August 13, 2022
Press Release
EdukSine is a timely and appropriate response to the need for educational and socially-relevant films on development and cultural themes including but not limited to education, history, social critique, morality, art, gender and society, climate change and environment, justice and peace, women empowerment and more. These films reflect our contemporary reality and when supported by the proper instruction, research, technology, and access may in fact contribute to the formation of critical thinking, action, and impact in the lives of millions of Filipinos, young and old, here and abroad and inspire sustainable transformation to making the Philippines a better nation. EdukSine is a customized web program and mobile application for the screening of independent Filipino films in universities and learning institutions, local government offices, companies, and organizations in cities and towns and from mountainous to coastal villages across the Philippines. EdukSine is a local media education initiative with global impact, particularly to overseas Filipino communities and through meaningful online and face-to-face engagements, and in organized hybrid block streaming events. EdukSine is a social enterprise that provide for an interactive platform for film makers and their audiences; contextual and transformative film content and sustainable support for independent Filipino film producers, directors, actors, and film marketers.
With a powerhouse creative, technical, and administrative team headed by Eduksine’s CEO and Founder Karen Jane Salutan, COO and Co-Founder Romae Marquez and Executive Communications Director Hec Gloria together with an outstanding team of software engineers led by Jacob Catayoc, Raphael Marco, and Noriel Domondon and with the support of competent and professional sales managers namely, Roger Macua, Gloria Topue, and Nilo Magno, Eduksine unveils the premier and only streaming site dedicated for independent Filipino films on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at the University of the Philippines Film Center (UP Cine Adarna) from 2:00-5:00 in the afternoon.
For this significant milestone, Eduksine collaborates with and is grateful for the exceptional contribution, cooperation, and care of the UP Cinema Arts Society (UP CAST), a student-based film organization in the College of Mass Communication, University of the Philippines Diliman led by Manuel Velasquez as President, with Betina Andrea Santiago as the Vice President for External Affairs, Ayn Lachica as the Vice President for Internal Affairs, Carla Velasco as the Vice President for Creatives, Pepi Panaguiton as the Vice President Academics and Research, Dominic de Guzman as the Secretariat, and Trisha Lei as the Treasurer. UP CAST shares EdukSine’s mission in their “commitment to promote and encourage the development of a critical Filipino film audience and future media practitioners of the country” in their various projects.
Hec Gloria opened the EdukSine launching program with a sharing on Education and Film and to welcome all guests. Jude Eduard Lim, the UP CAST Administrative Vice President gave the introduction on the UP CAST and EdukSine Partnership and followed by a speech delivered by Raphael Marco on behalf of Mr. Jacob Catayoc, the EdukSine IT Head and Software Developer on the EdukSine innovation and the importance of technology in the time of the pandemic. Ms. Romae “Nice” Marquez shared her thoughts on the importance of independent Filipino films in the society. Program guest speakers included Mr. Noy Lauzon of UP Cine Adarna and Cinema Programmer on the EdukSine beginnings. Ms. Russell M. Pili, the Chief of Technology Transfer Division, DOST-PCIEERD presented on the EdukSine Startup and DOST Women-Helping-Women Innovating Social Enterprises (WHWise) Program. Furthermore, testimonials were shared by Mr. Sonny Guingab, the CSR Project Director of Tofarm Film Festival and Universal Harvester Inc. on his experience and value as a film Producer. Mr. Peter Yabut, Owner of Event Maker on Film Marketing. Micko Laurente, an Award-winning child actor on his talkback on how EdukSine helps him. Ms. Belinda Cubelo, the OIC-Department Manager of the Strategy Management Office, Philippine National Oil Company on Government Offices and Gender and Development (GAD) Activities. Award-Winning Master Director Elwood Perez graced the occasion to share his appreciation for EdukSine as he looks forward to future opportunities. Ms. Karen Jane Salutan, capped the program by relating the humble beginnings of EdukSine and officially presenting the EdukSine website with a demonstration. Intermission numbers were performed by Prof. Oscar Gabriel, Chairperson of the Department of Physical Education of TIP Manila and Viva Recording artist, Lance Raymundo. The program was hosted by EdukSine’s Jose Fernando Ybanez Toledo and UP CAST’s Betina Andrea Santiago.
EdukSine is grateful to the support of Hibla, Jamakaze Food, Weng Weng’s Takoyaki, Lemonchino, and Flower Tree PH.
About EdukSine
EdukSine is the premier video streaming media platform designed to exclusively showcase educational and socially relevant independent Filipino films that strengthen our cultural roots and narratives. EdukSine is funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Women Helping Women Innovating Social Enterprises grant.