By Vanessa Therese Ledesma, BACOMM4, The Centralian Link Intern
Participants and organizers of the SIGRAB Film Festival 2026 Filmmaking Workshop Day 1 pose after completing the Screenplay and Directing Masterclass.
The SIGRAB Film Festival 2026 officially opened its filmmaking workshops with a Screenplay and Directing Masterclass on February 21 at the Henry Luce Library, 3rd Floor American Corner of Central Philippine University. The activity marked the first day of the SIGRAB 2026 Filmmaking Workshops in preparation for the upcoming film festival in April.
The workshop served as a masterclass for screenwriters and directors from various colleges competing in this year’s festival. The program began with an opening prayer led by Kairos Rye Jalando-on of the SIGRAB 2026 Communications Committee, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the CPU Alma Mater Hymn. The event was hosted by Elaisha Pomida, Ms. CPU 2025, and Vice President of the CPU Communication Circle (CCC), the organizing body of the SIGRAB Film Festival.
In his opening remarks, Krisvimar Nogra, President of the CPU Communication Circle, thanked the participants for attending the workshop and emphasized the effort and dedication required to produce films, both on and off screen.
The invited speakers were award-winning Centralian directors Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay-Salvadico and Richard Jeroui Salvadico, widely recognized for their works, including the film “Tumandok,” which won Best Film at the 20th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Director Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay-Salvadico led the Screenplay Workshop, highlighting that effective screenwriting goes beyond creativity and involves making sound decisions. She explained that when unexpected challenges arise during production, screenwriters play a crucial role in revising scenes and ensuring that the story remains clear, consistent, and aligned with its intended direction.
This was followed by the Directing Workshop facilitated by Director Richard Jeroui Salvadico, who reminded participants, “Just be a good person before being a good filmmaker.” He encouraged student filmmakers to prioritize their values in storytelling, explaining that filmmaking is not only about technical skills or ideas but also about understanding one’s principles and the message one wishes to express. According to him, clarity in personal beliefs helps guide decisions regarding a film’s theme, characters, and direction, especially when faced with challenges in the creative process. Students can produce meaningful stories that inspire audiences by staying grounded in their values.
After the lectures, participants were given snacks before proceeding to a workshop activity titled “Ang Hindi Nasabi.” Directors Sumagaysay-Salvadico and Salvadico challenged the students’ creativity by requiring them to develop on-the-spot story sequences under specific guidelines, testing their storytelling and collaboration skills.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Clarece Benjamin, who expressed appreciation to the speakers and participants for their active involvement and reaffirmed the importance of preparation as the festival draws near. A photo opportunity and closing prayer formally ended the first day of the workshops.
As the SIGRAB Film Festival 2026 approaches this April, the masterclass sets a purposeful tone for the competition, encouraging participants to refine their skills and create films grounded in values and meaningful narratives that can leave a lasting impact.