PAMPANGA — The rich tapestry of Kapampangan heritage took center stage on June 30, 2026, as 10 schools competed in the Cinesining 2026 Awards Night. The event, organized by the Arts, Culture, Tourism Office of Pampanga and the Provincial Library, transformed student films into powerful tools for cultural preservation.
A Night of Cinema and Heritage
The competition challenged young Kapampangans to tell stories rooted in their identity, using film as a medium to pass traditions to the next generation. The Arts, Culture, Tourism Office of Pampanga and the Provincial Library spearheaded the event, recognizing cinema’s power to keep culture alive. Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda sent their full support.
Board Members Fritzie David‑Dizon, Dra. Kaye Naguit, and Atty. Claire Lim led the awarding of trophies, cash prizes, and certificates to participants. The ceremony celebrated not just winners but every student who contributed to amplifying Kapampangan voices through creative storytelling. The event reinforced Pampanga’s commitment to using the arts as a driver of tourism and community pride.
Holy Angel University Dominates the Night
Holy Angel University emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, claiming Best Film with “Keti Sulip Anti Banua” and taking home a ₱50,000 cash prize. The film also swept the special awards, winning Best Movie Poster, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Soundtrack. Its dominance proved the strength of well‑crafted local narratives.
National University Clark secured second place with “Tune,” earning ₱30,000, while Our Lady of Fatima University Pampanga placed third with “Sa Linya,” receiving ₱20,000. The competition was fierce, showcasing the depth of talent across the province. Each film served as a love letter to Kapampangan culture, inviting audiences to explore the region’s soul.
Star Performances and Technical Excellence
The Best Director award went to Ofreberto Jose “OJ” Ferreras of Holy Angel University for his masterful work on the winning film. Christian Malate of Pampanga State Agricultural University took Best Actor, while Rosheen Dela Cruz of National University Clark won Best Actress. Their performances brought raw emotion and authenticity to the screen.
In the non‑student categories, Jayson Pabalan of National University Clark and Naomi Gramonte Villanueva of Holy Angel University won Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively. Niño Joseph Evangelista Aloba and Marielle Kerizel Yutuc David, both of Holy Angel University, earned Best Supporting Actor and Actress. These awards highlighted the collaborative effort between students and community members.
Celebrating Kapampangan Identity Through Storytelling
Special awards underscored the festival’s deeper purpose. Guagua National Colleges received the Gender Sensitivity Award for “Ing Kule Ning Bie,” while La Verdad Christian College, Apalit, earned the Kapampangan Values Award for “Echoes of a Puppet.” Our Lady of Fatima University – Pampanga took home the Pampanga Cultural Award for “Sa Linya.”
These recognitions ensured that the films were not only artistically sound but also rooted in the values and history that define the province. By incentivizing authentic storytelling, Cinesining strengthens the cultural fabric that draws tourists eager to experience more than just culinary delights. It positions Pampanga as a destination where art and heritage intertwine.
An Invitation to Explore Pampanga
For travelers, the Cinesining entries offer a cinematic map to the heart of Kapampangan life. Each film reveals local legends, everyday heroism, and timeless traditions that visitors can encounter in Pampanga’s historic towns and vibrant festivals. The event reminds the world that the province’s greatest attraction is its living culture.
The success of Cinesining 2026 demonstrates that when young people are empowered to tell their own stories, they become the most compelling ambassadors for their homeland. As the credits rolled, the message was clear: Pampanga’s heritage is not just preserved in museums but thrives in the creative hands of its youth.
