iACADEMY Animation Students Directing their own Animated Short Film as NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) Competitive Grantee

Even before graduation, iACADEMY BS Animation students are already gaining opportunities to participate in competitions, secure grants, and showcase their original animated films through various film screenings.

“Alamat ng Apo (The Legend of Olongapo City)” is a 2D paperless animation project led by iACADEMY Animation students in collaboration with Tuldok Animation Studios. The project has been awarded an NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) Competitive Grant.

The project is directed by recent BS Animation graduates Luis Martin F. Delgado and Kirsten Sky M. De Ocampo, who previously served as President and Secretary, respectively, of the Momentum Organization. Their thesis film, “Mono,” also won Best Environment Design at ATFS 2026.

The film is produced by Miccaella Del Rosario, who previously served as Public Relations Officer of the Momentum Organization, and Elisha Ezra Pineda, former Offline Activities Manager. Joining the production team is Germaine Alliah Miranda, an iACADEMY BS Animation graduate who serves as the project's Main Production Manager. Meanwhile, Charlene Degorio, a current fourth-year BS Animation student, takes on the role of Visual Director while working on her own thesis film.

The project reflects the collaborative nature of animation production, bringing together graduates and students from different year levels to develop a creative work rooted in Philippine storytelling.

Through its Animation Program, iACADEMY provides students with opportunities to apply their technical and creative skills to actual production projects. The curriculum also exposes students to film festivals and competitions at both national and international levels. Experiences such as these allow students to move beyond classroom exercises and engage in creative processes that mirror industry practices.

The recognition further highlights the potential of student-led productions to contribute to the growing Philippine animation and creative industries while giving young creators a platform to develop their voices and craft.

DIRECTORS' STATEMENT

Directed by Luis Martin F. Delgado and Kirsten Sky M. De Ocampo

“Fighting corruption is not just good governance. It’s self-defense, it's patriotism.”

Filipinos are angry, and the youth are angry. We’ve suffered so much because of corrupt politicians who sit on a pedestal and abuse their status. We wanted to communicate this message through animation and folktale, empowering the newer generation and informing the old through this film.

May this film serve as a message to Filipinos that we deserve good governance, that we must fight for justice, and that corrupt politicians must be held accountable. In these dire times, may it remind everyone never to remain silent when it comes to standing up for what is right.

PRODUCERS' STATEMENT

Produced by Miccaella Del Rosario and Elisha Ezra Pineda

“Ang mga namulat, ay hindi na muling pipikit.”

Our team wants this film to serve as a wake-up call to Filipinos who still choose to put up with the corruption that has been poisoning the country for years. We wanted to portray a reality that could happen if we band together and choose to break the cycle, by creating a story that's both eye-opening and eye-catching while showcasing Filipino culture.

We sincerely hope to bring light not only to the beauty of Filipino culture but also to the stories that aren't often told.