Sharlene Pineda and Cielo Gapit
May 1, 2025 | 3:22 PM PHT
Quezon City, Philippines — A celebration of timeless Filipino artistry and creativity unfolded today at the UPFI Videotheque as EdukSine Studios, together with sponsors UPFI Film Center, Power Mac Center, Kinwa Etnika, and The Chocolate Chamber, proudly hosted the Gawad Alamat ng Sine Filipino.
This year’s event, held on April 26, 2025, was divided into three segments that paid tribute to a few of Philippine cinema’s icons. The event also showcased their films, which continue to move audiences.
The morning program opened with the special screening of “Otso,” a socio-political drama co-written by Vince Tañada and directed by the legendary Elwood “El Maestro” Perez. Distinguished guests were welcomed by EdukSine volunteers and EdukSine CEO, Miss Karen Jane Salutan-Krukover. The film, which follows a struggling writer finding inspiration in the lives of his neighbors, was lauded for its gritty portrayal of truth and society’s complexities.
Following the screening, the awarding ceremony honored two outstanding contributors to Philippine arts and culture. Atty. Vince M. Tañada was recognized with a Special Recognition Award for his trailblazing work in socially relevant theater and film. As a writer and director, Atty. Vince has reflected his courage through films like Otso, Katips, and his theater play, Juan Luna: Isang Sarsuela.
Sir George Jarlego was also honored with the Gawad Alamat ng Sine Filipino sa Likod ng Kamera award for his invaluable contributions as a film editor, playing a key role in the creation of some of the country’s most influential films.
Shortly after, Eduksine hosted a screening of the classic film “Miracle of Love,” directed by Elwood Perez. This story follows Gabriel, a heartbroken man who, while traveling through Europe, falls in love with a terminally ill woman. Their relationship explores themes of love and faith capturing the emotional power of life’s most intimate connections. The program also featured a tribute video to the late Roxanne Abad Santos, whose first and final performance in the film earned her a FAMAS posthumous recognition.
The Gawad Alamat ng Sine Filipino Awards continued with recognition given to industry icons.
Sir Gabby Concepcion, one of the most iconic actors in Philippine cinema, was presented with the Gawad Alamat ng Sine Filipino sa Harap ng Kamera Award for his decades-long excellence in acting. Known for his captivating performances in a career spanning over four decades, Sir Gabby’s performance in Miracle of Love further solidified his legacy as a leading man in Philippine cinema.
Miss Snooky Serna was honored with the Gawad Alamat ng Sine Filipino sa Harap ng Kamera Award. Known as the “Eternal Star” of the Filipino film industry, Snooky’s recent FAMAS recognition as an iconic actress adds to her legacy.
Lastly, Sir Lutgardo “Gardy” Labad was recognized for his contributions to both film and theater over the past five decades through music. Sir Gardy was one of the composers of Miracle of Love’s theme song. Although unable to attend, Eduksine was able to present the award in person.
Miss Karen Jane Salutan-Krukover
With his films such as Miracle of Love and Otso, Director Elwood “El Maetro” Perez was honored as the “Ama ng EdukSine”. Over the years, Sir Elwood has inspired EdukSine’s CEO Miss Karen Jane Salutan-Krukover, alongside the entire EdukSine team, through his creativity and remarkable penchant at guerilla-style filmmaking.
Following the screening of Otso and Miracle of Love came the official face-to-face screening of Eduksine Online Film Festival’s Top 10 short films. As a social enterprise dedicated to promoting and supporting local independent films, EdukSine had handpicked 10 short films to screen online from April 27-May 11, 2025. These short films are the following:
- Bakit Papa
- Directed by Migo Morales
- An Kuan
- Directed by Jo Ramos
- Gunita ng Dapithapon
- Directed by Joven Sabio Molina
- Red
- Directed by Aries Ferrer
- Parapo
- Directed by Jhonny Bobier
- Ina Bulan
- Directed by Melver Ritz Gomez
- Eskoba
- Directed by Sherwin Ray De Leon
- Dream Town
- Directed by Jhun Ablaza Montered
- Awang
- Directed by Ruth Nicole Medina
- Dr. Videoke
- Directed by Jalen Buenaseda
The official face-to-face screening was an intimate get-together of the selected films’ crews, with the event screening all of the short films, divided into two sets. The program started with EdukSine’s Creative Operations Lead, Amira Al Sobeh, providing the audience with opening remarks. The screening of Set A and Set B followed shortly.
After the screenings came the awarding ceremony, where the short films were up for nomination for Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, and People’s Choice. Selected awards also had incentives provided by EdukSine and its partners:
- People’s Choice – Php 6,000 Cash Prize
- Best Film – Php 10,000 Cash Prize and Free Digital Cinema Package (DCP) from AC Digital Post
Ina Bulan had won Best Short Film, while Parapo bagged two awards, particularly Best Director and People’s Choice. The Best Screenplay award was given to Eskoba, while Best Editing was awarded to Dream Town. Here, the filmmakers were able to give speeches regarding their films, its meanings, and gratitude to their crew.
The festival’s short film screening ended with closing remarks given by Eduksine’s Sales Head and co-founder, Sir Roger Macua. Sir Macua had thanked everyone for attending and for their participation in the Eduksine Online Film Festival.
April 26, 2025 was a day full of celebration and empowerment for Filipino cinema, from renowned filmmakers and stars to emerging filmmakers. However, one of the largest factors to the three-part event’s successful run is Eduksine’s youth volunteers. Without these volunteers’ collaborative efforts, from preparing the event’s publication materials, participating in the short films’ selection committee, hosting, writing, handling tech, to co-heading the film festival, and more, the event would not have run as smoothly as it did.
“Last April 26, it wasn’t just the Gawad Alamat awardees or the featured short films at the EdukSine Short Film Festival that were celebrated, but also the hardwork and dedication of us youth volunteers who significantly helped in mounting the event. We are grateful that EdukSine as a youth-led organization marked another milestone, one where we grew not only as creatives but also as individuals,” said Khirsten Flores, Eduksine Online Film Festival’s Assistant Festival Director.
Through continuous efforts to celebrate Filipino cinema and its artists, Eduksine alongside its youth volunteers hope to further uplift the power of local and independent filmmaking.
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