By Patricia Pedroso, BA-Communication 4, The Centralian Link Intern
The CBA production team cheer at the Rose Memorial Auditorium as they are crowned the Grand Champions of the SIGRAB Film Festival 2026 for their groundbreaking musical entry, IKNIKMSI.
The Rose Memorial Auditorium was ablaze with the creative spirit of student filmmakers on April 17, 2026, as it hosted the ninth iteration of the SIGRAB Film Festival. This year, eleven student-led production teams from across Central Philippine University gathered to explore the theme, “Ang Nawong Sang Marmol nga Kamatuoran” (The Face of the Marble Truth)—a prompt that challenged participants to peel back the layers of deception to reveal deeper realities.
The festival commenced with a formal program featuring a stirring omnibus trailer and opening remarks from the University President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy. Following this, the morning screenings began, opening with the Senior High School’s “Isla,” followed by the College of Pharmacy’s “LINSAD” and the College of Engineering’s “Sugid sa Wala.” The College of Arts and Sciences presented “Alas Sais,” while the College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Science (CARES) contributed “Taliwala.” The morning session concluded with a unique entry from the College of Business and Accountancy titled “IKNIKMSI (Ining Kánta nga Indì ko Mahambal sa Imó).”
Out of eleven student-led productions, these five films rose to the top at SIGRAB 2026. (Photo courtesy of Sigrab Film Festival and The Central Echo)
The momentum continued into the afternoon session with the College of Hospitality Management’s “Sa mga Panganod,” followed by the College of Computer Studies’ enigmatic “Ang Ginlubong nga Tubig.” The screenings drew to a close with “Batinggaw” from College of Medical Laboratory Science, “Natipigan” from College of Education, and ANGGID from “College of Nursing.”
Following the premieres, the atmosphere transitioned from quiet cinema to the vibrant spectacle of the red-carpet entrances from each respective LGU. This segment provided a moment of well-deserved recognition for the production teams, celebrating the culmination of months of rigorous labor and creative dedication.
The subsequent Awards Night, opened by CPU Communication Circle President Krisvimar Nogra, served as the ultimate revelation of the year’s top films. To bridge the tension between announcements, former President Pure Grace Melody Jotiz and Vice President Elaisha L. Pomida provided a musical intermission that celebrated the intersection of film and performance art.
The College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) emerged as the Grand Champion for their film, “IKNIKMSI”— making history as the first-ever musical production in the Sigrab Film Festival, featuring three original songs. The department also swept awards for Production Design, Best Original Soundtrack, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Cinematography.
The other top honors were awarded as follows:
First Jury Prize: The College of Hospitality Management for “Sa mga Panganod.” They also earned Best Actress, Best Editing, and Best Director).
Second Jury Prize: The College of Nursing for ANGGID (also winning Best Supporting Actor, Best Actor, and Best Screenplay).
Rounding out the top five films were Senior High School’s entry, “Isla,” and the College of Computer Studies’ “Ang Ginlubong nga Tubig.”
The College of Engineering bagged the award for Best Poster, while the College of Education’s Natipigan captured the hearts of the audience to win the People’s Choice Award. Additionally, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) was honored with the Citadines’ #ForTheLoveofCities Award for their entry, Alas Sais.
Reflecting on their win, the affectionately self-proclaimed “CBA Sigrab Avengers 2026” shared a poignant message: “Hopefully, IKNIKMSI inspired everyone, especially the younger generation, to free themselves first so they can uplift others. As they move forward, may they never forget to reach back by building bridges, opening doors, and uplifting silenced voices. In doing so, we begin our happy ending.”
In her closing message, festival adviser Dr. Clarece Benjamin emphasized that SIGRAB remains the premier platform for Centralian filmmakers and encouraged the participants to continually showcase the beauty of local narratives. The proceedings concluded with a closing prayer by Kairos Rye Jalando-on.
As the lights dimmed in the Rose Memorial Auditorium, the “Marble Truth” was finally revealed— not as a cold, static monument, but as a vibrant collection of stories. The echoes of the 2026 festival will undoubtedly resonate within the halls of the university until the curtains rise for its landmark tenth anniversary.