Filipino films took center stage at the San Diego Filipino Film Festival held at AMC Theater Plaza Bonita in California, with Maris Racal and Precious Paula Nicole receiving warm acclaim for their respective works.
The festival is a celebration of heartfelt storytelling and cultural pride, showcasing the diversity and depth of Filipino cinema.
Maris Racal represented the film “Sunshine,” directed by Antoinette Jadaone, which was the festival’s centerpiece presentation. The actress was visibly moved by the support from the Filipino-American audience.
“We’re very happy! Super supportive ng mga Pinoy dito sa San Diego,” Racal said. “I feel lucky to witness this supportive and loving crowd. Hanggang ngayon, ang dami pa ring nagmamahal, ang dami pa ring nae-excite at nagiging emotional sa movie, so nakakatuwa na marinig yung mga reactions nilang lahat.”
One audience member’s question left a lasting impression on her. “May isang nagtanong na nung na-receive ko ba daw 'yung script, alam ko ba daw kung gaano 'yun kalaki ['yung movie] for the history of Philippine cinema… So ngayon ko lang na-realize ‘yun na ‘Wow, we made it’ na we made history, na we made something meaningful… So nakaka-humble, nakakatuwa at nakaka-inspire magtrabaho.”
Meanwhile, the short film “Lip Sync Assassin” directed by Jon Galvez won the Programmers’ Choice Award for Short Film. Galvez expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “We made this sweet little film from our hearts, and we’re so grateful for this recognition and for the appreciation of many on this. Thank you San Diego Filipino Film Festival, this means a lot to us… to be able to showcase our film to everyone. I am so blessed to have worked with many talented and generous people. Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino!”
Precious Paula Nicole, who played the lead role of Sampaguita, shared an emotional message during the festival. “Maraming maraming salamat po dahil ito po ay love letter ko po para sa batang version ko po na dating nangangarap lang na umarte pero walang access… pero ngayon, katabi ko na po si Maris Racal… like we’re girlfriends now. Thank you so much po, para sa atin pong lahat ito… more films to come. Thank you very much.”
Racal also shared what’s next for “Sunshine,” revealing that the film will be screened in schools across the Philippines. “We’re very happy na mare-reach niya 'yung younger audiences, 'yung mga estudyante, 'yun ang mga importante na dapat i-educate,” she said.
Currently, Racal stars in “Batang Quiapo” on Primetime Bida. “Super happy akong maging part ng 'Batang Quiapo,' and tuloy-tuloy 'yung pagiging action star ko… ‘Di ko siya in-expect, so maybe pang-action talaga ako,” she said.
Racal was surprised by the new audience she reached through the show. “Nagulat ako like 'yung market ko ay mga nanay at tatay, so nakakatuwa! May mga mommies na lumalapit sa akin… ‘Di ko in-expect na mangyari ito sa career ko. I’m just very happy.”
Together, “Sunshine” and “Lip Sync Assassin” highlighted the power of Filipino stories and the growing reach of Philippine cinema across borders.
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