Contributed by Sandy Cagurangan
Chairman and CEO of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the Honorable Jose Javier Reyes, officially announced the upcoming Parangal ng Sining 2025. This event will acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Filipino filmmakers and media practitioners to Philippine Cinema. It will be held on April 11, 2025, at the Seda Hotel, Vertis North, Quezon City, and hosted by Iza Calzado.

According to Director Jose Javier Reyes, “Ever since Chairman Tirso Cruz III took over the office, we decided to establish an annual award to honor the lifetime achievements of film giants, important stakeholders, and significant personalities who have shaped and simultaneously determined the present state of Filipino cinema and the directions it could still undertake.”

A Celebration of Excellence in Local Filmmaking Arts
This 2025, the theme of the Parangal ng Sining is “Ang Mga Higante ng Kasaysayan ng Ating Pelikula: Tradisyon at Ebolusyon,” or “The Giants in the History of Our Cinema: Tradition and Evolution,” with a poster exhibit celebrating the evolution of Philippine cinema from its pioneer days to its modern-day movers and shakers.
Lifetime Achievement Awardees:
- Joseph Ejercito Estrada
- Charo Santos-Concio
- Laurice Guillen
- Lav Diaz
Annual Achievement Awardees:
- Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing) – Directed by Carl Joseph Papa
- Sunshine – Directed by Antoinette Jadaone
- Judy Ann Santos
To further honor the awardees, the FDCP will hold Tribute Screenings on April 10 and 12 at Ayala Malls Vertis North, featuring classic films such as Itim (1976) directed by Mike De Leon, starring Charo Santos-Concio; Tanging Yaman (2000) directed by Laurice Guillen; Ang Babaeng Humayo (2016) directed by Lav Diaz; and Aguilar’s Claws (1989) directed by Augusto Buenaventura, starring Joseph Estrada.
What to Expect in FDCP’s 2nd Quarter
Aside from unveiling the Parangal ng Sining, the FDCP has also prepared many more exciting programs and events for the second quarter of the year, largely focusing on educating Filipinos about Philippine cinema, international collaborations, and film exhibitions.
Behind the Reel – YouTube Series
Premiering on April 11, 2025, on the FDCP’s new YouTube channel, Behind the Reel will feature insights from renowned filmmakers, actors, writers, producers, and other key industry professionals. Guests will share their experiences, discuss their legacies, and explore the future of Philippine cinema in a relaxed, personal setting. Stay tuned for more details before the premiere on [invalid URL removed], with new releases every Friday and Sunday.
World-Class Cinema Exhibitions
- A Curation of World Cinema (April): Continues with screenings of the Brazilian drama I’m Still Here and the Australian animation Memoir of a Snail.
- I-nanimate: Animation Film Festival (April): Celebrating Filipino animation, with screenings of award-winning films, including Iti Mapupukaw.
- Pamanang Pelikula (May): A restored Filipino classic will be featured to honor the country’s cinematic heritage: the National Artist for Film Nora Aunor-led drama Merika (directed by Gil Portes).
- Curation of Asian Cinema (June): Featuring the restored Jaguar (directed by Lino Brocka) and other Asian cinema masterpieces.
- Pelikulaya (June): A celebration of queer cinema in solidarity with Pride Month.
Film Education and Development
- Sine Kabataan Pitching Lab & Showcase (April 23-25): Empowering young filmmakers with workshops, culminating in the PFIM 2025 showcase in September.
- DOSTxFDCP Indie Siyensiya Workshop (April 24-25): A two-day workshop for students producing science-themed films.
- PAS SEA Workshop (April 26 – May 4): A collaboration with the Taiwan Creative Content Agency to foster international co-productions in Southeast Asia.
- FLY Post Lab (May 25-30): A post-production lab in Busan for filmmakers preparing for streaming and digital platforms.
Additional Workshops and Programs
- Meisner Acting Crash Course (May) in Bacolod: An opportunity for aspiring actors to hone their craft with the Meisner method.
- FSG Screenwriting Workshop (June-July): A 5-day intensive workshop to develop the next generation of Filipino screenwriters.
- Student Film Assistance Program (April-June): A financial grant of up to ₱50,000 and a masterclass opportunity for young filmmakers.
Philippine Film Industry Roadmap (July)
In collaboration with Olsberg SPI, the FDCP will unveil the Philippine Film Industry Roadmap, charting a sustainable path for the future of local cinema.

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS:
The FDCP continues to strengthen international ties and promote Filipino cinema globally. Key international endeavors for Q2 include:
- Far East Film Festival (April 24 – May 2): The FDCP will showcase Filipino films and participate in the festival’s Focus Asia Film Market.
- Cannes Film Festival (May): The FDCP will maintain its presence at the prestigious event and its Marché Du Film Market.
- Annecy International Animation Film Festival (June): The FDCP will participate in MIFA to foster animation collaborations through its PhilPitch initiative.
With these exciting upcoming events, the FDCP will further its commitment to promoting and expanding the Philippine film industry to world-class standards.
To stay updated on future events, you can visit their official social media accounts: FDCP on Facebook, X, and Instagram.