Biliran Province State University’s Department of Communication (DepComm) has officially concluded its first-ever “Visual Perspectives: Storytelling through Film and Photography” event at the Hyflex and Audio-Visual Center (HAVC) and Ex-Pres and Retirees Nook on April 21.

The said event, organized by the junior students of the department of communication as part of their course requirement in Digital Photography, Documentary Film, and Sinesosyodad, aims to showcase the third-year students’ storytelling skills through filmmaking and photography. 

In his opening message, Department Chairperson Dr. John Cavin Sabonsolin highlighted the significance of the event, reiterating the role of communication students and the deliverables they produce.

“Every project, though different in style, shares a single conviction: storytelling is a responsibility to see, to listen, and to honor,” Dr. Sabonsolin stated. “Let the stories challenge your assumptions and enlarge your empathy.”

Meanwhile, the event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting of the photo exhibit at the Ex-Pres and Retirees Nook. The exhibit featured a gallery of photos under the theme “Life in Living,” which showcased the students’ photography skills and visual storytelling through pictures. 

Following the launching of the photo exhibit, two discussions transpired at the Hyflex and Audio Visual Center. Precious Mae T. Alcero, DepComm instructor, discussed “Beyond the Lens: Understanding Digital Photography in the Modern World,” while Joshua Usigan, DepComm instructor, talked about the topic “Color, Composition, and Chaos.” 

Moreover, the film viewing of the short film and documentary film entries took off in the afternoon part of the event, featuring five short film entries and seven documentary films which were opened for public viewing at the university HAVC. Subsequently, an awarding ceremony of the minor and major awards for the short film and documentary followed.

For the short film category, “Presyo” by Jasten Arogante was hailed first place, along with two major awards namely, Best Film and Best Director, and one minor award for Emerging Filmmaker. Meanwhile, “ABCD,” by Trisha Marie Ibañez won second best film, Best Actress through Edenia Mae Verunque, Best Supporting Actor through Jovie Caton, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, and Best Screenplay awards, while “Huling Sayaw” by Cedric Andaya and Junmark Cabalquinto clinched the third spot.

In addition, other awardees for the short film category include “Bisan Kinsa” by Kyle Dimple Gabato which won Social Impact Award, Best Production Design, Best Sound Design, and Best Supporting Actress through Kyle Dimple Gabato, while “Saksak ng Nakaraan” by Iah Mirarza won Best Actor award through Rafael Dacara.

On the other hand, in the documentary film category, “Nanay Suping” by Jasten Arogante was awarded as the Best Documentary Film and Best Director. Meanwhile, “Adrift” by Kryshan Louise Benzon won second Best Documentary Film and Best Cinematography, while “Undiagnosed” by Jean Llaneta clinched third place, along with the Impact Award and Best Research Award.

Other awardees include “5 Figures” by Trisha Marie Ibanez which won Best Sound Design, while Edenia Mae Verunque’s “Ilawom sa Pakigbisog” won Best Editing award.

Furthermore, in the photo essay competition, Crystel Demate, Zephaniah Macabus, Ivy Tapado, Hanna Yangan, and Mario Escobal’s “The System that Failed Her” was hailed as first place, along with Best Visual Storytelling and Best Narrative awards.

Additionally, Jasten Arogante’s “The Heart of Hardworks” clinched second place, Best Visual Composition, and Best in Post-Processing awards, while Dart Cuizon and Katrice Petallana’s “In a World that Changes, Love Remains the Same,” was awarded third place.

This is the first-ever student-led event of the Department of Communication that integrates three courses under the program, aiming to promote the power of photography and filmmaking in telling stories that matter and  driving social change.

[This article aligns with the SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.]