SEATTLE, United States (Jun 2026) — Two student films from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde just brought a slice of Pinoy campus life to the Pacific Northwest. The capstone projects were recently screened in Seattle, Wash., as part of the Diwa at Pagdiriwang Festival.
The short films were featured in the “Sometimes You Just Gotta Laugh” block on June 7 at the Seattle Center Armory Loft 2. Through academic comedy, the films offered a humorous yet meaningful look at the high-stakes world of teenage ambition and filmmaking.
High school politics and cinephile dreams
The Benildean delegation showcased two distinct stories. “Philip vs. the School,” directed by Terrence Santiago and produced by HIVE Films, is a 20-minute thesis short that dives into the dramatic world of student council elections. The story follows Philip, an average student caught between remaining loyal to his best friend or exposing a scandal that could take down his rival.
The second film, “Guys! Action!”, was directed by Jem Catabijan and produced by Kuhang Kuting Productions. This meta-comedy focuses on a high school multimedia club racing against the clock to win at the Cinemalaya Film Festival. If they fail, the school administration will shut down their club for good.
Recognition on the global stage
The screenings in Seattle are the latest in a string of achievements for the student filmmakers. “Philip vs. the School” has been selected for the Kuala Lumpur International Film Academy Awards in 2025. Meanwhile, “Guys! Action!” made its way to the San Diego Filipino Film Festival in 2024.
Behind each project is a mentor who helped shape the students’ creative vision. Santiago developed his narrative under Wanggo Gallaga, a veteran in the Benilde Film faculty. Catabijan’s comedy was developed under the guidance of advocacy filmmaker Seymour Sanchez.
The Diwa Filipino Film Festival, held in collaboration with the annual Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival, continues its mission to celebrate the “diwa” (spirit) of the Pinoy through independent cinema. Supported by 4Culture and powered by Shunpike, the event also featured regional works like “Manokan Country” by Banjo Hinolan and “Ambag” (Impact) by Mark Giddel Liwanag.
