13/03/2026
๐ฟ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐ค๐ง'๐จ ๐๐๐จ๐จ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐พ๐๐ก๐ก ๐๐ค๐ง ๐๐ช๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ค๐ง๐ฉ
"In my 10 years of filmmaking, and as far as I know in the history of filmmaking in Davao City; this is the very first time any filmmaker has received an official award from the city government (I hope Iโm wrong).
Over that decade, I have been incredibly fortunate to receive accolades from all over the worldโmost recently from Dubai, Greece, and Japanโwhich ultimately brought us to this stage. But looking around the room at the lauded Pasidungog sa Garbo 2026, I realized we were the only filmmakers there. That also meant we were the only filmmakers to receive this prestigious award; which then really got me thinking and ultimately pushed my heart to write this message.
While I am profoundly thankful for this honor, I know in my soul that there are so many other local filmmakers and luminaries who deserve this just as much, if not more (and of course, this is not a personal award by any means, it is a result of the entire Duwende Films' talents and efforts). Nonetheless, since it was us called to the stage, and as I held that heavy trophy, I knew the responsibility of speaking up was carried right along with it.
More than a prestigious honor, I am personally hoping that this trophy becomes a beacon of hope. A signal that filmmaking is not just some random phase or a hobby we eventually grow out of. It is one of the living, pulsing veins that contribute to the breathing soul of a city and its culture. I hope this beacon is also a continuous signal that reaches the government, the private sector, and the business side of our city.
I hope this means that finally, after ten years (and all the long years from the great filmmakers before me), we are slowly but surely getting legitimate recognition from our local government. But more than recognition, I hope this slowly turns into real, tangible support for all Dabawenyo filmmakers.
As a measly student who started doing this for fun with a camera that barely worked, I couldn't begin to count how many times I wanted to stop. How many times reality hit me with how impractical and unsustainable this path felt. Added by the constant pressure of my peers and adult figures in my life, saying Iโm better off doing a much more practical path.
I can't count how many times I found myself at national and international film festivals, my heart breaking just a little bit as I watched other filmmakers projectsโ credit rolls filled with an entire screen of logos from their local governments and private companies from their locality. Their flights taken care of by their government, their attires are made and sponsored by local fashion designers. Meanwhile, in the films we made, and film festivals we competed in, it has always just been usโpushed by nothing more than the power of friendship & family (and our own pockets).
And yet, in a fortunate career of having films shown across the country and the globe, all of our films speak Dabawenyo Bisaya. They tell Mindanawon stories. They always have the word 'Padayon' plastered somewhere. People as far as Greece have discovered the meaning of this word [Padayon] through our cinema; as I always make sure to mention it in all of our talkbacks & speeches, and I believe the true heart of Davao and Mindanao is given a glimpse thereby.
I have always proudly worn Dabawenyo garments in national and international stages, and I have always been proud of my entirety as a Mindanawon, born and raised.
As a cultural worker, I teach my students that our culture does not start and stop somewhereโit is everything. Itโs in the way we talk, the way we walk, the way we eat, and even in the way we smile & cry. It exists in every core of our being, and just by being, we are.
As I grew older and became a teacher not just by profession but also in advocacy, trying to ignite fires for the next generation, I find myself in absolute awe of the downpour of talent in Davao City. For the majority of my career, I was always the youngest in the room. Nowadays, the talent is getting younger and younger, and it is so exciting to witness.
But that also means this beacon of hope is needed now more than ever. I am happily dreaming forward to a future of real, tangible support from our locality, and the prospering of Dabawenyo storytellers telling stories from Davao City about Dabawenyo experiences.
I hope this award is a signal of a future where our credit rolls are finally filled with logos from Davao.
This long message is a downpour of nostalgia and humble wishes from a filmmakerโs heart who started all of this purely out of love for art and for Mindanao. This award may have Duwende Films' name on it, but more than that, I hope this causes a butterfly effect to the future. To a future where the legendary icons before me can smile in awe of what we have created together.
We need more support. We need REAL support. I know there are a lot of intricacies and factors required for filmmaking to become a true industry here, and I know it is a long road. But I am hoping we are willing to, at the very least just start. Just start and continue taking all those little steps.
As the awardee who received this beautiful trophy, I hope you are willing to start with me.
Whatever that (starting) means for you โ Liking and sharing posts from your local artist friends. Attending a local screening. Supporting local businesses. Partnering up with young filmmakers. Anythingโbig or small. Let's start.
In a cinema, we all sit on the same side, experiencing the art of film together. Especially in these trying times where the world desperately needs more love, let us paint this world with stories that come from hearts that love. Whatever love may mean for you and your stories.
It will be a (very) long winding road of learning, making mistakes, and laughing it all off by hopefully continuing again.
Letโs start starting (and continuing). Together." - Franky Arrocena
๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐๐จ ๐ฃ๐ ๐ฉ๐. ๐
