The Benilde Animation Festival (BAF) gave aspiring artists a glimpse of real-world creative work through film screenings, career talks, and exhibits led by the Animation Program of De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde.
The week-long event served as the culminating activity for graduating students, highlighting their capstone projects alongside discussions with professionals in animation, gaming, direction, and other creative disciplines.
Ten student films were featured in the festival. Memories in Plastic by Sean Edrice Vallidos follows a toy collector searching for a lost childhood toy, while Paradise by Rose Cruzat centers on a college student who finds solace in a movie star. Kiampong by Elyza Cua explores a Chinese-Filipino teen’s experience growing up between two cultures.
Other entries included Are U Busy? by Ryann J. Tortor, which tells the story of an angel weighed down by cries for help; Alumana by Anna Katrina Villaruz, a 2D short set in a magical world; and Starkeeper by Ice Gallardo, which examines a young artist’s struggle between parental expectations and personal passion.
Kiana Betina de Persia’s L follows an art student searching for inspiration, while The Runaways by Kayla Palacios explores a world governed by light magic. Fidem by Ric Moldez III depicts a protagonist confronting a sect of mechanical monks, and In This Home by Charlize Ong tells of a little mouse revisiting memories of her late grandmother.
Career talks and roundtable discussions provided insight into the country’s creative landscape, offering advice on breaking into the industry. Speakers included concept artist and educator Thomas Esmeralda, filmmaker and animator Frankie Aldana, 2D animator Lana Velasco, 3D character artist Fico Reloj, art director Kate Cruz, and creative entrepreneur Jam Verceles.
Benilde Animation Program chair Patrick Astilla urged students to reflect on the deeper meaning of their work. Quoting author Kent Nerburn, he said, “Work is never just work,” adding that career choices shape a person’s identity.
BAF director Neal Andrew Lim opened the “Work in Progress” exhibit, which showcased unfinished artworks, including sketches and drafts. “The vision is to celebrate the beauty of the unfinished—the early concepts and rough drafts that shape an artist’s final creation,” Lim said.
The festival also featured an art market with merchants and sponsors, as well as games and activities for students. The week concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding works from this year’s participants.
