Manila Times
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Monday, Jan 05, 2026
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Filipino Animators Empowered Through Mentoring and Pitching Competition
Department of Trade and Industry partners with animation leaders to enhance local creative storytelling capabilities.
On April 30, 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines, in collaboration with the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, hosted the Post-Animahenasyon: Creative Mentoring and Pitching Competition in Makati City.
This initiative serves as part of the DTI’s Creative Industries Development Office (CIDO) under the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, aimed at fostering Filipino creativity and empowering local storytellers to promote their narratives on a global scale.
The event featured hands-on training and expert mentorship from industry specialists, including Mr. Bobby Pontillas, co-founder of Rise Up Animation, and Mr. Keith Sicat, an award-winning independent filmmaker.
Participants received in-depth coaching on storytelling, visual development, and pitching skills.
Following the mentorship phase, the Creative Pitching Competition showcased finalists from the 2024 Animahenasyon Festival and Young Creatives Challenge Season 1, who presented their original animated content to a panel of esteemed judges.
The finalists' works were evaluated based on criteria such as creativity, originality, storytelling strength, and market potential.
Top finalists earned further recognition and support from industry leaders, including TOP PEG Animation and Creative Studio and Mothership Recording Studio, reflecting the industry’s willingness to invest in emerging Filipino talent.
The judging panel included prominent figures in the animation and media sectors, such as Ms. Carol Wee, Production Manager at Warner Bros. Discovery; Ms. Melissa Lim, Lead of Acquisitions & Co-Productions at Warner Bros. Discovery; and Ms. Grace Dimaranan, CEO of TOP PEG Animation and Creative Studio, among others.
Each member brought a wealth of experience and perspective to the evaluation process.
DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista emphasized the significance of the event as a vital platform for Filipino creatives.
DTI-CIDO Officer-in-Charge Director Lilian Salonga highlighted the importance of creative capacity-building in driving inclusive economic growth.
ACPI Chairman Juan Miguel Del Rosario, along with ACPI President Marlyn Montano and Executive Director Daniel Enriquez, reiterated the organizations' commitment to nurturing local talent and ensuring sustainable career pathways for animators.
Also present was Nelly Nita N. Dillera, Deputy Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, who reaffirmed the agency's dedication to developing a creative workforce through training and upskilling initiatives.
The Malikhaing Pinoy Program continues to be a flagship effort of the DTI to advance the country's creative industries by promoting Filipino talent, cultural heritage, and innovation.
This initiative serves as part of the DTI’s Creative Industries Development Office (CIDO) under the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, aimed at fostering Filipino creativity and empowering local storytellers to promote their narratives on a global scale.
The event featured hands-on training and expert mentorship from industry specialists, including Mr. Bobby Pontillas, co-founder of Rise Up Animation, and Mr. Keith Sicat, an award-winning independent filmmaker.
Participants received in-depth coaching on storytelling, visual development, and pitching skills.
Following the mentorship phase, the Creative Pitching Competition showcased finalists from the 2024 Animahenasyon Festival and Young Creatives Challenge Season 1, who presented their original animated content to a panel of esteemed judges.
The finalists' works were evaluated based on criteria such as creativity, originality, storytelling strength, and market potential.
Top finalists earned further recognition and support from industry leaders, including TOP PEG Animation and Creative Studio and Mothership Recording Studio, reflecting the industry’s willingness to invest in emerging Filipino talent.
The judging panel included prominent figures in the animation and media sectors, such as Ms. Carol Wee, Production Manager at Warner Bros. Discovery; Ms. Melissa Lim, Lead of Acquisitions & Co-Productions at Warner Bros. Discovery; and Ms. Grace Dimaranan, CEO of TOP PEG Animation and Creative Studio, among others.
Each member brought a wealth of experience and perspective to the evaluation process.
DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista emphasized the significance of the event as a vital platform for Filipino creatives.
DTI-CIDO Officer-in-Charge Director Lilian Salonga highlighted the importance of creative capacity-building in driving inclusive economic growth.
ACPI Chairman Juan Miguel Del Rosario, along with ACPI President Marlyn Montano and Executive Director Daniel Enriquez, reiterated the organizations' commitment to nurturing local talent and ensuring sustainable career pathways for animators.
Also present was Nelly Nita N. Dillera, Deputy Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, who reaffirmed the agency's dedication to developing a creative workforce through training and upskilling initiatives.
The Malikhaing Pinoy Program continues to be a flagship effort of the DTI to advance the country's creative industries by promoting Filipino talent, cultural heritage, and innovation.
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