has once again proven that the heartbeat of Negros Island is loud, vibrant, and ready for the world stage.  

9th Sine Negrense: Key Winners at a Glance

Category Best Film Jury Prize People's Choice

Open Competition Babaye sa Bubon Pagdumdom Snatcher

Inter-School Kundoktor Ngaa Tugnaw ang Gab-i Libod Para sa Handum

What do you think is the most exciting trend in regional storytelling today, and how do you think festivals like Sine Negrense are shaping that future?

Jade’s Temple Unveils Artist Series: A Celebration of Craft Beer and Filipino Creativity

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Jade’s Temple Brewing Company unveils its newest Limited Philippine Artist Edition Craft Beer Seriesis a collection that celebrates the richness of Filipino creativity through exclusive label collaborations with distinguished artists.

Featuring original artworks by Dante Enage, Mari Zhar, Angelo Roxas, David Kaufman, and other selected talents, each bottle transforms craft beer into a collectible piece of art—bringing together craftsmanship, storytelling, and cultural expression in one unique experience.

This special release is more than a beverage; it is a tribute to the vibrant Philippine arts and culture community. By placing Filipino artists at the forefront, Jade’s Temple aims to help raise the flag of Philippine creativity and introduce local artistic excellence to a wider audience.

Available soon nationwide, the Artist Series will be released in limited quantities, making each bottle a sought-after collector’s item for craft beer enthusiasts and art lovers alike.

Jade’s Temple Brewing Co. invites everyone to experience a celebration of flavor, artistry, and national pride—one bottle at a time.

“Where craft beer meets Filipino artistry.”

For media inquiries, partnerships, and distribution opportunities, please contact Jade’s Temple Brewing Co.

Step Into the Heart of the Philippines: A New Era of Mindful Travel Begins

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The Philippines is being reimagined—not through the lens of a car window or the rush of transit, but through the rhythm of the human stride. On June 8, 2026, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Primer Group of Companies officially joined forces, signing a Memorandum of Agreement to launch a transformative national campaign: "The Philippines by Foot". 

This initiative marks a pivotal shift in the local tourism landscape, championing the global movement toward mindful, sustainable, and immersive travel. By transforming the country into a premier, "walk-worthy" destination, the partnership seeks to reconnect travelers with the soul of the islands, one conscious step at a time. 

From Scrolling to Strolling

At the heart of the campaign is a bold challenge to modern habits. TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles envisions this initiative as a catalyst for deeper connection, urging the youth and travelers alike to "swap scrolling screens for strolling the streets". 

"Through the simple act of walking, this initiative guides travelers off the beaten path, connecting them with local communities and celebrating the Filipino heritage that anchors our country," Nograles shared during the campaign’s welcome dinner. 

A Journey Through History

The campaign’s launch, held from June 10 to 11, 2026, in Manila, brought this vision to life. Key opinion leaders, including fashion stylist Daryl Chang, hairstylist Lourd Ramos, and social media personality Patrick Sugui, joined forces with grassroots walking communities like Just Walk PH for an evocative advocacy walk. 

The route began at the historic Kilometer Zero Marker, weaving through the storied streets of Manila, and culminating at the Museum of Natural History. The launch also featured an interactive booth at The Henry Hotel, where participants were introduced to the TravelPH App—a digital companion designed to make local exploration seamless and engaging.  

The atmosphere of the launch was further enriched by a vibrant cultural performance from the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group (ROFG), reminding attendees that this campaign is as much about honoring Filipino heritage as it is about physical movement. 

The Road Ahead

"The Philippines by Foot" is only just beginning. The program has ambitious plans to establish regional walking loops across every province in the country. These routes will be carefully curated with specific pit stops, purposefully designed to direct foot traffic toward local cafes, shops, and hidden gems.  

Future activations are already being charted for:

South Cotabato

Dipolog

Ilocos Sur

Bacolod

Travelers, fitness enthusiasts, and creators are invited to become part of this movement by downloading partner apps, tracking these official routes, and sharing their own journeys online.  

As the country turns toward a more mindful future, the message is clear: the most authentic way to experience the Philippines isn't by rushing through it—it is by walking it, witnessing the beauty of the heritage that unfolds with every step. For more information on how to join the movement, visit www.tpb.gov.ph.