10/08/2026
𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺𝘀 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗡𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗠𝗘𝗫 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀
𝘣𝘺 𝘑𝘻𝘺𝘭𝘢 𝘑𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘢 𝘈𝘴𝘪𝘴
Two films from the Bachelor of Arts in Communication program, crafted by students, alumni and faculty, have been selected as finalists in the 13th Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition (NABIFILMEX), set to run September 16 to 18 in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.
The official lineup features Baga baga, directed by sophomore Communication student Mark Jerome Orque, and Magindara, helmed by program alumnus and Department of Communication faculty member Mr. Ryand Ugalde.
Baga baga follows Kiko, a young man haunted by his father’s disappearance in the forest and inspired by Orque’s uncle, that reflects deeper realities of their community.
The production team consists mainly of Communication students: Zechri Jacob L. Alvarez, Matthew Cabie, Marco Jae Prieto, Princess Diane J. Labrador, Erica Mikaela Panaligan, Keneth Padaca, John Aldrich Domingo, Trisha Leigh Constantino, and Jeremy Ruiz.
The film previously earned 2nd Best Picture and Best Actor at the 2025 Ilocos Norte Short Horror Film Festival, and was named a finalist at the 2026 Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival.
Meanwhile, Magindara, directed by Mr. Ryand Ugalde, features a production team composed of Communication graduates including Janna Butay, Gian Paul Pascua, John Bryan dela Cruz, Kim Angel Butay, and Jirah Dean Failano.
The film swept six major awards at the 2025 Ilocos Norte Short Horror Film Festival: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound Effects.
It later received Best Screenplay and the Jury Prize at CineKasimanwa: The Western Visayas Film Festival 2025, and also earned finalist status at Sinag Maynila 2026.
“I’m proud that Ilokano cinema is slowly reaching wider audiences and competing on a national level; it feels good to know our stories and voices are gradually being heard,” Orque emphasized.
Beyond recognition, Orque hopes NABIFILMEX amplifies stories often overlooked: “For me, it is more than a film, it is a tribute, a reflection of our community, and a call to listen to voices that deserve to be heard.”
As both films head to NABIFILMEX, they carry not only the achievements of their creators but also the richness of Ilokano storytelling to a broader stage.
𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘺: 𝘙𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘈𝘹𝘦𝘭 𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘢