Celebrities, government officials, civic groups, and social media personalities came together on August 25, 2025 to back the launch of Alon ng Kabayanihan, a moving short film about the West Philippine Sea.
Produced by the Center for Information Resilience and Integrity Studies (CIRIS) with Hot and Fresh Creative Productions, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Coast Guard, the film premiered on National Heroes Day as a reminder that defending sovereignty is not only for those on the front lines. It is a shared responsibility for every Filipino.
“As a director, I wanted to take something many see as distant or political and make it personal,” said Kevin Mayuga. “A four minute film can open a bigger conversation than a long debate if it reaches people emotionally. The goal is not just to know the truth but to feel it.”
Among the guests were IC Mendoza and Pinoy Big Brother alumna Jyra Agpangan. Defense officers also attended, including PCG Commanding Officer Jomark Angue and several PCG officers, Philippine Navy Major Roy Trinidad, and Philippine Army Major Bala Tamayo. Fisherfolk Virgilio Bueno, Jeric Bueno, and Jonathan Bueno were present too, portraying their real experiences in the film.
The diverse attendance underscored how multiple sectors can stand together behind a common cause.
“This film shows that heroism is not limited to uniformed personnel,” said CIRIS Executive Director Michel Andre P. Del Rosario. “Every Filipino has a role to play by staying informed, challenging disinformation, and standing united for what is ours. Our real enemy is apathy. Some think it is just the problem of fishermen, the AFP, or the Coast Guard. The truth is, everyone is part of this.”
Producer Chris Esguerra added that visual storytelling can build understanding in ways facts alone often cannot. “Visual stories cut through noise and misinformation with emotion and clarity,” he said. “A short film like Alon ng Kabayanihan does not aim to explain everything. It helps people feel first. From there, we hope they will ask questions, seek facts, and talk about sovereignty, truth, and national identity.”
Actor Sid Lucero, who plays a fisherman, fought back tears as he spoke about the project’s purpose. He called it his favorite role and said the experience highlighted how connected Filipinos are. When it comes to protecting what is ours, no one is too far from the responsibility.
Ryza Cenon, who portrays a military officer, said the role opened her eyes to the sacrifices of frontliners. “The courage of those in the West Philippine Sea is inspiring. It reminds us to stay watchful and stand as one,” she shared.
Carlo Aquino, who plays an AFP officer, said wearing the uniform gave him a deeper appreciation of the weight of duty and the pride of being Filipino. Even if he does not see himself as as patriotic as those in service, the role made that responsibility feel immediate.
The event closed with a call for unity under the theme Every Filipino a Bayani, emphasizing that sovereignty is not abstract. It affects every Filipino.
Mayuga urged people to spark conversations. “Talk about this with friends, classmates, families, and colleagues. Political preferences aside, this is a Filipino issue,” he said.
Del Rosario echoed the call. “If you are Filipino, you are affected. In your own way, you can contribute. Do something and help start the conversation through Alon ng Kabayanihan.”
Alon ng Kabayanihan is now streaming on the film’s official Facebook page. Watch here: https://web.facebook.com/share/v/19nvSbwKnJ/
L to R: Andre Del Rosario – Executive Director; Christopher Balagtas – Director for Business Development and Stakeholder Management; Erik Chua – Director for Strategic Partnerships and Programs; Angelika Javier – Operations Manager; and Ferlie de Pedro – Operations and Compliance Officer of the Center for Information Resilience and Integrity Studies (CIRIS) at the Alon ng Kabayanihan launch blue carpet.
L to R: Sid Lucero, Ryza Cenon, and Carlo Aquino — the lead cast of Alon ng Kabayanihan.
L to R: Ferlie de Pedro, Angelika Javier, Sid Lucero, Ryza Cenon, Carlo Aquino, Director Kevin Mayuga, Andre Del Rosario, host Matteo Guidicelli, Erik Chua, and Christopher Balagtas after the screening of Alon ng Kabayanihan.
L to R: Sid Lucero, Ryza Cenon, and Carlo Aquino (lead cast), Kevin Mayuga (director), Andre Del Rosario (CIRIS Executive Director), and Matteo Guidicelli (host) during the post screening talkback.
Representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and fishermen Virgilio Bueno, Jeric Bueno, and Jonathan Bueno joined the lead cast, the director, and CIRIS members for a photo opportunity after the screening.
