QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES – The Instituto Cervantes Manila, in collaboration with the Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC), recently hosted the Focus on Filipinas Despedida Party, a cultural send-off for the Philippine delegation heading to the San Sebastián International Film Festival (SSIFF). The celebration underscored a milestone for Philippine cinema, as the country takes center stage as the Focus Country of the SSIFF Industry Program.
The evening began with a flamenco-inspired performance by guitarist Adrik Cristobal, who seamlessly blended Spanish and Filipino traditions in music, setting the stage for a night of cultural exchange. Guests from the film industry, embassies, and creative institutions gathered to honor ten Filipino producers who will represent the Philippines in San Sebastián. Among them were QC-based producers Anna Velario, Real Florido, Pauline Saltarin, Arleen Cuevas, Geo Lomuntad, and Perci Intalan; QCitizen filmmakers Chad Cabigon and Jo Andrew Torlao; and QCinema Project Market awardees Keith Sicat and Monster Jimenez.
In his welcome remarks, Director Francisco Lopez Tapia of Instituto Cervantes said, “On behalf of the Instituto Cervantes, it is a great honor to host the Philippine Delegates. We are truly delighted to have you here with us and for you to bring with you your talent, creativity, and perseverance. Congratulations to QCFC on being chosen by the San Sebastián International Film Festival as the Focus Country of their Industry Program.”
On the Focus on Filipinas program, QCFC Executive Director Liza Diño emphasized a broader vision, “Our mission is to reconnect the Philippines with Latin America through Spain. The Philippines is Southeast Asian, but also Latin in spirit. Spain is European, but also Latin American in reach.”
First Secretary Alvaro Garcia Moreno of the Spanish Embassy, speaking on behalf of Spanish Ambassador Miguel Delgado Utray, also delivered a toast to the delegates: “To the talented filmmakers, we bid them good luck—buena suerte— in San Sebastian.” He acknowledged Diño’s longstanding collaboration with the Spanish Embassy, affirming the shared passion for cinema and cultural diplomacy.
The evening culminated in a networking cocktail mixer, where a refined selection of tapas and beverages accompanied conversations on potential collaborations and linkages between Filipino and international producers.
From September 21 to 25, 2025, the official Philippine delegation composed of the QCFC, QCinema Film Foundation, and the ten producers will participate in the SSIFF Industry Program. This marks a historic first for the Philippines, spotlighting Filipino talent on an international stage and reinforcing cinema’s role as a cultural bridge across continents.
