24/02/2026
THE DEVOTION OF A DREAMER
By: ANGIE ALJYN GEVANA ABARO
“Experience is the best teacher.” She believes that every lesson, whether easy or difficult, is meant to refine us. She chose to learn, grow, and move forward with faith—doing things even when she feels afraid, and always glorifying God in everything she does.
As a child, Ms. April Joyce Sevillena wanted to be an engineer. However, as she grew older, her dreams evolved because of the experiences and the lessons she encountered. In her high school days, she and her friends already started making small film projects and she genuinely enjoyed the process. Her desire for directing was born and it engraved a burning passion in her heart. Her journey as a director began when she and her classmates created their first music video using only a phone. That experience made her realize that filmmaking is not about having the best equipment, but about maximizing what you have.
When she first entered college, she pursued a different program at another university. Then, the pandemic spread worldwide that made the adjustment felt difficult. And that is when she realized that she wanted a career where she will genuinely love what she will do everyday. Slowly, God led her to understand what she truly wanted and she started pursuing arts.
Her love for arts and film inspired her to take Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Although it was not her first choice, she had always been fascinated by how films are created and how stories are brought to life on screen. While finding her footing in her new course, she stepped into significant leadership roles. Built as a two-time high school president experience, she became a vice mayor for two consecutive years in college. These leadership roles helped her develop responsibility, communication skills and the ability to work with different personalities. When she was given an oppurtunity to direct, it felt natural to step into that role and guide the team toward a shared goal. She also stated that being in a production makes her feel alive. For her, film is a powerful and beautiful form of art and being able to contribute to it is a privilege. She loved being a director because it creates freedom to tell stories, express emotions, and bring audiences into worlds that only she can create.
Her time in the BA Comm program became her training ground, creating vlogs and cinematic videos. Also the fact that her hobbies were reading manga, watching movies and anime, and exploring different filmmaking techniques. Sometimes in her free time, she and her friends create films that play a huge role in her growth as a filmmaker and director. She also spends her time watching various vlogs and cinematic videos to gain inspiration and develop stronger conviction to continuously grow and improve as a filmmaker. These experiences led her in working projects like “Puso”, “Misteryo sa Treyd”, “Sa Kramento” that played a significant part of her journey as a director and “Karta” for giving her a Best Director award. Behind that successful work, she faces challenges. Her course required professionalism, leadership, emotional intelligence and maturity. In her field, she also experienced budget limitations, tight timelines, creative differences, handling real and sensitive stories and self-doubt. But through those experiences, she developed resilience, adaptability and stronger confidence in her calling. She overcomes those through faith, reflection and action. Instead of dwelling in fears, she focused on improving herself. Through collaboration, it helped her adjust working on projects allowing her to build connections with people and confidence.
Her college journey has been eye-opening and deeply meaningful. Being a film director transformed her in many ways. Giving her the privilege of leading different projects that contributed significantly in her growth. Grateful for those instructors who mentored her and some people along her way that left a lesson that she will always carry wherever she goes. Currently, she is a worship leader and a Sunday school teacher for the youth ministry.
Dreams can change over time, self doubt gives you a reason to fight, experience teaches you a lesson and devotion leads you to the right path. College ain’t easy but make the most out of it. Step out of your comfort zone, build friendships, join some events, and participate in activities for growth that allows you to experience life more deeply and meaningfully. Believe that “I’m possible” not “impossible”. To those who aspire to be a film director like Ms.Sevillena, this message is for you;
“Being a director is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. You lead people, communicate vision, and carry the weight of a story. It is a privilege to tell stories through the lens and to influence how audiences see and understand the world.
Keep creating, even on days when motivation feels low. Your passion and talent are there; you just have to act on them. You do not need high-end equipment to start. Even a phone is enough if you are willing to be resourceful. Build connections and treasure them. Learn from your collaborators. And if you are still unsure about your passion, that is okay. You do not have to figure everything out immediately. Sometimes, you only discover who you are while you are in the process of becoming it. So pursue it, even with fear, even with doubt.”
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Layout by: Chryzhia Leeanne
