The University of Baguio’s BA Communication program once again rolled out the red carpet for Sineranyag 2025, an annual celebration of student-made films that has been running for 23 years. What started as a small showcase of class projects has grown into one of the most anticipated events in the department, honoring creativity, storytelling, and teamwork in filmmaking.
This year, Dr. Ceasar Liwanag, who has guided the event for years, decided to shake things up. Instead of using the usual professional equipment, he challenged students to film everything using their cellphones. It wasn’t about limiting them, it was about reminding them what matters most: the story.
Dr. Liwanag shared. “why not try using mobile cameras para naman masubukan natin yung galing ninyo sa narrative story telling”
The films, made by BA Communication students, tackled a range of themes some funny, others heavy, others scary, but all carrying a sense of honesty and creativity. Despite the phone cameras, the students proved that heart and storytelling matter more than gear.
For the first time, Sineranyag also welcomed judges from the professional film industry. Their presence gave students a taste of what it’s like to have their work seen and critiqued by people who live and breathe cinema.
The winners will be announced during the upcoming STAR Awards in November, another long-running BA Communication tradition that celebrates excellence in media and the arts.
After more than two decades, Sineranyag continues to grow, not just as an event, but as a space where young storytellers learn to see the world through their lens, whether that lens costs a few thousand pesos or just fits in their pocket.
